Choose a tank size of at least 40 gallons for one adult leopard gecko
Use a front-opening enclosure if possible
Add a secure screen or mesh lid for ventilation
Install a heat mat or overhead heat source on one side of the tank
Connect all heating equipment to a thermostat
Create a warm side and a cool side for a temperature gradient
Provide a basking surface on the warm side
Use a bioactive-safe substrate mix such as topsoil, play sand, and excavator clay
Avoid loose substrate for juveniles or geckos with health issues unless properly managed
Add a moisture-retaining area for cleanup crew support
Include at least three hides
Place one hide on the warm side
Place one hide on the cool side
Add a humid hide with damp sphagnum moss
Include plenty of rocks, cork bark, and branches for cover
Add live plants that tolerate arid conditions
Choose hardy plants such as snake plant, pothos, aloe, haworthia, or succulents
Ensure all plants are pesticide-free
Rinse and quarantine plants before use
Add a cleanup crew such as springtails and isopods
Choose isopods that tolerate drier setups
Seed the enclosure with leaf litter
Add dried leaves over parts of the substrate
Provide a shallow water dish
Keep the water dish clean and filled
Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer
Monitor surface temperatures on both sides
Maintain appropriate humidity with a dry main enclosure and a humid hide
Allow the enclosure to cycle before adding the gecko
Wait several weeks for plants and cleanup crew to establish
Spot clean waste as needed
Remove uneaten insects after feeding
Replace leaf litter as it breaks down
Trim or replace plants when needed
Avoid using chemical cleaners inside the enclosure
Use reptile-safe materials only
Ensure all decor is stable and cannot collapse
Provide enrichment with varied textures and climbing surfaces
Check the gecko’s weight, shedding, and behavior regularly