Your leopard gecko tank may be too small for adulthood

A leopard gecko tank should provide an adult with at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm of usable space, a thermostat-controlled warm end, a cooler retreat and three hides, including a humid hide.

Buy 90 × 45 × 45 cm for an adult gecko

An adult Eublepharis macularius needs a 90 × 45 × 45 cm enclosure as a functional minimum, while 120 cm long enclosures give more room for a stable thermal gradient, with a warm and cool end available at the same time.

A 90 cm enclosure gives enough floor length to place heat at one end and a cool hide at the other; height matters less for this ground-dwelling species, but 45 cm allows safe fitting of an overhead heat source and low-level UVB lighting.

A 3 ft vivarium can suit one adult only when its internal floor space is close to 90 × 45 cm, so check the maker's measurements because thick panels, sliding-door tracks and vents reduce usable space.

Glass, wood or PVC for UK homes

For many homes in England, a front-opening PVC or properly sealed wooden leopard gecko vivarium is easier to heat steadily than an open-top glass tank.

Is glass too cold for UK homes?

Glass is not automatically unsuitable, but it sheds heat faster than insulated panels and works best in a stable heated room, away from radiators, windows and draughts.

Are wood and PVC worth the extra cost?

Wood needs sealed edges and a waterproof base, while PVC does not rot, weighs less and handles humidity well; either can reduce heating demands compared with glass.

Set up heat, hides and substrate before arrival

A safe setup has a controlled basking area at one end, a cool end at the other, and warm, cool and humid hides ready before the gecko arrives.

Where should the heat source go?

An overhead halogen lamp or deep heat projector goes at one end outside a reach-proof guard; aim for roughly 30 to 32°C at the warm-hide floor and 22 to 26°C at the cool end, using a thermostat and separate digital probes.

The warm hide supports rest and digestion, the cool hide provides retreat, and a humid hide with damp moss or paper towel helps shedding; slate tile or paper towel is easy to monitor and safer for beginners than calcium sand.

Avoid the mistakes that cause repeat purchases

Test heat, ventilation, locks and humid-hide conditions for 48 to 72 hours before the gecko depends on the enclosure.

One leopard gecko per enclosure is the normal welfare-safe rule because animals can quietly compete for the warm hide, food or preferred floor space before visible injuries appear.

Cleaning signs that need attention

Remove faeces and shed when seen, refresh humid-hide lining regularly and investigate persistent condensation, sour smells, stuck shed or avoidance of the warm hide with reptile veterinary advice if needed.

Your questions answered

What size vivarium does a leopard gecko need?

An adult leopard gecko needs at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm of usable internal space. A 120 cm long enclosure gives better room for a thermal gradient and enrichment.

Is a 3 ft vivarium okay for a leopard gecko?

A 3 ft vivarium is suitable when its internal size is at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm. Check internal measurements, because advertised external dimensions can be larger.

What is the best material for a leopard gecko vivarium?

PVC and well-sealed wood usually hold heat better than glass in UK homes. Glass can work in a stable warm room with secure doors and controlled heating.

Do leopard geckos need a heat mat or lamp?

Leopard geckos need a thermostat-controlled heat source, often an overhead halogen lamp or deep heat projector. A heat mat must also have a thermostat and should not be the only consideration when planning the setup.

Do leopard geckos need UVB lighting?

Low-level UVB lighting is widely recommended, but it must be correctly sized and shaded. It does not replace calcium supplementation, vitamin D3 planning or good gut loading of live insects.

Can two leopard geckos live in one tank?

Two leopard geckos should not routinely share one tank because competition can cause stress and injuries. House each leopard gecko separately.

How much does a full leopard gecko setup cost in the UK?

A safe basic adult setup commonly costs between £250 and £450 before the gecko. Mid-range PVC or sealed wood setups with UVB and quality controls often reach £450 to £700.

Make the enclosure safe before buying the gecko

Buying the adult size first gives you time to test the temperature pattern in your own home before an animal depends on it.

• A Leopard Gecko Starter Kit Needs a 90cm Enclosure
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The Reptile Vivarium Team

Our guides are based on comparing specialised reptile care sources, keeper community input, and recognised husbandry guidelines — we are not vets or professional breeders, and we say so where it matters.