best-leopard-gecko-habitat

Best Leopard Gecko Tanks, Enclosures, Terrarium, and Cages

As leopard gecko owners, it is our responsibility to ensure that our animals have a safe and comfortable environment to live in. Providing a high-quality tank is not only crucial for the health and well-being of our leopard geckos, but it can also impact their behavior and overall happiness.

There are a number of enclosures and tanks available for leopard geckos in the market, this sometimes makes it hard to choose the right one. But don’t worry we are here to help!

In this post, we give our reviews on the best cages for your pet gecko. We have covered everything from built quality information to what we like about each cage. By the end of this guide, you will be able to pick the best cage for your leopard gecko.

A Quick Comparison of the Best Products in 2022

Image Product Feature Price
Best Overall
4’x2’x2′ PVC Panel Reptile Enclosure
  • Ideal for leopard geckos
  • Huge space
  • Better ventilation 
Check Price
Best Value
Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium
  • Easy to clean
  • Good ventilation
  • Prevents loss of heat and humidity
Check Price
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Mayan
  • Dual doors for an escape-free access
  • Water-resistant
  • Great ventilation
Check Price
Beginner Friendly
Zoo Med Laboratories ReptiHabitat
  • Reasonably priced
  • Easy to set up
  • Secure
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Zilla Fresh Air Screen Reptile Habitat
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy mesh screen 
  • Good security
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The Five Best Leopard Gecko Enclosures

pvc-panel-reptile-enclosure-by-zen-habitats

1. 4’x2’x2′ PVC Panel Reptile Enclosure

Features

  • Ideal for leopard geckos
  • Huge space (120-gallon equivalent that your gecko would love)
  • Front doors for easy access
  • Better ventilation 
  • Retains high humidity
  • Supports under tank heater 
  • Built-up of durable material that will last for a long time
  • Easy to assemble (No tools required)
  • 3 years warranty

The PVC Panel Reptile Enclosure by Zen Habitats is the perfect enclosure for leopard geckos and many other reptiles that requires a high humidity environment. This enclosure measures 4’x2’x2’, which is three times larger than a 40-gallon breeder tank. It offers plenty of space for a leopard gecko to move around and explore, while still being compact enough to fit in most living spaces.

Zen Habitats Reptile Enclosure uses bamboo-printed PVC panels that allow for a high humidity environment. The large front sliding doors allow easy access inside the cage and also help in minimizing stress when approaching your pet. 

The front panel is made of clear, acrylic material that allows for easy viewing, while the rest of the enclosure is made of PVC panels. The enclosure also comes with a removable PVC bottom panel, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Leopard geckos are territorial and sometimes do not like their reflection, keeping in mind this, the Zen habitat has made the cage surfaces non-reflective that reduces anxiety. The cage comes with an optional substrate shield for those who use loose substrate.

Pros

  • Editor’s pick for the best tanks for leopard geckos.
  • Affordable price.
  • Large size allows for plenty of space for reptiles to move and explore.
  • The PVC panel construction provides durability and easy cleaning.
  • The included screen top allows for proper ventilation and UVB lighting.
  • Very easy to put together
  • The enclosure is stackable, allowing for efficient use of space.

Cons

  • Acrylic doors scratch very easily, likely to require regular replacement.

2. Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium

exo-terra-glass-terrarium-tank

Features

  • Ideal for young geckos
  • Easy to clean
  • Good ventilation
  • Prevents loss of heat and humidity
  • Waterproof bottom
  • High-quality design
  • Closable inlets for wires and tubing management

Exo Terra is one of the most popular brands to offer enclosures for all sorts of reptiles and amphibians. Their Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium is one of the best options available for leopard geckos, as it is specially designed for them. 

As this enclosure is made up of glass, it helps in preventing the loss of humidity and heat, thus providing constant temperature and humidity, which is very important for the health of leopard geckos. The patented front window ventilation offers a lot of fresh air all the time.

The cage comes with a raised bottom frame that is specifically helpful in installing an under-tank heater if needed. The bottom of the enclosure is waterproof, which means you don’t have to worry about any leakage issues. It features two dual front doors that make cleaning the tank a lot easier. 

Pros

  • Clear and unobstructed view of the terrarium’s inhabitants.
  • The front opening doors allow for easy access and maintenance of the terrarium.
  • The built-in ventilation system ensures adequate air flow and circulation.
  • Available in a range of sizes to accommodate different species and environments.
  • Comes with raised bottom frame to provide adequate space for a substrate heater and thermostat.

Cons

  • The all-glass construction can be heavy and difficult to move.
  • The front opening doors may not provide sufficient security.
  • The raised bottom frame can make it difficult to create a natural-looking substrate.

3. Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Mayan

exo-terra-glass-terrarium-mayan

Features

  • Dual doors for an escape free access
  • Water-resistant bottom
  • Front window ventilation for fresh air
  • Stainless steel mesh cover
  • Easy-twist screen cover lock

Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Mayan is another excellent option for leopard geckos. It measures 18x18x24 inches offering enough space for your gecko to run about and exercise. You can add a lot of decorating items such as plants etc. to the cage for a more natural look.

This cage features two doors that are specifically helpful in cleaning the enclosure and not letting your pet escape the cage. Moreover, the cage features front window ventilation for providing fresh air and a water-resistant base, which means you don’t have to worry about any water leakages. The stainless steel mesh cover will make sure that your pet stays inside the cage.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality glass that is strong and durable.
  • Front-opening door for easy access to the terrarium and its inhabitants.
  • The terrarium comes with a built-in ventilation system to provide adequate air circulation and prevent mold growth.
  • It has a removable bottom tray for easy cleaning and maintenance.
  • The terrarium has a unique Mayan design that adds a decorative touch to any living space.

Cons

  • The terrarium is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around.
  • The glass is prone to scratching or chipping if handled improperly.
  • It may be difficult to find accessories and decorations that fit the unique Mayan design.

4. Zoo Med Laboratories ReptiHabitat

zoo-med-laboratories-reptihabitat

Features

  • Easy to set up
  • Secure
  • Easy to maintain
  • Easy to clean
  • Ventilation grates to ensure proper air flow
  • Accessory ports for easy addition of heating and lighting systems
  • Includes most of the things you need for your leopard gecko.

If you are a beginner leopard gecko owner, then you might want to start with a leopard gecko kit. But not all gecko kits are the same, some are better than others. If you’re going to start with a gecko kit, then we recommend Zoo Med Laboratories ReptiHabitat.

This kit makes caring for leopard geckos a lot easier as it comes with all the necessary things needed to care for leopard geckos. 

This leopard gecko kit might not be as durable as other enclosures we discussed in this post. However, it’s definitely worth the money. The price is very reasonable, considering all the stuff that comes with it. The kit is straightforward to assemble even for beginner gecko owners. It is also easy to clean and offers fresh air to pets. 

Pros

  • Provides a natural looking environment for reptiles to live in.
  • Made from durable and safe materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Offers a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate different types of reptiles.
  • Features convenient access doors and ventilation for optimal living conditions.
  • Includes a built-in basking area and lighting for proper heating and UVB exposure.

Cons

  • May be more expensive than other leopard gecko habitats on the market.
  • Less usable space
  • The accessories are not of very good quality.
  • May not be as aesthetically pleasing as other reptile habitats.

5. Zilla Fresh Air Screen Reptile Habitat

zilla-fresh-air-screen-reptile-habitat

Features

  • Easy to assemble
  • Large screen
  • Removable bottom tray
  • Waterproof PVC bottom
  • Allows open-air circulation
  • Available in many sizes

The last cage on our list of best leopard gecko cages is Zilla Fresh Air Screen Reptile Habitat. This is one of the best options available when choosing a cage for your buddy that will make them feel right at home. This a durable screen cage that allows for open-air circulation. 

This cage is made up of durable material that will last for a long time. It features a PVC plastic waterproof bottom that allows for easy cleaning and makes it easy to install all the accessories inside the enclosure.

Pros

  • The screen design allows for plenty of ventilation.
  • The screen design also allows for natural lighting, providing the reptile with the necessary UVB and UVA rays for its well-being.
  • The habitat is spacious, allowing for plenty of room for the leopard gecko to move around and explore.
  • The screen design allows for easy viewing of the reptile.
  • The habitat is easy to clean, with the screen design allowing for easy access to all areas of the enclosure.

Cons

  • The screen design is not sturdy enough.
  • The screen design doesn’t provide enough privacy or hiding places for leopard geckos.
  • The screen design is not secure enough to prevent escape or intrusion from predators or other pets.

Factors to consider when choosing a leopard gecko tank

When choosing the best tank for your leopard gecko, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that your gecko has a comfortable and safe habitat that is easy to maintain and clean.

The four most important things to look for in the best leopard gecko tank are tank size, material used, durability and maintenance.

Tank Size

The first factor to consider when choosing a leopard gecko tank is size. Leopard geckos need plenty of space to move around and explore. The minimum recommended tank size for a single leopard gecko is 20 gallons. However, if you plan to keep multiple geckos together, you will need a larger tank.

Having a tank that is too small can have several drawbacks. Your leopard gecko may not have enough space to move around and exercise, leading to health issues. A small tank can also make it difficult to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels.

Ideal Leopard Gecko Cage Size

  • 1 Gecko: 80cm x 40cm x 50cm (WxHxD)
  • 2 Geckoss: 100cm x 50cm x 50cm (WxHxD)
  • 3-4 Geckoss: 120cm x 50 (60) cm x 60cm (WxHxD)
  • 5-6 Geckoss: 150cm x 60cm x 60cm (WxHxD)
  • 7-8 Geckoss: 180cm x 60cm x 80cm (WxHxD)
  • 9-10 Geckoss: 200cm x 60cm x 80cm (WxHxD)

A good rule of thumb when purchasing your terrarium is 20 gallons per gecko. So if you have two leopard geckos a 30 to 40-gallon tank will work best.

But remember the bigger the enclosure the better.

If you have just purchased a sub-adult or adult leopard gecko, you should put them in a larger enclosure. This will give them enough space to move around and explore their surroundings. However, it is important to make sure the enclosure has plenty of hide holes for your gecko to retreat to. This is especially important if you have multiple geckos, as they may only use one hide hole.

When setting up the enclosure, make sure not to place more than one male gecko in the same habitat. Male geckos will often fight with each other, so it is best to keep them separated.

In addition to hide holes, it is also important to have a screened top on your tank. This will not only prevent your gecko from escaping, but it will also prevent any other pets from getting to your gecko.

Tank Materials

The material of the tank is another important factor to consider. Leopard geckos are sensitive to harmful chemicals, so it is crucial to choose a tank made of non-toxic materials. Wood, glass and acrylic are all good options. Avoid using tanks made of toxic materials such as PVC or painted wood.

Type of enclosure

There are several types of enclosures that can be used for leopard geckos, including glass terrariums, wood enclosures, plastic tubs, and screen cages. Glass terrariums are popular because they provide a clear view of the gecko and have tight-fitting lids to keep the gecko inside.

Plastic tubs are also a good option because they are lightweight and easy to clean. Screen cages are a good choice for providing adequate ventilation, but they do not provide as much insulation as other types of enclosures.

We personally love wood enclosures because wood is a good insulator and can help to maintain consistent temperatures within the enclosure. Wood can retain heat better than glass. Additionally, wood is a natural material that can provide leopard geckos with a more naturalistic environment.

Ease of maintenance and cleaning

Since leopard geckos are sensitive to their environment, it is important to keep their tank clean and well-maintained. A tank with easy access to the inside is essential for cleaning and making any necessary changes to the habitat.

It is recommended to spot clean the tank daily and perform a deep clean once a week. This involves removing any waste or debris from the tank, cleaning the substrate, and replacing any decorations or hiding spots.

Safety and durability

When choosing a tank for your leopard gecko, it is important to consider the safety and durability of the enclosure. Leopard geckos are curious and can easily escape from tanks that are not secure. Make sure the tank has a tight-fitting lid and any ventilation holes are small enough to prevent the gecko from escaping.

The tank should also be made of durable materials that can withstand daily use and cleaning. Avoid tanks with sharp edges or corners that could harm the gecko.

Tank Accessories

You should be able to easily install all the equipment necessary for leopard gecko care inside the tank. Some essential accessories include a heat lamp, thermometer, hygrometer, and hiding spots. These items will help you maintain the right temperature and humidity levels for your gecko.

Not providing the right accessories can have several drawbacks. Your leopard gecko may not have the right environment to regulate its body temperature, leading to health issues. It may also become stressed without a hiding spot to retreat to.

Is a 30-gallon tank too big for a leopard gecko?

No, a 30-gallon tank is not too big for a leopard gecko. Leopard geckos are small reptiles that do not require a large living space. In fact, a 30-gallon tank is actually a good size for a leopard gecko and provides enough room for them to explore and move around comfortably. Always remember, the bigger the cage, the better.

What size tank do leopard geckos need?

A 20-gallon tank is considered the minimum size for leopard geckos, as they need plenty of space to move around and explore. Larger tanks are always better, as they provide more space for your leopard gecko to thrive.

What size tank is too big for a leopard gecko?

A leopard gecko should be housed in a terrarium that is at least 20 gallons in size. However, the bigger the tank the better. Always go for a bigger tank if you can maintain it.

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