Presumably, you are reading this because you are thinking about cleaning your leopard gecko tank. It may seem complicated to clean your leopard gecko tank, but it is actually pretty simple. You can easily do it yourself.
It is common to see bioactive tanks for tropical species like frogs and snakes, but you can also do it for desert reptiles like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, desert snakes, etc.
It is essential to keep your leopard gecko tank clean to keep your lizard healthy and to keep your pet tidy. You will have to spot clean, deep clean, and sanitize.
Why are Leopard Geckos Popular Pets?
Leopard geckos are some of the most popular pet reptiles globally because they are placid, cute, and low-maintenance pets.
Also known by their Latin name Eubalpharus macholaris, furthermore, they are colorful lizards that get their name from their black spots that look like leopard spots and they are great for beginners.
The lifespan of a gecko can be as much as twenty years, and there are 1200 different kinds of geckos throughout the world.
Note: If you plan on getting one, you want to make sure you are willing to commit to caring for them for quite a few years.
Why Do You Need to Clean a Leopard Gecko Tank?
For keeping your little pet healthy, fit, and active, maintenance of hygiene is essential, and cleaning the tank of leopard geckos is as important as feeding them.
You should make a cleaning schedule and follow it. This will not only keep your fellow friend healthy and free of reptile mites, but it will help you will stay healthy, particularly if you are someone that often likes to handle and contact your pet.
Otherwise, the gecko will not feel comfortable in an unhealthy and untidy environment.
How Often Do You Need to Clean a Leopard Gecko’s Tank?
Maintaining a clean environment in the tank for leopard geckos is important. For this, you should daily spot clean, weekly deep clean the tank, and monthly fully sanitize the tank.
Daily Cleaning (spot cleaning)
Spot cleaning is the simplest way to keep the tank clean. The best way is to wipe off dirt, poop, or waste whenever you see it in the tank. You can spot cleaning several times a day.
This will prevent a large gathering of mess. While doing this, make sure to use disposable gloves. If you use reusable gloves, you have to disinfect the gloves before and after every use.
Spot cleaning can be done instantly within a few minutes as you can simply wipe off the poops, dirt, etc., using a towel.
Weekly Cleaning (deep cleaning)
You have to clean slightly more in-depth than daily care for weekly cleaning. Take out all the dishes and accessories, place in hot water and wash them properly using a gentle soap.
Weekly cleaning can take 10 to 15 minutes. Wash the carpet properly once a week. Do a deep cleaning once a month. Sanitize to kill the germs and keep the environment healthy, clean, and sustainable for the animal.
Monthly Cleaning (sanitizing)
Daily and weekly cleaning are not enough at all. You have to sanitize and clean the tank once a month at least. Otherwise, an unhealthy environment can disturb your animal.
It can take up to an hour, depending on the amount of debris and waste present in the tank.
How To Clean a Leopard Gecko Tank
Though cleaning a leopard gecko tank is not a tricky thing to do. But you have to keep in mind some tips and safety tricks while cleaning.
What You Need
Here is a list of things you need to clean the tank.
- Gloves
- Hot water
- Container to place the gecko
- Gentle Soap
- Towels
- Vinegar (if needed)
- Disinfectant
- Sanitizer
Step 1 – Move Your Pet to Safety
The first thing you have to do is take out your leopard gecko and place it in a container while cleaning the tank. Where you place your pet while deep cleaning is not a big issue. You can place them in a separate small cage or any plastic container as long as it is not somewhere that may cause stress.
Make sure the walls are high enough for the gecko so that it cannot escape out of the container, or you can also place a lid over the container.
Always wear gloves while cleaning. It is better to use disposable ones, but if you use reusable gloves, make sure to disinfect them. Always use separate cleaning tools and gloves for cleaning the tank. Never use the tools in other household chores.
Step 2 – Empty the Tank and Clean the Dishes
Then take out all the plants, hides, water dishes, calcium dishes, and other things to empty the tank. Remove the carpet from the tank, clean it properly and let it dry enough to get back into the cage.
Also, wash all the other things you have taken out of the tank using gentle soap and hot water. This will kill all the germs.
Step 3 – Clean the Tank
Using a wet towel and a reptile-safe cleaning agent (amazon link – opens in a new tab) clean off the glass although if you do not have any, you can mix vinegar and water, which makes a safe cleaning solution for animal enclosures.
Note: Do not use any harsh home chemicals because it is terrible for your animal.
Step 4 – Replace all the Furniture
Once you have cleaned up the entire tank from the inside and out, make sure everything is dry to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, and then you can put it back on the dried carpet.
Then pour fresh water into the water dish, place the water dish, calcium dish, and all the gecko hides on the carpet.
Step 5 – Put Your Gecko Back
Then put back the leopard gecko in the tank and let it enjoy it safely.
Your gecko might behave strangely after seeing the changes and can take some time to adapt. Always sanitize yourself once you have done cleaning.
Conclusion
Providing a healthy and tidy environment for your pet is essential for your animal and for you, and the bond between you and your pet. If you don’t keep a leopard gecko in a clean environment, then there will be a high chance that the animal could get infections and become ill.
It is best to keep to a regular cleaning schedule and do a spot clean each day, a deep clean each week and a full sanitize clean once a month.
Reptile Wrestler Tips!
“Spot clean – daily; deep clean – weekly; full sanitize clean – monthly!”
“Never use any kind of pesticide or insecticide when cleaning your reptile enclosure, these chemicals are harmful to your pet!”
“We don’t recommend using the kitchen sink for washing the accessories, it is best to get yourself a large bowl specifically for this task!”
“We recommend having one or 2 spare reptile carpets that can be changed as necessary – this can save you a little time when cleaning!”
FAQ’s
Is vinegar safe for cleaning a reptile tank?
Yes, white vinegar diluted with water can be safe for cleaning a reptile tank. Vinegar is a great cleaner because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s also a natural deodorizer. Just be sure to rinse the tank well after cleaning to remove any traces of vinegar.
What can I use to clean my gecko tank?
There are reptile-safe cleaners available but the best way to clean your gecko tank is to use a mixture of white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help to remove any build-up of bacteria or dirt from the tank. Dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water before using it to clean the tank.
Can I clean a terrarium with vinegar?
You can definitely clean a terrarium with vinegar! In fact, it’s actually highly recommended. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will help to keep your terrarium looking clean and healthy. Plus, it’s gentle and won’t harm plants or animals. Just be sure to rinse everything thoroughly afterward with water.
About Me
Hi, I’m Stuart and I’ve had reptiles for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I studied for a master’s in Herpetology. Over the years I have worked at several zoos before opening my very own reptile sanctuary. In my spare time, I run this website – which is a resource for people who want to learn more about their little beasties.
