Baby Gecko Heating

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a new baby leopard gecko.  I am trying my best to get all the information I need for caring for him.  I have him in a 10 gallon tank with a heat lamp.  His hot side with it on is about 89.  At night, do I turn off his heat lamp?  I am not using an undertank heater.  This would mean he really doesn't have a hot side then when it's off.  

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Victoria, Yes, you can turn the heat light off at night. A night time temperature drop is perfectly normal and is exactly what would happen in their natural environment. Just make sure that the surrounding room temperature remains at least in the high 60's F.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Great thank you!  Another quick question, I am using a flooring that is a reptile tank lining, not sand. Some how my baby crickets keep getting under there to hide.  We tried taping down the edges but they still get under there.  I think my poor gecko isn't getting his food when he needs it.  Any suggestions?

Thanks.


Answer
Hi Victoria, I suspect that it really is not a problem. Crickets are also more active at night (like your leopard) and would be coming out from under the lining right at hunting time. I know it is more reassuring to actually see him eat so you can try using a separate feeding container. That is just any smallish plastic container that you can put both your leo and a few crickets in for a short while, like 20 minutes (you can place this container in his enclosure). That will ensure that he is getting a base line level of food before you let him out to hunt in the full enclosure.