my first gecko

Question
I am getting my first leopard gecko at christmas.How far should the light at the top be away from the gecko.
 And are these measurements ok for a tank 28x14and a halfx12

Answer
Depends on what kind of light you are talking about, and the substrate you use.

I recommend you get a fluorescent UVB lamp as well as a lamp for daytime heat. You may also need an undertank heater. Contrary to popular belief; eventhough the Leo is a nocturnal gecko, they get exposed to sunshine during the day in the wild even when hiding in the rocks, etc. A no-heat UVB lamp will be helpful with prevention of metabolic bone disorder.

If you get a young Leo, do not use sand or any other natural substrate. It is dangerous to them until they get older. Use paper towels or reptile turf.

Also beware that you feed the right size prey to the gecko. If you use crickets or any other prey which is too big for them, you might cause an impaction, especially if they are young.

See these links to help you understand a little more about how to prepare for your Leo.

http://www.drgecko.com
http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html
http://www.thegeckospot.com/leohealth.html
http://www.geckosetc.com/htm/care.htm
http://www.geckosunlimited.com/