Gecko Possiblities

Question
Hello

I was thinking of converting my 36 gallon aquarium to a gecko housing. My fish hobby is starting to get too expensive and time consuming.

I do know a fair amount about reptiles since I used to work in a petstore I just need some help deciding.

I was thinking of getting a lepard or albino gecko. They don't get too big and they're not too high maintance, I think. I am really intrested in a gecko that I can grow live plants in with. I have a few small live plants in my room but I know some plants are harmful to reptils. I have a few spider plants, devils vine and a Red Anne. I would like to have live plants in the tank, are these plants safe, if not what are some good plants.

About how much lighting and what kind of lighting do you think i'll need for the tank. Its about 22 inches tall, 30 inches long and 15 inches wide. I though a 55 watt heating light would be enough, not sure though. Would you reccomend a heating rock along with light? Can I use the flourescent light I have on my aquarium right now? Its a 55 watt full spectrum light.

What is a good substrate for geckos? I was thinking of bark and dirt of course if plants are an option. What does the humidity have to be like for a gecko.

Do you think the lepard or albino gecko are good choices for a beginner? What are some other good choices?

This covers it for now. Any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks for you time and help.
Nick

Answer
Dear Nick,
thank you for your question.
Leopard geckos are easy to care for, so they are a good choice if you have never kept reptiles. They require very low humidity and high temperatures, though, so most plants won't survive in there. Succulents, sanseveria, aloe and desert air plants (the kind with whitish leafs) will do fine. Red Anne and spider plant need high humidity, I'm not familiar with Devil's Vine.

For the leopard geckos, you will need a heating light, 55 watt should be enough, and for the night an under tank heat, but I recommend mounting it at the sides or back of the tank because the geckos dig down to cool off. I don't recommend heating rocks because so many reptiles suffer burns from those, they just don't notice when the rocks gets too hot. The flourescent light is fine for them, but you will need that additional heating light.
For leopard geckos, sand or a mixture of sand and loam is a good substrate and allows them to dig. It's better for the plant to stay in their pots, that makes watering them easier and the geckos won't damage the roots when digging.

Small day geckos are another good choice. They are a bit more expensive because they need UV lighting, but you will be able to grow plants in a day gecko tank. Many species require high humidity, so plants grow very well in there. The geckos are very colourful and active during the day, but usually don't allow you to handle them. Phelsuma laticauda or Phelsuma lineata are small species that are easy to care for. With them, coconut fibre or unfertilized potting soil is a good substrate. Here you can find good info on day gecko care:
http://www.phelsumania.com
http://www.phelsuma.nl/
http://www.daygecko.com

I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer