Then IMO, it does matter what kind of gecko. Leopards--like many/most species of gecko--are nocturnal, so don't require UVB lighting. However, they do require a different environment than say, New Caledonian geckos (crested, leechie, gargoyle, giant, etc.) which can thrive at room temperature. Leopards live in hot arid regions and are terrestrial; many others are arboreal and live in rain-forest areas.
For a former BD enclosure, a leopard gecko is probably a good choice. Lighting requirements may be somewhat different (I don't know) and heat may be sourced from a heating pad (not heat rock) rather than a too hot basking lamp. Leopard Gecko Care Sheet
Then IMO, it does matter what kind of gecko. Leopards--like many/most species of gecko--are nocturnal, so don't require UVB lighting. However, they do require a different environment than say, New Caledonian geckos (crested, leechie, gargoyle, giant, etc.) which can thrive at room temperature. Leopards live in hot arid regions and are terrestrial; many others are arboreal and live in rain-forest areas.
For a former BD enclosure, a leopard gecko is probably a good choice. Lighting requirements may be somewhat different (I don't know) and heat may be sourced from a heating pad (not heat rock) rather than a too hot basking lamp. Leopard Gecko Care Sheet
I misspake Leopard geckos are crepuscular--most active around dawn & dusk (I've been looking at a lot of geckos myself lately, and talking to a lot of breeders at shows). A 5.0 UVB should be sufficient, depending on distance from bulb to zard.
I misspake Leopard geckos are crepuscular--most active around dawn & dusk (I've been looking at a lot of geckos myself lately, and talking to a lot of breeders at shows). A 5.0 UVB should be sufficient, depending on distance from bulb to zard.
Yes, that's why I initially said a leopard gecko would be a good choice for a former BD enclosure.
Enclosures for New Caledonian geckos (and some species of chameleons) aren't really all that costly. When the time comes, I'll be building some out of window screen parts from the Despot.
To answer your original question about forums, I just googled gecko forum. Many/most seem to be current, so I'd browse a few to get an idea of what you like.