5 Best Terrariums for Leopard Geckos (2026 Reviews)
We reviewed the best leopard gecko terrariums for 2026. Top picks for 20-gallon and 40-gallon enclosures.
Last updated: February 9, 2026
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Our Top Picks
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 36x18x18
The Exo Terra 36x18x18 is the gold standard for leopard gecko enclosures. Front-opening dual doors reduce stress (no reaching from above), the raised bottom frame accommodates an under-tank heater, and the full-screen top provides ventilation. The included background and closable cable ports are nice touches. At 36 inches wide, it gives an adult leopard gecko plenty of ground space for a proper thermal gradient.
Pros
- +Front-opening doors reduce gecko stress
- +Raised bottom fits UTH perfectly
- +Excellent ventilation with full screen top
- +Includes background, looks great on display
Cons
- -Heavy (glass)
- -Screen top can reduce heat retention in cold rooms
- -Pricier than basic aquariums
REPTI ZOO 34-Gallon Front-Opening Terrarium
The REPTI ZOO 34-gallon offers excellent value — nearly identical dimensions to the Exo Terra at a lower price point. Front-opening swing doors, raised bottom frame, and cable management are all included. Build quality is solid though the silicone seams aren't quite as clean as Exo Terra. A great option if you want front-opening convenience without the premium price.
Pros
- +Front-opening doors at budget price
- +Good dimensions for adult leos
- +Raised bottom for UTH
- +Includes background and lock
Cons
- -Silicone work less refined than Exo Terra
- -Customer service can be slow
- -Some reports of slight gaps in door seal
Zen Habitats 4x2x2 PVC Enclosure
If you want the absolute best for your leopard gecko, the Zen Habitats 4x2x2 is it. PVC panels hold heat dramatically better than glass, the generous dimensions (48x24x24) give your gecko an enormous playground, and the sliding front doors are smooth and secure. This is more enclosure than a leopard gecko strictly needs, but the extra space allows for incredible naturalistic setups with multiple hides, dig areas, and enrichment.
Pros
- +Excellent heat retention (lower energy bills)
- +Massive floor space for enrichment
- +Lightweight compared to equivalent glass
- +Stackable for multi-gecko setups
Cons
- -Premium price point
- -Requires assembly
- -Less visibility than glass (two clear sides only)
- -Overkill for some keepers
Aqueon 20-Gallon Long Aquarium
The classic 20-gallon long aquarium is the budget entry point for leopard gecko keeping. At 30x12x12 inches, it's the minimum acceptable size for one adult. It works — millions of healthy leopard geckos live in these — but you'll need to buy a separate screen lid, and top-opening access is more stressful for your gecko. Best as a temporary or quarantine setup; upgrade to a larger, front-opening option when budget allows.
Pros
- +Very affordable
- +Widely available everywhere
- +Easy to clean
- +Compatible with all heating options
Cons
- -Top-opening only (stresses geckos)
- -Minimum size — no room for enrichment
- -Need to buy screen lid separately
- -Poor heat retention
Carolina Custom Cages 36x18x18 Terrarium
Carolina Custom Cages offers a premium glass terrarium with excellent build quality and clear silicone seams for a clean look. The hinged front door (single door, not dual) swings open smoothly, and the included key lock adds security if you have curious pets or kids. Slightly pricier than the Exo Terra for similar dimensions, but the build quality is noticeably superior — thicker glass, better hardware, and a cleaner aesthetic.
Pros
- +Superior build quality and thick glass
- +Single hinged door is sturdy and secure
- +Key lock included
- +Crystal-clear silicone seams
Cons
- -More expensive than Exo Terra for similar size
- -Heavier than competitors
- -Single door less convenient than dual doors
- -Less widely available
What to Look for in a Leopard Gecko Terrarium
Before buying an enclosure, understand what leopard geckos actually need from their habitat:
Floor Space Over Height
Leopard geckos are ground-dwelling lizards. Unlike crested geckos that need vertical climbing space, leos need horizontal floor area. A 30-inch long enclosure is the minimum; 36+ inches is ideal. Height beyond 18 inches is wasted space for this species.
Front-Opening Access
Top-opening tanks force you to reach in from above — a motion that triggers your gecko's predator-avoidance instinct. Front-opening terrariums allow you to approach at the gecko's level, which reduces stress significantly. If you're choosing between a top-opening aquarium and a front-opening terrarium, always go front-opening.
Heating Compatibility
Your enclosure needs to work with your heating setup. Most leopard gecko keepers use either:
- Under-tank heaters (UTH) — requires a raised bottom frame or space beneath the tank
- Overhead heat lamps — requires a screen top that supports a lamp dome
- Radiant heat panels — typically mounted inside the top of PVC enclosures
Make sure your enclosure choice is compatible with your preferred heating method.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation prevents humidity buildup (leopard geckos need only 30-40% humidity) and ensures fresh air circulation. Screen tops provide excellent ventilation but can let heat escape. PVC enclosures with smaller vents retain heat better but may need monitoring in humid climates.
Size Guide
| Gecko Stage | Minimum Size | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Baby/juvenile | 10 gallon | 20 gallon long |
| Single adult | 20 gallon long | 40 gallon / 36x18x18 |
| Pair (not recommended) | 40 gallon | 4x2x2 / 120 gallon |
Note: We always recommend housing leopard geckos individually. Cohabitation causes stress and can lead to fighting, even between females.
Glass vs. PVC: Which Material Is Better?
Glass Terrariums
Pros:
- Full visibility from all angles
- Easy to clean (non-porous surface)
- Widely available and familiar
- Compatible with UTH and overhead heating
Cons:
- Heavy and fragile
- Poor heat retention (higher energy costs)
- Reflections can stress some geckos
- Condensation can be an issue
PVC Enclosures
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention
- Lightweight and durable (won't shatter)
- Stackable for multi-gecko setups
- No reflections to stress your gecko
Cons:
- Limited visibility (usually 1-2 clear panels)
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires assembly
- Fewer off-the-shelf size options
Our recommendation: For most keepers, a front-opening glass terrarium (36x18x18) is the sweet spot of visibility, functionality, and price. If you keep multiple geckos or live in a cold climate, PVC enclosures justify their higher cost through energy savings.
How We Tested
Our product recommendations are based on:
- Real-world use — we've kept leopard geckos in each of these enclosure types
- Build quality assessment — checking seams, doors, hinges, and screen integrity
- Thermal testing — measuring heat retention and gradient consistency
- Community feedback — aggregating hundreds of keeper reviews and forum discussions
- Value analysis — weighing features against price point
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 10-gallon tank big enough for a leopard gecko?
A 10-gallon tank is only appropriate for a baby or juvenile leopard gecko as a temporary setup. Adults need a minimum of 20 gallons (30x12x12 inches), with 40 gallons (36x18x18) strongly recommended. Larger enclosures allow for better thermal gradients and more enrichment opportunities.
Do leopard geckos need a front-opening terrarium?
They don't strictly "need" one, but front-opening enclosures significantly reduce stress during maintenance and handling. Top-opening tanks trigger predator-avoidance instincts since threats in the wild come from above. If budget allows, always choose front-opening.
Can I use a fish aquarium for a leopard gecko?
Yes, standard glass aquariums work fine as long as they're the right size and you add a secure screen lid. The main downsides are top-only access and poor heat retention. Many keepers start with aquariums and upgrade to front-opening terrariums later.
How do I heat a leopard gecko terrarium?
The most common methods are under-tank heaters (UTH) controlled by a thermostat, overhead halogen basking lamps, or deep heat projectors. Regardless of method, always use a thermostat to prevent overheating. The warm side should reach 88-92°F at ground level.
Final Verdict
For most leopard gecko keepers, the Exo Terra 36x18x18 is the best all-around choice — it offers front-opening convenience, proper dimensions, UTH compatibility, and a proven track record in the hobby. If you're on a budget, the REPTI ZOO 34-gallon delivers 90% of the experience at 60% of the price. And if you want the ultimate setup, the Zen Habitats 4x2x2 gives your gecko a palace.
Whatever you choose, remember that the enclosure is a one-time investment that your gecko will live in for 15-20 years. It's worth spending a little more upfront for quality.
For complete setup guidance including heating, lighting, and decor, check our leopard gecko care guide.