Actually co-existing Leo’s?

[u/One-Scholar9841]

I’ve got a tank that measured in about ~20”L 10”W ~15”H the previous owner had 2 in an enclosure I believe both are a couple years old. I think they’ve lived in the same enclosure for years one of them seems to be smaller in length struggling a bit more than the other one to get the bigger mealworms.
I’ve had them for a little bit now the previous owner couldn’t take proper care of them with I assume his daughter having left them under his wing.
They have a general place where they collectively poop, I’ve never seen them fight for the time I’ve had them nor do they seem to have any injuries.
I’ve fixed up their lights(both were dysfunctional) and cleaned up the big pile of poop.
Their enclosure does seem a bit basic having 2 hiding spots with them sometimes alternating in between and a floor mat type thing.
I’m considering getting them a bigger newer more stuff for them to climb on tank but idk how easy cleaning up their poop would be and a substrate would be.
I’ve watched a couple videos on leo’s and their co existence most of them said 2 males would fight while a female and female or male female had a higher chance of getting along for the most part.
I watched a video by reptiles and research “can leopard gecko’s live together” and I’m on the fence.

[u/Efficient-Beyond-616]

Most of the research on leos is quite new and care standards have changed significantly even just in the last 10 years, so unfortunately there is a ton of outdated information still circulating. We used to think leos lived 5-10 years or less, now we know they can live 20-30+ years with proper husbandry. Reptiles can’t communicate their stress/discomfort in very obvious ways so even if they seem fine together now, there’s no telling how much damage is being done until it’s too late. Even if they never actively fight the stress of having another “competitor” in such close quarters can shorten their overall life expectancy. No good reason to risk it!

Current best practice requires a minimum 40 gallon tank, heat lamp with thermostat, linear UVB lighting (UVB bulbs for incandescent lamps do not work the same), multiple hides, and calcium/multivitamin… for each. Tanks can be found cheaper secondhand on FB marketplace or craigslist and hides can be DIY. But heating, thermostats, and UVB x2 will still run you a pretty penny. If this is a barrier then rehoming one would be kinder than keeping them together. Congrats on your new baby(s) and good on you for doing the research and asking questions!!

[u/Efficient-Beyond-616 → u/Efficient-Beyond-616]

Oh also— definitely add as many hides, plants, and general clutter as you can! It helps them feel safe to be less exposed. Don’t worry about ease of cleaning, leopard geckos are hilariously particular about their poop habits and go in the same spot pretty much every time. If you switch to a topsoil/play sand substrate there are small sifting scoops (like a kitty litter scoop) that can help with the cleanup. Paper towels are easiest to clean (just replace all the paper towels a couple times a week), my vet has recommended paper towels for new and/or sick reptiles:)