I recently started researching Leos (I've researched them before, but I started again today) and they seem like great reptile pets. I love lizards, and I used to have them, and now I miss them. I'll admit I didn't do my best with my anoles, but I plan to do MUCH better if I am allowed to get a Leo. I was going to get a few female bettas (I read in several places they did well together) in a ten gallon tank, but then I thought a Leo would be a bit more fun and interactive.
I'm going to need to convince my mom a little more, and hopefully break her down like I did with my ratties. 
I figured some people on the forum must have some Leos, and I'd like a bit of help from you all to make sure I have my facts straight and don't mess up. I actually love doing research for pets that I may potentially get. It makes me feel better when I have them.

Alrighty, on to questions!

1. Housing - Is a 10 gallon enough for one? I would plan on eventually getting a 20 gallon, and my birthday is in September, so... 

2. Substrate - Could I use paper as substrate for juveniles? And I also saw that sand with finer particals is okay for adults, but I'm a bit worried on this. I know with Bearded Dragons, sand really isn't good no matter the age, and compaction can also occur with leapard geckos. Would it be best to stick with paper towels?

3. Lighting/Heat - If I only have a mesh top lid, what would I be able to do to make sure the gecko would get the proper amount of heat/lighting? I know they are nocturnal, and UV lights aren't necessary. Could I use a lamp with a special bulb and put it over the top on their basking spot? Should heat pads only be used if there is no lighting at the top? I'd also appreciate information on good brands of these supplies, and what is the best way to go.

4. Hidey places - I know there should be a dry hide out, and a humid hideout. Where should each of these be placed relative to the light/heat?

5. Food/Vitamins - I plan on using crickets as a main diet, but I will also suppliment it with other things such as mealworms and waxworms(As a treat of course, since they are high in fat.) Do I need to gutload all of the food, or just the main diet with is crickets? I'd figure I need to to all, but I want to make sure. Is there a good brand of gutloading food sold in petstores, or could I make my own and use stuff such as fish food? (The feeders will also be fed veggies/apples to give them the water, and also benefit the leo with extra vitamins... Right?) And when dusting the food, I think I should do it one to two times a week. What are some good vitamin powders that I can use?
And for the calcium in a dish in the cage that can be available to the leo at all times, and good brands?

6. Handling - I read that the younger ones are more jumpy and skittish, and tend to hiss and run. I will try the hand-in-tank for a few minutes each day, and also try to hand feed them tasty treats, like the waxworm. When they get older and tolerate a bit more handling, do they ever just mind sitting with you will you do things? How long could they stay out of their cage without getting too cold?

Okay, I think that is it. I'm really sorry it's so long! I really want to do this right and provide a great home.  ANY help is greatly appreciated; I'd love all the advice I can get. Thanks in advanced!

Thank you so much! 

Yes, I only plan on making the worms treats. Would once a week be okay? More, less?

I'll probably end up starting with a juvenile, so that should work out. He/she can stay in the 10 gallon until I can get a bigger tank. Like ratties, bigger is better, right?

A lamp may be what I go for; I'll get a digital thermometer before I get the leo to make the temperatures are good. On the dry side of the tank, what should the temperature range be, and what about for the cool side?

Nice set-up!
I love the stairs. Are they glued, and does your gecko use them?

And, does the heat pad stick to the bottom of the tank and you just prop of the tank to allow air flow, or does it sit on the ground and the heat generates upwards?

After reading a bit more and looking at setups that people have, I decided a heat pad would be better. My mom would be glad to know that it would cost less in the long run, 

I will probably use paper towels at the start, but I think the slate Lindsay posted looks nice, and she said it works well. I'll have to search for that somewhere.

Also... If I use paper towels, and have an UTH, should I layer them on the hot side to make sure it doesn't make the bottom super hot and burn the gecko?

Waxworms would just be a treat that I'd feed it 1-2 times a week, because I know they contain a high amount of fat. I think I will feed both mealworms and crickets as a main diet.

Okay. I think I'll get a lamp dimmer, seeing as it's cheaper. I don't mind checking it to see if it's the right temperature.
How do I connect the lamp dimmer to the UTH? Is it difficult?

Where is the best place to get one of those digital thermometers for a reasonable price? Again, sorry for a million questions. 

I use mealworms as my leopard geckos' staple food.  They rarely get crickets anymore- they're very bad at catching them 
I would offer waxworms less often than once or twice a week...they're very addicting.

I'd recommend getting the tank and heat set up well before you get the leopard gecko, so you can get the thermostat set uop and adjusted to the proper temperature.

As for the leo itself, check for local breeders or even those that can ship to you,  A local reptile show would be a good place as well.  Pet shops would be the last choice, unless you know of a really good one.

Willard - That's what I was thinking of doing. I have plenty of time to get things set up.
And I will do that. I'd rather get a gecko from a breeder, or possibly reptile show, knowing that they are probably healthier than the ones in the petstore.

Lindsay - Heehee!

Alrighty then, I shall prop it up to allow air flow. ^^

Thank you, Mousie!
I'll see if I have a garden store near that may sell mealworms.

And I will also get some Spirulina fish food.

I think I may want to try and breed crickets and mealworms.

I'll definately get started a bit before getting my gecko to make sure the food source is all healthy for him when he gets here.

Oh, hmm. Well, that's no good. I guess I will just have to stick to buying them then.