My gecko's heat pad is on the side. Is this tank setup okay?

Thanks for reaching out regarding Night Hawk and including photos. The pictures appear good and seems a lot of thought went into your set up. You haven't mentioned UVB radiation or diet, but everything else appears good. Even though geckos are noctunal, they are often inactive during the day but receiving radiation. Insect species need to be varied and gut loaded with a variation of fresh vegetables. Good luck.

Under a surface heat pads are good for helping them thermoregulate. There is only a risk of being burnt if directly exposed to the heat source (i.e. hot rocks). It's important that the heat pad is only under a portion of the enclosure not to exceed 50% of the surface. You always want a cool side of the enclosure and a warm side, so Loki go where is best for him. Make sure the heat pad is not too hot (if it's too hot for your skin, then it's too hot for him). I've found they do well when the heat pad is on a medium, or mild setting depending on the ambient temperature and eclosure. It may take a little experimenting to see what temperature seems best for him. I hope that helps and all is well with Loki.

First i would recommend describing exactly what type of heating system you are using at the moment. this following link might help you: https://blog.onlinegeckos.com/leopard-gecko-heating-temperature-requirement-under-tank-heating-pad-belly-heat-how-to-install-uth-thermostat/

A heat mat will maintain proper ground temps but may not keep ambient temps within normal ranges for a leopard gecko. A basking light should be used during the day to mimic the natural environment. If nighttime temps drop too low, even with a mat, consider a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) that will produce heat without visible light.

It's a fine set up. You may not need the CHE at night. As long as nighttime temperatures don't drop below 70 F, you should be fine without supplemental heat. I can't see the top, but make sure the UVB light is not blocked by fine mesh.

Leopard geckos are nocturnal. He may be more active at night, while you are asleep. They spend most of the day in a secure place, such as the hide you have provided. He should have a hide on each end of the enclosure. Monitor the cage temp, as low temps can affect activity in reptiles.

A 10 gallon tank can be purchased in the local Petco for less than twenty dollars ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fish/fish-aquariums-kits/aquariums-up-to-ten-gallons/aqueon-standard-glass-aquarium-tank-10-gallon ). It would be easier to keep and secure than a laundry hamper. Given the temps required for geckos, plastic may not be the best option either. You will need a a heat lamp for day use and maybe a heat source if nighttime temperatures drop below 70 F. You can use slate, reptile carpet, plain paper towels or a coconut fiber substrate. Review gecko care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/