Crested gecko
Crested gecko enclosure requirements checklist
The one checklist on this site where two of the lines are upper limits rather than targets.
By Brijon M.Last updated
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The checklist
| Requirement | Figure | How you check it |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | 18 x 18 x 36 in for juveniles and adults over 12 g | Tape measure, internal dimensions |
| Top of enclosure | 82-85 F (28-29 C) - and 85 F is a ceiling | Probe at the top |
| Bottom of enclosure | 70-75 F (21-24 C) - and 72 F is effectively a floor | Probe at the bottom |
| Night | 65-72 F (18-22 C) | Probe, logged overnight |
| Humidity | 60-80%, drying back to 40-50% | Hygrometer, read at two points in the day |
| Basking UVI | UVI 1.0-2.0 at the basking branch | Solarmeter 6.5 at the basking branch |
| Photoperiod | 14 hours in summer, 10 hours in winter | Timer, gradual transitions preferred |
| Climbing structure | Routes and resting spots at multiple heights | Observation - does the gecko use all of it |
| Drinking water | Misted droplets plus a shallow dish | Observation |
| UVB replacement | Every 12 months | Date written on the end cap |
Equipment, in buying order
- Terrarium at 18 x 18 x 36 in, front-opening.
- Probe thermometer and hygrometer - one reading at the top, one at the bottom.
- Drainage layer and substrate barrier if planting.
- Moisture-retentive substrate.
- Moss and leaf litter top layer.
- Climbing structure - cork tubes, branches, broad foliage.
- Low-output T5 UVB and fixture on the seasonal photoperiod.
- Shallow water dish, plus a mister or spray bottle.
- Heat source only if the measurements show one is needed, and then on a thermostat.
Buy two, not one
Zoo Med Digital Thermometer and Humidity Gauge
The gradient in this enclosure is vertical, so you need a reading at the top and at the bottom. The care guidance names this device class over cheap ribbon thermometers specifically.
Half the humidity cycle
Coconut Husk / Cypress Mulch Humid Substrate
It stores the moisture and releases it slowly, which is what lets humidity fall back to 40-50% between mistings rather than staying saturated.
The routine
- Daily: mist in the evening, check humidity has fallen back since the last misting, refresh the water dish, spot-clean.
- Daily in warm weather: check the top-of-enclosure reading. The 85 F ceiling is easiest to breach on a hot afternoon.
- Weekly: inspect the substrate for mold, check the climbing structure is still secure.
- Monthly: rinse or replace moss as needed; check the UVB fixture reflector for dust.
- Seasonally: adjust the photoperiod - 14 hours in summer, 10 in winter.
- Every 12 months: replace the UVB tube.
The rest of the setup
Sizing, temperature and humidity, lighting, substrate, decor and cost.
Frequently asked questions
What does a crested gecko need in its enclosure?
A tall terrarium with climbing structure at multiple heights, a moisture-retentive substrate with a moss top layer, probes at the top and bottom, low-output UVB, a shallow water dish and a misting routine. Heat only if the room measurements require it.
What temperature should a crested gecko enclosure be?
82-85 F (28-29 C) at the top of the enclosure at the top and 70-75 F (21-24 C) at the bottom at the bottom, with nights at 65-72 F (18-22 C). Sustained temperatures above 85 F cause stress and heat stroke.
How often should you mist a crested gecko tank?
At least once in the evening, and again in the morning if needed, letting the enclosure dry back to around 40-50% in between. Constant moisture encourages mold and mildew.
Sources
- Crested Gecko Terrarium Size & Cohabitation Notes — ReptiFiles
- Crested Gecko Temperatures & Humidity — ReptiFiles
- Crested Gecko Substrate Options — ReptiFiles
- Solarmeter Model 6.5 UV Index Meter — Solarmeter
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