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Crested Gecko

Crested Gecko Terrarium Size Guide

Minimum Enclosure Sizes

  • Hatchlings (<12g): 12″L x 12″W x 12″H

  • Juveniles & Adults (>12g): 18″L x 18″W x 36″H

Since crested geckos are arboreal (tree-dwelling), height is the most important factor. However, they also move horizontally to regulate temperature and light exposure. A narrow enclosure isn’t ideal—geckos need space to leap and explore.

Recommended Enclosures:
✔ Hatchlings:

  • Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium (12″x12″x12″)

✔ Juveniles & Adults:

  • Minimum Size: Zen Habitats 2’x2’x2′, Toad Ranch BC24 2’x2’x2‘

  • Better Options: Toad Ranch TRC 2’x2’x30″, Zoo Med Skyscraper (18″x18″x36″), Repti Zoo 24″ x 18″ x 36″

  • Best Choices: Toad Ranch CN36 3’x2’x3′, Zen Habitats 2’x2’x4′

Bigger is always better! My own crested gecko lives in a 24″L x 24″W x 48″H enclosure and uses every inch. During the day, he stays near the floor, and at night, he climbs to the top—even hanging upside down on the mesh! This helps him stay fit and healthy, unlike the overweight geckos often seen online.

🚨 Note for Hatchlings (<13g): Small geckos need adjusted heating and UVB to prevent overheating. See the Light, Heat & Humidity section for details.

Substrate (Bedding) Options

Best Natural Substrates

✔ DIY tropical mix: 60% organic topsoil + 40% coconut fiber
✔ Coconut fiber (Zoo Med Eco Earth, Exo Terra Plantation Soil)
✔ Lugarti Natural Reptile Bedding
✔ Zoo Med Reptisoil
✔ The Bio Dude Terra Fauna bioactive kit

💡 Layer the substrate 2-4″ thick for better moisture retention. Pair with a drainage layer (Zoo Med Hydroballs or Bio Dude’s Hydrogrow) to prevent oversaturation.

Why Natural Substrates?
✅ Retains humidity well
✅ Looks more natural and attractive
✅ Supports bioactive setups (self-cleaning enclosures with cleanup bugs)

🚨 Warning for Hatchlings (<13g): Loose substrates can pose an impaction risk. If your gecko is underweight or very young, consider artificial substrates instead.

Artificial Substrates (Safer for Young Geckos)

✔ Paper towels
✔ Blue shop towels

🔹 Cheap and easy to clean! Spot clean daily and replace weekly.

Substrates to Avoid

❌ Bark & wood chips (impaction risk)
❌ Pine/cedar-based substrates (toxic oils can cause neurological damage)
❌ Reptile carpet (fibers can injure delicate gecko toes)
❌ Shelf liner & linoleum (releases harmful chemicals)

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Live Plants vs. Artificial Plants for Crested Gecko Terrariums

Benefits of Artificial Plants

  • Low Maintenance: No need for watering, pruning, or special lighting.

  • Durability: Long-lasting and won't wilt or die.

  • Variety: Available in numerous styles and colors to enhance aesthetics.

  • Safe Options: Ensure you choose outdoor-safe or reptile-specific artificial plants.

Benefits of Live Plants

  • Realism: Adds a natural look to your terrarium, enhancing your pet's environment.

  • Humidity Regulation: Helps maintain humidity levels within the enclosure.

  • Oxygen and Air Circulation: Contributes to better air quality for your crested gecko.

  • Water Source: Collects water naturally, providing a drinking source for your gecko.

Requirements for Live Plants

  • Lighting: Needs full-spectrum 6500K lighting for optimal growth.

  • Water: Requires regular watering based on specific plant needs.

Gecko-Safe Live Plant Options

  1. Aechmea fasciata (Urn plant)

  2. Billbergia nutans (Queen's Tears)

  3. Cryptanthus zonatus (Earth Stars)

  4. Guzmania lingulata

  5. Nidularium

  6. Tillandsia

  7. Vrisea splendens (Sword Bromeliad)

  8. Acalphya (Copperleaf)

  9. Adiantum (Maidenhair fern)

  10. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

  11. Alocasia (Elephant Ears)

  12. Asplenium (Bird's Nest fern)

  13. Bamboo

  14. Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm)

  15. Calathea zebrina (Zebra Plant)

  16. Ceropegia woodii (Rosary Vine)

  17. Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)

  18. Cissus

  19. Codiaeum variegatum

  20. Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)

  21. Cyrtomium (Holly Fern)

  22. Dracaena (Dragon Plant)

  23. Ficus

  24. Gynura aurantiaca

  25. Maranta (Prayer Plant)

  26. Monolina primuliflora (Monolena)

  27. Pilea cadieri

  28. Peperomia (Radiator Plant)

  29. Radermachera sinica (China Doll)

  30. Sanseveria (Snake Plant)

  31. Scindapsus (Pothos)

  32. Schefflera arboricola (Umbrella Plant)

  33. Seemania sylvatica

  34. Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)

  35. Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew/Spiderwort)

  36. Pillow Moss​​

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Prepared Diets for Crested Geckos

Overview of Prepared Diets

  • Prepared diets are generally not ideal for reptiles due to fillers and lack of balance.

  • Exception: Crested geckos benefit from high-quality prepared diets specifically formulated for them.

Recommended Brands

  1. Arcadia

  2. Pangea

  3. Repashy

  4. Black Panther Zoological (BPZ)

  5. Leapin’ Leachie

  6. Zoo Med (new formula only)

  7. Lugarti (read reviews for guidance)

These brands offer nutritionally-complete diets available in various flavors to cater to your gecko's preferences. For purchasing, check out BertopiaDiets.com. In the U.S., Arcadia can be found at ReptilesRuS.ca.

Feeding Guidelines

  • Preparation: Mix the powdered diet with water until it reaches a ketchup or smoothie consistency. Serve in a biodegradable condiment cup.

  • Feeding Location: Use a wall-mounted feeding ledge, as crested geckos prefer to eat off the ground.

Feeding Schedule:

  • Juveniles (0-12 months):

    • CGD (Commercial Gecko Diet) daily

    • Insects 1-2 times per week

  • Adults (>12 months):

    • CGD every 2-3 days

    • Insects 0-1 time per week

Choosing the Right Brand and Flavor

  • Geckos may prefer the food they were raised on, but preferences can change. Experiment to find what your gecko enjoys.

  • Avoid brands that haven’t been tested for quality, such as National Geographic and Exo Terra.

Insects as Part of the Diet

  • If using prepared diets with insects (e.g., Pangea With Insects, Repashy Grubs N’ Fruit), additional feeder insects aren't necessary for survival but provide entertainment and exercise.

  • For optimal growth, offer insects 1 time per week. Adjust based on your gecko's weight.

Good Feeder Insects:

  • Crickets

  • Dubia roaches

  • Discoid roaches

  • Small hornworms (captive only)

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Silkworms

Treats:

  • Waxworms can be offered occasionally as treats, especially for thin geckos.

Caution: Avoid mealworms and superworms due to potential digestion issues and risk of impaction.

Supplementation

  • Dust all insects with a calcium supplement to balance the calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio.

Recommended Calcium Supplements:

  • Arcadia Earthpro-Ca (no vitamin D)

  • Repashy SuperCal NoD

  • Repashy SuperCal HyD

  • Miner-All Outdoor (no vitamin D)

UVB Lighting Considerations:

  • If using UVB light, use calcium powder without vitamin D.

  • If not using UVB light, use calcium powder with vitamin D.

Gut Loading: All feeder insects should be gut-loaded for at least 24 hours before feeding.

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Saturday: 8 AM - 6 PM

Sunday : Emergency Case by Case basis

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our foster caregivers, adopters, volunteers, and supporters. Your unwavering commitment has enabled us to grow and strive for excellence over the years. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of the incredible animals that often go unnoticed and underappreciated. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.

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