I'm going to go pick up my new crested tuesday! I'm really excited, however, last round ( a few years ago ) didn't go so hot. I really was ignorant about what geckos needed back then. I have a 20 gal. tank, a few small branches and small logs, and undertank heater (on low, because my house is about 70 degrees), a basking rock, and tomorrow, I'm building a foam backing and making a few ledges for him to chill on. Any ideas/criticisms of this setup?
Crested Gecko Tank
- Thread starter Fitto55
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MrTantalizin
Self-made Guru
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I would also look into atleast 1 live plant (to help with humidity and create more hiding spots and better simulate their natural environment). I would also use paper towels as a substrate as it is easier on clean up and is recommended (for juvies mainly) to help ensure proper diet, stool consistency, and that your gecko's eating well. Sphagnum Moss is the way to go in my opinion if you want to keep your himidity up their while achieving a very natural look. Coconut Bark is also an option and is prefered by many breeders. I wouldnt do it for a new gecko because you dont know your new geckos habits yet and dont want to leave the option for impaction. I also find coconut bark is alittle too hard for my liking (atleast for a juvie).
I personally would stay away from a heat rock as your crested can get burnt easily if not careful. In my experience and research I've come to the conclusion that their are plenty of alternatives to a heat rock.
I would use 3 "MAIN" hides. 1 near your heat source in case your gecko need to warm up, 1 near the "cool" side of your tank, and one near the middle. The middle hide should be your "wet/moist hide". That could easily be an upside down tupaware with some moist sphagnum moss (or paper towels for the budget hobbyists) in it. This will give your herp a good place to go if he/she needs help with shedding or just needs to up its moisture levels. That will also give you alittle "play" if your humidity is alittle low. FROM THEIR your crested can go to different hide spots to accomodate his/her needs.
(I have seen geckos in need of heat "bask" in a plant taking in UVB while near the heatlamp to heat up when needed. Therefore, I strongly do NOT recommend a heat rock as you have many other options for keeping your enclosure adequately heated.
Take SOME of what I say with a grain of salt as I am no pro. Just helping with some guidelines and tips.
Hope this is helpful and goodluck with your new CG.
-Shawn
I personally would stay away from a heat rock as your crested can get burnt easily if not careful. In my experience and research I've come to the conclusion that their are plenty of alternatives to a heat rock.
I would use 3 "MAIN" hides. 1 near your heat source in case your gecko need to warm up, 1 near the "cool" side of your tank, and one near the middle. The middle hide should be your "wet/moist hide". That could easily be an upside down tupaware with some moist sphagnum moss (or paper towels for the budget hobbyists) in it. This will give your herp a good place to go if he/she needs help with shedding or just needs to up its moisture levels. That will also give you alittle "play" if your humidity is alittle low. FROM THEIR your crested can go to different hide spots to accomodate his/her needs.
(I have seen geckos in need of heat "bask" in a plant taking in UVB while near the heatlamp to heat up when needed. Therefore, I strongly do NOT recommend a heat rock as you have many other options for keeping your enclosure adequately heated.
Take SOME of what I say with a grain of salt as I am no pro. Just helping with some guidelines and tips.
Hope this is helpful and goodluck with your new CG.
-Shawn
Thanks, I am not using a heat rock though. I use an under tank heater, but I put down a flat rock for him to lie on. It doesn't get as hot as you're thinking. I'm not using too much heat, because I heard 80 is a max for cresteds. All the rest is great info though, thank you.
Amped Herptiles
Member
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- Atlanta, Georgia
Do not use a under the tank heater at all. Cresteds like it cool. 65-74 degrees is where I keep mine. The tank heater is not necessary for cresteds. Room temperature is perfect, and in the winder just keep them in a room that reaches 65-70 during the day.
darkridder
Melissa the Scientist
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Are you planning on getting a juvie or an adult? If you are getting a juvie you will want to go with something much smaller, like a med-large kritter keeper. LIttle geckos do far better in smaller enclosures. Then when hitting 8g an upgrade to a 10 gallon tank (or like sized tub) is needed. Once at about 15-20g the 20 gallon tank would be perfect. Instead of an under tank heater, if you want to provide a heat source, try a very small light, like a 15 watt bulb. Remember these guys do better at cooler temps, and an under tank heater really doesnt raise the temps, but raises the surface area temp. But also then the gecko will be required to lay on the floor to use it. Not all geckos like being on the floor of their cage, I have a few who sleep there, the rest prefer staying up in the plants and only go down there for food or water. So a very small light on top would work better. You could also use a strip light, as these are normally small wattages and will only raise the temps 2-3 degrees at the top of the tank. But no night time heated is needed, it is natural for the tank to drop in temps. But as amped said, so long as your tank is around 70-72 in the winter, you are fine and do not need any supplemental heating.
As for hiding spots, rule of thumb is, cover the walls. You want to cover 3 of the 4 sides of the enclosure. FTS is more and more being realize is due from environmental stress. By covering 3 of the walls of the tank with a decent amount of plants, they often do not sleep upside down. But you also want to offer a sleep spot on the floor, coconut hide, rock hide, piece of bark, and the ever so popular tp roll.
As for hiding spots, rule of thumb is, cover the walls. You want to cover 3 of the 4 sides of the enclosure. FTS is more and more being realize is due from environmental stress. By covering 3 of the walls of the tank with a decent amount of plants, they often do not sleep upside down. But you also want to offer a sleep spot on the floor, coconut hide, rock hide, piece of bark, and the ever so popular tp roll.
I got a juvie. i didnt cover the inside of the walls, but it is on a bookshelf, so the sides and back wall have wood behind them, so hes not just like looking out into the room. Is that okay? I've already got hides. The guy at the reptile house said the turn the undertank heater on low and stick it to one of the sides of the tank rather than the underside of the tank. I'm currently doing that. Is that okay? I have a thermometer on that wall and it it just at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
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