The Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit is a complete setup for housing your pet crestie. It includes a glass terrarium, water dish, food dish, artificial plants, and more. The kit also comes with a detailed care guide that covers everything from feeding to habitat maintenance.- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 12 inches
- Weight: 20.9 Pounds
- Material Plastic plant
- Color Black/transparent
Features
Assembly is quick and easy, and the whole process should take less than an hour. Once everything is in place, your new crested gecko friend will have plenty of room to explore and play. And when it’s time to feed them, the included food dish makes it easy to portion out the right amount of food.
Pros and Cons of Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit
Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose the Best Crested Gecko Tanks
When it comes to choosing the right tank for your crestie, size definitely matters. A 20-gallon long aquarium is a minimum size you should go for, with 30 gallons being even better. If you have the space and budget for it, a 40-gallon breeder tank is an ideal size for one or two adult cresties.
The next thing to consider is what kind of setup you want. A planted vivarium with live plants is always a beautiful option, but it does require more maintenance than a simple desert setup. If you decide to go the live plant route, make sure you research which plants are safe for cresties and which ones to avoid.
As for décor, there are endless possibilities. Just make sure whatever you choose is safe for your crestie to climb on and doesn’t have any sharp edges. Zoo Med’s Crested Gecko Kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a glass aquarium, screen lid, humidity/temperature gauge, substrate, plants, and décor.
Heating and Lighting
Cresties are tropical animals and prefer temperatures in the 75-85°F range during the day, with a drop to 65-75°F at night. A good way to achieve this temperature gradient is by using a ceramic heat emitter on one side of the tank and an incandescent bulb on the other. The CHE should be controlled by a thermostat to prevent the tank from getting too hot, and the incandescent bulb can be turned off at night.
As for lighting, cresties don’t require any special bulbs and can even do without light altogether if their tank is placed in a well-lit room. If you do decide to provide lighting, an inexpensive reptile basking bulb will do the trick. Just make sure it’s not placed too close to the glass, as this can cause your crestie to overheat.
Humidity and Ventilation
Cresties come from a very humid environment and need high humidity levels to stay healthy. The ideal range is 60-80%, but they can tolerate lower levels as long as they’re provided with a humid hide. A simple way to achieve high humidity is by misting the tank several times a day, but you can also use a reptile fogger or automatic mister.
Substrate
There are many different substrates you can use for your crestie’s tank, but coco husk fiber is one of the best. It holds moisture well, doesn’t compact over time, and is easy on your crestie’s feet. Zoo Med’s Eco Earth is a popular option, but you can also find coco husk fiber at your local pet store.
Another good option is cypress mulch, which holds moisture even better than coco husk fiber but can be a bit more difficult to find. Whichever substrate you choose, make sure it’s free of chemicals and pesticides and that it’s safe for your crestie to ingest in small amounts.
Water and Food
Cresties get most of the water they need from the food they eat, so it’s important to offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. A good diet consists of 60% fruits and vegetables, 20% insects, and 20% calcium powder. [1]
In addition to their regular diet, cresties also need a constant source of fresh water. A small bowl or dish placed in the tank is usually sufficient, but you may need to change the water more often if your crestie likes to soak in it.
What Type of Enclosure Should You Use?
As you know, crested geckos come from warm, humid environments. So, it’s important to create an enclosure that reflects their natural habitat as closely as possible. The Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit comes with everything you need to do just that. The glass terrarium is the perfect size for one or two adult crested geckos and includes a removable screen top for easy access.
To further enhance your crested gecko’s environment, you can add some live plants. Not only will they make your enclosure look more natural, but they’ll also help to regulate humidity levels. Just be sure to choose non-toxic varieties that won’t harm your pet if ingested.
What Substrate Should You Use?
There are a few different substrates that you can use for your crested gecko. Zoo Med’s Crested Gecko Kit comes with their Zoo Med Repti Bark, which is a popular choice among lizard keepers. Repti Bark is made of cypress mulch and is safe for your gecko to ingest.
Another option for substrate is coconut fiber, which can be found at most pet stores. Coconut fiber holds moisture well, which is important for crested geckos since they come from a tropical environment. Zoo Med also sells a coconut fiber substrate that can be used with their Crested Gecko Kit.
Whatever substrate you choose, make sure that it is free of pesticides and other chemicals.
What Is the Crested Gecko’s Natural Habitat?
The natural habitat of the Crested Gecko is the forests of southern New Caledonia. These lizards are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. In the wild, Crested Geckos are nocturnal, coming out at night to hunt for insects.
Crested Geckos are a tropical species and require warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. In captivity, it is important to recreate these conditions as closely as possible. [2]
Plastic Storage Boxes
Most of us have at least one plastic storage box in our home. They come in all shapes and sizes, and we use them to store everything from clothes to Christmas decorations. But what many people don’t realize is that plastic storage boxes can be a great way to keep your crestie healthy and happy.
Here are some tips on how to use plastic storage boxes to create the perfect environment for your crested gecko:
- Make sure the box is big enough for your crested gecko to move around in. A good rule of thumb is that the box should be at least twice as long as your crested gecko is long.
- Line the bottom of the box with paper towels. This will help to absorb any moisture that your crested gecko produces.
- Place some branches or rocks inside the box for your crested gecko to climb on.
- Add a handful of Zoo Med’s Crested Gecko Food into the box.
- Spray the food with water until it is damp, but not wet.
- Place the lid on the box and put it in a warm, dry place.
Your crested gecko will love this new environment, and you’ll be able to monitor its food and water intake more easily. Plus, if you ever need to take your crested gecko out of its enclosure for any reason, you can just pop the lid off and let it roam around in its box until you’re ready to put it back.
So, next time you’re looking for a new home for your crested gecko, think outside the cage and try using a plastic storage box instead!
Plastic Reptile Cages
As crested geckos become more popular pets, more and more people are searching for the perfect home for their new reptilian friend. While there are many different types of cages available on the market, plastic reptile cages have become a popular choice for many crestie owners.
There are several benefits to using a plastic reptile cage:
- Plastic cages are often much cheaper than glass or metal cages.
- They’re lightweight and easy to move around, which is helpful if you need to take your cage with you when you travel.
- They’re easier to clean than other types of cages because they don’t have any nooks and crannies for dirt and debris to accumulate in.
- Plastic cages come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your crested gecko.
If you’re considering a plastic reptile cage for your crestie, be sure to check out Zoo Med’s line of plastic cages. They offer a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, and their prices are very reasonable.
Glass Reptile Enclosures
Glass reptile enclosures are another popular option for housing cresties. There are several benefits to using a glass enclosure:
- Glass cages offer great visibility, so you can easily see your crested gecko while it’s inside.
- They’re easy to clean and don’t require as much maintenance as other types of cages.
- Glass enclosures come in a variety of styles.
If you’re considering a glass reptile enclosure for your crestie, be sure to check out Zoo Med’s line of glass cages. They offer a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, and their prices are very reasonable.
Suitable Humidity in the Crested Gecko Terrarium
Crested geckos are a tropical species that come from New Caledonia, a group of small islands in the South Pacific.
Because of this, it’s important to maintain a higher level of humidity in the terrarium than you might for other reptiles. A good range to aim for is 60-80%. You can measure the humidity level in your terrarium with a hygrometer, which you can find at most pet stores.
There are a few different ways to increase the humidity in your terrarium. One is to mist the inside of the enclosure with a spray bottle filled with water. This should be done at least once a day, and more often if the humidity level drops below 60%. [3]
Another way to increase the humidity is to use a humidifier. This can be placed outside of the terrarium and will help to raise the overall level of humidity in the room. Just make sure that the humidifier isn’t too close to the terrarium, as this could cause problems with mold or other fungi.
Finally, you can also add live plants to the terrarium. Not only will they help to increase the humidity, but they’ll also provide your crested gecko with some hiding places and a place to climb.
Crested Gecko Tank Size
The Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit comes with a 5.5 gallon glass terrarium. This is a good size for one adult crested gecko, or two juveniles. If you plan on keeping multiple adults, or adding other reptiles to the tank, you will need to upgrade to a larger size. [4]
Terrarium Material
The Crested Gecko Kit comes with a nice selection of terrarium materials to get you started.
The included substrate is a mix of peat moss and coconut fiber. This substrate is ideal for cresties as it holds moisture well and helps maintain humidity levels in the terrarium. You can also add some live plants to the terrarium for added decoration and hiding places for your gecko.
Gravel
The Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit also comes with a bag of gravel and some rocks. The gravel can be used to line the bottom of the terrarium, and the rocks can be used for decoration or as hiding places. Be sure to wash the gravel and rocks before adding them to the terrarium.
Perlite
Perlite is also included in the kit and can be used to help maintain humidity levels in the terrarium. Simply add a layer of perlite to the bottom of the terrarium and mist it with water regularly.
Charcoal
Some keepers choose to include charcoal in their Crested Gecko’s diet, as it can help with digestion and remove toxins from the gut. You can purchase charcoal at most pet stores, or online. Be sure to get plain activated charcoal that is safe for reptiles, and avoid any products that contain chemicals or other additives.
Sand
A small bag of sand is also included in the kit. This can be used to help absorb odors and keep the terrarium clean.
Simply add a layer of sand to the bottom of the terrarium before adding the substrate.
FAQ
What Is the Best Size Terrarium for a Crested Gecko?
As a rule of thumb, you’ll want a terrarium that is at least two to three times the length of your gecko from nose to tail. So, for example, if your gecko is six inches long, you’ll want a terrarium that is at least 12 to 18 inches long.
The width and height of the terrarium will depend on how many geckos you plan on keeping and whether or not you want to include any vertical space for them to climb. A good starting point would be width and height which are each about 1.5 times the length of your gecko.
What Kind of Tank Do Crested Geckos Need?
As we have discussed, crested geckos are arboreal lizards. This means that they spend the vast majority of their time in trees and other high places. In their natural habitat, they would sleep in tree hollows or among the branches during the day, and come down to forage for food at night.
In captivity, we need to provide them with an enclosure that replicates this as much as possible. The good news is that crested geckos are not very large lizards, so they do not require a huge amount of space. A 20-gallon tank is big enough for a single adult crested gecko. If you plan on keeping more than one gecko together, you will need a larger tank.
As far as height goes, the taller the better. Crested geckos love to climb, and a tall enclosure will give them plenty of space to explore. If you can find an enclosure that is longer than it is tall, that is even better.
When it comes to choosing the material for your crested gecko’s tank, there are a few different options. The most popular choice is glass, but there are also plastic and mesh enclosures available. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Glass tanks are the most expensive option, but they are also the most durable and easy to clean. Plastic tanks are less expensive, but they are not as sturdy and can be difficult to clean. Mesh tanks are the least expensive option, but they are also the least durable and can be hard to keep humidity levels in.
No matter what material you choose for your tank, make sure that it has a tight-fitting lid. Crested geckos are very good climbers, and they will escape from an enclosure if given the chance. A lid with a locking mechanism is even better.
How Often Should I Mist My Crested Gecko Tank?
One of the most common questions we get here at Reptiles Lounge is “how often should I mist my crestie’s tank?” And it’s definitely a valid question! Crested geckos are native to New Caledonia, a group of islands off the coast of Australia, and as such they come from a tropical environment where it rains quite frequently. In captivity, we replicate this by misting their tanks on a regular basis, which provides them with the humidity they need to stay healthy and thrive.
But how often should you be misting? Once a day? Twice a day? More?
The answer, unfortunately, is not so cut-and-dry. It really depends on a few factors, such as the size of your tank, the number of geckos you have, and the type of substrate you’re using.
Let’s break it down:
If you have a small tank (10 gallons or less), then you’ll want to mist once or twice a day. If you have a larger tank (20 gallons or more), then you can get away with misting every other day. And if you’re using a substrate that doesn’t hold moisture well (like paper towels), then you may need to mist more frequently.
As for how much water to use, we recommend using about 10-15 seconds worth per gallon of tank volume. So if you have a 20 gallon tank, you would use 200-300ml (about 1-1.5 cups) of water.
Once you’ve misted, it’s important to give your geckos a chance to dry off before going back into their hiding spots. We like to use a small hand towel or paper towel to gently pat them down, making sure that their ventral (belly) side is completely dry. If their belly stays damp for too long, it can lead to problems like skin infections.
And that’s really all there is to it! Just remember to start slowly and increase the frequency as needed until you find what works best for your particular setup.
Do Crested Geckos Need Terrariums?
Absolutely! A terrarium is a must for any Crested Gecko. In the wild, these lizards live in trees and bushes, so they feel most comfortable when they have plenty of places to climb. A well-designed terrarium will give your Crested Gecko a sense of security and encourage natural behaviors like stalking, hiding, and climbing. [5]
Can a Terrarium Be Too Big for a Crested Gecko?
A tank can never be too big for a crested gecko, but it can be too small. A 20-gallon tank is a minimum size we recommend for one or two adult geckos. If you plan on keeping more than two geckos, you will need an even larger tank. [6]
When choosing a terrarium for your crestie, remember that these lizards like to climb. The taller the better! If you can find an enclosure that is longer than it is tall, that is even better.
Related Video: Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit Setup Live Stream
Conclusion
We hope our Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit review has been helpful. These are great products that will help make your pet’s life more comfortable and enjoyable. As with any pet, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase, and we think the Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit is a great option for those looking for quality care products for their beloved reptile friends. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://thepetenthusiast.com/best-terrarium-for-crested-gecko/
- https://animals.net/crested-gecko/
- https://reptifiles.com/crested-gecko-care/crested-gecko-temperatures-humidity/
- https://reptifiles.com/crested-gecko-care/crested-gecko-terrarium-size-cohabitation/
- https://mycrestedgecko.com/crested-gecko-terrarium/
- https://mycrestedgecko.com/crested-gecko-big-tank/