Exo Terra Crested Gecko Starter Kit: The Ultimate Review for Beginners

Bringing home a new pet crested gecko can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially for first-time owners. With so many products and information out there, it can get overwhelming trying to set up the perfect habitat. That’s why starter kits like the Exo Terra Crested Gecko Kit are such a great solution.

In this detailed review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the Exo Terra kit – what’s included, pros and cons, costs, and how it compares to alternatives. As a new crested gecko owner myself, I found this kit to be a lifesaver, allowing me to set up a complete habitat with minimal hassle

Whether you’re a new owner looking for an all-in-one setup option or an experienced keeper needing an extra enclosure, read on to see if this crested gecko starter kit is right for you!

What’s Included in the Exo Terra Crested Gecko Kit

Here’s an overview of everything that comes in the box with this kit

• Glass Terrarium – 12″ x 12″ x 18″ tank made of glass for maintaining proper humidity levels. Features front-opening doors and top screen for accessibility.

• Banyan Tree Background – Naturalistic background depicting a banyan tree to decorate the back of the tank. Provides a nice backdrop.

• Multi-Functional Ornament – Decorative hide made of Caledonian Kanak tribal art. Includes built-in food and water bowls. Offers climbing enrichment.

• Artificial Fern Plant – Fake foliage helps add greens and visual barriers for your gecko. Also boosts humidity.

• Analog Thermometer & Hygrometer – Allows monitoring of temperature and humidity levels, essential for health.

• Plantation Soil – Natural substrate made from coconut fiber to help hold moisture. Stimulates plant growth.

• Instruction Manual – Contains setup directions and care tips.

Let’s go over the key components in more detail:

Glass Terrarium

The included 12” x 12” x 18” Exo Terra glass tank is the ideal size for juvenile and adult crested geckos. Glass helps retain humidity, and the front-opening doors provide easy access while minimizing escape risk. The doors securely latch, and the screen top allows for ventilation and lighting.

Decorations

The starter kit comes with a few basic decorations to help you create an enriching habitat. The banyan tree background provides a lush, naturalistic look compared to plain glass. It also takes up less space than 3D backdrops.

The multi-functional ornament adds visual interest, climbing opportunities, and convenient food/water bowls in one piece. While not the most naturalistic, it’s functional for a starter kit. The artificial fern rounds out the greenery while boosting humidity.

Monitoring Tools

The included analog thermometer and hygrometer allow you to easily track the temperature and humidity levels in the tank. Though basic, they are perfectly suitable for getting started. Just stick them inside the tank. Maintaining proper temperature (70-80°F) and humidity (50-70%) is vital for crested gecko health and shedding.

Substrate

Having the right substrate is essential for controlling humidity and providing a naturalistic environment. The plantation soil is a coconut fiber substrate that helps retain moisture while allowing drainage. It’s a safe, effective option for crested geckos.

Instruction Manual

The included instructions provide guidance on setting up and decorating the terrarium along with basic crested gecko care recommendations. While not overly thorough, they offer useful tips for first-time owners.

The Pros of the Exo Terra Crested Gecko Kit

Here are some of the biggest advantages of this all-in-one habitat kit:

• Great value: Buying all these components separately would cost more. The bundle discount makes setup affordable.

• Simplifies setup: Everything you need ships in one box, no need to piece it together. Especially helpful for new keepers.

• Good quality: Exo Terra makes reputable terrariums and accessories that work well for crested geckos.

• Ideal size: Good dimensions for juveniles and many adult geckos. Allows room for activity without being overwhelming.

• Increased humidity: Glass tank, substrate, and decor aid humidity retention. Critical for crested gecko health.

• Proper monitoring: Included thermometer and hygrometer allow tracking temperature and humidity.

• Naturalistic decor: Products like the background and soil provide a realistic environment.

For crested gecko beginners who want a fast, frustration-free setup, the convenience and quality of this kit makes it an excellent choice.

Potential Downsides to Consider

While this crested gecko starter kit contains great products, there are a few limitations to note:

• Lighting not included: You’ll need to buy and install lighting separately. This adds an extra step.

• Food not included: You’ll have to purchase crested gecko diet. Not a major issue.

• Basic tools: The analog thermometer and hygrometer work but are basic. Could upgrade eventually.

• Small ornament: Functional but takes up a good chunk of space. Could replace later.

• Manual lacks depth: Instructions cover the basics but more research is still required.

• Juvenile size: Tank may need upgrading once gecko reaches adulthood depending on its size.

Ultimately, most of the downsides are minor or easily addressed over time. The essentials are covered to get started successfully.

Cost Breakdown of the Exo Terra Crested Gecko Kit

Here is a pricing comparison of buying the Exo Terra crested gecko kit versus individual components:

• Exo Terra Crested Gecko Kit: $140

• 12x12x18 Glass Tank: $100

• Banyan Tree Background: $20

• Multi-Function Ornament: $15

• Artificial Fern: $10

• Thermometer & Hygrometer: $10

• Plantation Soil: $10

• Instruction Manual: $5

Total if Bought Separately: ~$170

As you can see, the bundle saves you around $30 compared to sourcing all the products individually. For a new crested gecko owner on a budget, the upfront savings are significant.

Exo Terra vs. Zoo Med Naturalistic Kit

The Exo Terra crested gecko starter kit faces some competition from the Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium Kit, another popular option. Here’s how they compare:

• Tanks: Same 12x12x18 size; Exo Terra has dual doors vs. Zoo Med single door

• Substrates: Both include coconut fiber substrate

• Decor: Exo Terra features more naturalistic background; Zoo Med includes bamboo & cork

• Dishes: Exo Terra – built-in; Zoo Med – separate bowls

• Manual: Both basic; Exo Terra matches kit better

Overall, the Exo Terra crested gecko kit edges out the Zoo Med version based on the more natural-looking background, dual doors, and integrated hide decor. But both are great starter kits that contain the essentials.

Final Verdict – A Great Starter Kit for Beginners

To sum up this Exo Terra crested gecko kit review, I highly recommend this all-in-one habitat for new crested gecko owners.

It takes the guesswork out of selecting and shopping for all the basic components individually. The included tank, decor, substrate, and tools allow you to create a suitably equipped home right out of the box.

While the ornament and manual could be better, they absolutely get the job done, especially for the price. More advanced owners may want to customize later, but this kit dials in proper setup right away for any beginner.

Overall, I found the Exo Terra crested gecko starter kit to be a lifesaver as a new keeper. It allowed me to quickly and easily establish the perfect environment to welcome my first crested gecko. So if you’re seeking an affordable, beginner-friendly option, look no further!