For your convenience, we have put together a list of the crested gecko supplies that ReptiFiles personally recommends for the health of your new pet, as well as your own peace of mind. In other words, we’ve basically done the shopping for you!
Although crested geckos are commonly recommended as an ideal “first reptile,” please note that even the easiest reptiles can be expensive and high-maintenance to keep. If you are not prepared to purchase everything required for the health and wellbeing of a crested gecko, this is not the pet for you.
This page contains paid links (details here) as well as links to the official ReptiFiles store. Purchases made from these links help fund my reptile welfare research and educational efforts. Thank you for your support!
Crested geckos make for unique, low-maintenance pet reptiles. Their gentle nature small size and minimal care requirements make them ideal for first-time or busy reptile owners. However, ensuring your crested gecko stays happy and healthy does require providing some essential supplies and accessories. This article will walk you through the 17 most important crested gecko products every owner should have.
Crested Gecko Habitat
The most fundamental supply for a pet crested gecko is a suitable vivarium or enclosure. Here are some top habitat options:
1. Glass Terrarium
Glass reptile terrariums allow for full visibility and are easy to clean. Aim for a 10-20 gallon tank for an adult crested gecko. Make sure the tank is tall, not long, as crested geckos like to climb. Exo Terra and Zilla are reputable terrarium brands.
2. Plastic Cage or Enclosure
Plastic reptile cages are more affordable and lighter weight than glass Repti Breeze open-air cages offer ventilation while keeping in humidity. Or try front-opening enclosures from brands like Exo Terra.
3. Custom Glass Vivarium
For the ultimate custom habitat, consider having a glass vivarium custom built to your specifications. Companies like Custom Reptile Habitats create one-of-a-kind enclosures.
Temperature Control
Crested geckos thrive at temperatures between 70-80°F. Control your vivarium temperature with:
4. Thermometer/Hygrometer
A combo thermometer and hygrometer allows you to monitor two key habitat factors – temperature and humidity. digital versions with probes give the most accurate readings.
5. Ceramic Heat Emitter
Ceramic heat emitters provide heat without light. They’re ideal for boosting your crested gecko’s environment at night when temperatures drop. Use with a thermostat.
6. Under Tank Heater
An under tank heater or UTH adheres to the bottom of the tank to provide gentle, consistent heat. Place under just one side of the tank to create a temperature gradient.
Lighting
While crested geckos don’t require special UVB lighting, a day/night cycle is still important.
7. LED Grow Light
An LED grow light positioned over your crested gecko’s enclosure mimics natural daylight. Set on a timer for 12-14 hours per day.
8. Night Heat Lamp
A nighttime-safe ceramic heat emitter, black light, or moonlight heat lamp keeps temperatures up after dark.
Humidity
Native to tropical New Caledonia, crested geckos need humidity around 50-60%. Meet their moisture needs with:
9. Hand Mister
A handheld spray bottle allows you to mist the enclosure to boost humidity as needed. Aim for 2-3 spritzes per day.
10. Automatic Misting System
For more convenient humidity control, an automated misting system will mist the tank on a timer. Popular options are the MistKing and Exo Terra Monsoon.
11. Hygrometer
A hygrometer measures humidity levels so you can adjust accordingly. Digital types with remote sensors work best.
Furnishings & Decor
Deck out your crested gecko’s home with climbing branches, hides, plants and more:
12. Reptile Cave
Crested geckos love hiding spots like caves and hollow logs. Ensure their hide is securely placed and sized appropriately.
13. Magnetic Led Ledges
Magnetic ledges affix to the glass for easy climbing and basking spaces. Zoo Med makes a popular magnetic ledge for terrariums.
14. Live or Artificial Plants
Add visual interest and climbing opportunities with live or silk plants. Pothos and philodendrons make good live plant choices.
15. Cork Rounds
Cork bark sheets or tubes provide additional climbing enrichment and places to hide.
16. Reptile Hammock
A hanging reptile hammock offers a lounging spot up off the ground. Try Exo Terra’s nano versa hammocks.
Crested Gecko Food & Water
A varied, nutritious diet is key for your gecko’s health. Feed them:
17. Crested Gecko Diet
Powdered diets like Repashy or Pangea are specially formulated for crested geckos with their nutritional needs in mind. Offer in a small bowl.
18. Water Dish
Provide fresh treated water in a shallow bowl, changed daily. Add water droplets to the enclosure for drinking and humidity.
19. Live Feeder Insects
While not essential, occasional live insects provide enrichment. Small crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches are ideal feeders.
Other Helpful Accessories
Some other useful products that will help keep your pet crested gecko thriving include:
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Digital kitchen scale: Weigh your gecko monthly to monitor growth/health.
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Disinfectants: For cleaning the enclosure. Use natural products like F10 or chlorhexidine.
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Vitamin supplements: Dust feeder insects with calcium + D3 and multivitamins.
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Temperature gun: A handy infrared thermometer to spot-check temperatures.
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Zoo Med ReptiSafe: Water conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramines.
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Heat mat thermometer: Monitors UTH temperature to prevent overheating.
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Digital hydrometer: Backup humidity reading for added accuracy.
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Reptile-safe thermoplastic adhesive: Affix decor to the terrarium walls.
Key Takeaways
Caring for a crested gecko does require some essential supplies like an adequate enclosure, heating and lighting devices, humidity aids, decor items, and proper food. Invest in high-quality products designed specifically for reptiles. Think about your gecko’s needs and research products carefully. With the right habitat setup and accessories, crested geckos make relatively easy, low-maintenance pets. Just provide the basics covered here and your critter will thrive!
Shopping List for Juvenile Crested Geckos <20g
Keep in mind that everything should be purchased and set up BEFORE you get the gecko. This will save you a lot of stress, and does your new pet a big favor, too.
We also recommend finding an experienced reptile veterinarian in your area. It’s always better to do a little bit of research when nothing’s wrong than to find yourself in a panic when your pet gets sick. Start with the ReptiFiles Reptile Vet Directory!
Beginner’s Guide To Crested Gecko Supplies | Tank, Heater, Light, Substrate & More
FAQ
What supplies do I need for a crested gecko?
- Appropriately sized habitat.
- Commercial crested gecko food.
- Substrate (bedding)
- Sphagnum moss.
- Food and water dishes.
- Mealworm dish.
- Hideaway place.
- Climbing decor.
What do I need for a crested gecko setup?
Must haves; 18x18x36 tank or bigger, 60-80% of the tank filled with foliage, daily misting so either a misting setup or a spray bottle, water treater (removes harmful chemicals it’s in the guide), Pangea or repashy for food. Ceramic heater or deep heat projector on a dimming thermostat.
What do crested geckos need in their tank?
The ideal enclosure will contain tall, broad plants, creating variation in light and shade. It is best to keep these geckos singly and you must not keep males with others permanently. You might be able to keep females together, providing there are enough basking, hiding and eating areas for each individual.
Can I hold my crested gecko everyday?
If your gecko is comfortable with frequent handling, then daily handling is a good option. If your gecko seems to prefer being left alone, maybe less frequently. Daily handling is useful for getting new geckos used to handling, so if your gecko is new to you, you might want to go for daily or every other day.
What is included in the complete crested gecko kit?
It includes a 12″x12″x18″ terrarium, providing a suitable habitat for the gecko. This kit is offered in two configurations, an Exo Terra tank featuring dual doors for easy access and a Zoo Med enclosure boasting one door for uninterrupted visual access. Included in The Complete Crested Gecko Kit:
What is a good terrarium for a crested gecko?
A good terrarium for a crested gecko needs different types of accessories: You’ll also need a spray bottle and cleaning supplies. Because substrate and terrarium plants are so important I don’t count them as accessories. They deserve more extensive articles. Crested geckos are prey animals and can be quite skittish.
Where can I buy crested geckos stickers?
If you’re interested in stickers or other products of crested geckos, you can always visit our Etsy Shop, which is called Artful Animalia. We currently only send stickers in the United States. If you’re interested in certain crested gecko-related products, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Which hygrometer is best for crested gecko?
Analog thermometers and hygrometers are cheaper but are less reliable than their digital counterparts. A good and reliable combination of a digital thermometer and a digital hygrometer is the Exo Terra Thermometer and Hygrometer and the Zoo Med Thermometer and Hygrometer. A crested gecko needs a relative humidity between 70 and 80 percent.
Do crested geckos need playtoys?
Contrary to other pets crested geckos don’t need playtoys or special accessories to stay stimulated. The only thing they need is a lot of climbing and jumping possibilities to stay active and enough hides to rest and escape if afraid.
What morphs are available for a crested gecko?
Start your crested gecko adventure right with an optional free unsexed juvenile gecko of one of five exciting morphs – Flames, Harlequins, Partial Pinstripes, Tigers, and Dalmatians (subject to availability) Note your preference when ordering and we’ll pick the best one for you! Get everything you need to start your gecko’s home right.