🦎 Introduction
A great tank setup means a healthy, happy Crested Gecko.
But if you’re new to reptile keeping, setting up the enclosure can feel overwhelming.
How big should the tank be? What humidity does it need? Do you need UVB?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- Ideal tank size
- Heating & humidity
- Lighting (and whether UVB is necessary)
- Best substrate and decor
- Common mistakes to avoid
📏 Best Tank Size for Crested Geckos
Crested Geckos are arboreal, so vertical space matters more than floor space.
✅ Recommended tank sizes:
| Age/Size | Minimum Size |
|---|---|
| Hatchling (<5g) | 5–10 gallon (temporary) |
| Juvenile | 12×12×18 inches |
| Adult | 18×18×24 inches (20 gal+) |
🧠 Tip: Bigger is better—as long as you maintain proper heat/humidity.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity Requirements
🔥 Temperature
- Daytime: 72–78°F (22–25°C)
- Nighttime: Can drop to 68°F (20°C)
- Avoid temps above 82°F (28°C)
✅ Use a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) or low-watt heat mat on side (if needed). No basking bulbs!
💧 Humidity
- Target Range: 50–80%
- Mist the tank once or twice daily, especially in the evening
- Use a digital hygrometer to monitor levels
✅ Let the humidity drop between mistings (a “humidity cycle” is healthy)
💡 Lighting & UVB
Crested Geckos are nocturnal, so they don’t require bright lights.
- UVB: Optional, but a low-level 5.0 UVB may improve calcium absorption and activity
- Day/Night Cycle: Use a timer (12h light / 12h dark)
- Lighting should be soft, avoid direct spotlights
✅ Use LED grow lights if you’re keeping live plants
🌱 Best Substrate Options
Choose a substrate that holds humidity but is safe and cleanable.
Recommended:
- Coco fiber or plantation soil
- Reptile bark + sphagnum moss mix
- Paper towels (for babies or quarantine)
Avoid:
- Loose sand or gravel
- Reptile carpet (hard to clean)
- Pine or cedar shavings (toxic)
🎍 Decor: Climbing + Hiding Essentials
Crested Geckos need a naturalistic vertical setup with:
| Decor Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Climbing Surfaces | Cork bark, driftwood, vines |
| Hides | Coconut hides, PVC tubes, plants |
| Plants | Pothos, bromeliads, fake vines |
| Feeding Stations | Magnetic or wall-mounted cups |
✅ Place hides at different height levels to mimic natural canopy behavior.
🧼 Cleaning Schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spot cleaning | Daily |
| Misting | 1–2× daily |
| Water refill | Daily |
| Full clean | Every 4 weeks |
| Substrate change | Monthly or as needed |
❌ Common Tank Setup Mistakes
🚫 Overheating the enclosure
🚫 No vertical climbing options
🚫 Wrong substrate (e.g., sand)
🚫 No humidity control (either too dry or too wet)
🚫 Using bright daylight bulbs or high-UV lighting
🛒 Recommended Products (for monetization)
- Exo Terra 18×18×24 Vertical Tank
- Pangea Hanging Feeding Ledge
- Zoo Med ReptiFogger
- Inkbird Humidity Controller
- Fluker’s Digital Thermo-Hygrometer
- Zilla Jungle Mix Substrate
🐾 Conclusion
A proper Crested Gecko enclosure mimics their natural, humid forest habitat. Focus on vertical space, climbing features, and humidity regulation—not heat or bright lights.
Once your setup is dialed in, your gecko will be healthy, stress-free, and full of personality.