Starter Kit for gecko

[mysnakesau]

I'd like to set up a gecko display with one of my Reptile-One Glass tanks which is 45cm long, 30cm W & 35cm high.

Would this tank be big enough?

Can you please tell me what I need for geckos? Bedding, lights, heat, the works please

[Pyror]

Hi mysnakesau,

I think your tank would be fine for a pair or maybe a trio of gex (depending on species). If these will be your first geckos, then i would recommend something like N. levis ssp. or U. milii.

I prefer red desert sand for all my gex atm, and for terrestrial species i have a pretty thick layer at one end of the enclosure which is kept moist 75% of the time, and a thinner layer at the opposite end.

Heat is provided by a heat mat only which is placed under approx one third of the enclosure (the end with the thin/dry layer of sand). My terrestrial nocturnal gex get no artificial lighting.

Cage decore is completely up to your personal preference. You can use fake plants, rocks and logs, which look great - especially for a display piece.

[Magpie]

I agree with him ^^^
N. levis require very little, some sand on the botoom, a small water bowl and a hide or two, or sand deep enough to burrow in.
Some warmth may be required in cold areas, a small heat matt or heat cord is plenty

[herptrader]

I am not sure what geckos you are planning to get but the size sounds about right.

The enclosures I use are featured in a care sheet on the Herp Shop web site. I am very happy with them... well I sold one a while back and kept the one which sits beside my computer at home.

Visit http://herpshop.com.au, click the links and care sheets button, and then the Gecko Enclosure.

I have seen knob tailed geckos in glass sided enclosures without a lid. They were obviously doing pretty well.

Perhaps is it time for a thread titled "Show us your gecko enclosures".

Our female Cilarus is looking pretty gravid at the moment so our fingers are crossed.

[Mysnakeau]

I am actually just wanting to set up a show piece in my pet shop, without the little gek of of course, something all set to go for someone wanting a complete ready to go set up.

Being a little burrowing animal, I beleive that the Substrate Heater I have in store wouldn't be a good idea to use. Its a sticky element that sticks to the underside of a glass aquarium and it recommends using a thick substrate such as the sand. But considering the warm end should have a thin layer, I'm thinking this particular heater won't be any good because he would get burnt on the glass. Or do you think the use of a thermostat could solve this problem? Otherwise I'll have to go the normal heating pad. The smallest heating pad is still bigger than one-third size of tank, does it matter if part of the heat pad hangs out the side?

Just three more : Do geckos need tree branches for climbing or are they happy to stay on the ground?
Secondly, I know you say you don't use lights, so does this mean a UV light is un-necessary? How long in natural sunlight does he require to obtain adequate Vit D?

Thank you for all your ideas. Its great. I've got everything in stock except the heating pad?

[Kyro]

Perhaps is it time for a thread titled "Show us your gecko enclosures".

Done mate :wink:

[herptrader]

Originally Posted by Kyro

Done mate :wink:

I went looking but it was not obvious.

What was the subject line??

[Kyro]

Thread was called "Show us your gecko enclosures"