African fat-tailed gecko enclosure size and setup

African fat-tailed gecko at a glance

Minimum enclosure

36 × 18 × 18 inches91 × 46 × 46 cm, about 50 gallons

Warm side

90°F

Cool side

72-77°F

Humidity

50-80%

UVB

Zone 1 to 2

Group

Geckos

Likes it more humid than a leopard gecko: around 70-80% in summer, about 50% in winter. Always offer a humid hide.

Common questions

What size enclosure does a African fat-tailed gecko need?

At least 36 × 18 × 18 inches (91 × 46 × 46 cm) for one adult, about 50 gallons. Floor space matters more than height for this species. Bigger is always better if you have room.

What temperature should a African fat-tailed gecko enclosure be?

Aim for a warm side of 90°F and a cool side of 72-77°F, so it can move between the two to control its body temperature. Check with a digital probe thermometer, not a stick-on dial.

What humidity does a African fat-tailed gecko need?

50-80%. A digital hygrometer in the middle of the enclosure gives the most useful reading.

Does a African fat-tailed gecko need UVB?

Yes, Zone 1 to 2, which runs from low UVB, suited to shade-dwelling and dawn-and-dusk species to moderate UVB, for animals that bask now and then. Match your bulb and its distance to that level using the maker's chart, and replace it on schedule.

Which common tanks fit an adult African fat-tailed gecko?

Of the common sizes, these meet the adult minimum: 75 gallon (48 × 18 × 21 in), 4 × 2 × 2 (120 gallon) (48 × 24 × 24 in), 4 × 2 × 4 tall (48 × 24 × 48 in), 6 × 2 × 2 (72 × 24 × 24 in), 6 × 3 × 4 (72 × 36 × 48 in), 8 × 4 × 4 (96 × 48 × 48 in).

These are common hobbyist guidelines for a healthy adult, based mostly on published species care guides. Babies, sick animals and specific localities can need different setups, so check with a reptile vet for anything serious.

More tools for your African fat-tailed gecko

• Substrate
• Bioactive layers
• Running cost
• UVB bulb tracker
• Egg incubation

Other reptiles