Crested gecko enclosure size and setup

Crested gecko at a glance

Minimum enclosure

18 × 18 × 24 inches46 × 46 × 61 cm, about 34 gallons

Warm side

78-82°F

Cool side

72-76°F

Humidity

50-80%

UVB

Zone 1

Group

Geckos

A climber, so height matters more than floor space. Let humidity rise after misting, then dry out. Keep it under 85°F.

Common questions

What size enclosure does a crested gecko need?

At least 18 × 18 × 24 inches (46 × 46 × 61 cm) for one adult, about 34 gallons. Height matters more than floor space for this climber. Bigger is always better if you have room.

What temperature should a crested gecko enclosure be?

Aim for a warm side of 78-82°F and a cool side of 72-76°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 crested gecko need?

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

Does a crested gecko need UVB?

Yes, Zone 1, which means low UVB, suited to shade-dwelling and dawn-and-dusk species. 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 crested gecko?

Of the common sizes, these meet the adult minimum: 18 × 18 × 24 front-opening (18 × 18 × 24 in), 4 × 2 × 2 (120 gallon) (48 × 24 × 24 in), 18 × 18 × 36 tall (18 × 18 × 36 in), 2 × 2 × 4 tall (24 × 24 × 48 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 crested gecko

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

Other reptiles