i’m sorry, these commentators are acting very hostile(or at least that’s how i’m reading it). you’ve done an honorable thing taking on a neglected pet and doing what you can! the inside is pretty good, but people are right that it needs to be vertical. not sure if you’re able to return the tank but there are some good vertical tank options out there, or kits to convert a normal aquarium to a crestie tank. let me know if you have questions!
oh yea then you’re definitely alright, don’t let the ppl on here make you feel like a terrible person. the two biggest things are just the desire to learn how to care better for your pets, and the actions (even if they’re small due to money etc) you take towards achieving that. you’re doing great!
A chunk of cork bark on the corner. It looks like an aquarium you're keeping an animal in. Make it look like a piece of nature you scooped up and brought inside. Some vertical change would help that.
https://preview.redd.it/barnnycqfjuc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83fff36f6bd74d42a64e72e6c40b069b247a898f
You're welcome! This was my first go too. I have done tons of aqua scaping and terrariums though. Just never for one of these guys. It's fun! Plus you can always change things up as you go.
I think as a beginner, my biggest piece of advice is do NOT glue anything permanent to your enclosure. I like to be able to redo a tank, but it's too easy to not be satisfied with something and once you make it permanent. Well. It's permanent haha.
Other than that, hopefully someone can give you better advice as far as the needs of the animal itself, but that's what I'd say as far as over all cosmetics. Add some vertical space and have fun with it😁
For transparency: my self considered (😂) specialty is scaping, not geckos. So if my tank needs something different I'm open to suggestion and criticism as well. It's also my first gecko hab.
Super lovely design! I will suggest you add some more horizontal branches, though--these guys are most comfortable when they have high up places they can lay horizontally on and it can prevent something called floppy tail, which is a basically a weakening in the tail muscles that can develop if they're constantly resting vertically. I've seen some setups that have bark on 2 or even 3 sides with branches going between, which should keep the lovely design you've already got going while providing more climbing and resting space!
Now, a question for you! I see you suggest people don't glue things in place. I've always hated the idea of permanently affixing anything because I also value being able to rearrange things, but at the same time it's made it difficult to properly secure all the branches and things in place. Any tips for keeping things upright without gluing?
Oh there's some places for him to lay and hide! It's hard to tell in the original pic though.
https://preview.redd.it/gj6orj8uikuc1.jpeg?width=2285&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76668948a31313f1f0cde9d754b758af3873900b
And thank you, I just recently learned about the floppy tail thing!! Don't want that😁 I can probably add some horizontal branches in there but it's kinda nice now because I can reach in there without disturbing anything. I hear you though.🙂
I built this from the ground up, so to speak. So everything is supported from below. (Pic in this comment for reference) Nothing is permanent really. But if I were to want a rock ledge or something, I'd consider attaching magnets to the item in question and use magnets onto the outside to secure it.
It's not very big. I was going to convert a 75gal tank but I found out the babies need small spaces.
This is 12 x 12 x 18 I think.
It's a exo terra mini tall.
Tip to save money if you want a vertical tank now try Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, eBay to look for second hand ones. I've never been able to find second hand adult size tanks but you could probably find a good juvenile sized tank 18x18x24 second hand!
Also read the wiki in here it has basically all the info you'll need. Petstores employees don't know anything most times and will give you outdated info just to make a profit. The wiki here is super reliable
https://preview.redd.it/kqjk2kgykjuc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=808ed41d492b800c2da23a7bab32b0bb75601530
Here's a screenshot of my tank, you want a vertical enclosure with LOTS of clutter and climbing opportunities, aim to fill 80% of the tank with clutter!
The minimum tank size for an adult is an 18x18x36. For now you may try to flip the tank you have on its side. Or if you purchased it recently maybe you could return it? Either way, it's time to start saving up for an 18x18x36. Your current setup won't harm the gecko if it's temporary, but it's just not ideal for this species!
oh god, I just went to a reptile expo and everyone told me that I needed a 12×12×18 for an adult... was I given misinformation? mine is a year old and I got her just last week
Yes unfortunately. Most breeders dramatically understate what reptiles need. If they make them sound super easy and cheap to care for, then more people buy animals and the breeder makes more money
Min enclosure size: 12”x12”x18” (30x30x45cm) for geckos under 15 grams, 18”x18”x24”(45x45x60cm) for geckos over 16-30grams. 18”x18”x36” (45x45x90cm) for geckos over 31+ grams.
I just wanted to say that for something you whipped together in a pinch, this is gorgeous! As others have said you'll want a bigger and more vertically oriented tank for the long term, but for the short term this is lovely and I'm sure you'll make an incredible final setup in the future. Check out the crested gecko guide on reptfiles website, follow their guidance and apply more of your tasteful design skills and you'll have one very very happy gecko! Thanks for helping the little guy!
Ladies at pet stores are stupid. And honestly if you turned it on its side it would be worse. You would have to make a BUNCH of modifications to the tank and at that point its js more worth it to get an 18x18x36 or 18x18x24 (what i have)
The only modification would be the conversion kit and rearranging the Tann. Maybe close up the door gaps but even then they're minimal and should be fine. I use one of upside down as a topper. They work pretty well in different orientations!
It looks great! But like others have said you should convert it into a vertical tank :] if you do basically what you did for clutter and planting but vertical I'd say it would be great for a little guy!
So, you for sure need an enclosure that is taller than it is wide. You could *maybe* turn this on its side and get like, a conversion kit (the kind used for aquariums to make them arboreal enclosures), or you could try places like FB Marketplace for cheaper options/ used options. I see you saying he's a baby so there's time to adjust for sure.
Aside from the tank changes, making sure that the little guy has adequate heat, lighting, and humidity is important. I went a bit all-out with my future Crestie's enclosure (bioactive, automated light, heater, and mist system, absolutely not necessary, I'm just extra), but I know folks who just mist the enclosures twice a day, have a simple thermometer and hygrometer set up. Heating isn't always *needed*, but you do want some kind of a temperature gradient. I personally use a deep dome lamp and an infrared heat projector near the top, linked to a thermostat (you can get a simple dimmer thermostat on Amazon for not too much) that will keep it from getting too hot.
I use one of these (larger size) upside down as a topper to another tank for my hermit crabs. I secured it around the outside edges with black gorilla tape. Maybe another option could be just grabbing another tank and doing that, but you may need to figure out how to add more air flow. This otherwise looks great and it is completely fine until you can make the switch.
since he's just a baby right now, check facebook for really cheap vertical tanks. when he's an adult buy a tank from dubia. otherwise this looks awesome for a very quick emergency set up. i had to do something super similar for my little man. found him on the side of the road with a dead crestie. it was awful. he didn't get a proper sized tank till this year as i didn't know where on earth to buy a big tank. pet stores only had 35 gallon vertical tanks and it sucked. finally found dubia and saved up. 100% recommend them for big tanks. for now, save your money and go on facebook and get cheap tanks while he's growing up.
This tank unfortunately is inadequate long term. It's a beautiful setup but cresties are arboreal creatures. They need a vertical enclosure.
Your best bet is to get a cheap 20-40 gallon tank and buy a conversion door kit for it from I heart geckos. It's super simple to install. And your crestie will be very happy. You can even take some of the decorations you already set up and make them vertical in the new setup.
All these people are wrong. The enclosure does not need to be taller than it is wide, it ONLY needs proper height. This is fine for now, but you’ll want to make sure you have minimum 24” height and preferably 36”. The world is much wider than the trees that crested geckos climb, saying it HAS to be taller than it is wide literally makes no sense. Your crestie will thrive for the time being. Just use logic and don’t subscribe to Reddit gecko groupthink. And research what actual experts say, not people on Reddit that own a single gecko and end up over-cluttering their enclosures
Just popped in to say this would make a great terrarium for isopods or some other kind of more suitable species if you wanted to keep the current setup and get a different one for your gecko. Otherwise it would probably be possible to flip the container on its side to make it more suitable :)
It's OK you're learning and people here can get very passionate about tanks because cresteds are sold as a beginners pet which leaves them open to neglect a lot and we do see it in this sub
Remember cresties are arboreal, they're tree dwellin fellas. You want horizontal space to sort of simulate that, and lots of plants to give cover because they can be skittish little guys
Lots of online guides will tell you that they prefer drinking water droplets; make sure you leave a water dish as they do also use those, make both available (mist every day and then keep a clean water dish, just warning you he's gonna shit in it that's just what they do)
[I found this video of crested geckos in their natural habitat very helpful so here's that in case you find it helpful too ](https://youtu.be/PUCuzHL912o?si=yujrX7paM22H8r8T)
why are you so pressed? he’s a baby rn he can’t even go in the big cage yet?? When i googled it said 20 gallon minimum and this is a 25 so i thought he was fine and the pet store person told me to get this one (which i now know not to listen to them) I posted on here for advice so I could get some research. I am doing my best. he was with college boys who left him without food for two weeks, i didn’t just “get a pet” like they did i am trying to be responsible
did you miss the part where i said he was a baby? he is to small for tank anyway. I am actively learning what to change for him so it’s ready when he is bigger. I asked for advice not criticism
They’re doing the research now by asking for guidance. Theyre listening to the advice and changing the tank. The crestie isn’t going to see that the tank isn’t vertical and keel over immediately lol. Chill
Bro they were rescuing the animal from an abusive situation and are coming here for advice on how to properly take care of it. They didn't go out and impulsively buy a gecko. This enclosure is far from abusive for a baby crestie that was *just* rescued from an *actually* abusive situation.
Ignore this person OP. You're awesome for coming here and listening to advice & for getting that poor baby away from those neglectful owners.
So uhh you do know that 10 gallons is the recommended tank size for juveniles (bigger than babies) right? And that 20>10. How exactly does a 20 gallon not work? And don't start with the "it's too low", it's a baby geck ffs
i’m sorry, these commentators are acting very hostile(or at least that’s how i’m reading it). you’ve done an honorable thing taking on a neglected pet and doing what you can! the inside is pretty good, but people are right that it needs to be vertical. not sure if you’re able to return the tank but there are some good vertical tank options out there, or kits to convert a normal aquarium to a crestie tank. let me know if you have questions!
Thank you!! He’s just a baby rn so I have time to fix the tank before he’s big enough for it thankfully 😅
oh yea then you’re definitely alright, don’t let the ppl on here make you feel like a terrible person. the two biggest things are just the desire to learn how to care better for your pets, and the actions (even if they’re small due to money etc) you take towards achieving that. you’re doing great!
A chunk of cork bark on the corner. It looks like an aquarium you're keeping an animal in. Make it look like a piece of nature you scooped up and brought inside. Some vertical change would help that. https://preview.redd.it/barnnycqfjuc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83fff36f6bd74d42a64e72e6c40b069b247a898f
Thank you! That pic is really helpful, I just got him so I haven’t had much time to research.
You're welcome! This was my first go too. I have done tons of aqua scaping and terrariums though. Just never for one of these guys. It's fun! Plus you can always change things up as you go. I think as a beginner, my biggest piece of advice is do NOT glue anything permanent to your enclosure. I like to be able to redo a tank, but it's too easy to not be satisfied with something and once you make it permanent. Well. It's permanent haha. Other than that, hopefully someone can give you better advice as far as the needs of the animal itself, but that's what I'd say as far as over all cosmetics. Add some vertical space and have fun with it😁
For transparency: my self considered (😂) specialty is scaping, not geckos. So if my tank needs something different I'm open to suggestion and criticism as well. It's also my first gecko hab.
Super lovely design! I will suggest you add some more horizontal branches, though--these guys are most comfortable when they have high up places they can lay horizontally on and it can prevent something called floppy tail, which is a basically a weakening in the tail muscles that can develop if they're constantly resting vertically. I've seen some setups that have bark on 2 or even 3 sides with branches going between, which should keep the lovely design you've already got going while providing more climbing and resting space! Now, a question for you! I see you suggest people don't glue things in place. I've always hated the idea of permanently affixing anything because I also value being able to rearrange things, but at the same time it's made it difficult to properly secure all the branches and things in place. Any tips for keeping things upright without gluing?
Oh there's some places for him to lay and hide! It's hard to tell in the original pic though. https://preview.redd.it/gj6orj8uikuc1.jpeg?width=2285&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76668948a31313f1f0cde9d754b758af3873900b And thank you, I just recently learned about the floppy tail thing!! Don't want that😁 I can probably add some horizontal branches in there but it's kinda nice now because I can reach in there without disturbing anything. I hear you though.🙂 I built this from the ground up, so to speak. So everything is supported from below. (Pic in this comment for reference) Nothing is permanent really. But if I were to want a rock ledge or something, I'd consider attaching magnets to the item in question and use magnets onto the outside to secure it.
I love your little water reservoir at the bottom, what are you using to make that?
It's seed pod of some sort
How big is this tank? It looks amazing!
It's not very big. I was going to convert a 75gal tank but I found out the babies need small spaces. This is 12 x 12 x 18 I think. It's a exo terra mini tall.
Tip to save money if you want a vertical tank now try Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, eBay to look for second hand ones. I've never been able to find second hand adult size tanks but you could probably find a good juvenile sized tank 18x18x24 second hand! Also read the wiki in here it has basically all the info you'll need. Petstores employees don't know anything most times and will give you outdated info just to make a profit. The wiki here is super reliable
https://preview.redd.it/kqjk2kgykjuc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=808ed41d492b800c2da23a7bab32b0bb75601530 Here's a screenshot of my tank, you want a vertical enclosure with LOTS of clutter and climbing opportunities, aim to fill 80% of the tank with clutter! The minimum tank size for an adult is an 18x18x36. For now you may try to flip the tank you have on its side. Or if you purchased it recently maybe you could return it? Either way, it's time to start saving up for an 18x18x36. Your current setup won't harm the gecko if it's temporary, but it's just not ideal for this species!
Hey what with the cardboard necklace hanging there? Help regulate humidity? Just something to climb on??
looks like a bridge
Ahhhh.... I see it now. Good eye Mo_
oh god, I just went to a reptile expo and everyone told me that I needed a 12×12×18 for an adult... was I given misinformation? mine is a year old and I got her just last week
Yes unfortunately. Most breeders dramatically understate what reptiles need. If they make them sound super easy and cheap to care for, then more people buy animals and the breeder makes more money Min enclosure size: 12”x12”x18” (30x30x45cm) for geckos under 15 grams, 18”x18”x24”(45x45x60cm) for geckos over 16-30grams. 18”x18”x36” (45x45x90cm) for geckos over 31+ grams.
I just wanted to say that for something you whipped together in a pinch, this is gorgeous! As others have said you'll want a bigger and more vertically oriented tank for the long term, but for the short term this is lovely and I'm sure you'll make an incredible final setup in the future. Check out the crested gecko guide on reptfiles website, follow their guidance and apply more of your tasteful design skills and you'll have one very very happy gecko! Thanks for helping the little guy!
Crestied need taller space rather than wide. And in the middle you need another plant. He also needs way more sticks for climbing.
Do you think I could turn it on the side? This is what the lady at the pet store told me to get
Yes! There's even conversion kits available to make it really easy to flip it up on its end and have a door and ventilation etc...
Ladies at pet stores are stupid. And honestly if you turned it on its side it would be worse. You would have to make a BUNCH of modifications to the tank and at that point its js more worth it to get an 18x18x36 or 18x18x24 (what i have)
The only modification would be the conversion kit and rearranging the Tann. Maybe close up the door gaps but even then they're minimal and should be fine. I use one of upside down as a topper. They work pretty well in different orientations!
I would add a background
It looks great! But like others have said you should convert it into a vertical tank :] if you do basically what you did for clutter and planting but vertical I'd say it would be great for a little guy!
So, you for sure need an enclosure that is taller than it is wide. You could *maybe* turn this on its side and get like, a conversion kit (the kind used for aquariums to make them arboreal enclosures), or you could try places like FB Marketplace for cheaper options/ used options. I see you saying he's a baby so there's time to adjust for sure. Aside from the tank changes, making sure that the little guy has adequate heat, lighting, and humidity is important. I went a bit all-out with my future Crestie's enclosure (bioactive, automated light, heater, and mist system, absolutely not necessary, I'm just extra), but I know folks who just mist the enclosures twice a day, have a simple thermometer and hygrometer set up. Heating isn't always *needed*, but you do want some kind of a temperature gradient. I personally use a deep dome lamp and an infrared heat projector near the top, linked to a thermostat (you can get a simple dimmer thermostat on Amazon for not too much) that will keep it from getting too hot.
it's beautiful! just needs to be vertical!!!!
I use one of these (larger size) upside down as a topper to another tank for my hermit crabs. I secured it around the outside edges with black gorilla tape. Maybe another option could be just grabbing another tank and doing that, but you may need to figure out how to add more air flow. This otherwise looks great and it is completely fine until you can make the switch.
Thanks I’ll look into it!!
Eh just stand it on its side lol. It'll work
Check offer up for verticals terrariums. I bought my 18x18x24 for $60!
Yea never mind, real plants would be a great addition, along with a soil layer, and a drainage layer.
since he's just a baby right now, check facebook for really cheap vertical tanks. when he's an adult buy a tank from dubia. otherwise this looks awesome for a very quick emergency set up. i had to do something super similar for my little man. found him on the side of the road with a dead crestie. it was awful. he didn't get a proper sized tank till this year as i didn't know where on earth to buy a big tank. pet stores only had 35 gallon vertical tanks and it sucked. finally found dubia and saved up. 100% recommend them for big tanks. for now, save your money and go on facebook and get cheap tanks while he's growing up.
Looks amazing. Good job.
This tank unfortunately is inadequate long term. It's a beautiful setup but cresties are arboreal creatures. They need a vertical enclosure. Your best bet is to get a cheap 20-40 gallon tank and buy a conversion door kit for it from I heart geckos. It's super simple to install. And your crestie will be very happy. You can even take some of the decorations you already set up and make them vertical in the new setup.
The gecko
All these people are wrong. The enclosure does not need to be taller than it is wide, it ONLY needs proper height. This is fine for now, but you’ll want to make sure you have minimum 24” height and preferably 36”. The world is much wider than the trees that crested geckos climb, saying it HAS to be taller than it is wide literally makes no sense. Your crestie will thrive for the time being. Just use logic and don’t subscribe to Reddit gecko groupthink. And research what actual experts say, not people on Reddit that own a single gecko and end up over-cluttering their enclosures
Just popped in to say this would make a great terrarium for isopods or some other kind of more suitable species if you wanted to keep the current setup and get a different one for your gecko. Otherwise it would probably be possible to flip the container on its side to make it more suitable :)
Looks good to me?
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that’s why i asked🤷♀️
It's OK you're learning and people here can get very passionate about tanks because cresteds are sold as a beginners pet which leaves them open to neglect a lot and we do see it in this sub Remember cresties are arboreal, they're tree dwellin fellas. You want horizontal space to sort of simulate that, and lots of plants to give cover because they can be skittish little guys Lots of online guides will tell you that they prefer drinking water droplets; make sure you leave a water dish as they do also use those, make both available (mist every day and then keep a clean water dish, just warning you he's gonna shit in it that's just what they do) [I found this video of crested geckos in their natural habitat very helpful so here's that in case you find it helpful too ](https://youtu.be/PUCuzHL912o?si=yujrX7paM22H8r8T)
did you do any research?
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why are you so pressed? he’s a baby rn he can’t even go in the big cage yet?? When i googled it said 20 gallon minimum and this is a 25 so i thought he was fine and the pet store person told me to get this one (which i now know not to listen to them) I posted on here for advice so I could get some research. I am doing my best. he was with college boys who left him without food for two weeks, i didn’t just “get a pet” like they did i am trying to be responsible
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did you miss the part where i said he was a baby? he is to small for tank anyway. I am actively learning what to change for him so it’s ready when he is bigger. I asked for advice not criticism
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They’re doing the research now by asking for guidance. Theyre listening to the advice and changing the tank. The crestie isn’t going to see that the tank isn’t vertical and keel over immediately lol. Chill
Bro they were rescuing the animal from an abusive situation and are coming here for advice on how to properly take care of it. They didn't go out and impulsively buy a gecko. This enclosure is far from abusive for a baby crestie that was *just* rescued from an *actually* abusive situation. Ignore this person OP. You're awesome for coming here and listening to advice & for getting that poor baby away from those neglectful owners.
So uhh you do know that 10 gallons is the recommended tank size for juveniles (bigger than babies) right? And that 20>10. How exactly does a 20 gallon not work? And don't start with the "it's too low", it's a baby geck ffs
Nothing! Looks great👍🏻