[turbohb25]

Hi

Im looking to get a crested gecko this weekend at repticon. From what i have been reading that they are a good begginer reptile. I was wondering what other kind of geckos besides leopard are a good begginer? I use to have a chameleon a couple of years ago so this isnt my first reptile. Also wanted to know if a 18x18x24 terrarium is ok for 2 cause there is a chance i might get 2 of them or should i just spend the extra for a 36x18x36 terrarium? any input would be helpful.


Thanks
Aaron

[thorrshamri]

Yes, a 18''x18''x24'' enclosure is ok for 2 ADULT cresteds- if you buy juveniles or half-growns, they will find it very hard to spot prey in such a big space, so in the latter case 12''x12''x12'' will be far more adapted to them.

Beginner geckos- there are many posts about it here, use the search engine Cresteds are a good choice though.

[Harvey]

In my opinion Fat tails and Pictus are very good for a beginner.

[thorrshamri]

Originally Posted by Harvey

In my opinion Fat tails and Pictus are very good for a beginner.

I agree on AFTs (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus), provided they are captive-bred.

As for painted geckos (Paroedura picta, not pictus ) I would be more cautious. Females are problematic, as once they have started breeding, they will not stop, and even separating them from males and a proper calcium/D3 may not avoid their death. Of course, if you intend to keep a lone specimen, then my remark does not apply

[turbohb25]

Thank you guys for the info. I think im going to stick with a crested gecko. i have another question you guys might be able to help with. I sometimes work late so i was thinking of hooking up my automated misting system that i use to use for my chameleon. Do you think it would be ok to hook it up so it can mist the nights i get home late?

Thanks

[thorrshamri]

Originally Posted by turbohb25

Thank you guys for the info. I think im going to stick with a crested gecko. i have another question you guys might be able to help with. I sometimes work late so i was thinking of hooking up my automated misting system that i use to use for my chameleon. Do you think it would be ok to hook it up so it can mist the nights i get home late?

Thanks

Cresteds don't need every day mistings from my experience. It will be ok with 3 mistings a week, f.e. with a manual sprayer used for plants

[Elizabeth Freer]

Originally Posted by turbohb25

Thank you guys for the info. I think im going to stick with a crested gecko. i have another question you guys might be able to help with. I sometimes work late so i was thinking of hooking up my automated misting system that i use to use for my chameleon. Do you think it would be ok to hook it up so it can mist the nights i get home late?

Thanks

If you wish to place BOTH cresties in the same vertical tank it is very important to know their sexes from the gecko-go ! NEVER cage two males together. Some people recommend NOT caging a pair together either. Two females would be fine.

I do spray my adult male crested heavily once a day in the evening, but he is forgiving if I miss a day here and there. Too much moisture will promote the growth of mold. You do not want to go there because mold is toxic. I keep a substrate of cocopeat fiber with a potted sanseveria/snake plant. Watering the plant increases ambient humidity.

It is important to have a wide bamboo tube or PVC tube for your cresties to hide inside. This helps them feel secure.

I place George's crickets in a 3 inch high ceramic dish...actually one of those teacups without handles Asian restaurants use. Some folks feed their cresties mostly Repashy's Meal Replacement Formula, but my George does not like it much.

[turbohb25]

Thanks everyone for the information. I picked up a male created gecko today at repticon. I'll will post pics later. I am still getting his terrarium together. Had one last question I know they are nocturnal but some people have light on there terrariums so I was wondering what kind of bulb would be safe? Thanks again.

[thorrshamri]

Originally Posted by turbohb25

Thanks everyone for the information. I picked up a male created gecko today at repticon. I'll will post pics later. I am still getting his terrarium together. Had one last question I know they are nocturnal but some people have light on there terrariums so I was wondering what kind of bulb would be safe? Thanks again.

UVB bulbs are not necessary IMO yet they cannot harm, provided they are 5.0 ones, not higher (the number indicates the % of UVB radiations in the bulb's spectrum). Otherwise, a low wattage incandescent bulb will do perfectly well- no need to purchase those expensive "reptile bulbs" which are nothing more than halogen spotlights I would recommend artificial lighting anyway, it is quite important to simulate night and day (10 hours of light in winter, 13-15 in summer, with gradual increases and decreases)

[crestokay]

I think the misting really varies where ever you live. for example i have to mist every day or else it will be too dry for them because i live in new mexico.