Hello, Tokay Gecko Setup

NinjaofTerror

New member
Hi guys. I want to get as tokay I have a leo I have had for sometime. But now want something a little more advanced. Can you guys explain how i should setup a tank for one. I have a 30 gallon Tall I am gonna use. I want setup the tank before I acquire the animal and how much do cb specimens go for and is that the way to go. I have wc specimens can be hard to raise.
 

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
You can use wood but issues like mold and rotting will be a problem if it's not sealed well. I'd spend some time reading through the "naturalistic vivariums" and "DIY" forums here on GU for good ideas on how to go about it. If you're looking to try to save money, building it yourself won't likely save you much. You can get a zoomed or exoterra 18x18x24 for around $100 and not have to spend all the time and effort getting supplies and building. Even cheaper if you find one used on craigslist. But if you're building because you truly want something custom and unique, and you enjoy the build, then it can certainly be done.
 

billewicz

New member
Hello and welcome.

So, there's been tons written on this forum about enclosures but here's a few thoughts.

First, Tall!!! Minimum 24" to start if you are buying an Exo-T or Zoo Med product.

If you are building your own, 30" to 36" tall and you'll never need to upgrade as your Tokay grow past a foot long. And Tokay live in the vertical domain, so vertical hiding places and walls of a material that their foot pads will 'stick' to. That eliminates most plastics by the way. Glass is great. Polyurethaned/waterproofed/sealed wood will work too. And for the heavy duty, any stone especially slate is an all-time favorite of Tokay.

Using a fish tank tends to suck when you need to work on the enclosure if you are reaching in from above. Doors are a must, which allow side access without disturbing them. Remember predators come from above and will stress your Tokay into fight or flight when you reach in from above.

Ventilation is a must, so a screen top and some side venting would be good. You will be creating a very wet environment at 90+ degree temps which can breed trouble without good air flow.


As to your Tokay pricing question, here's a general ballpark:

Wild caught normals $15 to $25, plus the $125 reptile vet visit and fecal exam and internal parasite meds. (If you skip this part you have about a 10% chance of the poor guy making it, just read all the "HELP, sick Tokay" threads.)

Normal captive hatched, $40 to $50. This is when a gravid import drops eggs and they sell the un-sexed hatchling.

Normal Captive Bred, $80 to $125. These are domestically bred normal type Tokay that are usually old enough to sex, so they are around 8 months old.

Long term captives, treated and acclimated imports, $80 to $125. These are well established wild caught Tokay that should be free of parasites, eating well and healthy.

Morphs: $150 to $3,500. Typically 'fancy's, some of the patternless olives and greens will start around $150. Patternless powder blues and powder greens can range from $300 to $500.

Granite, Melanistic and lower grade Calico $500 to $750.
Better Calico, Leucistic and Caramel Albino, $1,250 to $1,850.

True Pied, $2,500, Super Reds, $3,500.

Obviously these are subject to market demand and availability and other factors. But just as a ballpark, this should get you close, enjoy.

Michael's Tokay Hoard @ www.billewicz.com
 

Tokayy

New member
CB tokays are roughly from $100 and can go up to like $550. I saw one at a repitile show last summer for $550, it was a female, CB and weight over 350 grams.

WC are very cheap from the pet store. There are pros and cons of both. WC are not too hard to raise really. Its a tokay and they are generally sketchy characters, as in they do not want to be held a lot, etc.
 
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