Newbie setup help.

[Muffins94]

Hey guys, I am getting a baby created sometime within the next couple months, and in the meantime I will be getting the setup and everything I need. I have a spare 10 gallon tank which I was going to use while it was growing, but I was told I shouldn't. That I need to get something at least 20" heigh, so I planned on getting the Exo Terra 18x18x24 terrarium. After that I'm sorta lost. I know you need lots of cover for them, vines and plants. But I've also heard its different for a baby. I've heard this all just across the Internet so I figured I'd ask first to make sure my set up would be okay. I planned on using coco fiber with a layer of moss for substrate. Is all this okay? Any help or pictures of setups would be appreciated SO much! I want to make sure I have everything correct before getting my new baby. Thank you!

EDIT: I found this online, would it be okay if I add more to it? http://www.pangeareptile.com/store/complete-crested-gecko-terrarium-set-up.html

 

[Aimless]

IMO, there's a ton of stuff in those "kits" that you don't need.

for me, a basic setup for a baby is a medium critter keeper, paper towel substrate, fake vines, and a TP roll for a hide.

once they're juvies (~10g), then they're ready for a 12x12x18.

you can get a 12x12x18 for $50-60, depending on where you go. the best is to find a shop or a local reptile show (there are several a year all over CA) so you don't have to pay shipping.

spend $8-10 on a nice healthy pothos plant. put in some drainage, cover with a little organic potting soil mixed with peat moss, add a few inches of oregon tree moss, put in a couple sticks, and you're good to go.

this whole, "deluxe" natural setup should be doable for well under $100, and give you a nice pretty cage that's not full of fake stuff.

 

[Muffins94]

Thanks Aimless! I actually have a medium critter keeper just chilling around! Sweet!:yahoo: As an adult, would you recommend the 12x18 or a 18x24? I have found the 18x24 at my local pet store for $109. And the 12x18 is $59. I'll only be housing one adult. I won't get that kit. I'll buy everything separately. As for the plants; I'm not really up to housing live plants, I hope that's not a problem. I prefer the fake plants, and I have such a variety where I live as they are available at pet stores as well as craft stores. Also for heating, I was planning to use a very small wattage bulb, because at times my room can get decently cold. How would I do this for the critter keeper? Since it is plastic...

IMO, there's a ton of stuff in those "kits" that you don't need.

for me, a basic setup for a baby is a medium critter keeper, paper towel substrate, fake vines, and a TP roll for a hide.

once they're juvies (~10g), then they're ready for a 12x12x18.

you can get a 12x12x18 for $50-60, depending on where you go. the best is to find a shop or a local reptile show (there are several a year all over CA) so you don't have to pay shipping.

spend $8-10 on a nice healthy pothos plant. put in some drainage, cover with a little organic potting soil mixed with peat moss, add a few inches of oregon tree moss, put in a couple sticks, and you're good to go.

this whole, "deluxe" natural setup should be doable for well under $100, and give you a nice pretty cage that's not full of fake stuff.

 

[Aimless]

I keep youngsters in their CKs either in my herp room (which sits right in their range) or in a warm room/place in my home.

you can do fake plants if you want, but don't underestimate the wonderfulness of a bioactive substrate.

I would also strongly encourage you to look in the DIY subforum here, and to spend some time searching the crested subforum. most of your questions have already been asked and the information is pretty easy to find.

 

[Muffins94]

Okay! Thank you! I can put it a fair distance from my Leo, it can get some air warmth. I'll use a thermometer of course. Thank you again, I just don't want to be unprepared.