temporary tank size

[maxvinyl]

I'll be getting a crested gecko in a couple of weeks and am in the process of setting up a bioactive vivarium (18x18x24) for him which likely won't be fully ready by then (I'd like to give the plants a little time to get settled before adding a gecko!), so I'm also going to set up a smaller, temporary tank for him to live in for probably one to two weeks, tops.

The problem is that I don't know what size gecko I'll be getting. I'm getting one from the local reptile expo, and my strong preference is for a male (to avoid the egg-laying--this is my first reptile, and it sounds stressful for a new reptile owner), so I won't be getting a baby but I also haven't been able to find a clear answer regarding what size a crested is before it can be accurately sexed. I obviously don't want to spend a ton on a temporary setup, but in the event I get a fully grown adult, I also don't want him to have to live in a too-small tank, even for a couple weeks.

I'm looking at an extra large critter keeper that's 15.75" x 9.38" x 12.5" WxDxH. Given that I don't know the size of the gecko I'll be getting, should this be sufficient, either for an adult gecko to live in for a couple weeks, or for a younger one that might not be quite large enough for the 18x18x24 to live in for a little longer than that? I know it's not large enough for an adult, but would it be acceptable for such a brief time, provided I furnish it appropriately?

 

[PoppyDear]

I think the extra large critter keeper is sufficient for a few weeks, if, as you mentioned, it is properly furnished. But critter keepers can be expensive compared to glass tanks! Why not try a 10 gallon (Dollar per gallon sale at Petco or 13 dollars at Walmart) and a lid? Either tank should do well with a younger gecko or an older, depending on what you get.

As for sexing, with experience and a loupe for example, many Crested Geckos can be sexed at 10 grams give or take. Thought it is much easier at 20. If you purchase an adult I am sure many vendors will have already sexed the gecko for you, although if you purchase a very young one you are taking a gamble.

I wouldn't be too worried about infertile eggs with females, although it can happen, it is more rare for Cresties. But if you feel a male is better for you then go for it!

I would love to see some pictures of the bioactive setup when done!

 

[maxvinyl]

Thank-you! I did consider something like a 10 gallon, but I thought a critter keeper might be more practical in the long run, since it's more lightweight, easier to store, and I could use it to transport him to the vet when need be. As long as the XL critter keeper is fine size-wise, I'm not too bothered paying a little extra for the convenience!

As cute as the baby geckos are, I'm aiming for one that's at least 20 grams, partly because I do want one that's sexed, partly because I'd like to get him into the vivarium as soon as possible, and partly because I'm not sure a baby one is the best idea for a new reptile owner. Despite all my research I'm still quite nervous I'll mess something up, so I think going with a sub-adult/adult male kind of alleviates some of my concerns. I'd love to watch a baby one grow, but realistically I don't think it's the best choice for me.

 

[PoppyDear]

I think you've made some good decisions for yourself and your gecko!

My first geckos (Leopard Geckos) were adults and I am glad I chose adults when taking the plunge as a new reptile owner, I understand what you mean. I did take on a 5 gram Crested Gecko and it was a wonderful (Albiet slightly more stressful), but a very good learning experience.

I wish you well!