Gecko Terrarium
How to Set Up Your Gecko Terrarium Properly
If you have plans to or have purchased a gecko, be sure you take the steps to set up the gecko terrarium properly. This will ensure that your pet is safe and comfortable from day one.
Gather all of the necessary items that you need. Make sure that your hands are clean and the area where you place the terrarium is swept and ready. Placing the gecko terrarium on a sturdy shelf or table will allow you to keep it at eye level, but reduce the risk of falling. A 10-gallon terrarium is adequate for your gecko.
Make sure to put your substrate heater on the opposite side of the terrarium from where you wish to place the sleeping or hide box. Your gecko will not want the substrate in the box to be too heated.
Spread the substrate across the bottom of the terrarium. Use sand, newspaper or shredded paper towel or artificial turf. Make sure the substrate is clean before placing it inside. Lay a 2 inch thick base. If you have a very young gecko, sand is not the best choice of substrate. If they eat it they can become quite sick.
Now place the sleeping or hide box in the opposite corner as the heater. Some people like to have the door or entrance of the hide box pointing out so they can have a visual of the sleeping gecko. Use your discretion.
Fill your gecko’s water dish with clear, fresh water. Place it on the substrate away form the hide box. Also fill the food dish (no crickets just yet) and place it near the water, away from the hide box.
Find a plastic container with a lid. Cut a hole in the lid large enough for your gecko to fit through. Make sure that the edges are not rough or sharp. Then fill the container with artificial moss and spray the moss with water. You are looking to create a humid environment for your gecko to climb in and enjoy. Put the lid back on.
Now hide the humid shed under substrate, leaving the hole open for your gecko to climb through. You may need to moisten the moss every once in awhile. Watch to see if your gecko is using the box regularly.
Find a large rock to place in the middle of the gecko terrarium. Your pet will enjoy laying on the rock, basking in the heat. Make sure the rock doesn’t have any sharp points that may hurt the gecko.
Finish decorating your gecko home with things like vines, things to climb or artificial greenery from the pet store. You are ready to introduce your gecko into his terrarium.
Make sure that you give your gecko a little time to explore his surroundings. Don’t introduce crickets until he’s had a chance to get comfortable.
Provide clean, fresh water and fresh food daily to your pet. Remember to keep up with cleaning the feces out on a daily basis.
Make sure to perform your weekly maintenance with diligence. Sanitize their food and water dishes. Also boil the artificial turf if that’s what you’ve used. Otherwise replace the shredded paper towel, sand or newspaper weekly.
Try to limit the humidity in your gecko terrarium, with the exception of the humid plastic box. Maintain a constant temperature of 75 to 89 degrees with an overhead heat lamp. Besides your substrate heater that lies underneath your base, stay away from other heating methods such as rocks. These have been known to burn or hurt geckos. Keep your overhead heat lamp away from curtains and any other flammable material.
Preparing your gecko terrarium is a task worth doing well. Follow all of the steps and be sure to give your pet time to get used to his new surroundings. Then enjoy your pet in his newly set up home.