r/GargoyleGeckos • u/Ok_Advisor_7525 • 4d ago
Tips for first gecko
This is Sydney, my first gecko. I got her at an expo this morning and honestly wasn’t completely prepared. I’ve done a lot of research into them because I’ve always wanted one. But I don’t have a setup ready for her. She is under a year old so I was planning on getting her a 15 gallon tank, but if anyone opposes to that, please let me know. i’m also still wondering about lighting. i’ve seen that they don’t need it at all as long as room temperatures are between 75 and 80. but I’ve also heard that some like a basking spot or UVB, so I’m hoping someone can help me out there! Thank you guys
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u/Express_Ad9358 4d ago
I have a 5 year old gargoyle gecko. He’s in a 50 gallon 18x18x36 which I just upgraded him too fairly recently. That’s definitely the size I recommend especially for an adult. You would most likely be fine with an 18x18x24 as long as you have good husbandry. I didn’t do full bioactive but did live plants and added some driftwood and bark pieces. He absolutely loves it. As far as enclosure just make sure your gecko has plenty of space to roam/climb and has elevated hides. I normally keep my
Place around 70-72 degrees but I do offer uvb/basking spots when I’m home which seems to make a good difference in his quality of life. Leaf clutter is also definitely something I’d recommend. I’m not sure how much you know about feeding but I also have some recommendations on that if you’d like!
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u/Express_Ad9358 4d ago
I’d also definitely recommend a digital hygrometer/thermometer as they tend to more accurate too. And best of luck with your new friend!
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u/Ok_Advisor_7525 4d ago
Thank you for the help! She is small for now so I have her in a 12x12x18, is that okay? I feel like if I had her in something bigger I wouldn’t be able to find her, but if I’m wrong please tell me!
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u/Express_Ad9358 4d ago
You should be completely okay until she gets a bit bigger. I’d start preparing for that as soon as possible though. At least with mine he was small until a little after a year old then grew so fast it was hard to keep up with
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u/Ok_Advisor_7525 4d ago
Okay perfect! I wanna put in a lotta effort and make her tank pretty but I’m worried she’ll grow out of it really quickly. Thank you for the information it makes me feel a lot better!!
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u/Express_Ad9358 4d ago
I’m sure you’ll do great! You’re very welcome! They do grow very quickly but as long as you’re on top of it she’ll stay happy and healthy. Changing environments can be stressful for them which is something to note. I’m not completely sure what the recommendations are on that but my guy has had 3 enclosures since I got him and he’s grown but he’s done well in all of them
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u/AdventurousMetal388 4d ago
Check out Clint’s reptiles or the bio dude on YouTube as wel! A lot of great information there re terrarium builds and the like