Crested gecko · Setup checklist

What supplies do I need for a crested gecko?

Crested gecko care begins with a tested adult habitat. The checklist below covers what you need to measure, maintain, and transport safely.

Every item should support the measured adult routine. Decorations cannot replace reliable controls or adequate space.

Use the practical checks
Adult crested gecko in a finished tall habitat beside organized blank-screen climate controls, lighting, feeding tools, a scale, and a carrier.

The short answer

Spend first on the home, controls, and backup plan for crested geckos

Crested gecko care begins with a tested adult habitat. The checklist below covers what you need to measure, maintain, and transport safely.

Adult home
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in) for one adult; larger furnished height is welcome
Warm zone
Basking area 26–28°C (79–82°F)
Cool and night
Cool area 20–24°C (68–75°F); A controlled drop to 18–20°C (64–68°F)
Humidity
RSPCA baseline 40–50% with brief rises toward 80%; RVC guidance 50–70%
UVB
Low-output UVB with a measured gradient near UVI 0.7 to zero shade
Food
A complete formulated crested-gecko diet is typical; use a reviewed plan for suitable insects and supplements

The honest fit

Would the adult routine work in your home?

Do this

  • Buy and test the adult enclosure before adoption.
  • Keep backup batteries, replacement dates, a carrier, and vet details.
  • Keep fresh water and monitor crested gecko behavior every day.
  • Record changes so a reptile veterinarian receives useful evidence.

Avoid this

  • Do not rely on an undersized all-in-one starter kit.
  • Do not spend the safety budget on decorative extras first.
  • Do not copy another reptile species' setup.
  • Do not treat a persistent health change as a shopping problem.
01

Build the adult home first

Start with the species adult minimum shown above. Add secure doors, ventilation, stable cover, and usable routes before choosing decorative plants or substrate.

The enclosure should be fully assembled and running before adoption. That week of testing reveals weak locks, unstable branches, unreachable cleaning areas, and climate equipment that cannot hold the target range.

Adult crested gecko climbing a sturdy diagonal branch through leafy cover at dusk.
02

Measure every life-support system

Use the correct thermostat for each heater, separate warm and cool thermometers, a hygrometer, plug timers, guarded heat, and measured low-output UVB.

Keep spare batteries and the lamp's replacement date with your records. A handheld infrared thermometer can help spot-check surfaces, but it does not replace fixed air-temperature probes.

Adult crested gecko in a tall planted habitat with sturdy climbing routes, cork cover, a feeding ledge, and fresh water.
03

Prepare food, cleaning, and transport

Set aside species-appropriate food tools, supplement storage, a gram scale, reptile-safe disinfectant, paper towel, a secure ventilated carrier, and the reptile veterinarian's contact details.

Keep reptile bowls, tongs, cloths, and waste equipment separate from human kitchen items. A complete setup includes money and a plan for replacement lamps, failed controls, veterinary visits, and safe transport.

Keep deciding

See the complete care picture

Sources and further reading