How to Build a Habitat for a Gecko

To create a habitat for your gecko, obtain an enclosure and fill it with objects like a substrate, logs and rocks. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the environment is properly arranged, lit and heated for your gecko's comfort. Putting together the habitat is not the end of the process. It needs to be attended to and taken care of for the length of your gecko's life.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass or plastic terrarium
  • Substrate
  • Rocks
  • Logs
  • Box
  • Damp peat moss or soil
  • Water bowl
  • Water
  • Heat source
  • Red or black lamp
  • Hygrometer
  • Thermostat
  • Artificial or real plants
  • Disinfectant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a glass or plastic terrarium. One gecko requires a 10 gallon terrarium, two require one that is 15 gallons, and three or four need a 20 gallon terrarium at minimum. Use a wire mesh lid on the terrarium.

    • 2

      Cover the bottom of the terrarium with a safe substrate like paper towel, artificial turf or newspaper. Whatever you use should be easy to clean and replace. Do not use wood chips, cat litter or gravel. Sand may be used unless you determine that it is causing problems for your gecko.

    • 3

      Place a shallow, flat bowl in the terrarium and fill it with water. Replace the water on a daily basis. Do not use a deep bowl. Geckos and feeder insects can easily drown in them.

    • 4

      Set up a landscape. Use rocks, plants and logs to provide areas for your gecko to climb and hide. Plants may be artificial or real, but if you are using a real plant, be sure it will not be toxic to your gecko.

    • 5

      Use smooth rocks or pieces of wood as areas for your gecko to be active or bask. The more geckos you have, the more of these areas you will need. Do not use anything with sharp edges, as these can be dangerous to your gecko.

    • 6

      Choose several heat sources to regulate your habitat's temperature. The overall temperature of the tank should be 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and somewhere in the 70s overnight. Basking areas should be 88 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Commonly used heat sources include heat tapes, red and black lights, and under-tank heaters.

    • 7

      Expose your terrarium to light from a red or black lamp for about 14 hours each day, except during the winter, when 12 hours each day is preferable. White bright lights can cause stress for a gecko, so avoid too much exposure to that type of light.

    • 8

      Monitor the humidity level in your gecko's habitat using a hygrometer. The humidity level should be 40 percent or lower, except in humidified shelters, which aid your gecko in shedding. These can be made by lining a box with something like damp peat moss or soil.

    • 9

      Remove waste, uneaten insects and skin that has been shed, and clean dirty objects every day. Replace substrate that needs it and disinfect the water bowl. The entire terrarium should be disinfected on a weekly basis.