One of the more popular lizard pets in the past few decades has been the Crested Gecko. These geckos are a low-maintenance pet, meaning they are well-suited for children or first-time lizard owners who do not have a significant amount of time to devote to their pet’s daily care.
That being said, they are low maintenance- not no maintenance. Crested Geckos require care and attention just like any other pet. You still need to provide your Crested Gecko with the right environment to thrive in, one that mimics their natural habitat and makes them happy and healthy. A big part of this involves the humid environment of the tank.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Proper Crested Gecko Humidity and Temperature Levels?
- Can Humidity Be Too High for Crested Geckos?
- How to Provide Your Crested Gecko an Ideal Environment
What Are the Proper Crested Gecko Humidity and Temperature Levels?
Because they are temperate/tropical lizards, a portion of Crested Gecko care must be dedicated to finding the perfect high temperatures and humidity balance for a Crested Gecko terrarium. These geckos require an ambient temperature no lower than 67 degrees and no higher than 75. A slight, brief increase in temperature is generally not a huge cause for concern, but anything above the low to mid 80’s can quickly become lethal.
Ideal humidity levels should stay around 70% (+/- 10%). This can be done by misting the tank at the beginning and end of every day. Always be sure the cage is well-misted at night, as this is when the Crested Gecko is most active. If you are not around during the day or cannot physically mist the enclosure, you can buy an automatic mister. This will add humidity to the tank at timed intervals and adjustable intensity. You may also choose to provide your Crested Gecko with weak UVB lighting. UVB is not necessary for a healthy crestie, but does provide a natural element mimicking the sun which can increase activity and appetite.
Can Humidity Be Too High for Crested Geckos?
Actually, yes, you can accidentally make the humidity in a Crested Gecko tank too high. Crested Geckos need a relative humidity of 70 to 80 percent in captivity, with a water bowl. That does not mean “at least 70 percent.” An average humidity higher than 80 percent will cause health issues in the long run, such as respiratory infections and scale issues. To decrease humidity in your Crested Gecko tank, you can increase ventilation to allow for more air flow, drying out the environment.
How to Provide Your Crested Gecko an Ideal Environment
Crested Geckos need room to climb. You will need to provide a mix of live plants and branches, like driftwood, cork bark, bamboo, and vines at a variety of heights and orientations. They will hide in these plants for cover.
We also recommend that you use a substrate to line the bottom of the cage. When selecting a flooring for your Crested Gecko, think about their safety, the ease of cleaning the enclosure, and if the substrate aids in retaining humidity. Eco Earth coconut fiber or similar products are recommended, as they hold moisture and make cage humidity easier to maintain. Moss or peat are two other good choices.
If you have any additional questions about setting your Crested Gecko’s enclosure up correctly and achieving the right humidity levels, feel free to reach out and ask us!
