Gecko Enclosure Setup

Start with an enclosure. Either an 18 × 18 × 24 or 12 × 12 × 24 is preferred for geckos over 20 grams. Under 20 grams, a smaller enclosure or even a plastic tub with ventilation will work — smaller geckos can sometimes have trouble finding their food in a large enclosure.

We prefer the Exo Terra brand of enclosure, but there are other good options. The enclosure pictured is an Exo Terra 18 × 18 × 24.

Start with Bio Balls or Beads to create a drainage layer — about 1 inch deep in the bottom. Zoo Med has a product called HydroBalls, but there are others that work just as well.

Add a screen cover between the bio balls and the dirt. This keeps the soil from falling into the drainage layer. Use aluminum or plastic insect screen so it will not rust.

Pangea has one available that is cut to fit, but hardware stores carry rolls you can cut to size.

Dirt should be something cleaned for reptiles — coco fiber or jungle mix works well. If you are adding isopods, add worm castings and limestone. Eco Earth by Zoo Med is a great option.

Any dirt from a home center must be organic and must not contain fertilizers (Scotts or Miracle Grow brands can have fertilizer even in organic, read the entire bag to check). We freeze our dirt before using it to make sure no insects are present.

Add branches for the gecko to climb on or rub their shed off on. Cork bark works well too. Spider wood is a great choice.

Some people use branches from outside, but make sure you don't use a type of wood that would be harmful. Any outside wood should be frozen or baked before placing it in the enclosure.

Geckos prefer to eat up high in the tank — NOT on the ground! There are many types to choose from. We like ones with two cups: one for water and one for food, and always something with magnets.

Add an additional ground water dish so they can soak their shed off, drink from, and to help keep humidity in the tank.

They need a hide to call home. This can be a wonderful cave by Firehouse Geckos, a coconut hut, or a rock cave — something safe and a place to sleep.

We highly recommend something WITHOUT suction cups, as they will eventually fall and could harm the gecko.

Add a touch of both live and plastic plants. Live plants support the isopods that will be added later, and large plastic plants serve as both decoration and a safe place for the gecko to lounge.