A Crested Gecko tank, or one for any reptile for that matter, needs to be the right temperature, have the right humidity, and be designed for the animal's needs. Crested Geckos need a taller tank with things to climb on, hide in, and a place to shed.
But why stop after the gecko's needs are met? A Crested Gecko can live for over fifteen years! There are people who don't even keep a couch that long. Why tuck a pet that could even outlive the family dog into a corner? Design a tank that looks great right in the living room and turn it into a decoration, not a design woe.
Choosing a Tank Stand that Fits the Home
A reptile terrarium doesn't need the sturdy stand a 300-pound aquarium requires. As long as the stand is sturdy enough to hold the tank and provides adequate ventilation, why settle for a bead board one from a pet shop?
Get a nice bookcase or TV stand large enough for the tank that matches the rest of the room. Make sure it has some cabinets and drawers to store the reptile supplies in. Now everything is organized, on hand, and out of sight. A solid cabinet can also hide the mass of wires and tubes that can build up.
Making a Vivarium with Live Plants
The tank can be planted with live plants for added beauty. Crested Geckos do well with java moss, pothos, and bromeliads. It's important to double-check each type of plant to make sure it isn't toxic for the particular species of reptile in the tank.
A planted tank is a lot more work and risks like mold are increased. The plants also have to be sturdy enough to stand up to geckos climbing on them. It's a good idea to mix in a fake vine for extra support. But all of this extra work can be worth it, especially with flowering plants, to have a little mini-greenhouse right in the living room.
Aquarium Furniture and Decor
There's no reason all of those fancy decorations for fish tanks can't go in a reptile habitat! They're safe and non-toxic and can withstand the humidity of Crested Gecko habitats. Just as long as it doesn't have any jagged edges or holes a gecko could risk getting stuck in, it's a perfect addition to a tank.
Pick a theme like Green Ruins and surround the Greco-Roman columns that fish love to swim around with plants and dirt. Geckos love to climb in and on the fish tank furniture and it adds an extra dimension to the tank. Keepers with multiple tanks can have a theme for each one!
Waterfalls and Features in Terrariums
A water feature makes a great statement in a Crested Gecko tank. These dew-licking reptiles will even drink from the running water. Non-toxic waterfalls designed for reptiles can be purchased in pet stores or a savvy keeper can make one with a pump, some tubing, and a container. The biggest risk with a waterfall is the water leaking and saturating the substrate. Be sure it doesn't leak or overflow!
For even more dimension, a fogger can be added to tanks that have enough water in them. A water feature is a great help with adding humidity and keepers with a reliable water source can leave for a few days without worrying as much about their geckos.
A Designer Reptile Habitat
There are many ways to increase the appeal of a tank without impacting functionality. Even though a Crested Gecko can live in a 20 gallon tank with a place to climb, why stop there? Get a 50 gallon, add some plants and a waterfall and there's a brand new piece of furniture for the living room.
The only limits to how great a tank can look are the keepers room-size, budget, and of course, imagination. A great looking tank will improve the life of the gecko and feel of a room. It will make a great conversation piece for years to come.
Katie Ouderkirk - Katie Ouderkirk started working at a barn when she was ten. As the years went on she worked at a number of different barns, two zoos, and ...
Join the Conversation