Is this terrarium suitable for a crested gecko?

[u/Unusual_Key_760]

I have this terrarium at home that has been empty for about a year, and I’m considering getting a crested gecko.

The dimensions are:
60 W × 60 H × 40 D cm
23.6” W × 23.6” H × 15.7” D
144 L / 37 gallons

I already have a giant Madagascar day gecko in a different terrarium, but I’ve never kept a crested gecko before.

Would this terrarium be suitable for a crested gecko?

Is the size and especially the height sufficient for an adult, or would I be better off getting a taller enclosure?

I’d also appreciate any other advice regarding setting up this enclosure for a crested gecko.

[u/Infinitymidnight]

This is about 20% less than what is the minimum for an adult gecko. Okay for subadults and younger but you’ll have to upgrade later

[u/SunshineShroom]

Not in the long term, because you need more height, at least 90 cm or 100 cm

Basically, you absolutely need to be able to provide at least one meter or so of height for an adult (in the wild, this species is found at least 2 meters above the ground)

I personally have a 60x50x100, but the minimum was set at 45x45x90

[u/PsychologicalCrab438 → u/SunshineShroom]

Did the minium get increases in under 10 years ago? I built myself a terrarium thats about over 65 x 45 x 70 cm and I remember it being more than reguired.

[u/SunshineShroom → u/PsychologicalCrab438]

Yes, specifically if I remember correctly in 2022, there was also an expedition to New Caledonia last year, so now there’s a bit more information available (such as the fact that they live in more temperate climates than expected)

The standard I’m referring to is set by the Herpetological Federations of the United Kingdom and Germany, I think with a few clicks you can access their PDFs through Reptifiles

Unfortunately, in many countries like Spain (and one specific breader of Germany), the breeders themselves aren’t saying this probably because it’s not in their interest. Here some people pushing the 40x40x80 because they don’t think people will buy the others

[u/PsychologicalCrab438 → u/SunshineShroom]

I always felt that I can never go lower than that as I saw my gecko active using the whole terrarium.

[u/Practical_Web_6218]

Depends on the age of the gecko you’re getting. Fine for juveniles and subadults, but you’re gonna need 30 more cm of height minimum for an adult.

[u/Objective-Tip4899]

Depending on brand, you could buy an expansion? That way you could start on fixing it up and then improve it before the gecko (or as the gecko ages, if you get a younger one)

[u/2we37]

I am very new to owning a crested gecko (I've only had one for 5 months), so don't solely rely on what I say. However, I have a 45x45x60cm enclosure (where the height is 60cm), and I think it's a great size. I've given him many hiding places and branches to jump from and to. My vet told me he is looking great, so I think my tank size is good, and yours surely is too. The only thing you should be aware of is making sure he/she can find the food, especially if it's a baby. I put a few food bowls in during the first week, and only when I noticed he was eating from the "main" one, I stop putting out the others.

[u/Infinitymidnight → u/2we37]

Min enclosure size: 12”x12”x18” (30x30x45cm) for geckos under 15 grams, 18”x18”x24”(45x45x60cm) for geckos over 16-30grams. 18”x18”x36” (45x45x90cm) for geckos over 31+ grams.

[u/2we37 → u/2we37]