New crestie tank!!

[Paleofish]

Today i picked up this tank [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] and I got to say this thing is hude(pumpkin) I know it will look great when i get done with it.

[dean30bb]

awsome it looks masive

[Paleofish]

Yea it is(ghost) It's 18W X 30L X 31H So the cresties will love it and When i start adding stuff like the ground layer and Plants I will make a log thread.

[Paleofish]

This member on another forum said the tank maybe too big for the gecko or Geckos cause they might get stressed because they might not be able to find their food and Other things with the tanks size. So now i don't know what to do Should i go on and Get the one or Two gecko (When the tank is ready) Or go find a other species for the tank?


Please post your thoughts.

[Fishguy2727]

I have noticed what I call 'big tank syndrome' a few times. I think of it as them thinking 'Oh my God, this is too big for me! I must be food for something in here!'.

It is really not a problem. For crested geckos they make little magnetic mounts to hold food and water that you can put anywhere on the glass, so once they find a place to hide and hangout you can put it right there. They will settle in.

That looks like the giant tank we have at my work that we use for chameleons.

Are you going to go all out and set it up with live plants, soil, branches, bamboo poles, etc.?

[houie925]

as adults I would consider that a good size for 2 cresties. If the tank is to be heavily decorated and planted I would not worry about the "big tank syndrome." problem with big tanks and small herps is generally that the animals don't want to get out in the open for fear of being eaten so having lots of cover throughout the tank generally keeps them happy

[Paleofish]

Yea i plan on going all out on this tank.


The tank already has a dish silicone on the side of the tank But i can move it. I just have to re silicone it and You know the people that i bought this tank from had a chameleon in it lol

[Paleofish]

If the geckos are not adult size yet Should i have them in a smaller tank? Or would they be ok?

[Fishguy2727]

I would say try it out. If it seems to be an issue you can always set them up in a smaller tank.

Make sure there are no gaps, especially around the door. They can slip through some very narrow spaces, especially the small ones.

[Paleofish]

Ok thanks.:c12:

[Paleofish]

Ok for the base I am using hydroballs and I was wondering is a inch of them enough?

[Fishguy2727]

Some people use those, bioballs, gravel, others just suspend an eggcrate. I would allow for more than an inch before the soil layer.

[Paleofish]

How much would you say would be enough?

And could i mix gravel with the hydroballs?

[Fishguy2727]

I don't know how well they would mix. I would think the gravel would end up on the bottom, not that it would be an issue. I don't see why not.

I would do 2-3".

[Paleofish]

Ok then instead of buying 3 more bag s for $20 I'll just go get a 40 pound bag of pea gravel for $4.

[Paleofish]

Here is a picture of it with some hydroballs on the bottum.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[Paleofish]

Any ideas for plants?

[Fishguy2727]

Pothos is a definite. It will grow really well, is very hard to kill, and will help provide cover on the vines.

Other options depend on exactly how you setup the bottom.

[Paleofish]

Well the bottom will have 2 inches of hydroballs and Then 3-4 inches of coco husk. Does that help??

[Fishguy2727]

You can try different plants that are safe. Really the best way to find out is trial and error. I don't think anyone thought all the plants I tried in my 55 viquarium would, but every single one has (and is doing REALLY well). So I would just try a whatever you like and see what works. Just make sure it is safe for crested geckos.

[Paleofish]

Ok i like your english ivy I may have to try some of that.

[Fishguy2727]

Yeah, that one is definitely doing well. And if you talk to anyone who has tried to get rid of it in their yard you will know it is a hardy plant.

[Paleofish]

Hahaha well it will look great when it starts climbing the brenches i have in their.

[Paleofish]

Well i got a gargoyle gecko for the viv yesterday!!


][Only Registered Users Can See Links.] ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.)

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

He is a cool little gecko, I hope i can get a female by next year for breeding.

Oh man i forgot i haven't updated this thread since before i got the dirt for the viv. Sorry everyone.

Here is a pic of the tank now.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

I have added somethings since this pic, But it's pretty close to what it looks like now.

[Northernguy]

Your tank looks amazing!:22:
That must be a happy Gecko!

[Paleofish]

Thank you.

[Brookfish]

Now thats an awesome looking set up, nice job!!

[Paleofish]

Thanks:22:

[Jellygirl]

That's a lovely looking viv and gecko.
Jellygirl

[troy]

Good setup!thumbs2:

[Paleofish]

Thanks you two:22:


Well today he is calming down a lot and His color is coming back. I hope i can get him to eat his baby food today. He took a lick of my strawberry puree yesterday.

[Paleofish]

I was able to get the little guy to eat some yogurt and honey todaythumbs2: