Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi.
A friend recently gave me a small viv. Its 16" square and 24" tall and has fittings for uv lights and stuff. I think he had anoles in it but I'm wondering if it would be big enough for some kind of arboreal gecko. Preferably one that is fairly easy to look after since I have not kept geckos before and so far I only have desert lizards. I quite like the look af satanic leaf-tail geckos but so far I heven't been able to find out how much space they need. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Hi,

If you're new to geckos, a Uroplatus (leaf-tail) is definitely not a good thing to start out with. They are easily stressed and rather fragile, and they need rather precise environmental conditions to stay well and happy. Look into getting a Phelsuma of some sort (day gecko) - I personally don't know much about them, I like the nocturnal stuff. You could also check into a house gecko of one species or another (Hemidactylus sp.). They make excellent started geckos, are inexpensive, and hardy. Or if you want to spend a little more to get something that is handlable, get a Crested Gecko (Rhacodactylus ciliatus). I would not keep more than a single crestie in that size tank though. Good luck choosing your new gecko!
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Too many to count Leopard Geckos
1.1.2 Cresteds (Rhacodactylus ciliatus)
1.3 Paroedura picta
1.1 Paroedura bastardi
1.1 Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
1.1 Cyrtodactylus louisiadensis
1.1 Gekko gecko
1.1 Pachydactylus turneri
1.1 Uroplatus henkeli
0.0.2 Hemidactylus turcicus turcicus

Snakes
1.0 Blizzard Corn
1.0 Christmas corn
0.1 Blood Red Corn
1.2 Reverse Okeetee corn (1 tang)

Yeah, a single crested gecko (Rhacodactylus ciliatus) would be good. A single animal or a pair of the smaller day gecko (Phelsuma) species such as, P. dubia (Dull day...), P. laticauda laticauda (gold dust day...), P. lineata sp. (lined day...), or P. quadriocellata (peacock day...). All I have just named are relatively easy to care for. Leaf tails wouldn't be the wisest choice for your first time arboreal gecko. I like the $2.00 "house geckos," you could keep four in your enclosure (no more and not 2 males). African house geckos (Hemidactylus mabouia), Mediterranean or Turkish geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus turcicus), or the pantropical house (Hemidactylus Frenatus). The only species I named you have a chance at letting cruise around on your hand with out escaping, is the crested gecko. You don't really want to handle your geckos often anyways.
Ashton