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I have one large adult male crested gecko (had him about a year). I am in the process of setting up a 30 gallon high naturalistic terrarium for him. I have a couple questions for all you "crested pros" out there. To start off ... he only eats the CGD diet with occasional crickets & baby food as a "treat".

Q1 - I plan on putting a layer of potting soil (for the live plants) on the bottom, and then covering that with a layer of LARGE (probably 1" sq & bigger) pieces of coconut husk. This should be okay right - since he only eats the CGD (so there should be little to no risk of impaction)?

Q2 - The new terrarium has plenty of ventilation, so would adding a small waterfall (provided the pool isn't too deep) as his drinking source be a problem humidity wise?

Q3 - I have read that crested's don't need UVB light (his current cage does not have one), but would putting one on his cage for the live plants be a problem? I plan on turning it off at night.

Q4 - The cage sits in a room where it is 76 - 78 degrees in the day and 74 at night. Can anybody recommend a night time light that doesn't give off too much heat, while providing me with a bit of viewing and not interfering with his nighttime cycle?

Q5 (sidenote) - Has anyone put a pink tongued skink in with their Rachs ... as the new book suggests you can do? If you have and it has been successful, can anyone tell me the best place to purchase one?

Sorry the post is so long, but just wanted to make sure I get everything right before I put him into it.
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TasiaMay
~ 0.0.1 Crested Gecko - Moose ~
~ 0.1.0 Leopard Gecko (hopefully soon) ~
~ 0.1.0 Yellow Lab - Tasia ~

1) Just put down the potting soil and pack it down. Then put a layer of leaves over it. It looks cool, prevents impaction, keeps humidity up, and aids in the breakdown of waste

2) It isn't a problem humidity wise as long as there is enough vent. However, you will still need to mist becasue chances are he will not use the waterfall to drink out of.

3) No, uvb lights will not cause a problem. I would just buy a plant growth light bulb though. They are much cheaper.

4) Just get a 25 watt red light, put it in the corner of his tank and turn it off when you are done looking at him. Or do what I do and use a flashlight.

5) I wouldn't try it.

Steve

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I have one large adult male crested gecko (had him about a year). I am in the process of setting up a 30 gallon high naturalistic terrarium for him. I have a couple questions for all you "crested pros" out there. To start off ... he only eats the CGD diet with occasional crickets & baby food as a "treat".

Q1 - I plan on putting a layer of potting soil (for the live plants) on the bottom, and then covering that with a layer of LARGE (probably 1" sq & bigger) pieces of coconut husk. This should be okay right - since he only eats the CGD (so there should be little to no risk of impaction)?

Q2 - The new terrarium has plenty of ventilation, so would adding a small waterfall (provided the pool isn't too deep) as his drinking source be a problem humidity wise?

Q3 - I have read that crested's don't need UVB light (his current cage does not have one), but would putting one on his cage for the live plants be a problem? I plan on turning it off at night.

Q4 - The cage sits in a room where it is 76 - 78 degrees in the day and 74 at night. Can anybody recommend a night time light that doesn't give off too much heat, while providing me with a bit of viewing and not interfering with his nighttime cycle?

Q5 (sidenote) - Has anyone put a pink tongued skink in with their Rachs ... as the new book suggests you can do? If you have and it has been successful, can anyone tell me the best place to purchase one?

Sorry the post is so long, but just wanted to make sure I get everything right before I put him into it.