Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All,

I am a herp keeper of many years, but just recently got my first Tokay Gecko. Few quick questions...

1)I know they are nocturnal, so is a UV bulb necessary? I was just going to get a red or ceramic heat bulb to keep on one end.

2)Is high humidity essential? Or can I just put a "Hide box" that has a narrow opening and a wet substrate inside where he can go if he needs to shed/"soak up some H2O"?

Thanks,

Nick

Good luck with your new guy. UV lighting isn't neccesary but a day/night cycle is. I've found that usung a uv light or actual sunlight for the day cycle helps keep their colors brighter. I only use overhead red lights for a heat source myself and has worked great. I believe the entire setup should be at a level around 70% with it reaching higher when you mist. I never had shedding issues at that level. Can't comment to much on just a humid hide because I don't use them for Tokay's. I switched to a soil/peat mix for substate and have much better results keeping a adequate humidity level at all times compared to using some kind of bark only, couple live plants does wonders also. hope that helps.
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My posts and replies are my experiences only
1.2.15 Tokays
1.4.10 Leos(13 albino)
1.2.0 AFT's(amel male)
0.2.0 Stenodactylus Petrii(Dune Geckos)