Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all! I am new to the forum and am thinking about purchasing a couple crested geckos (to add to my already herped out house)! I have read multiple care sheets as well as the entire archived and current crestie forum. There were, however, a couple questions I couldn't find answers to. So here I go:

1. I live in Phoenix, Arizona (yes it's HOT). My house stays between 70-78 year round. The air condition is ALWAYS running. Do I need to add any supplemental heat when it reaches the 70 mark? How will this affect the humidity?

2. Is there a nighttime bulb recommened so I can see the critters at night? I have an ESU combo light that holds a flouresant and two regular bulbs - will this work?

3. I have two choices for a cage (I would like to get 1.2 or 1.3). The first being an brand new ESU create-a-cage 16 x 16 x 23 that is equivalent to a 25 gallon. The second one is an approximately 40 gallon tall terrarium that is screened on the top and both sides. Which would be better?

4. Is there any place in or near Phoenix that sells good quality cresties? I haven't even seen any in PetSmart or PetCo.

Thanks to all who answer my post! I hope to be the proud owner of a crestie soon!
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TasiaMay - 2 green tree frogs, 2 green anoles, 1 house gecko

TasiaMay,
Congrats on you decision to get some crested geckos, you will not be disappointed .
In regards to your questions…..

1.) 70-78F is fine. Ideally it should be in the higher range (75-78F) but dips into the low 70’s are no big deal. Just make sure it is not for prolong periods of time (weeks), otherwise it might affect their appetite.

2.) If you need supplemental heat, which I doubt you will living in AZ, red bulbs will work fine for day and night.

3.) I would go for the 40 gallon. 25 is fine for a pair but it is a bit cramped for a trio and will def not be able to house 4 animals. I personally house all my animals separately but that’s my preference.

4.) Not sure about this one.

If you are looking for more info drop me an e-mail (up top) and I will send you a full care guide. Best of Luck.
-Mike

Thanks so much for the info! If I don't house my cresties together (which I probably wouldn't because I'm not sure I'm capable of taking care of a gravid female and her babies yet) would an 18 gallon high work for one crestie and the 25 gallon for the other crestie? Also, can you recommend a place on the internet to by a quality crestie? Thanks again!
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TasiaMay - 2 green tree frogs, 2 green anoles, 1 house gecko

4.Stay away from Petco.
.....they don't take care of their reps. at all, not from my experiences & from alot of other people I've talked to as well.
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1.0.1 Cresteds
0.1.0 Afican Fat Tail