What is Reddit's opinion of Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Kit, for Reptiles and Amphibians, Mini Tall, 12 x 12 x 18 inches, PT2602A1?

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unfortunately tanks are very expensive. i have this one https://www.amazon.com/Terrarium-Reptiles-Amphibians-inches-PT2602A1/dp/B000OQW98Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=3QPZ8636CVLNA&keywords=exo+terra+glass+natural+terrarium&qid=1649534173&sprefix=exo+terra+glass+na%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-8 but if that is too expensive you can look for another like it. you can definitely look up front opening terrarium diys tho. :) just make sure that they arent the type that slide open (that could crush the snail and is just a really bad idea), it’s more than 5 gallons (you can look up what a tanks dimensions equal in gallons, has ventilation, and optionally you can get a glass one because they’re normally better.

I had a hygrometer and thermometer set up. I had humidity pretty much perfect the main problem I had was keeping a consistent temperature. I'd have to dig the enclosure I used out of my storage and check it out but I'm pretty sure this is it but if not this one is very similar https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Glass-Terrarium-18-Inch/dp/B000OQW98Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=exo+terra+terrarium&qid=1629873529&sprefix=exo+terra&sr=8-8

Well the thing is, it’s going in a glass eco terra terrarium and the light will be directly laying on top of the glass terrarium. It’ll be open be clear on all the sides besides the back of the terrarium. Just worried about giving the plants too much sunlight (if that’s hard) cause the light will be so close to then. So you think that even if I were to lay it on top of the tap, it’d still be good? Or I’ll have to get something else that’s farther away

Sure! Luckily crested geckos are one of the “easiest” and cheapest geckos to care for.

My gecko was about $50 from Petsmart (I know a lot of people advise not to purchase a reptile or any animal for that matter at chain pet stores.) I wanted to rescue one of the poor babies from these horrible places. He’s actually very healthy and I only had a problem with stuck shed with him. So far he’s been doing great. My bearded dragon was also from Petco and she’s had no problems. But if you don’t want to get a gecko from them you can always find a good breeder, go to a reptile expo, or find a seller online!

The tank I got was Exo Terra’s 12x12x18 terrarium. I got mine on amazon for $82 but I think the prices went up since then because of supply and demand. So you’ll probably be able to get yours between $80-100 depending on when you get one. This size tank is perfect for baby and juvenile crested geckos. Once an adult (12-18 months) you’ll need to upgrade the tank to Exo Terra’s 18x18x24 or a terrarium bigger than that. But the 18x18x24 is the minimum for adults and that is what I’m planning on upgrading to. I also wanted to mention since we’re on the topic of terrariums, that you shouldn’t buy the “crested gecko starter kits” from any of the pet stores. Most of the time they come with things you will need to replace or you don’t need and you’ll end up paying a price that is ridiculous. I found it was smarter to buy everything separate. This is the tank I currently have: Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Kit, for Reptiles and Amphibians, Mini Tall, 12 x 12 x 18 Inches, PT2602A1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQW98Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_957D7CNX5WH3727VXAAQ

As far as substrate goes, some people use paper towels or reptile carpet but I prefer loose substrate. I use coconut fiber substrate because it’s very good at keeping up humidity. It’s a soft dirt like texture. You cannot find the brand that I use in any stores, so you’ll have to find it on Amazon. It is $18.99. This is what I use: Critters Comfort Coconut Reptile Bedding Organic Substrate - Fine, 21 Quarts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NFCXYXF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CA0RBSJT5PTM9S3XE0WX

In my tank I have lots of foilage, 2 pieces of driftwood, a feeding ledge, a bark hide, a vine and a coconut hide. The foilage I have are a bunch of plants from craft stores. I got all the ones you see in my terrarium for about $20. Craft stores have a lot of variety of fake plants that are way cheaper to buy than ones that are specifically advertised for reptiles. However, if you do this you have to make sure any exposed/cut wires are removed or sanded down. Also make sure they are not fabric plants and are dye and paint free to make sure that they are safe to put in your reptiles cage and they can get wet. I am also going to get more fake plants from Petsmart next time I go to fill up some more space on the left side so this will probably add another $20 to my total. The driftwood you can get at any pet store as well as Amazon but it can get pricey. I spent 15 on the wood piece you see in the front. There’s also a large driftwood hiding behind the plants in the tank that I got for free from my grandfather. The feeding ledge I have is on Amazon for $20 (Zilla Vertical Décor for Reptiles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GY4MTHF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_K08E1ES4CHPR73H0F839). The bark hide that’s sitting on the bottom of my tank is from Petco and I think it was about $10. The vine I have is a large Exo Terra vine that was $13 (Exo Terra Jungle Vine, Reptile Terrarium Decoration https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PAY0B2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WVK2EKDGZNXRAXD625VP). Lastly, the coconut hide (I recently removed because it was growing mold due to high humidity, but I will be adding later) was also from Amazon. Mine was probably around $15. Theres a lot of options some with and without ladders, so I’ll let you decide your preference on those rather than giving you a recommendation.

Lastly the food/supplements. I feed my gecko Pangea, specifically the one with insects. A 1lb bag is $38 but this will last you quite a bit. You can also purchase a 2oz or 1/2lb bag. (Pangea Fruit Mix with Insects Crested Gecko Complete Diet 1 lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019P5ROWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0VGDM3CBHVRTR2651KSN). I recommend purchasing multiple types of flavors for variety for your gecko. I also have Zoo Med’s Tropical Crested Gecko Food which my gecko prefers, but I give this to him once a week because it doesn’t necessarily have everything that a crested gecko can benefit from when compared to pangea. I recommend Pangea and Repashy for a standard CGD, but if you’d like to get Zoo Med, offer it as a treat. It is not essential but some people also give geckos crickets once or twice a week dusted with calcium w D3 supplements. (Royal Pet Supplies Inc Zoo Med Reptile Calcium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UJSUO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S8PS1DP7MC5GWF5AJZ1T).

Some other things to purchase: Digital Thermometer/Hydrometer and a spray bottle. Keep in mind lighting and heating isn’t needed for a crested gecko unless your room is dark all the time or it gets too cold. Then I would get a ceramic heat emitter or just a heat bulb (no hotter than 25w)... —— I’d say between your enclosure, decorations, and food I spent around $200-$250 for everything not including my gecko.

I hope this helps. I tried to list everything out and provide information and links. I recommend doing more research. Youtube and Reddit are great places to get information regarding Crested Gecko care. There is a great care guide in this subreddit. If you have any questions please let me know. I am a new owner so I might not know every question but I can try :))