How to Set Up the Perfect Temperature and Humidity for Your Crested Gecko Enclosure?
Maintain a basking/warm side at 82°F (28°C) and a cool side at 72°F (22°C) with 50–70% humidity.
Creating the Right Temperature Gradient
To mimic the natural habitat of a crested gecko, your enclosure must have a gradient of temperatures. The warm side should be around 82°F (28°C) and the cool side should be 72°F (22°C). This range allows your gecko to self-regulate its body temperature by moving between the two sides.
Crested geckos are arboreal and do not require a heat lamp. Instead, use a heat mat placed under half of the enclosure to create the warm side. The cool side should be unheated, allowing the temperature to drop naturally.
Maintaining this gradient is crucial for their health and well-being.
- Warm side: 82°F (28°C)
- Cool side: 72°F (22°C)
- Use a heat mat under half of the enclosure
- No heat lamp needed
Controlling Humidity
Humidity in the enclosure should be kept between 50–70%. This range can drop to around 50% between mistings. To achieve this, use a water dish and mist the enclosure with water twice a day.
The substrate you choose is also important. A mixture of coconut fiber and peat moss is ideal for maintaining the right humidity level.
Monitor the humidity at the level of the gecko's body to ensure it's within the desired range.
- Humidity range: 50–70%
- Mist enclosure twice a day
- Use coconut fiber and peat moss substrate
Lighting Requirements
Crested geckos do not require UVB lighting, but they do need a light cycle. Provide a 12-hour light cycle with a 10-hour period of darkness. Use a timer to maintain this schedule.
A bright light should be placed on the warm side to simulate natural sunlight, but ensure it does not overheat the area.
- 12-hour light cycle
- 10-hour darkness period
- Bright light on warm side
Monitoring and Adjusting
Regularly check the temperature and humidity with a digital thermometer and hygrometer placed at the level of the gecko. Adjust the heat mat or misting schedule as needed.
Observe your gecko's behavior to ensure they are using both sides of the enclosure appropriately. If they are not, the temperature or humidity may be off.
- Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer
- Check temperature and humidity daily
- Observe gecko behavior
Keep reading about Crested Gecko: Crested Gecko care sheet
Related questions
How often should I mist my crested gecko's enclosure?
Mist the enclosure twice a day to maintain humidity between 50–70%.
What temperature should the cool side of the enclosure be?
The cool side should be around 72°F (22°C).
How can I tell if the humidity is too low or too high in my gecko's enclosure?
If the humidity is too low, the substrate will feel dry and the gecko may exhibit signs of stress. If it's too high, the substrate may be soggy and the air may feel muggy.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your crested gecko is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.