So, aside from beddings and lightings, adding in a live and non-plastic plant in their vivarium would keep them happy and make them live longer. In this article, we would be listing the best and safest plants for chameleons and crested geckos.

10 Decorative and Climbing Plants for Reptiles

Since chameleons and geckos have natural climbing behaviors, we would throw in several sturdy plants in the list, which are strong enough to support your reptile’s weight for your convenience. However, since not all plants are sturdy and small enough to fit in a terrarium, half of the list of plants would only be great for decorations, while the other half would be perfect for tall-large terrariums.

Now here is the list of plants for your reptile pets:

Golden Pothos

The pothos plant is a rapid-growing vine that has a vibrant green color and big leaves for climbing. When used for decorating your reptile’s vivarium, it would be best when it’s placed at the lower level of the tank to make a natural hiding spot for your pets. And since its vines are low-lying, it would evenly distribute the gecko’s and chameleon’s weight to prevent them from under their weight.

The great things about this plant are that it grows rapidly and can tolerate humid environments, which is what the chameleons and geckos require. Therefore, it’s a great addition to your pet’s tank.

Bird’s Nest Fern

This plant got its name because its leaves look quite similar to a bird’s nest. This unique plant is known for its rounded and wavy foliage growth, which is the reason why it appears like a nest. Since this plant could grow rapidly, it would be best to place it on the vivarium’s mid-ground as it grows tall and spreads wide.

However, the plant is not sturdy enough for your pets to climb on to, but it can live for a long time without much maintenance as long as the soil is kept moist. If your reptile’s tank is always lit with heating bulbs, make sure to always keep the plant’s soil moist to prevent the leaves from getting dried.

Chinese Evergreen Plant

If you want to add some style in your pet’s terrarium, the Chinese Evergreen plant would be the perfect plant that has style and color with low-maintenance.  This plant could thrive best in moist environments, but it could be a great addition in your pet’s vivarium. However, since this plant could grow rapidly, it should only be placed in a large tank.

This plant has large fronds and would be sturdy enough to support your reptile’s weight while climbing. Chinese evergreens may thrive best in a moist environment, but they would also do great in high humid vivarium settings. It is also wilt-resistant as long as it has enough moist in its soil.

Croton Petra Plant

Adding more color in your pet’s vivarium is possible with this colorful plant. Its fronds are broad and highly variegated, which provides a very sturdy climbing structure for your little reptiles. This plant usually grows big, but it could be cut down until it fits inside your reptile’s vivarium. You can use this as one of the main structural plants in your pet’s tank.

Unlike the other previous plants mentioned above, this plant requires moderate maintenance. It could thrive in your pet’s high-humidity vivarium, but it could be affected by sudden environmental changes. The sudden drop and regrowth of the leaves are normal, so there’s no need to worry about it dying. They’re very tolerant in humidity, so it would work great in your pet’s tank with proper watering.

Sansevieria Snake Plant

The snake plant, or also known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, is a unique plant that has upright shoots that are shaped like a sword and has a bright green color. Since the plant’s leaves could grow quite tall, it could be tricky to place it in a small tank. Therefore, this plant is only recommended for tall and large terrariums.

The leaves of this snake plant can be an attractive addition to your reptile’s tank, but they aren’t ideal for climbing. Therefore, this mostly serves as a decorative plant in the tank, as well as a good hiding spot. In addition, the plant’s leaves are very hard to damage making it one of the hardiest plants on this article.

Dracaena Fragrans

Now, this is a classic terrarium choice for reptile owners. The Dracaena fragrance, or also called as Jade Jewel, could thrive well and could be placed anywhere in the enclosure as this plant is a slow grower. It’s also low-maintenance and could tolerate any humidity levels, as long as it’s planted in a well-draining pot.

The leaves of the Jade Jewel are large and usually covered in green and white stripes. It can also support your reptile’s weight, making it ideal for their natural climbing behavior. In addition, it is also a hardy type of plant which makes it a great addition for reptile terrariums.

Bromeliad Plant

Here is another famous live plant option for your reptile’s terrarium. The bromeliads usually come in different varieties, therefore you could all kinds of bromeliad plants for your pet’s tank. One of the plant’s features, why it makes it so unique, is that it doesn’t require any soil to grow. In the wild, these plants grow at the tree’s side and don’t require too much maintenance.

When you place this plant at the side of a cork or woody base, it would create a sturdy background with colorful fronds and could even support your pet’s weight. This is a relatively hardy type of plant but would require a bit of effort when it comes to its planting stage. The maintenance of bromeliads will depend on its species, the air type bromeliad has the lowest maintenance.

Alocasia Polly

The Alocasia Polly, or also called as Elephant Ears, are known for their fabulously large leaves. It also usually comes with bright coloration, such as silver-veined colors against the light green color. Some Polly plants also come in purple and red hues. It could be tricky in placing in small terrariums but still provides a striking appearance nonetheless.

When it comes to your pet’s basking session, the leaves of this plant are sturdy and large enough for them to bask on to. The stems are also strong enough to prevent drooping. However, this plant requires high maintenance and may not be ideal for beginners. It could thrive in terrarium environments but would require specific care to live inside the tank.

Lemon Button Fern

This plant got its name because of its lemon-scented and button-shaped leaves. This plant is best to be used as a background plant to add visual appearance, and to provide a Jurassic era-like environment. It’s tiny, but bright-looking button-shaped green leaves could help brighten up all kinds of reptile habitats. Therefore, this is a good decorative option for your gecko’s and chameleon’s vivarium.

Although attractive, the leaves aren’t sturdy enough to support your gecko or chameleon’s weight. But it does provide a good hiding spot for them. In addition, they are also very easy to maintain as they could thrive in humid environments. And as long as the plant’s soil is moist, the plant would stay bright and happy.

Creeping Fig Plant

This plant is mostly preferred as a background type of plant, rather than a climbing one. The creeping vine would thrive as a background plant in your pet’s terrarium, and it would act as a clinging vine that creeps on any types of surface that it can. This could be an attractive addition to your pet’s enclosure, however, it would require regular pruning to keep the plant in check.

As we’ve mentioned, the plant is only good to be used as a décor rather than an essential climbing plant for your pet. This is because the plant has small and delicate-looking green leaves. Like most of the plants in this article, the creeping fig plant is also a rapid grower and could live really well in humid environments. Therefore, this makes it an excellent filler plant but would require regular pruning.

Conclusion

The reason why we have listed real plants iof fake ones is that reptiles would prefer natural vegetation. For most reptile owners, they would surely agree that nothing can beat the way of using real branches and plants when setting up terrariums. In addition, most plants on the list above are low-maintenance which makes it a great choice for those who have busy schedules.

However, if you insist on using fake plants rather than the live ones, then we suggest that you get those from Exo Terra, Fluker’s, and Zilla.

The post Best Plants for Chameleons & Crested Geckos Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

And since you will be spending money, it would be great to choose the best possible incubator in the market today. After all, reptile keepers who choose to invest in poor quality incubators end up with a handful of dead eggs as a result of improper humidity and heating.

You don’t want that and we certainly do not want that for you. So, we have gathered here only the best reptile incubators to help you with your reptile breeding.

Hova-Bator Still Air Reptile Egg Incubator

The Hova Bator actually calls itself the best small incubator in the world. And although the brand has a strong group of followers among poultry keepers, this very item can now also be enjoyed by the reptile keepers, thanks to their “still air incubators”.

Now, Hova Bator removed the egg turning functionality so that every reptile keeper can now successfully use it. This particular reptile incubator features a chest-style design with 2 glass windows in the lid so you can observe your incubating eggs.

It is quite neatly designed and comes with a ventilation system which heats the air inside and allows a gentle rise up through the vents, while fresh air is taken through the vents at the bottom part ad warmed. This system helps in preventing the buildup of “stale air” which encourages mold to grow on the reptile eggs.

Designed specifically for reptile breeders, this reptile incubator pack also includes several handy accessories. There are the stand-alone hygrometer and thermometer for measuring the condition within the incubator. Then there is the provision of pots and substrate into which you can place your reptile eggs and ensuring that they only get the best possible care.

The only downside of this amazing reptile incubator is that it does not have a cooling system and only one for warming. However, this does not seem to affect the eggs or results at all.

Happybuy ReptiPro Reptile Incubator

You probably have not heard about the ReptiPro before this article. This handy reptile incubator is sold by lots of Amazon sellers and is one of the top recommendations of most reptile keepers.

The ReptiPro 6000 is an upright reptile incubator which looks like your favorite beer fridge. It features 2 movable shelves and a small area at the bottom where water can be added to raise the humidity inside the device.

Being dimension-wise, this reptile incubator only measures 24 cm deep, 27 cm wide and 37 cm tall. These are internal dimensions which only means that this reptile incubator offers quite a generous amount of space suitable for incubating a large group of reptile eggs.

But, the biggest reason as to why most reptile keepers love this incubator is because of its extremely accurate and precise temperature controls. The reptile incubator can maintain temperature from 0°C – 40°C or 32°F – 104°F that is controlled through a digital readout. Such temperatures are suitable for any reptile eggs— from ball pythons to tortoises, to corn snakes and bearded dragons.

The ReptiPro is also one of the very few reptile incubators which actually has a cooling system as well as a heating setting which offers superior control on the internal temperature. Moreover, since this incubator comes with a cooling function, it can also be used for herps which require a winter cooling period— like some amphibians— offering you versatility.

Zoo Med ReptiBator Reptile Egg Incubator

From the reptile keeping experts comes the oddly-named “ReptiBator”— Zoo Med’s very own “tub style” reptile incubator. Not like the Hova Bator with 2 small windows in its lid, the ReptiBator maintains complete visibility because of its clear lid. This feature might actually be useful for people who wish to make a quick visual check on their incubating reptile eggs.

The ReptiBator can control temperatures between 15°C – 40°C or 59°F – 104°F although some reptile breeders complain that this one is not always completely accurate, unlike the ReptiPro. Meanwhile, it is nice to note that the manufacturer offers a built-in temperature alarm which can be handy in case of major problems like a power interruption and is designed so that when electricity is restored, this reptile incubator remembers your pre-selected temperature choice and re-establishes it as quickly as possible.

The ReptiBator also offers a quite generous amount of space with dimensions of roughly 15” x 15” x 6” which is enough to house multiple clutches of egg at one time. One final point worthy of mentioning is its reservoir built at the base which allows you to pour in some water and placing a foam matting down and carefully placing your incubation containers. This is such an efficient and easy way to increase the humidity inside the incubator.

Unfortunately, some user complains about its cheap and flimsy build quality. Users claim that it might be quite overpriced for its construction. Also, this incubator only heats, and does not have any cooling system in case of overheating.

Exo Terra Reptile Egg Incubator

Another popular brand name in the pet supply industry, the Exo Terra will not miss the opportunity to provide its very own reptile incubator. This particular model is one of the more commonly-encounters egg incubators in reptile stores. Unfortunately, just because they are regularly stocked does not necessarily means that they are the best solution for incubating reptile eggs. However, it still has some great features that you might want to consider.

Superficially, the Exo Terra incubator looks similar to the ReptiPro 6000. But in terms of reliability, this model has much to be desired. Unlike conventional incubators, this model automatically starts its cooling system when the temperature exceeds the desired incubation temperature. It also automatically switched back to its heating mode, when the temperature drops too much. Such cooling and heating combination is actually useful during rapidly changing environments.

It comes with digital temperature control and a bright LED indicator as well as a dual slide out shelves in order to maximize incubation space. It also has an interior light switch in order for you to easily monitor your reptile eggs without disturbing the incubation process. Eco Terra also offers a slide-out tray at the bottom for adding water to provide humidity inside.

Great as it may sound, some other reptile keepers reported that this device does have a short lifespan as well as an issue in maintaining suitable temperature and that it would just suddenly die without any warning. This might cause numerous failed clutches especially if you do not have any “spare” incubators.

Little Giant Still Air Reptile Incubator

The Little Giant Still Air Incubator Kit is another great reptile egg incubator that comes with everything needed for your hatchling success. This incubator is well-built and sturdy enough, and yet so lightweight that you can easily move it around your house if required.

Its lid comes with 2 large viewing windows in order to make checking your reptilian eggs convenient and easy without opening the incubator so that no humidity or temperature fluctuations happen.

The incubator’s interior contains a 40-watt heating element and also include both hygrometer to monitor humidity and a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside— both of which can be viewed through the LCD digital display. If necessary, each can also be adjusted and changed using those buttons placed under its digital display.

And just like the Hova Bator incubator, this model also comes as a kit complete with substrate and bowls, making it a perfect choice for amateur breeders. With the included accessories, clutches can each be placed to separate bowls which contain moisture-retaining substrate which is quite helpful since it secures and keeps the eggs from drying out.

This also means that you can easily add additional water when requires in order to monitor and keep moisture levels on individual clutches. And the fact that they are in bowls only means that they are very easy to move or remove from the incubator for inspection.

The only downside is that this incubator needs to be placed at room temperature in order to properly work. So, when the season is a bit crazy, who knows what will happen to your precious clutches.

R-Com PX-390 Juragon Pro Reptile Egg Incubator

The Juragon Pro Reptile Egg Incubator from R-Com is not as popular as the other products on this list, but it comes with a worthy reputation among breeders. For one, it features a well-built and large construction with a carrying capacity of up to 100 eggs at once. So, if you are a full-time reptile breeder, this may be a great choice for you.

Also, due to its different settings available, this egg incubator is suitable for a wide range of reptiles including turtles, lizards, and snakes. The incubator features a large screen on the lid, offering an easy viewing for your eggs as well as making inspections a hassle-free process. Its foam tray inside gives you the freedom to add the desired substrate as well as positioning the eggs in roomy arrangements. Plus, there’s also a handy waterhole in its exterior for adding water without disturbing the internal environment conditions.

Now, that’s not the best part yet! Its best features are its user-friendliness and extremely easy to understand interface that makes it great for beginners. Everything on this incubator is labeled and easy for you to understand, including its plus / minus button for humidity and temperature alterations as well as everyday temperature gap function that helps handle ay temperature fluctuations. Lastly, the reptile incubator comes with a handy alarm that will alert you in case there are any sudden changes in the humidity or temperature inside the incubator.

RCom Digital Egg Incubator

Another great reptile incubator from R-Com, the Suro features automatic Egg Turning via the use of a turning cradle. The incubator also has a full temperature and humidity control, complete with an easy to read digital readout.

Featuring a high refined designed with a streamlined shape, this incubator can fit just about anywhere. Suitable for both beginner and professional breeder, it is suitable for both poultry incubation and reptile breeders. Humidity and temperature calibration and can be set by the user.

The incubator has a capacity of at least 24 eggs and comes with a large clear view window for viewing and egg inspections without disturbing the incubation process. It also includes a universal tray that can accommodate all egg types. The incubator is also among the easiest incubators to clean on the market today since it can be easily disassembled and assembled.

Conclusion

Breeding reptiles are such an extremely rewarding experience. However, there is no doubt that it does need a particular level of commitment— both in terms of study and time. But, just seeing the process of new life hatching right in front of your eyes is definitely worth the effort, and the process will teach you a lot and your passion for reptiles and with the natural world is bound to grow profoundly.

So, if you want to experience that, then a reptile egg incubator is a must. And choosing only the best reptile incubators I’ve given you from the above list the best way to ensure a successful and proper hatchling development and the experiencing the joy of breeding these wonderful creatures!

The post Top 7 Best Reptile Incubator Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

However, with the market offering so many different options, it might be quite difficult for you to decide which one fits your reptile needs. So, if you are currently scratching your head in trying to decide which one to choose, then I’ll gladly lend you a helping hand.

Here, I have compiled only the best reptile thermostats and made it easy for you to decide.

1. iPower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat

The iPower Digital Thermostat is Amazon’s Choice for “reptile thermostat” and is arguably the simplest and cheapest of all. This one is a simple mat, meaning that you only need to turn it on and off as necessary in order to maintain a good vivarium temperature.

This thermostat is not suitable for heat bulbs or ceramic heater and only works with low-powered heat mats. And just like heat mats, thermostat comes with a very simple design that lacks bells and whistles. Simplicity and reliability, this mat only needs to be plugged into your heat mat. No day or night variance, automatic cut off, just set the temperature and you’re good to go.

The mat displays temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius and can be set from 40°F – 108°F or 5°C – 42°C. Keep in mind, however, that temperatures are dependent on the power of the heat mat itself.

Pros:

• Temperature control in cold or warm environments
• Highly versatile
• Easy plug-in operation
• Features LED indicator lights
• Cheap

Cons:

• Not enough to create extra warm hotspots

2. Habistat Dimming Thermostat

This thermostat from Habistat is designed to control light bulbs and provides one of the most accurate methods of temperature control. This dimming thermostat comes with 2 plug sockets which make it very easy to use.

It is very accurate and comes with handy features that once you set it on the dial as soon as it reached the desired temperatures, it will automatically shut the bulbs down. The thermostat can be also used on almost any heaters and once you set it up, it will run in the background, offering a stable environment for your reptiles.

Pros:

• Plug sockets are provided by the manufacturer
• Does not damage light-emitting sources
• Temperatures can be set beforehand
• Highly accurate
• Auto shut off
• 2 plug sockets

Cons:

• Not designed for non-light emitting heat sources

3. Herpstat 2

The Herpstat 2 is a digital proportional thermostat that is suitable for proportional heating. It is a system which constantly monitors and adjusts the amount of heat that it produces in order to maintain the target temperature.

This thermostat is suitable for initial warm-ups where soft start-up slowly applies power in order to avoid any damage that is caused by overpowering. It is ideal for heating a vivarium as well as managing humidity, lighting and cooling. Thanks to its selectable temperatures, this thermostat can simulate moonlight, sunset, and sunrise.

Individual night or day schedules can also be set as well as setting different temperatures for each output. In order to ensure its efficiency, it features a high or low-temperature tracking which monitors the heating system.

Pros:

• Temperature tracking to monitor heating system
• Precision temperature sensors
• Day or night schedules can be set
• Programmable
• Soft start-up to avoid damages caused by overpower

Cons:

• Not great if you are looking for a static temperature which does not vary throughout the day

4. Century Digital Mat Thermostat

Amazon Bestseller for Terrarium Heat Mats, the Century Digital Mat Thermostat offers an effortless heating setup by simply setting the temperature probe, plug the controller and use its 3 large button interface to choose your desired temperature setting.

Its digital display support units in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. The thermostat is handy with LED heating and its power indicator lights allow you to know the controller’s status even during the night or in total darkness. The controller features an easy to read display and a hanging tab inside a tough plastic housing.

Its cord for the temperature probe as well as the grounded 3-prong plug measures an extra 6 feet in length and is designed to suit almost any application you can imagine— heating, fermentation, brewing, rooting and germination.

Pros:

• ETL listed
• Extra-long cords
• Highly versatile
• Easy and effortless heating setup
• Bright, easy to read display
• Strong and sturdy housing

Cons:

• Not suitable in water

5. Vivarium Electronics VE-300 Thermostat

The VE-300 Thermostat is an upgrade of the previous thermostats from Vivarium Electronics. This proportional thermostat s a tabletop model that is designed to sit nicely on top of your cages or racks, so you do not have to worry about mounting it or dealing with stands.

Being a pulse thermostat, the VE-300 is ideal for ceramic heaters. Its temperature control range is 25°F – 140°F. Featuring an auto shut off features, it helps prevent overheating. It also comes with sound alarms (if requested) when particular temperatures are reached. This way, you will be alerted should the temperature in your vivarium suddenly drops.

Another great feature are that it offers an automatic lowering of temperature at night which makes your life a bit easier and allows a natural cycle of temperature throughout the day

It has a single outlet that can be easily expanded with the use of outlet strips, allowing it to control multiple heaters at once. Its standard display shows the current time of the day, current setpoint value and the current probe temperature settings. Featuring a 3-button keyboard, this thermostat is very easy to navigate through with its large backlit display making programming quite intuitive and easy.

The thermostat comes with a cool feature, stacking cases. It can stack on each other for a very professional and neat appearance. Both fuse and probe are easily replaceable and it comes with probe cord locks in order to prevent unintentional unplugging.

Pros:

• Stackable
• Large backlit display
• 3-button keyboard
• The single outlet can be expanded with the use of outlet strips
• Automatic temperature drop at night
• Auto shut off feature
• Sound alarms
• Ideal for ceramic heaters
• Tabletop model

Cons:

• Not recommended for incandescent bulb

6. Bayite Digital Outlet Thermostat

The Bayite Digital Outlet Thermostat uses independent heating and cooling in order to keep your vivarium in the right temperature range. With its waterproof sensor, this thermostat can control the temperature more accurately and features with a low or high-temperature alarm.

Although a perfect reptile thermostat, this product is also suitable for incubation, pet breeding or as an aquarium heater. It also comes with an automatic power on delay that helps protect its compressor for longevity.

Furthermore, with this thermostat, exhaust fans will do most of the work and start at about one every two minutes, making it the perfect product if you are looking to save some money on electricity.

Pros:

• Saves money on electricity
• Can be used as a cooler or heater
• Waterproof
• A wide range of uses
• Temperature alarm
• Automatic power on delay

Cons:

• Does not have a timer

7. WILLHI WH1436A Digital Thermostat

This digital thermostat from WILLHI can be used to turn on and off electric appliances at the desired temperature. The thermostat features low and high-temperature alarms, which notify you when the desired temperature is reached, or when temperature overshoots or suddenly drops.

It also comes with an auto-shutoff timer that should help you save on electricity as well as keeping your life easier. In order to help keep the temperature at the desired range, this thermostat turns on or off your device at a certain set of degree, switching easily from refrigeration to heating mode.

A great thermostat controller, it can also be used for electric radiators, accelerating germination, aquariums and home brewing.

Pros:

• Auto shut off timer
• Can switch from refrigeration to heater
• Versatile for various uses
• Temperature alarms
• Waterproof thermocouple included
• Compressor safety timeouts

Cons:

• Does not include the battery

8. Inkbird Dual Stage Digital Thermostat

This digital thermostat from Inkbird is so easy to set up making it a perfect item for those who are not an expert in handling reptile thermostats. Featuring a dual display window, you can check measure temperatures and set temps at the same time. With the built-in dual relay output, you can connect it to heating refrigeration equipment at the same time.

In case of damage, its sensor can be easily replaced. Also, when a sensor error or an over-temperature occurs, an alarm will go off that allows you to identify the problem quickly and easily. This thermostat also supports reading in Fahrenheit and Celsius units, making it extra convenient.

Pros:

• Includes a manual
• Temperature calibration
• Over temperature and sensor fault alarm
• Dual relay output
• Reading in both Celsius and Fahrenheit
• Dual display window

Cons:

• Not suitable for water tanks

9. Leviton TBL03-10E Slide Control Lamp Dimmer

Leviton is specialized in producing lighting controls and dimmers, bringing Energy Smart Living to your home. This tabletop slide control dimmer is suitable if you wish to adjust the light in your tank, depending on the hour of the day which allows you to simulate sunset or sunrise and nighttime with no problem at all.

This device cannot only be used for reptile tanks. It can also be used around the house and can replace standard wall switches in order to provide immediate savings on your electricity bills.

The devices require no installation and are compatible with halogen, incandescent, and dimmable CFL and LED bulbs. Furthermore, its 6-foot cords make it easier to reach any outlet.

Pros:

• Versatile use
• 5-year warranty
• Tabletop design
• 6-foot cord
• Requires no installation
• Compatible with halogen, incandescent, and dimmable CFL and LED bulbs
• Cheap

Cons:

• Dimmer is a bit quirky
• Not specifically designed for tanks

10. Vivarium Electronics VE-200D Thermostat

Another dimming thermostat, the VE-200D from Vivarium Electronics offers the same quality experience you should expect from the new VE-300, but with the inclusion of incandescent heat lamps.

Featuring a slightly different temperature range from the VE-300m the VE-200D is capable of controlling temperatures between 40°F – 150°F. The thermostat can also control heaters with a total of up to 700 watts and offers a day or night temperature drop as well as an automatic safety shutoff in case of high temperatures and saving cost in electricity,

It has a full backlit display that makes it easier to read during nighttime. The thermostat can also remember the last temperature setting during a power failure

Pros:

• High controlling temperatures
• Control heaters of up to 700 watts
• Day or night temperature drop
• Auto shut off feature
• Suitable for incandescent heat lamps
• Full backlit display

Cons:

• Not suitable for fluorescent bulbs and mercury vapor

Conclusion

As we all know, reptiles love some heat, but they also need some cool space to hang out. So, what better way to regulate their tank temperature than the best reptile thermostat out there? Regardless of what you choose from the above list, you will have a quality and valuable purchase with every item.

The post Top 10 Best Reptile Thermostat Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

A humidifier can purify the air that can give the comfort, safety, and health benefits to your pets. This is a great idea if they have allergies because properly humidified air can reduce the symptoms. It can even save you from veterinary bills and free you from worries.

Top 10 Best Reptile Humidifier

There is a lot of reptile humidifier available in the markets today. It comes in a variety of foggers, misters, and different materials to help regulate the humidity. Make sure to research well what is best suited for your reptile before buying one.

To help you decide, here are some of the best reptile humidifiers:

1. Evergreen Reptile Humidifier

This reptile humidifier is perfect for your reptile that is in need of a moist environment. It is easy to assemble with full sets of instructions and tips that can offer a longer lifespan compared to another humidifier. The Evergreen Pet Supplies Reptile Humidifier’s tank can hold up to two liters and has a no-spill valve, flexible adjustable hose, and a dry-run protection which automatically shuts off when it is empty.

Pros

• It gives a consistent output and well-built.
• It runs quietly, ideal for indoor use.

Cons

• The tank is hard to refill, you need to remove everything and put it back again.
• The humidifier only lasted only for a shorter period than it promised.

2. Coolspider Reptile Humidifier Fog Machine Mister

This reptile humidifier is an ultrasonic cool mist fog machine with a durable and flexible hose that automatically shuts off when the water level is low. It has a powerful fog output that can fill up ultra-fine cool mist into a large tank cage. The Coolspider Reptile Humidifier Fog Machine Mister is ideal for humidifying a terrarium or vivarium with a natural fog cool and full anion to make their habitat fresher.

Pros

• It is great in giving the amount of fog you need for you reptile housing.
• It has a high-quality warranty for about a year after the purchase date.

Cons

• The release mechanism does not allow water to enter the ultrasonic base to create mist.
• The tube does not always stays or seals the place.

3. Aiicioo Reptile Humidifier Fogger

This reptile humidifier has a humidification system that is one of the key accessories for many reptiles and amphibians such as geckos, snakes, turtle, iguanas, frogs, and a variety of plants. It has a large three-liter tank that you can set the desired mist level and non-stop humidifier for up to 12 to 24 hours. The Aiicioo Reptile Humidifier Fogger has an automatic shut-off when the water runs out and turns it on again after refilling it.

Pros

• It has an almost no-noise feature under 30 decibels that is great for you and your pet’s sleeping habit.
• It has a large tank that reduces your job in changing the water on a regular basis.

Cons

• The item worked great in the beginning but started leaking a few weeks after.
• The warranty is just a month.

4. Zoo Med Reptirain Reptile Humidifier

This reptile humidifier has programmable misting for terrariums, cages, and indoor gardens. It has four spray interval settings and duration settings. The Zoo Med Reptirain Automatic Terrarium Mister contains mounting hooks, 6-watt AC adaptor, remote nozzle extension, and suction cup hold down.

Pros

• It is fully programmable, portable, and easy to use.
• It is perfect for dry climate places.

Cons

• The spray end has the tendency to drip and leak.
• The misting system stops after a month and you need to pay for the repair.

5. Oiibo Reptile Humidifier

This reptile humidifier works silently as it infuses clean and moisturized air that provides your reptiles the moist environment they need. It easy to refill just by pouring water into the orifice at the bottom of the tank. The Oiibo Reptile Humidifier is easy and safe to use for a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Pros

• It is really easy to fill the tank from the bottom.
• It is impressive how quiet the unit is while working.

Cons

• The item works great except that it is difficult to clean inside.
• The mist comes out sometimes and the tubes collect a lot of water.

6. Zoo Med Reptile Fogger Humidifier

This reptile humidifier has the ability to increase the humidity inside the terrarium with adjustable fog output control. It contains a no-spill valve which makes it easy to refill the water bottle. The Zoo Med Reptile Fogger Terrarium Humidifier can be used with a Zoo Med HygroTherma to have an exact control to the humidity and temperature.

Pros

• It comes with a 1-liter bottle, no-spill valve, and all the necessary fittings.
• It has a 3-month warranty.

Cons

• The vaporizer got clogged and broken after.
• The humidifier stopped within a month of use.

7. Blue Spotted Deep Jungle Fogger

This reptile humidifier provides the necessary moisture and humidity for your pets’ well-being. It has a compact design, adjustable flow control, and fan-less for silent operation. The Blue Spotted Deep Jungle Fogger promotes a healthy, safe, and natural behavior of the reptiles by giving the right humidity level and environment.

Pros

• It gives a deep jungle rainforest environment with its cool-mist compact ultrasonic fogger.
• It is ready to use that includes a mounting clip, extendable hose, and no-spill attachment.

Cons

• The product did not seem to turn above 75% of its power.
• The fogging tube got leaky and broke quickly.

8. AGPTEK Mist Maker Fogger Air Humidifier

This reptile humidifier is using an ultrasonic electronic technology to create a magical effect on your tanks, ponds, and even swimming pools. It can produce a large amount of mist that with no heat or chemical used. The AGPTEK Mist Maker Fogger Air Humidifier is safe, easy to operate and strive to offer customer satisfaction.

Pros

• It has an attractive LED lights that change colors randomly.
• It has an output voltage of 24 volts that is very safe to use in the water.

Cons

• The mist maker is messy and dangerous as it spits water everywhere.
• The spray drops all over and empties the water into the container quickly.

9. ESUMIC Mist Maker Fogger Air Humidifier

This reptile humidifier is best for terrariums, indoor foundations, and other decoration use. It is easy to install and convenient to operate with 12 automatically changing colors LED lights to add an amazing look to the rockery. The ultrasonic atomizer releases negative ions which makes the air fresher and healthier by reducing the dust and bacteria.

Pros

• It adds a stunning mist effect to any tank or pond.
• It filters the bad smell with its electro and ultrasonic technology.

Cons

• The unit started to corrode on the outside after days of use.
• The fogger stopped working within 2 weeks.

10. Pravono Reptile Fogger Humidifier

This reptile humidifier can give your pets a fresh, healthy, and moist skin by using distilled or pure water. It has two mist working modes that is super silent when running. The Pravono Reptile Fogger Humidifier can be used as a flowerpot, where green plants can grow on top.

Pros

• It has a large water capacity that can use for a long time without adding water every time.
• It is super portable with its small size.

Cons

• The packaging has no proper directions.
• The item is quite expensive.

Now that you know some of the best reptile humidifiers, you can choose from these top 10 what is right for your pets. Along with pros and cons, you can balance which one to buy. These reptile humidifiers can be found in the nearest pet stores or online shops.

Proper Caring for Reptiles

If a dog or cat seems to be a bit ordinary for your taste, then maybe choosing a more exotic animal like cold-blooded creature can satisfy your needs. Reptiles and amphibian, known as herptiles, have different requirements and needs special care. So before you visit a pet shop to get your own lizard or snake, there are few important things you need to consider, and here are some of them:

1. Reptile Size

Different cities, states, and countries have specific rules for keeping certain kinds of reptiles. There are endangered and protected creatures that will require you to several regulations. You can check with your local wildlife department to give you information with regards to pet a reptile.

When it comes to considering reptiles as pets, size matters. You need to make sure how big or small the animal up until it reaches its maturity so you will know the size of your tank. Although it does not mean that their growth will not be fully developed, however, their health will be affected.

2. Reptile Housing

Thinking about what kind of cage your reptile will need is also important. Their habitat must provide them enough space to move around and escape-proof for your convenience. Animals like snake grow a massive size so it is essential to have the appropriate vivarium or terrarium for them.

Maintaining your reptile’s cages clean can keep your pet’s health in shape. Animals are also susceptible to bacteria and infections like salmonella that can be transmitted to humans. You must schedule a regular cleaning and periodically disinfecting the reptile’s cage for a healthier environment.

3. Reptile Nutrition

There are a lot of commercial diets available for reptiles but giving them fresh foods is better. Some of them need worms and mice, while others require fruits and vegetables. You must be willing to put in some effort and money to provide the food they need.

Also, it is not enough that you can feed them with the right foods. Part of your job is to give them the necessary amount they need to consume in a day, week, or month. This way, you can maintain the well-being of your reptile while preparing yourself for budgeting your pet’s food expenses.

4. Reptile Temperature

Cold-blooded animals cannot maintain their body temperature on a regular basis. It is in your hand to give them the right temperature for them to survive. You can ask for professional help on the proper heating devices for the reptile you have chosen.

In cold weather, most reptiles need to feel warm, but that is quite hard especially indoors. Infrared heaters are gaining popularity because it can give the feel of sunlight through its infrared light. You can check for the best-infrared heaters out there that best suits your pet’s needs.

5. Reptile Humidity

One of the most essential things that your reptile need is the right amount of humidity. In their natural habitat, the reptile can create a stable humidity just by moving from one place to another, depending on the climate they need. There are animals that can develop serious health problems when they are in a dry place, while others can lead to fungus and bacteria with too much moisture.

That is why you have to make a way to provide the proper humidity in your pet’s tanks. It can be a vivarium with water filtration or a terrarium with air humidifier. You can also add alert devices so you will stay updated on the right humidity level.

If you want a pet that you can snuggle and play with, then reptiles are not for you. There is a different level of how much or how little care these species need. A lot of pet store which specializes in reptiles can guide you in safe ways of taking care of them.

Conclusion

It may seem a lot of sweat and effort to take care of a reptile, considering the special requirements they need to survive. However, they can make a terrific pet that can live long and healthy with proper guide and care. You just have to keep in mind that all pets should be treated just like a family member to help them live a happy life.

The post Best Reptile Humidifier & Foggers: Reviews & Guide 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

But before you rush into a pet shop and get your own crested gecko, you must learn first the things you need to do. You must have a background first of their natural habitat, food source, and the proper way of taking good care of them. So let’s start by tackling the common facts about crested gecko.

Crested Geckos Background

Correlophus rhacodactylus ciliates, also known as crested geckos, originally came from a group of islands between Fiji and Australia, New Caledonia. They are one of the most ideal reptile pets for beginners because of its easy requirements. Also, crested geckos are simply tree inhabitants which are perfect for displaying them in the vivarium.

Being the rarest lizards to capture, crested geckos became the standard in the pet industry so they are bred in large numbers for future pet owners. Both female and male crested geckos grow only in a moderate size of 8 to 10 inches and weigh about 35 grams when they reach their 15 to 18 months of age. Taking care of them properly can give them a life of up to 20 years.

Crested Geckos Housing

Keeping crested geckos will never be your problem. You can just simply put them in glass terrariums and screen cages, or in a fancy vision cage or Penn Plax cage if you want to display them. Most keepers prefer a lightweight and easy to clean explorariums and reptariums to keep more than one gecko.

These cages are best to place outside to give those crested geckos the experience for natural sunlight. However, crested geckos are extremely active especially in the evening, so it is necessary to give them enough space for them to move around. A 20-gallon tall cage is sufficient for a single pair of crested geckos.

Aside from the size of the housing, owners must also take into consideration the gender of the animals as it varies from babies up until its maturity. Male crested geckos tend to be aggressive when placed in a single house, particularly when there is a presence of a female crested gecko. The remedy for this problem is to put several female crested geckos with a single male crested gecko or a single pair is the best option to maintain the unity in a housing.

Crested Geckos Temperature

The good thing about the crested gecko is that they can survive at a room temperature. It does not need to be near a window to have sun exposure as it can generate heat quickly. Unlike plants, the ultraviolet light is not beneficial to them.

Keep your crested gecko in a safe temperature between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important that you keep the temperature at its perfect range for day and night because reptiles are ectothermic or cold-blooded. But it does not mean that their blood is cold that it requires an external heat for their digestion. Reptiles are poikilothermic which means their internal temperature is enough for their metabolism.

Keeping the crested gecko’s warmth can help them to grow. Along with proper food and maintaining the right temperature, they can grow faster. And in the winter season, their growth slows down, as well as their appetite, so using a heat lamp or heating device can help to keep them warm.

Crested Gecko Lighting

Finding the Best Lights For Crested Gecko do not necessarily need a special light. However, incandescent bulbs can produce a very hot environment inside a small housing, and even CFL bulbs, so it is important to monitor the temperature accurately. Also, specialty bulbs such as infrared bulbs and moonlight bulbs may affect their natural nocturnal behaviors.

You can choose to use a UV light for a crested gecko as they can serve Vitamin D3 from the UV wavelengths and support natural behaviors. They are also quite competitive due to its effectiveness with minimum costs. Just make sure to provide plant covers as protection for eye damage from a constant exposure to UV light.

Here are some of the Best Lights For Crested Gecko housing:

1. Exo Terra Repti-Glo Version 2.0

Exo Terra is a brand of the compact fluorescent tropical lamp that is ideal for glass vivarium. Repti-Glo 2.0 has a lower UVB output compared to other light for crested geckos. It is also made to help plants grow by providing a suitable light. A 13-watt version lamp is enough for nocturnal crested geckos or you can use a higher watt for an alternative UV light.

2. Zoo Med Nano Dome Lamp

This 2-in-1 fixture is made of solid metal with easy handles and 2 ceramic sockets with each socket can manage up to 40 watts. Also, it is the perfect compact combo for fixture amphibians and reptiles like your crested gecko and is exclusive for Zoo Med Nano heating and lighting devices. And not to mention, it comes with a full year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can enjoy this for your pet’s house.

3. Zoo Med Nano Basking Lamp Spot

Designed for a small type of housing, Zoo Med Nano Basking Spot Lamp has smaller and concentrated basking area. The lamp can provide enough heat to allow your crested gecko to thermo-regulate as needed. This is an excellent choice for type of lighting that fits any type of reptiles and amphibians.

4. Exo Terra Repti-Glo Version 5.0

One of the best UV light for crested geckos is the Exo Terra Repti-Glo 5.0. It is a compact fluorescent tropical lamp made especially for a terrarium. This is ideal for a distance of 12 inches that can provide a very useful UV light. Overall, it is a good small bulb for pet owners who want to have the necessary UV light that the crested gecko needs.

5. Zoo Med Basking Spot Lamp

Not only great for crested geckos, Zoo Med Basking Spot Lamp is popular for other reptiles such as ball phytons, tortoises, monitor lizards, and more. It uses a patented reflective coating that focuses more energy into the area to improve the temperature. The basking lamp is beneficial to make sure that the feeding response, breeding behavior, and daytime activity are well stimulated.

6. Zoo Med Mini Deep Dome Light

If you want to use a light with mini CFL UVB or just a standard size incandescent lamp, then this Zoo Med Mini Deep Dome Light is the right one for you. It can handle up to 100 watts with the single ceramic insulated socket and has a durable metal constructed fixture with a reflective finish which provides a more focus light for your crested gecko. It has a 5.5 inches diameter at base, on and off switch, and can be connected to a mechanical timer to regulate the day and night cycle.

7. Exo Terra SolarGlo

If you want a high level of UVB, light, and heat, all in 1 bulb, then Exo Terra SolarGlo is the ideal lamp for your crested gecko. It provides the natural sunlight while keeping a proper balance of UVA and UVB, visual, and heat light that is perfect for professional breeders. This light can deliver up to 20 inches away and ensure the appetite, brilliant colors, and calcium absorption through Vitamin D3 production.

8. Zoo Med Nano Halogen Heat Lamp

Looking for a long-lasting and cost-efficient heat lamp for your crested gecko? Then this Zoo Med Nano Halogen Lamp is what you need. It is a compact halogen bulb that has an incredible long life which means can save you energy. To prolong its life, make sure to avoid having skin contact with the glass, moving, handling, or vibrating the fixture.

9. Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0

Another 13-watt bulb that is great for vivarium is this Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0. As the name suggests, it provides 5% of UVB which can help your crested gecko to absorb the needed Vitamin D to avoid skeletal and metabolism problems. Also, Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 has a long life compared to others that only last for a couple of weeks.

10. Zoo Med Nano Ceramic Heat Emitter

The standard ceramic light fixture is what Zoo Med Nano Ceramic Heat Emitter is all about. It does not emit any light that can disturb the day and night cycle which can last up to 5 years. This is a great choice for reptiles like crested gecko who needs a boost in ambient temperature.

Taking Care Of Crested Geckos

As animal lovers, you must take care of your pets properly, especially for those unique ones. Crested geckos are very interesting pets with their colorful skin pattern which makes them one of the most popular pet reptiles. You need to make sure that they will have a safe, comfortable, and clean place to live in, with proper foods to ensure that they will live a long and happy life.

Here are few steps in taking care of your crested geckos:

1. Set Up A Housing

Crested geckos live in the trees, so putting up a vertical terrarium is perfect for them. If you own a baby crested gecko then you can start with a 10-gallon housing up to 20-gallon tank. It needs to be placed vertically so they could climb around and not just crawl on the ground.

Humidity is also crucial for crested geckos. You have to spray some water to the entire tank at night and few in the morning so they could drink. Using a screen cage when you are in a humid place can be beneficial to your pets.

2. Add A Layer Of Substrate

Pet stores have available soil meant for reptile housing that is usually a combination of peat moss or coco fiber and soil. Place enough amount of substrate to the terrarium until it covers the bottom well. You just have to keep in mind that ingesting any type of substrate can harm the crested gecko so it is advisable to use newspaper, paper towels, or carpets meant for them.

3. Put Live Plants Inside

Having plants such as pothos and bromeliad inside the housing will give your crested gecko the opportunity to climb or hide under them. It gives them the natural feel of their habitat and regulating the humidity in the terrarium. You can add suction cupped plants to place on the side of the cage.

4. Give Them Something To Play

Just like any other pets, you can give your crested gecko something they can play on. You can put pieces of driftwood or bark inside the terrarium.  They will surely love to climb and crawl under them making them feel just like their natural habitat.

5. Keep It Warm

Even when they are cold-blooded, crested geckos came from warm habitat so it is necessary to keep their housing warm all the time. However, do not make it too hot, a temperature from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is the perfect range. You can add in a temperature gauge to regularly monitor the temperature inside their terrarium.

6. Maintain The Humidity

When the temperature is between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is a must to maintain the humidity inside. Buy a hygrometer and attached it to the side of the terrarium to keep track on the exact humid inside. Don’t forget to spray a bottle of water once or twice a day or add a cool mist humidifier as an alternative.

7. Clean It Regularly

To achieve a spot clean terrarium for your crested geckos, you need to wipe any mess using a paper towel every day. And every once a week deep clean it using a soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Also, clean their water dish and remove any dirt from the plants.

Feeding The Crested Gecko

Animal food varies depending on what type of pet you have. For reptiles such as the crested gecko, there is a certain food that is meant for them. You can go to the nearest pet shop and ask them what’s best for you pet.

Here are some tips to make sure your crested gecko will have a proper diet:

1. Give Them A Balanced Diet

Pet stores offer a wide variety of mix powder that composed of all the nutrients for your crested gecko. Just add water to the mixture and it is good to go. Feed them three times a week or more as much as they want to eat.

2. Hand Over Some Treats

Although the powder mixture will keep them full, your crested gecko will surely love a few treats every now and them. Bits of fruits such as peaches and apricots are best for them. Also, they enjoy eating crickets, you just have to dust them with calcium powder before feeding it to them.

3. Provide Plenty Of Water

Keep their dish full of water every time. You can place a shallow dish inside as the bottom part of the terrarium. Make sure to clean it daily to avoid any contaminants.

Conclusion

Choosing a reptile like a crested gecko to be a pet is a good choice. Aside from being hands-off animals, they are not aggressive and can get easily attached to human interaction. They also consume a small portion of food so you don’t have to think much about the budget for them.

You just have to be extra careful in handling them as their tail could drop off, especially when they are still babies or scared. Unlike other lizards, their tail will not grow back. Manage to not startle your crested gecko or be tempted to grab its tail to avoid causing any problems.

Whatever pet you may have, giving them a good housing, food, and environment will make you a great keeper!

The post Best Lights For Crested Gecko: Reviews & Guide 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

Crested Geckos: What Do They Eat?

Crested geckos are omnivores. Thus they eat a broad range of both plant material and insects as an ideal source of protein.

The most common plant-based foods that are given to crested geckos are a broad range of various fruits. There are some crested geckos that also accept vegetable-based foods. Some crested gecko owners blend vegetable leaves to “shakes” are the best acceptable for crested geckos.

Some crested gecko foods come in powder which is then mixed with water in order to create a paste. Such paste should provide complete nutrition to your crested gecko and is the simplest, easiest way to feed a crested gecko.

Although powdered forms include complete nutrients that a crested gecko needs, most owners also choose to supplement their crested gecko with a wide range of plant-based foods and insects in order to ensure a balanced diet.

Top 10 Best Food for Crested Gecko

1. Pangea Fruit Mix with Insects

Pangea is one of the most popular names for crested gecko foods. This particular food for crested geckos is formulated with insects as one of its main ingredients. It uses all-natural fruits that is nutritious and delicious for crested geckos.

This Pangea mix includes insects, papaya, apricot and banana and other nutritious ingredients. It is easy to prepare— just mix it with water and give it to your crested gecko.

Pros:

• Contains all the necessary nutrient
• Easy to prepare
• Affordable

Cons:

• Can be messy

2. Mealworms

Mealworms are another feeder insect for crested geckos. Just like crickets, you can find a variety of suppliers and breeders that can provide you with the needed mealworms for feeding your crested geckos. Unlike crickets, mealworms do not have the capability to easily escape and disappear.

Take note, however, that since mealworms do not move that much, crested geckos may lose interest in eating them since they are less challenging to hunt. If this is the case, then you need to get a more “active” option.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Decent lifespan
• Easy to find
• High protein
• No mess or smell
• Easy to breed

Cons:

• High-fat content
• Does not gut load well
• Slow movement can turn off your gecko feeding
• Bad calcium to phosphorus ratio

3. Repashy MRP Diet for Crested Geckos

Repashy is another big name in the world of crested gecko’s diets. And just like Pangea products, Repashy foods also comes in powder form and needs only to be mixed with water in order to achieve the right consistency.

This particular Repashy MRP (Meal Replacement Powder) diet is specifically formulated for crested geckos. It comes in easily re-sealable jars so it can be easily stored away when not in use.

Pros:

• Easy to prepare
• Has all the needed nutrients
• Easily stored away

Cons:

• Can be messy

4. Waxworms

Crested geckos absolutely love waxworms. This is because these worms are particularly high in fat. They make a great snack for your crested gecko.

However, because they are high in fat, you need to watch the amount of waxworm that you give to your crested gecko. You should limit this type of food every month so that your crested gecko will not up to being obese.

Pros:

• Irresistible to geckos
• Easy to find
• Cheap

Cons:

• Cannot be gut loaded
• Sensitive to heat and moisture
• Extremely high-fat content
• Short lifespan
• Smelly

5. Pangea Fruit Mix Apricot for Crested Geckos

Another Pangea product for feeding crested gecko, this particular Pangea diet mix uses real apricot as its main ingredient. It also uses bee pollen and bananas as well as other nutritious ingredients with 3 sources of protein. This Pangea Fruit Mix has perfectly balanced vitamin and calcium levels for the health of your crested geckos.

You only need to mix this powder with water in order to create a paste to feed your crested gecko all the nutrients that it needs.

Pros:

• Good source of fruit nutrients
• Uses real apricot
• Easy to prepare
• Added nutrients

Cons:

• Every day feeding can turn too bland for a crested gecko

6. Dubia Roaches

Dubia roaches were less known than crickets and mealworms. However, it is on the rise and becoming one of the most popular feeder insects for crested geckos. Because dubia roaches live longer than worms and do not have any unpleasant smell, they can be stored in bulks for future feeding.

Pros:

• Extremely long lifespan
• Low fat
• Easy to breed
• High protein
• Movement stimulates feeding
• Gut loads really well

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not easy to find

7. Repashy MRP “Mango SuperBlend”

In order to give your crested gecko a different taste, Repashy formulated another MRP or Meal Replacement Powder that features freeze-dried mango as the main ingredient. The Repashy Mango Superblend has an ultimate blend of plant fats and proteins, whey isolate and a blend of insects for a complete nutrient-packed meal.

Pros:

• Features freeze-dried mango
• Different blend of nutrients
• Easy to prepare

Cons:

• Can be messy
• Everyday feeding with same taste can make your crested gecko lose interest

8. T-Rex Sandfire Super Foods MRP Diet

Another name for Crested Gecko’s MRP diet, T-Rex Sandfire Super Foods created an all-natural food that includes all minerals and vitamins that your crested gecko needs. It is made with human-grade ingredients and it eliminated the use of feeder insects.

IT is economical and easy to use powder— just mix with water until you create a paste and leave it to your crested gecko’s habitat.

Pros:

• Easy to prepare
• All natural food
• Uses human-grade ingredients

Cons:

• Can be messy
• Watery texture

9. Crickets

Now, if you wish to add feeder insects to your crested gecko’s diet, then crickets are by far the most popular and best insect choice for geckos. You don’t need to catch crickets in the middle of the night just to have something to feed your crested geckos. There are various breeders and suppliers of crickets where you can get hands bulk crickets.

Remember to ask in advance the different sizes of crickets. If you ordered crickets that are too large, chances are, your crested gecko might have a hard time eating them.

Pros:

• Cheap
• High Protein
• Easy to find
• Low fat
• Gut loads well
• Erratic movements stimulate feeding

Cons:

• Noisy
• Good at escaping
• Unpleasant smell
• Jumpy
• Hide in crevices
• Short lifespan
• Can bite your gecko

10. Fluker Labs 3-Ounce Crested Gecko Diet

This commercial food for crested gecko is unlike others on this list. Made as spherical granules, this crested gecko diet does not need to be mixed with water. Just put some into your crested gecko’s bowl and feed.

The Fluker’s crested gecko food has a fruity-flavored taste with a light crunchy texture that your crested gecko will surely enjoy to eat. It is packed with advanced micronutrients, minerals and essential vitamins which help in supporting a healthy immune system as well as reducing bacterial and viral challenges.

Pros:

• Spherical granules for feeding
• Fruity flavor
• Contains all necessary nutrients

Cons:

• Pellets might be too big for baby crested geckos

Dusting Feeder Insects

The nutrition that is provided by live feeder insects can vary differently. In order to make sure that your crested gecko can get the most benefit in insects then it is recommended to either gut load or “dust” insects before feeding them to your crested gecko.

To gut load insects, you only need to use gut loading powder like Fluker’s High Calcium Cricket Diet for 24 hours before you feed the insect to your gecko. This should make the digestive system of each insect packed with the necessary calcium and nutrients.

To dust an insect, simply place the insects into a clear, plastic bag and add a small amount of powdered mineral such as Fluker’s Calcium powder. Shake the bag vigorously until the insects are coated with the beneficial powder and immediately feed them to your crested gecko.

Take note that roaches and crickets hate to be coated and will clean the powder off their bodies. Thus, you need to immediately feed them to your geckos or opt for gut loading with such insects.

Feeding Fresh Fruits to Crested Gecko

Although Repashy and Pangea offer high fruit content, most owners also feed their crested gecko with mashed or finely chopped fruit either as treats or to complete their diet.

There are different fruits which are safe to feed to crested geckos. However you need to ensure that the crested gecko receives a wide range of nutrients, thus it is advisable to swap fruits offered regularly, aiming for a various range of fruits to be consumed. This should minimize the risk of nutrient deficiencies from feeding a single type of fruit.

Here is a list of fruits that are proven to be popular and safe for crested geckos:

• Apricots
• Apples
• Black Currants
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Dates
• Cherries
• Guava
• Figs
• Grapes
• Gooseberries
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Papaya
• Pears
• Persimmon
• Orange
• Pineapple
• Red Currants
• Raspberries
• Watermelon
• Strawberries

Feeding Vegetables to Crested Geckos

Vegetables are not as popular as fruits with crested gecko, however, these are often blended in order to give them a more appealing texture as well as mixing them fruits in order to improve the taste.

The reason why you should consider vegetables in feeding your crested gecko is that they are richer in minerals like phosphorus and calcium when compared to fruits.

Some of the best vegetables to offer crested geckos are:

• Collard Greens
• Alfalfa
• Endive
• Dandelion Leaves
• Watercress
• Mustard Greens

Worst Food for Crested Gecko

Now that you know the best food to give your crested gecko, it is worth mentioning several foods types that should not be fed to your cresties.

1. Baby Food

Baby foods are usually made from pureed fruit which is what you can find with most crested gecko foods. However, it is not the case.

Baby foods contain a lot more sugar than typical crested gecko foods are is quite lacking in protein. Thus, baby foods are not advisable as a crested gecko food.

2. Citrus Fruits

Most citrus fruits can block absorption of calcium from the diet, so if you choose to give them to your crested gecko, it is advisable to use only a small fraction for your crested gecko diet.

3. Overly Large Insects

Crested geckos love to hunt down and eat a few crickets, however, they can only handle small preys.

Crested gecko can have a hard time eating larger insects and there is a risk of your crested gecko begin bitten or harmed by larger insects. So, try to aim for smaller live insects to feed your crested gecko.

How Often Do You Need To Feed Your Crested Gecko?

Most crested geckos eat every few days.

Now, whatever you are feeding to your crested gecko, and despite the fact that they eat every few days, you should make sure to give fresh food to your crested gecko at least once every other day. Also, you might want to remove any uneaten food after 24 hours in order to prevent spoiling.

Conclusion

As you can see, feeding a crested gecko is easy as you like. If you have little time available and do not want to deal with crawling insects, then Repashy and Pangea products are enough.

If you wish to add more fun and also supplement your crested gecko, then you can give them a variety of live insects and fruits.

Whatever you choose, the key to a healthy crested gecko is to simply feed it with a balanced and complete diet.

The post Best Crested Gecko Food: Reviews & Guide 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

This certain type of gecko was once thought to be extinct, but they were rediscovered in the year 1994, about 24 years ago. If you are looking for the best Crested Gecko cage, then you have come to the right place.

3 Usable Types of Cages for Crested Geckos

Here are three types of cages that you can get for a crested gecko. It is good to know what kind of alternative cages that you can use for your gecko. Here are your options:

Screen Cages

The sizes of these kinds of cages are similar to the acrylic and glass varieties, this type of cage can also be used to house your crested gecko. However, if you live in a place where there is low-humidity or powerful airflow, like air conditioners. The constant misting and change of water bowl makes it even more important.

Acrylic or Glass Terrariums

This type of tanks is much more expensive but is highly popular for exotic animal keepers. These tanks are durable and nice looking. Short and wide terrariums can also work for a crested gecko, but most keepers use a taller tank. For a juvenile gecko or a single adult, a tank with a 12 x 12 x 18 size will be good enough. If you are thinking about breeding or keeping a group of geckos, a tank with an 18 x 18 x 24 size will be a good choice

Customized Enclosures

Some reptile, amphibian, and lizard keepers prefer building their own enclosure for their pet. If you are one of those kinds of keepers, then you can design and build one on your own. However, please ensure that the all the materials that you’ll use are non-toxic for your crested gecko. Also, create a good cage with enough ventilation, and make sure that there are no sharp edges, and also make sure that the holes are not big enough for your pet to escape through.

Proper Housing of Crested Geckos

The minimum tallness of a terrarium is 20-gallons for an adult crested gecko, but a larger tank will be much better. These types of geckos are active, arboreal, and need a lot of climbing space; a taller tank is much preferred. If you are planning to keep at least 2 or 3 crested geckos, a 29-gallon tank will be a good choice. Just a note, a male crested gecko is territorial, so it is better to keep only one male per cage.

When designing your pet’s enclosure, make sure that you provide them with a lot of climbing materials like vines, driftwood, bamboo, branches, and cork bark. Also, add in some non-poisonous plants to have a more naturalistic design. The plants will also serve as a good hiding place for your pet.

For water, provide them with a small and shallow water dish with fresh water every day. However, your pet would likely prefer drinking water droplets from the plants. Mist your pet’s tank every evening.

10 Best Crested Gecko Cage

I have picked out 10 best cages that I think are one of the top contenders for crested geckos. Each cage is different and has different characteristics, but all are an ideal choice for housing your pet.

Here are the Top 10 picks:

1. Exo Terra Nano Terrarium

This is a small nano terrarium that comes with an 8 x 8 x 12-inch size. It may be small, but it is still an ideal cage for a single crested gecko. A large gecko may have a tight fit in this kind of tank, so you’ll need a much larger tank to fit in your pet. However, since the tank is small, it will save you a lot of space and can be placed anywhere in your home.

The tank is made of glass with a mesh screen on top for providing proper ventilation and heat. The doors are escape proof. Crested geckos are really good at escaping their cages, but with this kind of cage, you won’t have to worry about your pet escaping their cage. The terrarium also has closable inlets for tubing and wires, this is for misting and heating equipment.

2. Zoo Med Reptibreeze Screen Cage

Unlike the previous terrarium, this one is a screen type of cage. This cage may be made from screen, but are still fairly durable. This is one of the most popular cages that crested gecko owner’s use. With this kind of cage, proper airflow will not be an issue. In fact, a screen cage provides good ventilation for your pet.

This cage comes with a 16 x 16 x 30-inch size, this makes it a large cage that could fit up at least 2 crested geckos. The Zoo Med Reptibreeze Screen Cage may take up a lot of space in your home, but it will be a perfect housing for n adult crested gecko or 2 smaller ones. As you can see on the picture, the cage is built tall providing a lot of climbing space for your gecko. You can also put up a lot of naturalistic materials in the cage.

3. Exo Terra Glass Terrarium

Unlike the Exo Terra’s Natural Terrarium, this terrarium has a dual front opening door, allowing you an easy access in the tank’s interior structure for cleaning, feeding, and changing your pet’s tank accessories. The former only has one door. In this way, while you are doing maintenance, you can keep the other door close to prevent your pet from quickly escaping its cage.

The tank also has a special lock for more security and to keep your kids, if you have one, from opening it and preventing your gecko from escaping. The top of the tank has a removable lid made with stainless steel mesh.

4. Zilla Vertical Tropical Kit

Here is another small cage that you could go with, this is ideal for starters that could design it with a few marvelous features and accessories. This kit has a 12 x 12 x 18-inch size, this makes it an ideal size for small crested geckos. This also makes it a good space saver for its small size. This cage is a bit wide but is still much taller, your crested gecko pet will definitely love this kind of cage that provides a lot of space for climbing.

The Tropical kit is made of durable glass and has a solid seam. For your pet’s security, the tank has a hinged front door for an easy access inside the cage. Plus the tank also has a latch for a secure locking. The top lid of the tank is also hinged and lockable to provide an easier access in the internal structure.

5. Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit

Here is another full glass cage for your crested gecko. This terrarium also has a dual front door, making it easy for you to make maintenance on your pet’s cage. It provides you with enough opening for cleaning and replacement of accessories. The front of the tank has a unique window ventilation, providing good air ventilation for your pet.

The top of the tank is already included with a compact lighting system, this means that you no longer have to buy a lighting system. The kit also includes a substrate, care guide, jungle rope, water dish, and jungle vines.

6. Zilla Reptile Starter Kit

This tank is a little different from the previous cages that are mentioned above. This starter kit is a good choice for new crested gecko owners that need a home for their pet. This tank is wide with 4 glass walls that are wide and with a removable lid for an easy access. The cage has no hinged doors so it could be a bit difficult for cleaning.

However, the good thing about the lack of hinged doors is that it limits the number of escape routes for your crested gecko. Another good thing about this terrarium is that the kit is included with a thermometer, a light and heat dome, and a matt heater. All of these are necessary when taking care of a crested gecko. The light and heat dome may not be the most durable and expensive ones, but it could last for many months.

7. Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium

This terrarium is very simple, but durable and can provide a very naturalistic look. Unlike the other cages, this one might not include free accessories or features, but still a good caging option. This terrarium has a size of 12 x 12 x 18 inch, making it an ideal cage for crested geckos. It also has quite a bit of space vertically making it great for your gecko who loves to climb.

The terrarium is made of glass making it look very nice, and it will also provide you with a lot of visual to see all of your pet’s activity. Like the other terrariums above, the front of this tank also has a hinged and lockable door. This will make sure that your gecko will not escape its enclosure, while at the same time will give an easy access when cleaning your pet’s tank, or replacing your pet’s accessories.

8. Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Mayan

Here is another good cage for your crested gecko. This Exo Terra Terrarium is designed by a European herpetologist. It has an 18 x 18 x 24 dimension, providing your crested gecko with enough space to crawl onto, and enough vertical space to climb up to. This cage is enough for one crested gecko.

The terrarium has a fixed front lower panel that will allow you to place a deep layer of the substrate. It also provides you enough space to mount a  glass décor, or you can use to make a water feature that can be as high as the tank’s ventilation strip. The terrariums bottom panel is a bit raised, allowing you to place a heat cable or a substrate heater. This prevents the accessory from heating, and it will keep the terrarium’s entire bottom panel to be well-ventilated.

9. Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium

This terrarium has a dimension of 12 x 12 x 18 inch. Like all the other terrariums listed above, this tank also has a hinged opening door to allow you an easy access in your pet’s tank. It’ll make it easy for you to feed them and properly maintain their enclosures.

The bottom of the also has a raised platform, this raised platform will allow you to install a substrate heater, which is necessary when you take care of a gecko. The bottom of the enclosure is waterproof. The tank also includes closable inlets for the management of tube and wires.

10. Zoo Med Open Air Screen Cage

Want a taller screen cage for your crested gecko? Then try Zoo Med’s Open Air Screen Cage that has a dimension of 18 x 18 x 36 inch. This pack also includes hardware for assembling. It has a large front door for easy maintenance, and since it is made of an aluminum screen, it provides a good air ventilation for your pet.

It is very easy to assemble, very easy to clean and provides you with an easy access into its interior. You can fully assemble this by only using one screwdriver. This cage is great for juvenile green iguanas, geckos, old world chameleons, anoles, and more.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best cage for your crested geckos, the ones that are listed above are your best choices. All of the cages above are one of the top contenders. When keeping a crested gecko, you should keep in mind that they’ll need a lot of vertical space because they do a lot of climbing. You can also use a wide sized cage for your gecko, but it’ll be much better if it taller. Also, the ideal gallon of terrarium that you should get is about 5-gallons. 2 or 3 gallons is also good, but it’ll be much better if it’s 5 gallons.

The post 10 Best Crested Gecko Cage Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.

However, when taking home a crested gecko also comes with responsibilities— simple and easy responsibilities, but nevertheless still a responsibility. Fail to neglect such responsibilities and care can result in your crested gecko getting sick or worse die.

Aside from choosing the right, naturalistic vivariums, the second most important thing you need to look at is the substrate. Substrates or the flooring that you choose for your crested gecko’s cage and the items that you place in it needs some careful considerations in order to keep your reptile in good health.

Top 10 Best Substrate for Crested Geckos

1. Zoo Med Repti Bark

The Zoo Med Repti Bark is an all natural crested gecko substrate made from fir tree barks. It is highly hygroscopic which means that it can absorb moisture and releases it, thus creating humidity— making it perfect for humidity loving lizards like the crested geckos.

Moreover, it conducts and helps distribute even heat through the vivariums. It also adds an environmental stimulus which allows your crested gecko for natural burrowing and digging activity.

The Repti Bark is also absorbent and pulls away icky waste from your crested gecko for a healthier and happier lizard. It is decorative and provides your crested gecko vivarium with a natural tropical rainforest look. Lastly, it is super easy to maintain and re-usable. You only need to soak it in hot water every 2-3 months in order to have a fresh and clean bark.

2. Zoo Med Laboratories Sphagnum Moss

As I have mentioned earlier, Sphagnum Moss is one of the best substrates for a crested gecko. The good news is: there are commercially available Sphagnum Mosses. Zoo Med Laboratories offers New Zealand Sphagnum Moss for crested geckos’ terrariums.

The New Zealand Sphagnum Moss is the most preferred type of moss for terrariums because of its amazing moisture-holding ability and its unique softness. This lush carpet-like moss can hold more water and moisture up to 20 times its dry weight and stays moist than any other kind of moss.

It is incredibly long lasting with natural compounds which prevent it from naturally decomposing in humid environments. Also, it is re-usable several times and only needs to be washed before you can use it again.

3. Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber

Ideal for naturalistic terrarium set-up, the Exo Earth Loose coconut Fiber from Zoo Med is the perfect substrate for reptiles such as crested geckos, amphibians, and invertebrates,

This product is naturally made from the husks of coconuts that naturally absorbs and breaks down waste products and odors inside your crested gecko’s vivariums. The Eco Earth Coconut Fiber is best used on top of the HydroBalls (also from zoo Meds) in order to create the perfect layer of drainage for humidity, optimum plant growth and drainage in your gecko’s terrarium.

4. Zoo Med Hydro Balls Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate

The HydroBalls from Zoo Med that I have mentioned before can be used as a base layer underneath the Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate or any other substrate in order to create an underground water table for Naturalistic Terrariums.

Incorporate Zoo Med HydroBalls in order to further increase the humidity levels inside your crested gecko’s vivarium and for landscaping live plants and keeping them in place. The HydroBall is designed with a pump in order to create a waterfall, and help generate a water flow optimum filtration making it an excellent substrate to accommodate real-life plant growth.

5. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner

Amateur pet owners with their finicky reptiles will surely love this Terrarium Liner. It is a low maintenance bedding that can be simply rolled down with brown or plush green color and can be cut to size as needed.

Crested geckos can thrive in this non-abrasive and absorbent material that will not irritate their feet. It is safe since it cannot be ingested like any other substrate and is a good alternative, particularly for juvenile crested geckos.

Best of all, this substrate liner is treated with biodegradable enzymes which helps reduce odors and makes it easier for cleaning with just a rinse of cold rap water and can be reused as needed.

6. Exo Terra Plantation Soil

The Exo Terra Plantation Soil Substrate is made from compressed coconut husk fibers from the plants of tropical Asia. This substrate is ecological and is ideal for increasing the humidity in your crested gecko’s terrarium.

It stimulates burrowing and digging behavior so it perfect for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Also, it can be used as nutritional planting soil for live plants to include in your crested gecko’s terrarium.

7. Carolina Custom Cages Reptile Carpet

The reptile carpet from Carolina Custom Cages does not only looks good in your crested gecko’s vivariums, but it also avoids the risk of impaction from ingesting shavings, bark, wood chips, walnut shells, sand and other particulate substrates.

The reptile carpet gives you different color choices: ruby, bright lilac, candy pink, walnut, sandstones, goldenrod, brilliant blue, copper canyon, cadet blue, cashmere tan, Kelly green, and olive.

This carpet is machine washable which makes it easier to clean than sand and other substrates. It also feels like felt, however, this reptile carpet is much more durable than felt which can withstand scratches from your crested gecko.

8. Zoo Med Eco Earth Pet Bed

The Eco Erath Pet Bed from Zoo Med is a compressed coconut fiber which can be an expandable substrate which can make 7-8 liters of the substrate and can be safely recycled or composted. This substrate is perfect for all kinds of amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.

It’s made from an eco-friendly renewable source and naturally breaks down and absorbs waste products and odors inside your crested gecko’s terrariums. It can be used for tropical species or mixed with an organic fertilizer for the perfect Vivaria soil.

In order to decompress, you only need to place it in a bucket or sink with about 4 quarts of water and allow the brick to expand for 20-30 minutes. Shake the excess moisture and add it to your crested gecko’s enclosure.

9. Exo Terra Rainforest Substrate

The rainforest substrate by Exo Terra is made from sustainable sphagnum moss and maritime pine which is an ideal decorative substrate in order to create a natural terrarium set-up for humidity loving lizards such as crested geckos, amphibians, and other vertebrates.

This substrate controls air humidity levels naturally by absorbing and releasing moisture slowly. This hygroscopic property is maximized with the addition of sphagnum moss to the product.

The unique shape and size of the bark particles together with the natural sphagnum moss allows the frequent irrigation of plants and provides a healthy root growth for terrarium live plants. It also has the ability to absorb and break down odors and is heat treated for optimum terrarium temperature.

10. Exo Terra Coco Husk Terrarium Substrate

The Exo Terra Coco Husk Substrate is a hundred percent natural substrate for tropical terrariums. It is made from coconut husk that is compressed that comes from the tropical Asia plantations. This substrate helps in increasing humidity inside the enclosure by absorbing and slowly releasing moisture, making it perfect for crested geckos that enjoy a humid environment.

Also, this substrate stimulates natural burrowing and digging behavior and is super safe for reptiles and amphibians.

Choosing a Safe Substrate for your Crested Gecko

There is no single substrate that is right for all reptiles. What might be right for one might be harmful to another. This is why you need to make an intensive research on what substrates you can use and what can cause health problems to your crested gecko.

Choosing the right substrate does not only enhance the look of your crested gecko’s cage, but most importantly, it should keep urates, feces, food, and spilled water away from your pet.

In order to ensure a clean environment for your crested gecko, we recommend that you take a look at commercially available substrates. These do not only allow you to achieve the look of the age that you desire, but it also provides top health conditions that your crested gecko needs.

Here’s what you should look for a substrate:

EASY TO CLEAN: You need to choose a substrate that is relatively easy to clean, otherwise, you will likely unable to keep up with the health needs of your pet.

MAINTAIN HUMIDITY: Natural dwellers from the humid rainforest of New Caledonia, crested gecko needs a substrate that can hold moisture and at the same time a natural flooring which they would experience in the wild. Some of the best substrates for crested geckos that can help retain moisture are Spider Substrate, Sphagnum Moss, Coco Fibre Brick and Orchid Bark.

READILY AVAILABLE: The amount of substrate that you need depends on the size of your crested gecko and the cage.

NON – ABRASIVE: A good substrate for crested gecko will never contain anything that can be abrasive to your gecko or scratch its skin.

3 Worst Crested Gecko Substrate

I already introduced to you the best substrate for crested geckos in the market. Now, let me show you some of the contenders for the WORST crested gecko substrate, particularly some DIY substrates, which can cost you your gecko’s life.

1. Cedar Shavings

Cedar shavings are usually used for animal bedding since it absorbs moisture, soft, repel fleas and control odors. This wood product, however, brings potential health risks to your reptiles.

The processing and cutting of these woods can cause dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma, and irritation. The scent of cedar smells pleasant for the human nose; however, this is the result of volatile oils which can cause damage to the respiratory system on the skin.

2. Bark Chips

Fine grade cypress mulch and orchid bark may be fine for some species; however, you need to avoid hard bark which is small enough to be swallowed. Crested geckos will not be able to break it down and can stick in the gut which would require surgery to be removed. So, avoid housing your crested gecko with bark chips since they might likely ingest substrates as part of their food-finding routine.

3. Walnut Shells

Inexpensive, attractive, sustainable, absorbent and low dust. Ground walnut shells might be the good bedding choice, however, it becomes really problematic in terms of lizard pet.

During the milling process, particles are left sharp and jagged. Just pinch a grain with your fingers, apply pressure, and you can feel some pain. With lizards like crested geckos, their delicate eyes might be at risk since these ground shells can scratch corneas and irritate the eyes. Moreover, they pack a painful punch internally. Walnut shells do not only cause impactions when swallowed, but these tiny pieces of the shell can lacerate your crested gecko’s stomach.

Conclusion

Crested Geckos— these unique looking geckos are very easy to care for and does not need high maintenance in order to make them happy. They only need a humid environment to enjoy their life since they naturally live in tropical rainforests. Other than that, feeding and cleaning after your crested gecko is all a breeze.

The post Best Substrate for Crested Geckos Reviews 2022 appeared first on My Life Pets.