Geckos are one of the cutest pets you can own. These tiny reptiles can fit almost anywhere. So, how big should a gecko tank be?
You might think your gecko only needs a small space. However, geckos have plenty of living requirements, including different temperatures and numerous hiding spots. Accordingly, your pet’s tank should be large.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know regarding the tank size of different gecko species. Let’s dive in!
How Big Should a Gecko Tank Be?
Geckos love having plenty of space. They also grow rather quickly. A juvenile gecko will need less space than a mature one. As geckos grow older and larger, so should their tank.
There isn’t a standard tank size that fits all geckos. Instead, you should get your little friend a tank that’s specific to it.
Typically, the size of your gecko’s terrarium will depend on the following:
- Gecko’s size
- Gecko’s age
- Gecko’s species
- Number of geckos in the tank
- Gecko’s environmental needs
Best Tank Sizes for Different Geckos
If you want your pet friend to be comfortable, you should base the tank size on the gecko’s size and requirements.
Here are some of the common gecko species you can keep at home and the appropriate tank size for each of them:
Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos can grow quite large. An adult gecko is six to nine inches long. Naturally, it should have enough space to move around freely.
It might be tempting to get a reptile starter kit when you first get your pet. However, a leopard gecko will outgrow it in no time.
For this reason, it’s best to start with a vivarium that’ll be your reptile’s forever home. After all, a gecko can’t have too much space!
Ideally, you want to place your leopard gecko in a 10-gallon tank. The dimensions should roughly be 24 × 16 × 12.
Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are one of the most popular house reptiles you can own. This gecko is large and long. It can reach between eight and ten inches.
If you have a crested gecko hatchling, place it in a 10-gallon tank. Yet, your pet will surely outgrow its tank within a couple of months.
Adult crested geckos require at least a 20-gallon terrarium. If you’re housing multiple reptiles in one tank, you’ll need a large terrarium of over 30 gallons to fit them all!
Tokay Gecko
Tokay geckos are huge compared to other common geckos. They might reach a whopping length of 16 inches! These geckos are as long as they’re colorful.
Accordingly, it’ll be no use getting your Tokay gecko hatchling a smaller tank or a reptile starter kit, since it won’t fit into the tank even as a juvenile reptile.
Instead, your gecko will need a tank of over 20 gallons. The terrarium’s dimensions should either be 24 × 24 × 48 or 36 × 24 × 48, depending on the Tokay gecko’s size.
Tokay geckos aren’t only big, but they’re also incredibly strong and active. This means your pet gecko might hatch an escape plan at any opportunity!
For this reason, you should ensure the tank has a secure lid. You might weigh the lid down with some books or any other weights.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko
African fat-tailed geckos are thicker than they’re long. The adults can reach only eight inches long, with the males being slightly larger. Though, the average length of a fat-tailed gecko is seven inches.
You can get away with placing your African fat-tailed gecko in a 10-gallon tank.
Still, to keep your reptile friend happy and healthy, you should give it a spacious home, about 20 gallons in size. The dimensions should be at least 18 × 24 × 12 inches.
Frog-Eyed Gecko
The smallest gecko on the list is the frog-eyed gecko. These tiny reptiles reach five to eight inches when they fully mature.
A 10-gallon terrarium will suffice for your reptile pet. The ideal dimensions for a frog-eyed gecko tank should be 12 × 30 × 12.
Frog-eyed geckos can be social. This means you can house two or three geckos together. Still, these reptiles love their alone time. So, you should get an appropriately-sized tank of at least 20 gallons.
What Is the Minimum Tank Size for a Gecko?
Most geckos can live comfortably in a 10-gallon tank. If you have a larger gecko, or you’re keeping multiple geckos, you’ll need a larger tank.
Geckos require plenty of space. The tank must contain different areas for hiding, basking, eating, and sleeping. You don’t want to get a tank that’s too small for your gecko.
It’s crucial to understand that geckos require their space. So, if you place a gecko in a small environment, it might become stressed or ill.
You’ll also have to maintain a smaller tank more often than a larger one. The terrarium can easily get dirty, your geckos might cause a mess, or even outgrow it.
Other Considerations for Your Pet Gecko’s Tank
Choosing the right tank for your pet is a serious matter. Your gecko will spend all of its days in this tank. The tank’s size is a great concern, but there are other crucial factors you must consider, including:
Placement of the Tank
The location of your gecko’s tank is just as important as its size. Geckos can quickly stress out. Their tank should be in a location where you can keep a close eye on them, but still give them privacy!
While you want your gecko to be close to you, placing the tank in your bedroom is a pretty bad idea.
Most geckos are nocturnal. They also have extremely loud calls. So, you won’t get any sleep with a gecko as a roommate!
Instead, you should place the gecko tank on a sturdy surface. Ideally, this should be a location where animals and children won’t disturb the gecko.
Access
There are a variety of options when it comes to gecko tanks, each with its advantages and drawbacks. However, the most noticeable difference, apart from the size, is how you’ll access the tank.
The two main methods of accessing a tank are from the top or the front.
Front access is a lot easier. You’ll be able to clean your pet’s tank. It’ll also not be as scared. Though, if your reptile is fidgety, it might escape.
As for top access, your reptile might get fearful, leading to aggressive reactions. You’ll have a harder time cleaning and accessing the tank. On the bright side, the gecko is less likely to escape and wreak havoc!
Type of Geckos
You might think you could start a family of geckos in one tank. However, mixing species can be a huge issue. Different species have different needs. Even housing multiple geckos of the same species might be difficult!
Young geckos can live together. Once the reptiles mature, the problem arises. Not only will they get larger and require a bigger tank, but they’ll also become aggressive.
Each species of gecko has a different personality. Yet, all geckos are highly territorial, especially male geckos. In all cases, you should never place two male geckos together in a tank.
Thermal Gradient
Unlike other pets, geckos require a range of temperatures in one tank. That’s why their tanks should be rather large.
Geckos are cold-blooded. They tend to absorb heat. For this reason, their tank must have a warm area and a cooler area.
This thermal gradient should range between 70 to 80°F. You can achieve this by using a basking lamp, a heating mat, or regular lightbulbs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a fish aquarium as a gecko tank?
It’s best to get your pet gecko a reptile-friendly tank. That said, if you have a large enough aquarium, you might convert it into a suitable terrarium where your gecko can happily live.
How many geckos can you keep in one tank?
You can keep a male or female gecko together in one tank, or a group of females and one male. Since one gecko will need a 20-gallon enclosure, keeping over two geckos can be impractical as it’ll require a gigantic terrarium.
Final Thoughts
How big should a gecko tank be?
Most geckos need at least a 20-gallon terrarium to live comfortably. Though, the size of the tank depends on the gecko’s age, size, species, and the number of geckos in the tank.
It’s best to have a larger tank for your gecko. This way, you’ll easily control the thermal gradient, and the tank will stay clean for a longer time.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Film/Video/Media Studies, as well as an associates degree in Communications. I began producing videos and musical recordings nearly 15 years ago. I am a guitarist and bassist in Southwest MI and have been in a few different bands since 2009, and in 2012 I began building custom guitars and basses in my home workshop as well. When I’m home, I love spending time with my three pets (a dog, cat, and snake) and gardening in my backyard. I also like photographing wild birds, especially birds of prey.