This article documents the upgrade of Randall the crested gecko's terrarium from a 12x12x18 inch enclosure to a spacious 18x18x24 inch vivarium. Randall, while content in his smaller home, outgrew the space as he matured, necessitating an upgrade to accommodate his growing size and natural climbing behaviors. The upgrade wasn't simply about increasing square footage; it focused on creating a more enriching and naturalistic environment for Randall to thrive in.The upgrade involved not only a larger enclosure but also a significant improvement in the vivarium's design and accessories. This included the addition of essential components like a heat mat for temperature regulation, a better drainage system, fresh substrate, and a variety of climbing structures and plants. The result is a significantly improved habitat that better replicates Randall's natural environment, enhancing his overall well-being and quality of life. Follow along as we detail the process and showcase the stunning transformation.
Pros And Cons
- Bigger than the previous vivarium, providing more space for the gecko.
- New background looks more natural.
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Randall's Old Vivarium
Randall, my crested gecko, was living in a 12x12x18 inch enclosure. While adequate, I felt he deserved more space as he grew. The setup included cork bark for climbing, frog moss for substrate, a feeding dish, and some leaves for cover. He clearly enjoyed exploring this space but it was time for an upgrade.
The size was suitable for a younger gecko but with his increasing size, and his love for climbing, a bigger habitat was necessary to ensure his comfort and allow natural behaviors.
The Upgrade: An 18x18x24 Vivarium
I purchased a significantly larger 18x18x24 inch vivarium for Randall. The new enclosure's footprint is the same as the old one, but its height is nearly doubled. This would allow for a more spacious and vertical environment.
Along with the new enclosure, I also bought additional accessories such as a heat mat (essential for winter in the UK), hydro drain balls for better drainage and humidity control, fresh crested gecko live soil, and new climbing plants for a more natural look.
Setup and Transfer
I thoroughly cleaned the new vivarium before setting it up. The new background looks much more natural than the previous one. I carefully transferred Randall to a temporary quarantine container to avoid stressing him during the setup process.
I added the substrate, hydro balls, climbing branches, and plants to create a naturalistic environment for Randall. The new setup incorporates a larger water dish and plenty of climbing space, mimicking his natural habitat.
The Finished Product and Conclusion
The final setup is complete! Randall's new vivarium looks amazing. I'm thrilled with how natural and spacious it is for him. The combination of climbing structures, plants, and appropriate substrate makes for a comfortable and enriching environment.
Upgrading to the larger 18x18x24 inch vivarium was a worthwhile investment. The increased space significantly improves Randall's quality of life. The additional accessories enhance the naturalistic environment, supporting his natural behaviors and overall wellbeing. I highly recommend this type of upgrade for growing crested geckos.