My CG Setup

[UndeadWalrus]

I have a few questions regarding the setup for a crested gecko.  The picture below is what I'll be using to house it.


1.  About how long should water droplets from mistings for the first spray and the second spray?

2.  I'm using Exo-Terra plantation soil as a substrate.  If you look at the picture there's a dry layer on top and a wet layer at the bottom.  Is this normal?

3.  I use bent paperclips to hold the exo-terra jungle vines in place.  That's okay right?

4.  I'm using an exo-terra infrared "heat glo" 50w, placed right on top of the mesh.  I'm still doing some test runs, but so far the top of the cage is usually around 28C (82.4f) and near the bottom is 20c (68f).  Will this pose problems?

5.  How much CGD should I leave in the enclosure?

[firecrested]

1.Misting should be done once every night unless it gets too dry.  You want the substrate to dry out a little the next day or it will grow mold.  I mist every night, spray all the sides and the fake plants, I dont use water bowls so I spray them  down really well so they have enough to drink.

2. That is normal, the top layer will dry out before the bottom layer.  That is exactly how it should look the next day after misting that night

3. Paper clips should be ok if there are not any sharp ends sticking out that the geckos can scratch themself on.

4.  The temps sound ok.  As long as it doesnt get above 85 for a long time.

5. You can test out the amount of cgd you use.  Try a bottle cap and if it's gone then the next feeding add more until you have a little left the next day.  You can also keep it in for a few days until it starts molding. 
If it's a baby then it will eat very little but adults can be pigs when they are use to eating it.

[cfriskney]

pretty much ditto what the guy above me wrote, just really monitor dryness and mold and you should have yourself a happy terrarium

[UndeadWalrus]

Thanks for the replies.  Also just posting a higher quality picture (new camera!).

[cfriskney]

Nice!

[monster]

in addition to Eric's response, i would also add that the tank could use more foilage and climbing stuff.
a few more plants around the sides, and another around the top area. the more you have in there, the more they will explore and use it. ideally, you want half the tank having "toys" to play on and around.

[UndeadWalrus]

Yeah I thought it was a little empty too.  I'll probably pick some stuff up from the next expo, what do you recommend?

[monster]

whatever's cheap 
i pick up a bunch of fake plants from the thrift store or dollar stores. you could trow in a potted live plant too, there a couple lists on safe non toxic plants for geckos.

[compoundB]

im a huge fan of live plants. i think each one you add to a tank improves it by many measures.
they add Oxygen, provide shelter, and look natural.

maybe a small pot of pothos near the bottom?

let us know what u decide to go with!

[cfriskney]

I second the live plant motion!