Gargoyle Gecko Set-Up Breakdown for Beginners! READ THIS If you are thinking of getting a Gargoyle Gecko!

Setting Up Your New Gargoyle Gecko Enclosure: A Guide by David from TikisGeckos

Congratulations on welcoming a gargoyle gecko into your home! These hardy and fascinating reptiles are known for their unique appearance and engaging personalities. A well-prepared enclosure is key to ensuring their health and well-being. Let’s go over everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your new pet.

1. Choosing the Right Enclosure

Gargoyle geckos come from the humid forests of New Caledonia, just like crested geckos. Their enclosure should mimic these conditions to keep them comfortable and thriving.

Size:
- A single adult gargoyle gecko requires a minimum of 18” x 18” x 18” (20-gallon tall enclosure)

- For multiple geckos, increase the size accordingly to reduce stress and aggression. Never keep babies/juveniles in the same enclosure. Never keep multiple males in the same enclosure. One male to 1-3 females can be achieved if enclosure has enough places for the animal to get away from each other.

-Whenever you are housing multiple animals together it is important to do routine check ups to ensure the animals are not bullying each other.

-While they are semi-arboreal, they use both vertical and horizontal space, so a balanced enclosure with climbing and ground cover is ideal.

Enclosure type:
- Glass enclosures with a mesh top are the most commonly used for maintaining humidity while allowing ventilation.
- Avoid full-screen enclosures as they do not retain moisture well.

-Plastic totes/tubs can be a good alternative for maintaining larger collections although I do not recommend it for beginners.

EXTRA TIP: Like crested geckos, the enclosure should be filled with branches, vines, and decor to maximize usable space.

2. Substrate Options

The right substrate helps maintain humidity and makes cleaning easier. Here are some great options:

• Cypress Mulch or Coconut Fiber/Sphagnum Moss Mix: Holds humidity well and is safe for geckos.
  - Paper Towels: Ideal for babies/juveniles or quarantine setups.
  - Bioactive Mix: A combination of soil, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter with clean-up crews like isopods and springtails for a self-sustaining environment.
• AVOID Sand, Apen, Pine shavings, etc.

3. Furnishing the Enclosure

Gargoyle geckos love to explore, climb, and hide. Adding the right decor will keep them active and stress-free.

- Branches and Vines: Provide climbing areas using cork bark, driftwood, or artificial vines.
- Plants: Live plants like pothos, ficus spp and bromeliads work great in bioactive setups, while artificial plants require less maintenance.
- Hides: Place hides at different levels in the enclosure to offer security.
- Feeding Ledge (Optional): Elevated platforms for food and water dishes keep them clean and accessible.

4. Maintaining Humidity and Temperature

Proper humidity and temperature levels are critical for a healthy gargoyle gecko.

Temperature:
- Ideal range: 78°F - 82°F. Low 70s is ok too (specially in the evening times).
- Avoid temperatures above 88°F, as excessive heat can be dangerous, specially if the humidity is low..
- Use a digital thermometer and/or infrared temp gun for accurate monitoring.

Humidity:
- Maintain levels between 60-80%, misting the enclosure 1-2 times daily if needed.
- Use a hygrometer to track humidity.
- Provide a shallow water dish to help with humidity and for drinking water. Ensure the enclosure dries out slightly between misting sessions to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Enclosure should not be constantly WET!

5. Lighting:

Gargoyle geckos do not require Heat or UVB lighting, but if you choose to add UVB:
- Use a low-output 5.0 UVB bulb and provide shaded areas to prevent overexposure.
- Ensure a 8-12 hour light cycle to maintain a natural rhythm.

6. Feeding Setup

A balanced diet is essential for your gecko’s growth and overall health.

Main Diet: Offer a high-quality gargoyle gecko diet (CGD) as their primary food source. We ONLY Use Repashy and Pangea diets. The Zoo Med gecko diet is great also. We recommend a rotating both brands..
- Insects: Supplement their diet with insects such as dubia roaches, crickets, or superworms once a week.
- Supplementation: Dust feeder insects with calcium with vitamin D3 to support bone health. A calcium dish can be provided every couple of weeks for growing or breeding gargoyle geckos.
- Feeding Frequency: Juveniles should be fed every other day, while adults can eat 2-3 times a week.

7. Regular Maintenance

Keeping the enclosure clean is essential for your gecko’s health:

- Spot clean weekly by removing waste and uneaten food.
- Deep clean monthly depending on how dirty the enclosure gets.
- For bioactive setups, remove waste and stir/refresh the substrate as needed.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the perfect enclosure for your gargoyle gecko may seem complex at first, but it’s a rewarding process that ensures a happy and healthy pet. At TikisGeckos, we’re always here to help with expert advice and high-quality supplies. If you have any questions or need assistance selecting the right products, feel free to reach out. Your gecko will thrive in its new, well-prepared home!

Check out our available Gargoyle Geckos below!

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