Tokay Geckos

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paul112

Gambusia
MFK Member
Apr 26, 2006
796
1
16
United Kingdom
Just been looking at the Tokays at the local exotic pet store in town, and they've been a species that's interested me for quite a while.

I'm buying a new tank for my Rainbow Boa with some money from my birthday, but I'm still going to have quite a bit of money left over, aswell as a spare heat mat.

Obviously the tank would usually be the most expensive item, but the store has a pretty big hexagon tank which the guy says I can have for a tenner. Obviously I'm not brilliant when it comes to guessing tank sies and the hexagon aspect might be throwing me off, but it looks to hold about 20 gallons. Would this be suitable for one sub-adult Tokay?

For the record, I am well aware of the Tokay aggro issues. I have been keeping herps for nearly 10 years, and I am very used to the "look but don't touch" aspect. I am actually wanting something a bit more difficult to look after, as I currently have no issues with my collection and although I want to be able to enjoy my collection, I want a bit of a challenge in the mix at the same time.

The only issue with this tank is that it's designed as an aquarium. It has what looks like a cheap plastic lid and I am not familiar with Tokays and their ability to move things about. Any advice or designs for creating a tight fitting, secure lid for the thing?

Thanks,
Paul
 
What size aquarium? If its not a tall aquarium best to modify it to stand on its end. Heat mats aren't exactly required for them since they are baskers not belly warmers. Make sure to provide a lot of plants with big leaves for the gecko to hide on.
 
Sorry that sounded a bit...I don't know but I may have come across "moody". Anyway...

I'm sure a ceramic/ infrared bulb can be arranged, but I was more curious as to how the species gets the heat in nature? I would of thought that being nocturnal they'd get their heat just as the sun went down by basking on rocks and things that were still warm, which would come from underneath? Or do they just come up to the top of trees in the evening as the sun goes down?

Thanks,
Paul
 
Tokays live in low land tropical forested areas of Asia, So even being nocturnal they dont relly need to take serious action to heat up because there natural habitat is so warm and moist. Also dont forget that many species of nocturnal geckos do bask during the day even if they are primarily nocturnal. Here in Portugal I see Taurentola mauritanica all of the time basking in rocks during the day. I sugest you use a ceramic lamp with a termostat has the main heat element, and a low voltage incandescent lamp during the day to give your gecko the sence of the day/nigth and tho allow him to bask. And you do need a bigger terrarium for him. Also dont forget to use lots of cork pieces and branches for him to climb and hide. Protect any heating elements so they dont burn your gecko. Oh and spray the habitat 2 times a day so that he can drink and to mantain the humity levels. Good luck:)
 
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First I decided to give you some treats:popcorn:. These are some of the new tokay geckos morphs I´ve find online.These guys sell big:headbang2Has for your question ,a 90cm long, by 120cm high and 60cm wide , terrarium is ideal for an adult or even subadult animal.Remenbar that these are big geckos.But if you intend to by a young one I recomend that you put him temporaly in a smaller cage. Keep an eye on him, see if he calms down , if he´s eating,treat him if necessary for mites,worms,etc. Of corse a captive breed one is a better investiment than a wild caut. Oh and if you have trouble sleeping,dont keep him in your bedroom, they vocalise at nigth sometimes:D
 
Those are some sick looking morphs, but I doubt I have THAT much birthday money :P
I used to have White's Tree Frogs so I can relate to the vocalizing thing :D
Thanks for the info, I'll keep you updated.
Paul
 
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