i have a few empty 55g tanks and i want to put a gecko in one of them but im not sure what would be best suited the tank. the dimensions are 48x12.5x21. i was thinking either a single lizard, maybe a tokay gecko, or a pair/group, maybe crested. what would be the best for the tank. also are there any good forums to read up on geckos and keeping them.
what to keep in a 55g
- Thread starter HiImSean
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With lizards, you can't really go wrong with the size of the vivarium unless it is too small. The more space for the lizard the better. Keep what you want the most. After you decide what species you want, ask yourself if you want to be able to handle it or put it on display. For instance, Tokays are regarded as beatiful unhandable display lizards. In your case -- a 55 gallon which is... 48" x 13" x 21".
As a general rule, you want the width to be at least the length of the lizard, and the length of the enclosure to be at least twice to thrice the length of the lizard. So you are looking at anything that have an adult length of 13" or less.
As a general rule, you want the width to be at least the length of the lizard, and the length of the enclosure to be at least twice to thrice the length of the lizard. So you are looking at anything that have an adult length of 13" or less.
are there certain species that are better for beginners? i havn't decided if i mind the anger of the tokay. are there species that make noises, i know i don't what that 
I don't really believe in "beginners." However I do know that a lot of people will suggest Leopard Geckos, African Fat-Tails and Crested Geckos. Pictus (Paroedura picta)and Dwarf Sand geckos (Stenodactylus sp.) are also nice to keep in a gecko colony, provided they have ability to set up their own territory between them. Well... not gecko colony, but really there is enough space in that 55 gallon for them to stay clear without feeling stressed and harming the others.
There are lot you can keep in that 55 gallon of yours. There are some you can keep, others you cannot. Everything is about footprint. For instance, Bearded Dragons would be better in a 40 Gallon Breeder or 50 Gallon as they are 19" in width, rather than 13"
There are lot you can keep in that 55 gallon of yours. There are some you can keep, others you cannot. Everything is about footprint. For instance, Bearded Dragons would be better in a 40 Gallon Breeder or 50 Gallon as they are 19" in width, rather than 13"
I kept a breeding pair of Giant Day Gecko , Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis in a 55 gallon planted tank before. They are a nice active species that isn't too hard to keep. They can be kept in pairs but some can be territorial and will fight. This isn't a species that likes to be handled and their skin tears easily. They don't make any noise from what I remember.
If you are wanting to breed, I would go with 1.2 (1 male 2 females) Crested Geckos.
If not mating, I would go with 3-4 Females.
If not mating, I would go with 3-4 Females.
i like vicous idea of the day geckos...mostly cause i enjoy my golddust....post pics when you decide and fill that tank up im eager to see what you decide and how you set up...i always enjot herp setups...they give me inspiration for mine.