This review dives into the Zilla Spring Cave, a terrarium feature designed to enhance the habitat of crested geckos and similar-sized reptiles. We detail the unboxing experience, highlighting the cave's unexpectedly large size and surprisingly low price point, significantly undercutting the advertised retail value. The setup process and integration into an existing terrarium are discussed, including challenges encountered with rearranging existing decorations to accommodate the cave's dimensions.The review further examines the functionality of the water feature and integrated night light, observing the positive reaction of the resident crested gecko to both. Finally, we offer an overall assessment of the product's value, ease of use, and its impact on the overall enrichment of the gecko's environment, concluding with a recommendation for crested gecko owners with sufficient enclosure space.
Read more: 5 Amazing Natural Caves Perfect for Reptiles
Unboxing the Zilla Spring Cave
The Zilla Spring Cave arrived, and it's significantly larger than anticipated. The packaging was a little damaged, but the cave itself seemed intact. The price was a pleasant surprise at $54, considerably lower than the advertised $90. Initial impressions suggest this is a substantial upgrade for a crested gecko enclosure.
The box contained two main pieces: the cave itself and a small component which turned out to be the pump and power cable. The cave features built-in plants, a feeding dish, and a night light, adding to its naturalistic design.
Setup and Integration into Existing Terrarium
Integrating the Spring Cave into my existing crested gecko setup proved challenging. The cave's size required rearranging several existing elements, including a rather expensive ($35) large tree. The placement needed to balance accessibility for cleaning and a good view for observation.
Ultimately, I placed the cave in a corner, prioritizing the cable length for the pump and maintaining a spacious feel for the gecko. I had to slightly compromise, but managed to keep most of the existing plants. The final arrangement keeps the terrarium open enough to easily monitor the gecko's activity.
Functionality and Features
Setting up the water feature was straightforward; simply add water and plug in. The pump is relatively quiet, and the LED light adds a nice ambiance. The suction cups provide a secure base, and the tubing is long enough to reach the pump without issue.
The running water feature seems to be a big hit with my crested gecko. I observed him immediately exploring it and even taking what appears to be a 'shower.' The night light is also useful and provides gentle illumination for nighttime monitoring.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Overall, the Zilla Spring Cave is a fantastic addition to my crested gecko's terrarium. The size is impressive, and the water feature is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The ease of setup and the positive response from my gecko are strong points.
Despite the initial rearranging required, the final setup feels more natural and engaging for my pet. At $54, it provides excellent value. I highly recommend it for anyone with a crested gecko or similar sized reptile, providing you have sufficient space in your enclosure.
