Chinese Cave Gecko Habitat: A Massive Enclosure Build with Exo Terra

This article details the construction of a magnificent bioactive enclosure for a Chinese cave gecko, utilizing Exo Terra products. The project showcases a stunning, custom-sculpted cave background meticulously crafted to replicate the gecko's natural habitat. This isn't just a terrarium; it's a thriving ecosystem designed for the gecko's well-being and enrichment. From the spacious Exo Terra terrarium and advanced lighting system to the carefully chosen substrates and strategically placed plants, every element is thoughtfully considered to create a naturalistic and self-sustaining environment.The build focuses on creating a realistic temperature and humidity gradient, utilizing a bioactive substrate incorporating live plants, moss, and beneficial insects. The result is a visually appealing and functionally superior habitat that provides ample climbing structures, hiding places, and a balanced ecosystem, ensuring the Chinese cave gecko thrives in its new home. Learn how the combination of Exo Terra equipment and meticulous planning created this exceptional bioactive enclosure.

Pros And Cons

Armadillo Maculatum Isopods
  • Efficient waste breakdown
  • Gecko food source
  • Suitable for cooler, tropical environment
Monsoon Multi2 Programmable Misting System
  • Easy to connect, install, and program
  • Supplies water to multiple nozzles
Exotera Forest Canopy Tropical Plant Growth LED Lights
  • Compact, fits terrarium top
  • Suitable for bioactive and planted terrariums
Aras Sky UVB Terrarium Light
  • Energy efficient
  • Customizable light spectrum
  • Adjustable UVA and UVB
  • Long lifespan (20,000 hours)
  • Separate control of UVA and UVB via remote

Read more: 5 Amazing Natural Caves Perfect for Reptiles

The Custom Cave Background

Collaborating with Logan from Exo Terra resulted in a stunning, custom-sculpted cave background. Logan took my reference photos and created a remarkably realistic replica of a Chinese cave, complete with intricate details and textures.

Close-up of the reference photos used for the cave background.
Close-up of the reference photos used for the cave background.

The background is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, seamlessly blending into the enclosure. It's more than just decoration; it provides a secure and enriching environment for my gecko.

The completed cave background installed in the enclosure.
The completed cave background installed in the enclosure.

The design incorporated planters with drainage, ensuring the plants thrive. This detail adds to the realism and provides a healthy environment for the gecko.

Detail shot showing the planters with drainage tubes.
Detail shot showing the planters with drainage tubes.

Exo Terra Equipment and Supplies

Exo Terra provided a comprehensive range of equipment, including the large wide natural terrarium (36x18x18 inches), LED lights, a misting system, a thermostat and hydrostat, and a heat mat.

The Forest Canopy tropical plant growth LED lights.
The Forest Canopy tropical plant growth LED lights.

The terrarium's size creates a spacious environment for the gecko. The canopy lights provide ideal lighting conditions for both the gecko and the plants.

The misting system maintains optimal humidity. The thermostat and hydrostat ensure precise temperature control, crucial for the gecko's well-being.

Creating a Bioactive Terrarium

I used Exo Terra's Stone Desert substrate, combining Outback Red, Sonoran Ochre, and Bajaria Black for a naturalistic hardscape. Cork branches add climbing structures and visual interest.

The Exo Terra Stone Desert substrate.
The Exo Terra Stone Desert substrate.

The BioDude's TerraFirma substrate, along with moss, leaf litter, and BioShot, formed the base layer. This bioactive setup promotes a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Mixing the bioactive substrate.
Mixing the bioactive substrate.

I added creeping fig plants, carefully distributing the substrate mix into the background planters and creating a temperature and humidity gradient within the enclosure.

Planting creeping fig in the background planters.
Planting creeping fig in the background planters.

Lighting, Heating, and Humidity Control

The Aras Sky UVB terrarium light is energy-efficient and fully customizable, replicating various natural environments. I adjusted the UVA and UVB levels for optimal health.

The Aras Sky UVB terrarium light.
The Aras Sky UVB terrarium light.

A heat mat, carefully positioned to avoid overheating the cave, provides a basking spot. The thermostat ensures safe temperature regulation.

Heat mat placement within the enclosure.
Heat mat placement within the enclosure.

Live terrarium moss, strategically placed, helps maintain humidity and enhances the aesthetic appeal. This approach offers a balanced, natural environment for the gecko.

The saturated moss used for humidity.
The saturated moss used for humidity.

Introducing the Chinese Cave Gecko

After the enclosure was fully set up, the Chinese cave gecko was carefully introduced. The enclosure's design provided ample hiding spots and climbing structures.

The Chinese cave gecko being introduced into the terrarium.
The Chinese cave gecko being introduced into the terrarium.

The gecko quickly acclimated and started exploring its new habitat. The bioactive setup, temperature gradient, and naturalistic environment support the gecko's needs.

The gecko exploring its new habitat.
The gecko exploring its new habitat.

The inclusion of isopods and springtails completes the bioactive ecosystem, managing waste and providing food sources for the gecko.

Isopods being added to the enclosure.
Isopods being added to the enclosure.

Conclusion: Exo Terra Products Review

The Exo Terra products performed exceptionally well. The terrarium is well-built and spacious, offering ample room for the gecko and a bioactive setup.

Aras Sky UVB terrarium light close-up.
Aras Sky UVB terrarium light close-up.

The Aras Sky UVB light is a standout; its energy efficiency, longevity, and customization options are impressive, particularly for reptiles requiring cooler environments.

Monsoon Multi 2 misting system.
Monsoon Multi 2 misting system.

The Monsoon Multi 2 misting system is easy to use and highly effective. Overall, Exo Terra's products are highly recommended for creating enriching and functional bioactive habitats.