Reptile Supplies Haul: Northern Gecko, All Reptiles & ReptilesRUs Review

This blog post details a recent reptile supplies haul specifically geared towards setting up a thriving habitat for a New Caledonian giant gecko. We'll explore a range of products, comparing prices and quality from various retailers, including All Reptiles, Northern Gecko, ReptilesRUs, Amazon, PetSmart, and others. From the foundational tank to the final decorative touches, this comprehensive review covers everything from cost-effective used tanks and humidity control systems to essential lighting, substrate choices, and enrichment items. We'll highlight both budget-friendly options and premium products, offering a balanced perspective to suit various needs and budgets.The focus is on creating a visually stunning and functionally sound terrarium, prioritizing humidity, appropriate lighting, and ample climbing and hiding opportunities. We'll delve into specific product recommendations, comparing brands such as Zilla, Exo Terra, Pangea, Repashy, and more, offering insights into their performance and value. Ultimately, this post aims to guide reptile keepers in making informed decisions when building their own naturalistic and engaging gecko enclosures.

Pros And Cons

Read more: 5 Amazing Natural Caves Perfect for Reptiles

Essential Terrarium Setup: Tank & Waterfalls

Starting with the foundation, a used tank is a cost-effective choice. Reptile expos near the border offer significantly lower prices than retail stores, especially in Canada. Cleaning a pre-owned bioactive tank might be a project, but the savings are worth it.

Humidity control is vital for geckos. A waterfall system prevents over-soaking while maintaining ideal moisture levels. I've tried several brands, and I find the smaller waterfalls from All Reptiles to be less prone to clogging than the Exoterra Tiki.

The Zilla cave waterfall is a personal favorite for its LED lighting and effective drip system. While slightly pricier, its superior performance and ease of maintenance make it a worthwhile investment.

Monitoring & Lighting: Thermometers, Hydrometers & UVB Bulbs

Accurate temperature and humidity monitoring is crucial. Purchasing these necessities from reptile stores is recommended to avoid inflated prices at pet supply chains like PetSmart.

In Canada, reptile supplies are expensive. All Reptiles is a great option, both online and with a physical store in Scarborough, Ontario. Their prices are significantly better than PetSmart.

UVB lighting is essential for many reptiles. Purchasing bulbs from Amazon or All Reptiles can save you a considerable amount compared to buying from PetSmart. I avoid the All Living Things brand due to the poor quality of their light.

Substrate, Hide & Climbing Structures: Cork Rounds & Eco Carpet

For substrate, I use a combination of jungle mix and sphagnum moss, providing appropriate moisture and egg-laying areas for female geckos. The eco carpet is a reusable, washable alternative to paper towels and is more environmentally friendly.

Cork rounds are a favorite for both hamsters and geckos, offering security and a natural habitat mimic. Buying in bulk at pet stores is more economical. The larger pieces are particularly useful for creating climbing and hiding spots.

Natural cork pieces complement the terrarium's environment. I also like adding colored cork from Northern Gecko, improving the aesthetics and providing more variety of texture.

Food & Moss: Pangea, Moss Domes & Mossy Sticks

Pangea and Repashy are high-quality gecko foods. While a variety of foods is best, some geckos may have preferences. Northern Gecko and ReptilesRUs offer better pricing than other retailers for Pangea.

Moss domes and mossy sticks add humidity and visual appeal to non-bioactive terrariums. They help to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing environment.

I particularly like the mossy items from Galapagos, a brand known for high-quality and sturdy moss products that hold up well in terrariums.

Ledges & Hides: Zilla & 2C3 Ledges

Zilla offers excellent ledges and hides with strong suction cups, easy to clean, and lightweight. I have several of their ledges and caves, which are sturdy and well-made.

2C3 Ledges, available on Etsy and Northern Gecko, offer a wider variety of colors and designs. While slightly more expensive, their durability and strong construction justify the cost.

These ledges provide climbing and resting spots, adding visual interest and enriching the gecko's environment. The color options also allow for a more personalized terrarium setup.

Plants: Exo Terra, Pet Tech & Big Al's

Exo Terra plants, especially the hanging and larger leafed varieties, are suitable for geckos and frogs, providing climbing and hiding areas. They are reasonably priced and durable.

Pet Tech plants on driftwood add weight and stability, creating a secure and visually appealing addition. The vibrant colors make a noticeable impact on the terrarium's overall look.

Small, colorful plants from Big Al's and PetSmart, integrated into jungle vines, provide additional pops of color and visual interest. While inexpensive, they significantly enhance the terrarium's ambiance.

Conclusion: A Colorful & Functional Gecko Terrarium

This haul focused on creating a visually appealing and functional terrarium for New Caledonian giant geckos, prioritizing humidity control, appropriate lighting, and a variety of hiding and climbing structures. The chosen products offer a balance of cost-effectiveness and quality.

While some items are more expensive than others, the overall quality and functionality make them worthwhile investments. The focus on color adds visual appeal to the terrarium, creating a more enjoyable experience for both the owner and the gecko.

The various retailers mentioned provide options for various budgets and preferences. Consider the individual needs and preferences of your reptile when selecting specific products for your terrarium.