Choosing the right starter kit for your crested gecko can be overwhelming, with numerous brands and varying inclusions. This detailed comparison dives into two popular choices: the Zoo Med and Exo Terra crested gecko kits. Both offer a complete (though not entirely comprehensive) setup in a single package, promising convenience for new gecko owners. However, significant differences in quality, included items, and overall value exist between these two kits. This review analyzes each kit's components, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We’ll examine the enclosure, included accessories, substrate, and feeding supplies, ultimately determining which kit provides the best value and foundation for a thriving crested gecko habitat.This comparison focuses on practicality and long-term cost-effectiveness. While the Zoo Med kit boasts a lower price point and more items, we’ll explore whether these additions justify the trade-off in quality. The Exo Terra kit, though pricier, prioritizes essential, higher-quality components. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each kit's features, including the substrate type, enclosure design, and included accessories, this review aims to guide you towards the best choice based on your budget and priorities, ensuring you provide your new crested gecko with a safe and stimulating environment.
Pros And Cons
- Includes a glass cage with a screen top (with slots for cords)
- Comes with a plant, stick, food and water bowls, Eco Earth substrate, Repti Calcium, ReptiSafe water conditioner, and ZoomEd Reptivite vitamins.
- Affordable (~$15)
- Included care guide contains questionable information.
- Plant is subpar and doesn't offer sufficient hiding spaces.
- Food bowl is too shallow, leading to potential issues with food sticking to the gecko's feet.
- Included food is not palatable to geckos.
- Reptivite vitamins are redundant if using the included complete diet.
- Water conditioner is unnecessary.
- Latches on the cage are flimsy.
- Includes a glass cage with two front-opening doors and sturdy latches.
- Comes with a thermometer/hygrometer, plantation soil substrate, and a large, attractive hide/plant.
- Hide offers ample hiding and climbing space.
- Sturdier clasping mechanism.
- Comes with less items than ZooMed kit.
- Thermometer and hygrometer are analog and less precise than digital options.
- Styrofoam background can be damaged by crickets and is potentially harmful if consumed by geckos.
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Zoo Med Crested Gecko Kit Unboxing and Contents
The Zoo Med kit, priced around $15, boasts a surprising amount of inclusions. The kit includes a 12x12x18 inch enclosure with a single opening door, a care guide (with some questionable information), a small plant, a large stick, food and water bowls, a brick of Eco Earth substrate, repti calcium, repti safe water conditioner, and Zoo Med reptivite vitamins, and crested gecko food.
While the Eco Earth substrate and stick are excellent additions, the plant is rather sparse and doesn't offer much hiding cover. The food and water bowls are functional, but the food bowl is too shallow and can cause issues with food sticking to the gecko's feet. The included crested gecko food is nutritionally adequate but is often unappetizing to geckos. The water conditioner and vitamins are largely unnecessary, given readily available alternatives.
Exo Terra Crested Gecko Kit Unboxing and Contents
The Exo Terra kit, priced around $90, offers a more streamlined approach. It includes a similar sized enclosure (12x12x18 inches) but features two opening doors, a thermometer/hygrometer combo, a brick of plantation soil, and a more substantial hide/plant decoration. The dual doors are preferable for handling, and the thermometer/hygrometer provides crucial environmental monitoring.
The plantation soil is a good alternative to Eco Earth, while the hide is a significant improvement. It provides ample hiding spots and climbing opportunities, enhancing the enclosure's appeal. However, be aware that the styrofoam background can attract crickets who might consume it and pose a risk to your gecko if they are subsequently eaten.
Comparison and Recommendations
While the Zoo Med kit offers a wider array of items at a lower price point, much of its content is either unnecessary or sub-par. The Exo Terra kit, although more expensive, provides higher-quality essential items such as the thermometer/hygrometer and an excellent hide. The dual-door design also improves handling.
Ultimately, the Exo Terra kit presents better value due to the superior quality of its inclusions. However, both kits require additional components for a complete setup. Consider your budget and prioritize essential items such as a quality substrate, a secure hide, and accurate environmental monitoring equipment when making your decision.