Crested Gecko Temperature Guide

Overheating is the single most common cause of death in crested geckos. Unlike leopard geckos or bearded dragons, crested geckos evolved in cool cloud forests and have virtually no heat tolerance. Temperatures above 85°F cause acute heat stress. Above 90°F can be fatal within hours — not days.

• Never place the enclosure in direct sunlight — glass tanks heat rapidly
• Heat lamps without thermostats are dangerous — always use temperature control
• Hot rooms in summer are a silent killer — monitor with digital thermometers
• Powerful basking bulbs designed for desert species are completely inappropriate

• Daytime ambient: 72-78°F across the enclosure
• Maximum warm spot: 80-82°F at the highest basking point
• Nighttime drop: 65-72°F — this natural cycle is beneficial
• Room temperature: 68-76°F is often sufficient without any heat source
• Danger zone: Above 85°F causes stress; above 90°F is potentially fatal

Most crested geckos do not need supplemental heat if room temperature stays within 68-76°F. If your home runs cool, a low-wattage bulb (25-35W) on a thermostat provides gentle warmth without risk.

• Use a low-wattage bulb (25-35W) — never high-wattage desert basking bulbs
• Always connect heat sources to a thermostat — unregulated heat is dangerous
• Place heat on one side to create a warm-to-cool gradient
• Turn off supplemental heat at night to allow the natural temperature drop

Accurate temperature monitoring is non-negotiable. Use digital thermometers with probes placed at gecko level in both the warm and cool zones. An infrared temperature gun helps verify surface temperatures on basking perches.

• Digital probe thermometers at warm and cool zones — check daily
• Infrared temp gun for verifying basking perch surface temperatures
• Monitor closely during summer — air conditioning may be needed
• Check temperatures after any enclosure move or room change

Early signs: Hiding exclusively on the cool side, reduced activity, loss of appetite. Severe signs: Gaping mouth, rapid breathing, lethargy, inability to cling to surfaces, seizures. If you observe any of these, check temperature immediately. Move the gecko to a cooler area and verify enclosure temps with a thermometer — do not guess.