Species Detail
Giant Day Gecko
Geckos

Giant Day Gecko

Phelsuma grandis

Habitat

Tropical rainforest trees and human dwellings in humid coastal areas.

Range

Northern Madagascar, introduced to Florida and other tropical regions

Adult Size

10-12 in (25-30 cm)

Diet

Insects, nectar, fruit

Find on MorphMarket
Conservation status:Least Concern

Recommended Tank Sizes

Enclosure size guidance by life stage for Giant Day Gecko. General guidelines โ€” always research species-specific requirements and size up whenever possible.

Baby

12" ร— 12" ร— 18" (~10 gal / 38 L) (30 ร— 30 ร— 46 cm)

Juvenile

18" ร— 18" ร— 24" (~25 gal / 95 L) (46 ร— 46 ร— 61 cm)

Sub-Adult

18" ร— 18" ร— 36" (~40 gal / 151 L) (46 ร— 46 ร— 91 cm)

Adult

24" ร— 24" ร— 48" (~65+ gal / 246+ L) (61 ร— 61 ร— 122 cm)

Orientation: Arboreal (tall). As a rule of thumb, the enclosure length should be at least 2ร— the reptile's adult length, and width at least 1ร—.

Ferguson Zone & UVB

The Ferguson Zone system categorizes reptiles by their natural UVB exposure needs, guiding lighting choices.

Zone 3 โ€” Sun/Canopy Basker

Tropical canopy species bask in filtered sunlight. Provide moderate UVB (5โ€“10% T5) across part of the enclosure, with dense foliage for shade and cover.

Zone 1

Crepuscular / Shade

Zone 2

Occasional Basker

Zone 3

Open Sun Basker

Zone 4

Full Sun Lover

Temperature Gradient

basking surface

85โ€“95ยฐF (29โ€“35ยฐC)

warm ambient

78โ€“85ยฐF (26โ€“29ยฐC)

cool side

72โ€“78ยฐF (22โ€“26ยฐC)

Humidity

70โ€“90%

Lighting & Photoperiod

5โ€“10% T5 HO UVB bulb. Basking bulb or LED grow lights for plants. 12 hr photoperiod year-round. Full-spectrum LED helps sustain live plants.

Heating

Overhead basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter. Heat panels for tall enclosures. Avoid heat mats for arboreal species โ€” they offer little benefit.

Decor & Furnishings

  • โ€ขSturdy vertical branches and bamboo for climbing
  • โ€ขLive plants (Pothos, Bromeliads, Philodendron)
  • โ€ขCork bark tubes and background for hiding
  • โ€ขMisting system or fogger for humidity
  • โ€ขBroad leaves as water-catching surfaces

Setup Notes

Maintain high humidity with daily misting or an automatic system. Use a drainage layer (LECA) under the substrate to prevent waterlogging. Provide good ventilation to prevent stagnant, moldy air.