Meet the animal
Phelsuma grandis is a daytime Madagascar gecko, usually green with red markings. It has adhesive feet and no movable eyelids. Older sources retain its former subspecies name. Marking intensity does not verify a bloodline or locality.
Before you choose one
Plan for observation, live insects, complete gecko food, lighting and a reptile vet. Keep one gecko to avoid injury and competition. Its striking appearance does not remove the need for privacy or justify adding a companion without specialist assessment.
Set up its home
The proposed adult layout is 120 × 60 × 120 cm, with substantial planting, broad perches and shaded resting places. Fix branches without exposed sticky tape. Keep hot fittings out of reach and retain airflow as foliage fills the enclosure.
Temperature and safe heating
Keeper guidance suggests a warmed basking surface around 29–32°C, cooler air around 25–28°C and nights around 23–25°C. Have the complete plan reviewed and use controlled heat. Measure surfaces and air separately, including any extra warming from a nearby window.
Daylight, shade and UV
Provide roughly 12 hours of bright daytime light and a dark night. Keeper guidance proposes UVI 3–4 with full shade. Measure exposure at reachable height and follow the exact lamp’s safe clearance instructions. Do not move a fitting closer than permitted merely to reach a reading.
Water, moisture and airflow
Keeper advice describes humidity cycling broadly around 40–75%, rising after misting. Offer clean droplets and a water source, let leaves dry and inspect soil moisture and ventilation together. Persistent wet skin or mould needs investigation rather than more automatic spraying.
Food and nutrition
Use a suitable complete fruit-eating gecko diet alongside varied gut-loaded insects. Fruit purée, honey or baby food alone is not complete nutrition. Follow preparation directions, remove spoiled food and coordinate insect supplements with the complete diet and UV plan.
Behaviour and handling
Observe active climbing and feeding from outside. Avoid grabbing: skin can tear or slough and the tail can be lost. For essential transfers, guide the gecko calmly into a secure container. Preserve visual cover so watching does not require repeated disturbance.
Health and life stages
Poor grip, thin condition, retained toe skin, abnormal jaw or limbs, burns or respiratory signs need a reptile vet. Record food and sheds and review diet, UV and temperatures together. Do not treat a supplement change as a cure for unexplained weakness.
Buying and keeping records
Choose documented captive-bred P. grandis and retain older names where they appear on records. Confirm current CITES and import or export requirements for the transaction. Arrange holiday care that follows the written food and supplement plan.
Your care routine
Before arrival, check perch security, shade and the measured installation. Each day, inspect the animal, water and controls. Remove leftovers and waste and check foliage for blocked vents or unsafe lamp access. Preserve retreats during maintenance.
YOUR CHECKLIST
0 of 7 ticked
Giant day gecko — Phelsuma grandis
Care hub: wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/giant-day-gecko/
Ticks are kept only while this page is open. Print or download a copy before leaving. Completing the checklist does not establish that an animal is well or an installation is safe.
Use these reminders alongside the full guide. Adjust feeding and maintenance to your animal’s condition and measured enclosure conditions.
Sources
- Giant day gecko care sheet (ReptiFiles)
- Reptile management and husbandry (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- UV-Tool: selecting appropriate UV lighting for reptiles and amphibians (2016) (Baines and colleagues, Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research)
- UK species livestock listing (dated observation, not stock guarantee) (Repxotics)
- CITES import and export guidance (APHA / GOV.UK)
- Guidance on section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (GOV.UK / Defra)
- Import of pet invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles: IIN (GOV.UK / APHA and Defra)
Equipment checklist
Equipment examples for Giant day gecko, grouped by care need. Read the checks before choosing. Shop links are Amazon affiliate links. Items without a verified Amazon match have no shop link.
Plan the whole setup: These examples cover only part of the setup. Meet every care need and test the finished enclosure before arrival. Suitable equipment you already own may meet the need; optional tools are labelled.
Check each item for your animal’s size and life stage, safe access, compatible controls and measured conditions. The list does not certify an installation.
Adult enclosure, substrate and shelter
Read the care guidance for this need
Also plan for: Add the substrate, hides, cover and secure supports described in the care guide. The enclosure alone does not provide them.
Temperature and safe heating
Read the care guidance for this need
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model: PT2472
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Fit check: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Model: HTDD
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Fit check: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model: RT-1
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Fit check: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Lighting, shade and UV
Read the care guidance for this need
Existing lighting may already provide a suitable day-night cycle. If you need extra lighting, use a switch or timer confirmed as compatible with its exact load, including any UVB ballast.
Arcadia ProT5 Forest 6% UV-B Kit 24 W
Model: RARTP24F
A UVB fitting to assess against the individual exposure plan, with complete shade available.
Fit check: RARTP24F is a 24 W, 570 mm UK 220–240 V fitting. Keep it away from water and spray; IP20 is not waterproof. Follow the manufacturer’s minimum animal clearance of 250 mm. This is a safety limit, not a recommended mounting height or UVI target. Check the complete fitting length, guards and reachable animal positions. Measure UV Index through the installed screen at each reachable height, with full shade available. Use a separately verified lighting circuit, never a heater’s dimming outlet.
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Model: 6.5R
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Fit check: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Water, humidity and ventilation
Read the care guidance for this need
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model: PT2477
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Fit check: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Also plan for: Provide the drinking water, damp retreats or safe water area described in the care guide. A sprayer and humidity gauge cannot provide these on their own.
Feeding and nutrition
Read the care guidance for this need
Exo Terra Bamboo Tweezers Small 28 cm
Model: PT2076
Optional food-placement or maintenance tool
Places or removes food and spoiled leftovers while keeping fingers away from feeding responses.
Fit check: Use for placing food or removing leftovers, never for gripping the animal, forcing a bite or striking its mouth. Keep tools separate between quarantine groups. Choose food and supplements separately for the species.
Alternative equipment
Repashy Crested Gecko Complete Diet — 85 g
Selected current 85 g complete meal-replacement powder listing. No Classic, Mango Tango or other flavour is inferred.
Follow label preparation and have suitability for this exact species reviewed; do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to a complete diet. Use the current complete fruit-eating-gecko formula under its label instructions alongside the insects in this species' feeding plan. Plain fruit is not equivalent. Do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to complete food.
Check the exact delivered current label for the species and life stage. Follow its mixing, storage and replacement instructions, use clean feeding stations and provide the species-appropriate insect component. This is not a universal gecko diet or a claim that a historical formula is unchanged.
Also plan for: Use a suitable complete fruit-eating gecko diet alongside varied gut-loaded insects.
Equipment notes: Temperature and safe heating
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model PT2472 · Remote air probe and minimum/maximum memory; place away from direct lamp radiation. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Check before choosing: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Model HTDD · 600 W maximum, no minimum load; setting range 0–50°C. Socket II is timed; this model does not actively cool. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Check before choosing: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model RT-1 · Measures surfaces, not air. Check distance/spot size and reflective-surface limitations. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Check before choosing: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Equipment notes: Daylight, shade and UV
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Arcadia ProT5 Forest 6% UV-B Kit 24 W
Model RARTP24F · 570 mm fixture; dry installation. Manufacturer minimum animal clearance 250 mm; actual UVI depends on installation. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
A UVB fitting to assess against the individual exposure plan, with complete shade available.
Check before choosing: RARTP24F is a 24 W, 570 mm UK 220–240 V fitting. Keep it away from water and spray; IP20 is not waterproof. Follow the manufacturer’s minimum animal clearance of 250 mm. This is a safety limit, not a recommended mounting height or UVI target. Check the complete fitting length, guards and reachable animal positions. Measure UV Index through the installed screen at each reachable height, with full shade available. Use a separately verified lighting circuit, never a heater’s dimming outlet.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Model 6.5R · UV Index meter; take readings at accessible back height with screen and guards installed. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Check before choosing: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Equipment notes: Water, moisture and airflow
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model PT2477 · Remote humidity probe; readings describe air at the probe, not substrate moisture. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Check before choosing: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Equipment notes: Food and nutrition
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Bamboo Tweezers Small 28 cm
Optional food-placement or maintenance tool
Model PT2076 · For placing/removing food, not gripping animals; separate tools between quarantine groups. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Places or removes food and spoiled leftovers while keeping fingers away from feeding responses.
Check before choosing: Use for placing food or removing leftovers, never for gripping the animal, forcing a bite or striking its mouth. Keep tools separate between quarantine groups. Choose food and supplements separately for the species.
Alternative equipment
Repashy Crested Gecko Complete Diet — 85 g
Selected current 85 g complete meal-replacement powder listing. No Classic, Mango Tango or other flavour is inferred.
Follow label preparation and have suitability for this exact species reviewed; do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to a complete diet. Use the current complete fruit-eating-gecko formula under its label instructions alongside the insects in this species' feeding plan. Plain fruit is not equivalent. Do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to complete food.
Check the exact delivered current label for the species and life stage. Follow its mixing, storage and replacement instructions, use clean feeding stations and provide the species-appropriate insect component. This is not a universal gecko diet or a claim that a historical formula is unchanged.