7 Best Reptiles Perfect for a 10-Gallon Enclosure

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Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

A close-up of a leopard gecko
Daniel Mačura/Pixabay

If you’re looking to add a reptile to your home but are limited by space, a 10-gallon tank can be a perfect fit. The key is choosing a species that thrives in a smaller environment. Many reptiles, such as house geckos, anoles, and leopard geckos, are ideal candidates for compact enclosures. Not only are they manageable in terms of space and care, but they also offer a lot of personality and low-maintenance needs. Here are 7 reptiles that will flourish in a 10-gallon tank with the right care.

1. Leopard Gecko

A close-up of a leopard gecko
torstensimon/Pixabay

One of the top reptiles for a 10-gallon tank is the leopard gecko. These hardy little lizards are known for their docile nature and are perfect for beginners. They grow to about 8-10 inches, which makes them a great fit for small spaces. Leopard geckos thrive in a warm, dry environment, and their care requirements are simple. They require a substrate like reptile carpet or paper towels, and their diet consists mainly of insects like crickets and mealworms. They do well with moderate lighting, and it’s essential to provide a basking spot to help regulate their body temperature.

2. Crested Gecko

A close-up of a Crested Gecko
Peter Law/Pexels

Another fantastic reptile for a 10-gallon tank is the crested gecko. These small, tree-dwelling geckos are known for their striking appearance, including their unique “crest” along their heads. Crested geckos require more vertical space than horizontal, so make sure your tank has branches and climbing structures for them to explore. They are nocturnal and can be a bit more active than other species, making them fun to watch. Like leopard geckos, they are relatively low-maintenance and eat a mix of commercial fruit-based food and insects. 

3. Green Anole

Green Anole
Ray_Shrewsberry/Pixabay

The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a small, active lizard native to the southeastern United States. Known for its vibrant green color, it can change to brown based on temperature or stress. These lizards are ideal for a 10-gallon tank due to their small size, typically growing up to 8 inches. Green anoles are insectivores, feeding on crickets, mealworms, and small insects. They require a warm, humid environment with climbing branches, plants, and a basking area for optimal health and comfort.

4. House Gecko

House Gecko
pakapon prachapibarn/Pixabay

For those who want a reptile that’s easy to care for, house geckos are an excellent option. These small, nocturnal lizards are easy to care for and adapt well to confined spaces. A single-house gecko can comfortably live in a 10-gallon tank, and they are ideal for beginners. House geckos are great climbers, so it’s essential to include vertical climbing spaces in their setup. They do best in a warm environment with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. Since they are insectivores, you’ll need to provide them with crickets, mealworms, or other feeder insects.

5. Tokay Gecko

Tokay Gecko
vietduc120494/Pixabay

The Tokay Gecko is another great option for a 10-gallon tank. Known for their vibrant blue and orange coloration, Tokay geckos are a bit more aggressive than other gecko species, so they’re better suited for experienced reptile keepers. These geckos are nocturnal and love climbing, so your tank should have plenty of vertical space. Tokay geckos are insectivores and feed on crickets, roaches, and other live insects. They require a warm environment with a temperature range between 80°F and 90°F and a humidity level of 60%-80%.

6. Brown Anole

Brown Anole
Jody Davis/Pixabay

The brown anole is another great species for a 10-gallon tank. These small lizards are active and love to climb, so adding branches, plants, and other structures to the tank will keep them happy. Brown anoles are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for beginner reptile keepers. They require a temperature range of 75°F to 85°F, with a basking spot around 90°F. Humidity should be maintained between 60% and 70%. Brown anoles are insectivores, so feeding them crickets, mealworms, and small bugs will keep them healthy and satisfied. 

7. Leopard Tortoise

A tortoise crawling slowly on a pebbly surface
butti_s/Pixabay

If you’re looking for a reptile with a bit more longevity, the leopard tortoise can also be considered for a 10-gallon setup, particularly during its early stages of growth. While adult leopard tortoises will eventually need much larger enclosures, younger tortoises can be kept in smaller tanks. They need a warm, dry environment and are herbivores. You’ll need to provide them with proper UVB lighting to help with calcium absorption and shell development. A 10-gallon tank can work for a juvenile leopard tortoise, but keep in mind that as they grow, they will need more space.

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