It is also important to provide proper ventilation in the enclosure while keeping proper humidity. Unlike most other day geckos, Phelsuma barbouri requires a horizontally oriented enclosure. Fine grade well-washed orchid bark may also be used as a top level substrate. Both vertical and semi-horizontal bamboo stalks should be provided for climbing and basking. The semi-horizontal bamboo pieces should be placed near the fluorescent and incandescent lights for basking.
Cork bark makes an excellent wall covering, and also provides attachment points for epiphyte plants.
It is also important to provide plenty of hiding places for day geckos, which will help to reduce stress. Several full-spectrum fluorescent lights should be placed at the top of the enclosure. Vitalights or other reptile fluorescent lights that produce small amounts of UVA and UVB light may be used. Screen is recommended under the fluorescent bulbs because most types of plastic and glass block a large percent of UV light. Lighting should be controlled by a timer and varied seasonally from 14 hours per day during the summer to 10 hours per day during the winter, along with a small temperature drop for three or four months in winter.