All About Bioactive Reptile Tanks - Lighting, Clean Up Crew & More!

[@tortoisetarzan]

When I setup my bioactive enclosures my parents thought they would smell but now they like the smell! They just smell of fresh plants

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Exactly! :')

[@takeittotheskies]

Right?! I have a bioactive tank for my crestie and it smells like a little forest :P Gives me a nice piece of nature when I live in the city.

[@axolfox]

Omg same! My bio-active enclosure smells like the large forest behind my house

[@emmathomson2584]

I just had to move my crested gecko into a quarantine bin for observation and her bin smells NASTY!!! Can’t wait to get her back into her bio active tank lol

[@Chinesetakeout382]

Sure it’s expensive But I have an ungodly amount of love of my gecko and I’ll do it someday.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

haha perfect response :)

[@lilyjackson7607]

me to im only natural right now but i want to go bio active and add more wood and stuff

[@xoxin5044]

I think long term, it’s cheaper ,right?

[@CKzoidYT]

@@xoxin5044 noooooo i have a natural tank that i spent 200 pounds on

[@finestsickman216]

@@xoxin5044 yes it will cost less in the long run and also less time messing with cleaning and more time with your herp. A bioactive enclosure is healthy and clean. Other tile types are sterile and actually weakens herps immune systems not to mention tile damages joints

[@14spag14]

I've been keeping bioactive setups for around 8 years now. It was probably the best decision i made for keeping geckos. Never had an issue with spiders. However if you are buying clean up crew from a reptile shop. Sometimes spiders can hide in the colonies. So before just throwing the whole colony in to the enclosure, just make sure and have a check that there is not any hidden spiders. This goes for live plants and even feeders.

[@hopeewing7314]

You mentioned getting the clean up crew from a reptile shop, what kind of insects should I get for the clean up crew?

[@webodeescorpion7037]

@@hopeewing7314 Isopods, and maybe springtails (i say maybe because they can only thrive in humid environments, and a good bioactive enclosure for leos are semi-arid)

[@directorkwon]

Hi, I'm a big fan in S.Korea. I always watch your videos impressively. What you say is truly in love with reptiles. Thank you for the great content. I always support you!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw thank you so much :)

[@bigjakegames3207]

“Dirty?” Well, what do you expect?

[@leopardgeckotalk]

haha exactly.

[@stina9659]

😂

[@thistle_flowers5018]

It’s sometimes got a type of dirt, of course it’s dirty!

[@italiaprime]

Got a gecko a couple of days ago and I’ve been watching as many of your videos as I can to ensure it has a long happy life

[@barbonusbar82]

I have an arid bioactive leopard gecko setup and it works like a treat. I feed the isopods fish pellets occasionally and mist one side of the terrarium every other day so they have water to drink, if I don't they will drown in the water bowl.

[@leahjvr3245]

I'm changing my tank to look similar to Diego's tank, I like that setup and your channel always teaches me so much😄

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw awesome! thank you :D

[@888fluffy]

I've kept a bioactive arid tank for a long time now. Here are my notes: • The humidity you need for things like woodlice and springtails is too humid for leopard geckos. They might be able to survive in the humid hide, but getting around the tank to clean is difficult. You could try keeping the tank a little damper and instead add more ventilation, like a computer fan. I find this difficult to regulate in the longterm. For me, using mealworms as cleanup was much better. • The one problem with using mealworms is that they eat plants and roots. Plants are usually better kept in pots and not loose in the tank, they usually die when that happens. I often find watering the plants makes the environment too humid overall too. Once again this could be rectified by using a fan. I ended up not going with plants anyway, the tank seems to do fine without them.

[@moonlark5039]

There are many species of isopods (powder blue/orange, porcellio scaber, armadillidiums, etc.) that do great in arid setups as long as they have a humid retreat. Plenty of people have had success with springtails as well.

[@brianestepa2376]

Mealworms? Is it not an issue when they eventually turn into beetles? I'm new to this but trying to figure out the best way to set up bioactive tanks for my two leos

[@arielkeys3661]

From what I’ve heard, I don’t think that the beetles can harm geckos

[@abbychappuis9417]

I have a bioactive arid set up for my Leopard Gecko, and it has definitely helped cut back on the smell!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Ah nice, do you leave the gecko poop for the clean up crew, or remove it yourself? I'm still debating what I should do in that department.

[@zackrizel6111]

I leave the dark poopy part and take out the white part but mine is in a later stage

[@abbychappuis9417]

@@leopardgeckotalk I leave everything there, usually, they clean it up pretty fast.

[@jeannel2515]

Rebecca, I always learn new things with each of your videos. I can tell you really do your research and are passionate about sharing your knowledge to help others. I applaud you for trying to make your geckos habitats as close to nature as possible. I totally agree with the point you addressed about the smell of a bioactive tank. I think a healthy bioactive enclosure should smell like nature, just like a healthy freshwater fish tank with live plants and driftwood smells healthy, not stinky.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks so much :) Yeah I think I'm used to the earthy smell, I find it quite nice, like nature :D

[@ld-xp7rw]

75th!!!!! Also love you so much without you I would still be super depressed, I needed something to help my mental but my mom wouldn’t let me get anything but I showed her these Leo videos and she fell in love. MY GECKO IS SO HAPPY AND IS SO CUTE.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aww I'm so happy I could help :D Leos are wonderful creatures :D

[@Icyy6923]

Love your channel. When I got my gecko I stopped watching you for a while due to stress (I hated the crickets and I'm terrified of them) but I've started watching you again and I've gotten much happier. Glad a found your channel, if I didn't I wouln't have my leopard gecko! My little gecko is my best friend

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw thank you :)

[@Scones-bones]

They're great. And Crickets are *(uncomfortable noises)*

[@kashregester3974]

@@leopardgeckotalk hey! I hope you dont mind. What growth light would you recommend so my plants don't die quickly?

[@taeviansworldofreptiles3828]

I am LIVING for that shirt. I need one of those and ones that also says "with snakes" and "with tarantulas" lol

[@leopardgeckotalk]

haha thanks :) The shirt is part of my new merch :D

[@PredictableEnigma]

You could argue that arid bioactive tanks are a bit trickier to get right than humid ones, but they definately work! Many (respectable) zoos have arid bioactive enclosures. Since the point of a zoo is to show what kind of place the animals live in the wild, just up close.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

I mean possibly - i think it's mainly down to a lack of info about arid ones, makes it a bit trickier.

[@PredictableEnigma]

@@leopardgeckotalk Q: "what kinds of plants should I put in my arid bioactive tank" Internet: "hope you like aloe 😂"

[@aurorasurrealis1032]

Great educational video as always. I appreciate you being a responsible pet owner in the abyss that is pettube.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

haha thank you :D

[@HeavenlySaviour]

Thank you. Very informative. My son loves your channel and I can see why. Thanks again

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw thank you :)

[@DarKRaptor]

Your a mom and you have a anime as your profile picture😂

[@rowbot9654]

I've spent a lot on plants in my gecko's bioactive viv and was sure the UVB would work, but they all died... now I know why 🤦‍♀️ I've settled for fake plants and leaf litter for now. Thank you for the informative video and keep it up! :)

[@zyern2822]

15$ home depot plant bulb in a reptile lamp from petsmart alongside your heat/uvb/led light and bam plants be happy, more watts in ya grow bulb the better

[@nzzz3135]

Hi im a big fan of yours and decided to get my first leopard gecko after watching your videos. Many leopard gecko lovers here in the Philippines watch your vid.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw thank you :)

[@nzzz3135]

@@leopardgeckotalk it's just sad that we dont really those products you used such as Arcadia lights and substrate here in Philippines but we do our everything to keep our leos the best way possible. Looking forward for knowledgeable videos maam. 😊

[@bryleeharris8857]

I just spent all of my bday and holiday money on my gecko. I’ve also only asked for more money and petsmart/petco/amazon giftcards. I think my gecko has a stronger bond with me then any human.

[@aliciakoedijk5838]

Great vid! Always top quality. Remember that sculpture you made? Of the eye? The vag-eye-na? Which video did that thing appear in again?

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you 😂 omg can't believe you remember that hahaa, that must have been in a room tour or an ant video. 😂

[@wildhorsegirl6818]

I’ll probably be watching your bioactive videos a LOT in the coming weeks. I’m going to begin a custom tank build and work towards making it bioactive. With luck I’ll have it all set up and tweaked to perfection in the next three or so months.

[@What-ol7fe]

Same

[@jordanaestelle7442]

Thank you so much for making this video, I was so close to turning my crested gecko tank into a bio active but when I heard about the possibility of spiders... I definitely don’t want that. Specially since I keep mine in my room.

[@Petopiaa]

Do u have to clean it since they have a clean up crew (then u would have ti take them all out individually)

[@bree3539]

This is such a helpful video. I have been doing bioactive research off and on the past two years as my baby cresties have been growing, but am now finally considering going for it (was waiting for their diets to balance out and for them to grow. one of the siblings I have has had a rough go in terms of growth and eating dirt as a baby so keeping a plastic jungle so to speak felt safer as she became more stable in her health/growth). I have been revisiting some research and found that a lot of the questions I was having weren't discussed anywhere. This video answered a bunch of them, and has made me feel more comfortable with going forward with the build! Always love to see your videos, and the past few years I have had a leo and cresties I frequently visit your videos. Keep up the awesome work!!!

[@adamkiraly7833]

How can there be no arid bioactive tank? That essentially means that arid biomes in nature, like the place where these Geckos live, are not bioactive. This is the same issue I have with people who are hell-bent on not using any kind of soil as substrate. I would say a natural environment and the slim chance of soil eating is worth giving the Gecko's a full life, over living in a full plastic environment.

[@thatcherfarms8792]

My leopard geckos bio active setup including the tank costs about $500. It was definitely expensive but it was worth it. I purchased it because I want my gecko to have the best life possible and to be happy. It might take a while if your saving up for it, but I would definitely get it if you can!

[@brianestepa2376]

Can you share what components went into it? Also how its treated you and your leo over the last 2 years?

[@a5hh]

yesss was waiting for this video!!

[@AlexTheDonut]

A5H same

[@nia2076]

Me toooooo

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks :)

[@leopardgecko647]

No, thank you for the advice for me and others and being Soo good to your geckos everything counts

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw thank you :D

[@leopardgecko647]

You too

[@ottoalvarez1031]

Love the explanation of uv and plants w the graphs!

[@webbotubes]

Found your channel yesterday- been binging ever since!!

[@thomasgritzner2598]

Awesome video and great information 🏜🏕🏔⛰🗻🍀🌳🌿🌵🦎

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :)

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Your content is fantastic. I hope to one day get a crestie and a vivarium, if I can ever afford it. I believe I will. Your videos are so incredibly helpful. I try to comment on as many as I can remember to :)

[@Rayneworld]

I guess one question I always had about bioactive set ups is that: I worked in a greenhouse for a long time and I feel like the plants would suffocate each other? Like don't they need to grow big and be separated eventually?

[@mellymoore8390]

Great video as always! Thank you for being honest and responsible enough to call out false information. :) Can’t wait to see Diego’s new home haha

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D :D

[@kingkudzu352]

I got excited about the spider part then I realized that I’m in North America and there’s virtually no danger to spiders but then I heard the false widow report right after and I felt bad. I’m lucky to say that in Pennsylvania most spiders that I come across can safely be handled and observed. I’m sure this is a common occurrence but our golden orb weavers in the gardens are absolutely beautiful

[@jupitergecko4871]

My leopard geckos enclosure gets false widows in it and it's not even a bioactive setup

[@leopardgeckotalk]

haha those spiders just love reptile tanks :')

[@phelan_pt]

Gecko setups are nice and warm, there's sources of moisture, and there's often spider food the geckos missed, or that was attracted by the geckos' poop :p What's not to love? :P

[@rattlerboi4034]

Ah yes share your knowledge!!!! It would be a help to many. Share ur info!!!!!

[@BonBon-oq5pl]

i got my 2nd leopard gecko today and shes a huge girl! i bought her a 20 gallon wide tank and she seems to like it.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

ah very nice :D

[@hayesvally]

I've been going back and forth for awhile about switching to bioactive from shelf liners for my leos, however, one of my leos is more "simple" than the other, lol, and I worry that he may consume substrate

[@fluffehdude7899]

Watching your videos convinced me to get a leo and watchjing odin on different facebook groups, convinced me to switch my girl to bioactive and she loves it.

[@roserussman6948]

Thank you!! I have never heard of a growth light, now I know why my plants kept dying!

[@hebebebe139]

I'm hoping to go bioactive in the future, but for now I have just small air plants for a natural look. I can't afford 3 jungle dawn lights and fixtures, would an aquarium grow light be enough?

[@KD-iz6uh]

Love the video. Your channel is a great source for up to date info and sources for info on reptile care. I'm hoping to get a crestie in the future after getting a bio-active tank set up and running. They look the best imo, and while they require a bigger initial investment, I think the long term effects of a bio-active set-up outweigh the cost. Out of curiosity, are you going to divide Percy soon, or leave the seedlings together? I divided my Hylocereus seedlings pretty quickly and most of them got pretty big! (Granted, I then neglected them a bit too much and they look a bit rough now, but thems the breaks!)

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks so much :) I also find that you can recycle a lot of things with a tank like that - like if I get any feeder insects that have died before going to the geckos, you can actually pop them in and the clean up crew will break them down. Same with old gecko food (pangea). Ah I don't know too much about Percy, someone said he looked like a dragonfruit cactus. I may separate after winter, I know they can go a little dormant this time of year :)

[@Alphlax0850]

That lots of goodies to understand thanks a lot ❤️❤️

[@Cornine]

Safe plant list is a link to a anole for sale?

[@ajsawesomeanimals7356]

Probably gonna get a 6x2x2’ enclosure for my soon to be leo. What are your opinions? (I have a tendency to spoil my children. For instance my beardie is getting an 8x4x6’ grow tent.)

[@leopardgeckotalk]

ah wow, I mean it's up to you, as long as you put lots of places to hide in and explore so your gecko feels nice and secure, it should be fine :)

[@kbs36]

Awesome information.

[@thedgiovannideleon5628]

Very informative video, thank you! 😌

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks :D

[@brittneygraham3]

Are cleanup crews required for bioactive tanks/planted tanks? I turned my leopard geckos tank on its side and built a wooden frame with double doors that have wire mesh for ventilation so they would surely escape. If a cleanup crew isn't required, how do I keep a bioactive tank clean myself? Just basic plant care and removing dead plants/leaves and gecko waste? I'm already familiar with plant care but I was wondering if there were any extra steps.

[@weatherkidchannel5288]

Hey I have a question do you know any places to get a good Vivarium ~75 gallons for my 2 Leo’s (one male one female.don't worry I’ll have a big stone divider) also I love you’d helpful videos

[@leopardgeckotalk]

I don't know about vivs outside the UK, it may be best to just get two separate glass tanks?

[@weatherkidchannel5288]

Ok thank you what’s your opinion on building your own?

[@DenpaKei]

Had to buy that shirt immediately

[@mds67991]

I am very much afraid of spiders, so I’m very nervous of a bio active tank. But I want to provide the best life for my future gecko, so should I just deal with it and are there measures I could take to avoid getting spiders? Or can a non bio active tank be a good option as well?

[@Gingerblossom6969ily]

It might just be a thing in UK households. A lot of people in the states have bioactive terrariums and spiders don't touch it, even where I live which spiders are very common. Of course I don't know where you live so I cant be 100% sure, but just know spider infestations in tanks is not common

[@thefetishkingman]

Do isopods and sringtails need high humidity? I am planning on renovating my Ribbon snakes cage in a few months and am worried since the substrate cannot be wet.

[@thepethouse538]

I love your channel I have one leopard gecko and am taking in a baby with mbd on Sunday both are blood tangerine het raptor.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw thank you :) Hope it all goes well :)

[@bobatea7392]

Where did you get your phone case? It’s adorable!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw thanks! I got it from inksnowflying.com/leopardgecko it's a nice tough case, has lasted me a while :D

[@bobatea7392]

Leopard Gecko thank you :)

[@mackenziekarsonovich1073]

I have bio active setups for my toad and my salamander. I’m gonna do one for my crestie and my leopard gecko eventually, just haven’t gotten around to it

[@rosqnka78]

Hi!I'm a big fan! I hope I don't sound stupid but those the clean up crew break down the pee. Love your videos❤

[@gracesmith7191]

Me watching this after spending $500 on my bioactive tanks 👁👄👁

[@kirkdaturk939]

What type of light should I use for the plants

[@foxydesdes8895]

My mom thinks that getting a leopard gecko is a bad idea but I’ve been watching almost all of ur videos & doing all the research I can(including filling notebooks on notes & things I’ll need). How can I convince her to get me one for Christmas(or at least a starter kit & I’ll get the rest)?

[@SophieDiggleDo]

Write her a letter and set out all your thoughts, how it would fit into your life, then you can get all your thoughts out at once, and she can get the full picture, that's how I convinced my parents to let me get a crestie x

[@foxydesdes8895]

SophieDiggleDo thank you for the help. I’ll try that and see if that calms her mind about the smell, live food, etc. she’s afraid that I’m gonna lose a cricket or beetle. I hope it works and she’ll buy me one for Christmas🙏🏻❤️

[@petkingdom6690]

I have UVA and UVB and a heat bulb. do I need any other lighting behind besides LED lights?

[@nightinggale6470]

Nope, UVB, a heat bulb, and LED is all you need.

[@JuiceBoxx_627]

Try the Monkey Balls, it's some kind of Orange. It's a natural spider repellent. You should be able to just place one in the room and it take care of it.

[@silentmaggot3696]

thanks!! I'll look into that, tank or not I despise spiders

[@JuiceBoxx_627]

@@silentmaggot3696 Osage Orange, is the name. They're also called hedge apples and horse apples, however they are natural spider repellent. My family used to get a ton of them and split them between the houses. Just make sure to keep an eye, and replace when it starts to rot.

[@silentmaggot3696]

@@JuiceBoxx_627 thanks, and they worked well you think?

[@JuiceBoxx_627]

@@silentmaggot3696 from the time I remember my family using them, I don't recall ever seeing a spider in the house.

[@soldierbrutis95]

I have the same problem, lots of false widows. How have you handled that problem?

[@TobyCreates]

The headless gecko expert has returned

[@leopardgeckotalk]

😂 im actually just a reptilian, and that's why i can't show my face

[@TobyCreates]

😂

[@dldarby82]

I am very interested in bioactive for aesthetic purposes, as well as ease of maintenance, but I think you would be incorrect in drawing a comparison between bioactive and sterile tank/enclosure setups. Sterile tank setups are definitely cleaner, and safer, than bioactive enclosures.

[@webodeescorpion7037]

It really depends...

[@Buzzity]

Do you need to replace any of the ground substrate or the plants at all?

[@nightinggale6470]

No.

[@ardatektas9871]

Is aloevera plants okay for leos?

[@hopeewing7314]

Are the spiders a large concern? About how often does that occur?

[@rhjaltadottir]

Thank you for this helpful video! Was wondering, is it normal to see some white fuzzy mold in a brand new bio tank? What can be done about that? I have the cleanup crew in there already, so hoping it might just sort itself out once everything gets a little more settled in.

[@cristinabagley6906]

I’m having terrible trouble finding a good growth light that isn’t insanely expensive. Any recommendations?

[@stephsexoticpets]

Do I need both springtails and pillbugs? Im going to collect them from my woods once I get the substrate :)

[@nightinggale6470]

Nope, you don’t need both. Get arid isopods (powder blue/orange, porcellio scaber, armadillidiums) for sure, though, if this is for a leopard gecko. It may be better to buy the cleanup crew, wild ones could potentially have parasites. You’d have to breed them for a few generations to make sure they’re completely safe.

[@killerluuk]

The spider thing put me off so hard. Guess my turtle has to chill in his current situation. I am extremely arachnofobic

[@Abigail-ir3zg]

DJ D!TCH same I could not deal with baby spiders in my room, I’d cry

[@nightinggale6470]

Bioactive setups don’t usually get spiders.

[@zyern2822]

Semi active bioactive tank owner here, just make sure the tank has a proper lid. There won't be any spiders crawling in under your watch. Trust. It's rare

[@f.a.m.emusic3385]

I have a question . Are you able to use led strip lights for a leopard gecko enclosure? (PLZ RESPOND)

[@fionashepley478]

Yes. Just keep in mind that albinos are more sensitive to light.

[@Heather145]

its not expensive unless you go all out and all at once. they are dirtier in way because of all the dirt but other then that it is actually cleaner then a normal setup, just gotta make sure you got enough substrate lol

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Yeah like I think the equipment can be expensive, but if you already have a UV and a heater, then all you may need is a growth light. I try to collect things gradually, like if i see reduced cork branches and so on, I get it :')

[@Heather145]

@@leopardgeckotalk the equipment can be pretty expensive for sure as well as some of the plants depending on where you live. mine is just basic with a heat lamp and led light bulb lol.....although i did forget to add a drainage layer and need more dirt to fully finish it

[@Owlcopettube]

Great video :) I have been wanting to change my cages to bio active for awhile now!

[@jamezsanches]

i got my tank and plants off facebook which takes the price off a bit. but with the plants just be careful that thay are safe.

[@telekinesisimonly12]

can u show us the specific bulbs and lamps to use ?

[@telekinesisimonly12]

and soil and how do you get the cleaning up crew?

[@hales6547]

Hey so any suggestions on plant kighsg for my 40 gallon Leo's tank? We are switching to bioactive the end of this month as long as he us healthy enough for a big change . What his last years of life to be more st home than ever before. Very excited.

[@johnpaige8914]

What morph is the gecko on the thumbnail, I have a Leo that looks identical to that I’ve been trying to find out what morph he is lol

[@shaunaird8930]

Could you do a video of how to set up a new bio active enclosure for a leopard geckos

[@Twilightfanatic420]

I wondered why my chahoua grew so quick... I haven't seen any of his clean up crew since a few months are I put him in lol

[@CeceSepi]

Oh good grief, I live in the most humid state in the United States! Oh well, wish me luck.

[@morgancashman4132]

Patchy good luck then! 😊

[@leopardgeckotalk]

If it helps isopods and springtails will keep your house fungi and mould free :')

[@CeceSepi]

@@leopardgeckotalk Will that's usefully seeing as I'm allergic to those two things.

[@evanthompson1420]

I love the look and concept but I'm not too fond of spiders

[@Tobeylack]

Hi, love your videos, but you already know that🦎❤️. I just wanted to know if you see your leopard geckos interact with the plants and succulents a lot ?

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw thanks! So i have yet to add in plants with my leos, the setup pics were from viewers of the channel who have successful done arid tanks, but my other geckos who have bioactive tanks interact with their plants :)

[@Tobeylack]

@@leopardgeckotalk thank you 👍😁

[@rileyrnr1563]

How often do you need to clean out (like wash hydro balls,and change substrate) bioactive tanks? Someone help!!

[@LuvvvvCJ]

you need to clean the hydro balls before putting in but you never need to change Substrate but sometimes top it up as watering will lower it :)

[@rileyrnr1563]

@@LuvvvvCJ ok thank you!!

[@briannakomins7882]

I want to do a bio active set up for my leopard gecko. I’m worried about impaction. Is this a worry I have to have.

[@addnava6015]

Where would you put the heating pad?

[@nightinggale6470]

Heat mats are not a good heat source. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option. They produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively than heat mats. Whereas heat mats only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.

[@nia2076]

I love your channel xoxoxo

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@leramay6413]

What lights are you using to grow the plants in your setup? I am setting up a 55 gallon terrarium but I’m so confused on the lighting situation. It’s going to be home to a small species of lizard that need heat lamps to. Do you have any suggestions or tips? My membership is pending on theFacebook groups (:

[@nightinggale6470]

Plants need LED. What species of lizard?

[@aspentheeh4386]

even if they survived out of the tank springtails if anything would probably help, sense they eat mold and decaying matter.

[@MsDOLLFACE1988]

The pet store recommended desert sand for my sons leopard gekos. Google says uts not a good option...my son 7 so here I am trying to keep these pets in best condition but I feel lost with info. What kind of dirt/san can they have?

[@silentmaggot3696]

I'd recommend doing more research on substrates, but definitely not sand

[@Schmeggma.]

My question is what happen to the clean up crews waste? I had an SPS reef tank and at the time people were using a deep sand bed. What was happening was that after a while the "clean up crews" waste would leach in to the tank and kill the hard coral because of the phosphate. The answer was to use a bare bottom tank, keep the waste suspended in the air, and use a skimmer to take the waste out. I understand that this isn't water, but my question is what do you do with the clean up crews waste? I hear people claim the clean up crew cleans the waste, but what happens when they poop?

[@bonniediaz4754]

What should i do

[@WhiteNightingale]

1:53 does anyone know the leopard gecko morph? I've been trying to find out what my baby is for over a year 😂 tangerine maybe?

[@jacobnohr8261]

Alexandra Baine nope that’s not a tangerine. Message me here aminoapps.com/p/05jwb1 I can help you find out if you give me photos

[@xXJanayY]

Idk if anyone will see this to answer but can you have the live plants without the isopods? Like I’ll just have them in the background so when I have to deep clean I don’t have to uproot the plants each time. Is that something that’s possible?

[@nightinggale6470]

Yeah, that should be fine. It wouldn’t be bioactive but it’d be naturalistic.

[@allierenee5545]

I just bought a wooden enclosure off of Craigslist for my merauke blue tongue skink and I’m trying to figure out if I need to varnish it to make it water proof and how I would do it. On all of the enclosure build videos that I’ve seen it doesn’t show them varnishing it so I’m just confused. What did you do for your vivarium for your geckos?? Any advice?

[@themightygrowly]

Is there a minimum size tank required to set up a proper bioactive?

[@fionashepley478]

Nope, you can have a bioactive setup in the 20 gallon long minimum. Bigger is better though

[@starbyray7828]

If you do find a UV Growth Light mege bulb let me know!. I agree the escapees do not survive, Isopods escape from my tanks by accidentally and the dry up and die very quickly. The only thing that escapes and survives is the accidentally dropped crickets! (Usually my fault when feeding them to my Geckos). I have noticed that house spiders often catch the escaped crickets if I don't catch them first). My Geckos do occasionally eat the crew (all bought from Swell Reptiles). Spiders! Yep I have had spider infestations twice. They are a pain as they prey on my springtails!. They seem to die out on their own (or secretly migrated elsewhere). Also Ants occasionally appear even though I am in an upstairs Maisonette! I squish em instantly. Either they came in on a new house plant or in the bags of Prorep or Arcadia substrate.

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Ikr I'd be rolling in it if i could figure out how to make a uv/growth light mega bulb 😂 Spiders are such a pain, a lot of mine hide deep in the background where I can't get them. I've never had a problem with ants funnily enough - considering I have pet ants. I know some people have slug problems, a local reptile shop always does, so I'd be super wary of their plants before adding them in your tank lol

[@hg3360]

wow love yer set ups ur geckos are amazeing this im my faverite channl :D

[@leopardgeckotalk]

aw thanks so much :)