How to setup a bioactive terrarium for Leopard Geckos. Self cleaning, self maintaining.

8 MONTH UPDATE - • Leopard Gecko BioActiv...
Here is one of the most requested videos by followers of The Bio Dude. Here is a video explaining how to setup a self cleaning, self maintaining bioactive terrarium featuring the Bio Dude's hand crafted Terra Sahara substrate. I cover care, heating, feeding and many other frequently asked questions.
www.thebiodude.com/products/l...
- Website: www.theBioDude.com
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- KZbin: / @thebiodudejoshhalter
- Instagram: @TheBioDude
- TheBioDude Location: The Bio Dude Inc Houston 15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
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-The Dude Abides

[@Spooky.Sashimi]

I know this was posted two years ago, but I can't stress how grateful I am for this video. It's leaves nothing out. Your attention to detail, patience, impressive knowledge and eloquence when explaining your reasonings behind your choices is something that is lacking these days when it comes to education on pet care.

[@kaitlyn148]

You sound like hiccup from how to train your dragon

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

So I've been told - I've also told I am like Stewart from the BB theory - My wife thinks I am like Peter Balish from GOT lol!

[@kaitlyn148]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter 🤣🤣

[@kmm0246]

Definitely

[@domishere4313]

How to train your gecko

[@sasquatchdonut2674]

I can’t unhear it now

[@biggergamer1232]

Me when is see it says “self cleaning and self maintaining”: this looks like the thing for me

[@ojinga]

Just a Random dude YOUR NOT FUNNY

[@emilyfleegle9631]

Jack R you’re

[@ojinga]

Emily Fleegle ahh yes. Correct my grammar. Got nothing else to say? Bitch

[@CarowindsRoblox]

Lol

[@ojinga]

@Darth Vader says the guy who replied to my 5 MONTH OLD FUCKING COMMENT

[@Shotjunkie99]

“Mexican basil *inhales*...smells real good” I laughed to hard at that

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It's good stuff :)

[@nick_088]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter do u smoke weed

[@plantune2003]

I literally screamed 😂😂😂

[@tcc5750]

11:05 Awesome man. Nobody ever mentions what to do to prevent crickets from drowning. It's one of the reasons I hated feeding them. Never thought a simple piece of wood would keep them afloat.

[@StickyFeets]

This is one of the best looking vivarium I've seen!!

[@devinweyman2132]

I'm 100% going to buy one of your bioactive kits for my leo, Morty. Thank you!!

[@SmoopyGablooy]

Y do i feel like this is just one bio dude ad that is really persuading me because this is so cool, its a whole ecosystem

[@nikostavropoulos1095]

two videos in a row! its like christmas. love the new setup btw

[@imprintafter]

Love ya my dude I can't tell you how much I hate seeing animals kept in bare tanks with just a heat lamp, newspaper on the floor as some kinda of idiot substrate and just one bark hide from petco.

[@TheSmallSaint]

I love bio active terrariums as well but I'm sure that if its more affordable, many people wouldn't be keeping their pets with "just a heat lamp, newspaper on the floor as some kinda of idiot substrate and just one bark hide from petco."

[@Zuxeh]

There is a multitude of reasons, new or ill informed keepers would initially shy away from keeping their animals in enclosures such as these. They feel it looks dangerous, expensive, difficult to maintain and even more difficult to accomplish, all of which we know to be the opposite of the case, but alas.

[@TheSmallSaint]

True but people are entitled to what they believe is best for their animal(s) whether good or bad. I know people that keeps their animals in a very minimal setup for years without problems. Its probably not right but why fix something that isn't broken? Its hard to know what's right or wrong for your animal(s) with so many opinions, especially on the internet.

[@Zuxeh]

I think I can agree with your point about difficulty in knowing what is best. The attitude that, "if its not sick, why change or provide it anything?" Though, no so much.

[@TheSmallSaint]

Yes, bio active is the best way but I'm saying its not the only way. I'm just using devils advocate so you can at least have an open mind to why most people could/would not want to change to bio active terrarium.

[@Goblin3365]

I must say dude, i love your passion! People can really hear how much time and effort you put into this! You will be somerhing great one day, keep it up bro👍🏽

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I appreciate that! : )

[@JohnMiller-gt2rk]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter uuuu GB

[@KineticTaco]

He’s a natural salesman

[@erisguzman3351]

I am preparing my Leopard gecko's new home, and I was very interested in a bio-reactive tank because of how much it seems to benefit the geckos. This video really helped me a lot and I will definitely be purchasing all of the fauna, microorganisms, isopods, your mosses and substrate, your ghost wood, etc! Since he is still a baby I am going to start off with a lot fewer things and a smaller tank, but as he grows I will be letting the tank grow with him and continue to expand the habitat. I loved the detail you went into about everything that you use and why you use it and how it works in the environment you created. I absolutely love the way you seem to be dedicated to your animals. Thank you so much for this video.

[@Aquarimax]

My daughter and I just used your tankless 20 g long Leopard Gecko kit. We really like it!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is what I like to hear : )

[@Aquarimax]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter It has been a couple of months now, and our leopard gecko loves her bioactive enclosure as much as we do. The side-mounted UTH keeps her warm hide of cork bark at the perfect temperature, and she comes out most evenings for a walk (and to see if we are going to feed her,) the cleanup crew is doing really well....even most of the urates disappear! Our cleanup crew consists of silver springtails, powder blue Isopods, costa rican purple isopods, zebra pillbugs, and mealworm larvae/beetles. Excellent kit, Biodude!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Aquarimax That is excellent feel free to leave a review under the product on the website that really helps with my SEO and really helps with my conversions :)

[@Aquarimax]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter Yes, we left you a very positive review on your site some weeks ago. We are very glad to have found you! Would you ever consider doing an interview? I have nearly 5,000 subscribers to my KZbin channel, and would love to post a video interview to my channel about you and what you do...I'm sure it would send some potential customers your way.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would be open to that, although I would not have any idea how to go about doing it. Feel free to email me and we can work out the logistics that way. Josh

[@xopamjones]

researching leopard geckos for my kids 9th birthday present. you've helped a lot with me studying the best things for a terrarium! Thank you!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is what I do! Thank you for watching.

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Cool beanz!! So far all of your setups are flawless!!

[@destortoise]

thank you for your passion!!

[@Syllvur]

My new tank looks so empty compared to this lol It's my first time setting up a bioactive vivarium, so I will have to move some stuff around before my little one goes in her tank on Monday. You are an absolute inspiration!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We appreciate your support, thank you!

[@cooliipie]

dope scaping man! not many people have that eye

[@kirbyk4733]

Getting ready to switch my guys to bioactive terrariums with your help and I cannot wait!

[@deniselubken7132]

Love all your videos. I binge watch them. Your information is great and I love the no BS approach. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad you like them!

[@ChallengetheWild]

This is too cool!

[@lifewithzara2220]

Love your tank!!! It is so beautiful and natural!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you very much Zara!

[@sugarplum2629]

I've had leopard geckos for 5 years and from watching your videos, I realize I'm doing it all wrong. I don't have time to make large modifications to my gecko's tank before I move to Japan for 3 years, but I'll make what small changes I can for now. As soon I get home and get my gecko back, I will be completely redesigning her home. I'll probably do the same for all my tarantulas. Thank you so much for all the great info! I look forward to seeing what else you come out with.

[@tamiradansby7136]

It’s been 3 years how is your geckos ?

[@haydnsfishreptiles9951]

Hello the Biodude! Over at Haydn’s Fish and Reptiles, I used your kits on all 5 of my reptiles and they are loving it! Thank you for providing these videos and these kits.

[@jjhill001]

Do a reptile room update with all the terrariums you've made. People really seem to get their rocks off to those.

[@roguepotato5298]

I know I do

[@nlellison99]

your set up videos are SO good other cvhannels leave so much out but your one take really lets us see it all

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

glad theyre helpful!!!

[@parkert2710]

I love your channel and site! Amazing vid!

[@shannonevans3029]

So excited to find something like this!! You are a very bright guy! Keep following your passion!

[@deniseemond9263]

I'm so very glad that I found you. I'm about to get my first herp. I very excited. I just got my screen cage today. I want my first to be a Grreen snake or a hognose snake first. But I know it won't end there. I can learn so much from you

[@caeabw92]

I've never owned a reptile before (I found your channel looking up just plant terrariums) but after watching a number of your videos and other people's reviews, I'm super interested in reptile ownership. It's not something I'm going to jump into without more research and making sure I can keep up with care; but I think if I ever do (I'm kind of in love with leopard geckos and bearded dragons) I'm definitely going to think of your stuff first and suggest it to anyone I know with herps.

[@isuckatnamingthings5499]

Oh wow 3 years ago! Did you ever end up getting any?

[@caeabw92]

@@isuckatnamingthings5499 Not long after I posted that, a friend of a friend had to suddenly re-home a leopard gecko early 2018. I currently have three leopard geckos, one is special needs - I have a pet hognose snake (another that needed rehomed and had some health issues at the time) and a gargoyle gecko :) so, yeah, I fell in pretty hard. Everyone's doing good. I'm building a bioactive enclosure for my gargoyle gecko, and I'm going to experiment with my leopard geckos. The special needs one will likely never be full bioactive just due to pre-existing conditions, but I've built more naturalistic things for them to climb on, pieces of slate/tile.

[@caeabw92]

Oh, and I got a jumping spider and I'm raising isopods haha

[@geckoeditz5330]

@@caeabw92 wow thats crazy! have fun!

[@baker4132]

@@caeabw92 hognoses are great

[@steverivas582]

Just received your set up and put it together with my kids, awsome set up easy to follow and most of all the geckos are living it up now!!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Excellent! Thank you for your business!

[@Phoenixxfyre]

Loving the manic energy in this video

[@Nugrat1]

if you open the zoo med package it has feet to place on your vivarium precisely so it does not pinch the cord

[@laurenbelle6760]

Nugrat1 are you talking about little foam pads to put on the terrarium to raise it? I was going to go look for some but if it comes in the package I guess I won’t have to

[@brettrock4870]

Lauren Belle they’re like little rubber pods

[@brettrock4870]

Kasey Ligon I don’t use them anymore I use some tile pieces.

[@SpaceCowboyAZ48]

I bought this product about a year ago and my leapord gecko couldnt be more happy. You can definitely tell the difference in behavior when you have a bare minimum tank vs this. She has made burrows and always has somewhere to run to feel safe, the plants really bring everything to life (even if she steps all over them haha) and I can always see her sticking out her burrow waiting for food to come her way. For those that are skeptical about belly heat and impaction I never had a problem with it. I have a heat lamp over a trail of broken tiles and a log in my tank that gives the heat my leapord gecko needs. I hand feed my lizard most of the time but if you have correct husbandry this product will NOT cause impaction.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Dylan, we appreciate your business and are glad to hear your Leopard gecko is happy!

[@fionashepley478]

I completely agree! It is ideal to let them hunt most of the time though, it’s great enrichment.

[@christinehastie5241]

This is truly amazing! Thanks for all this helpful information and instruction.

[@Kaido711]

I'm diggin' this.

[@greasy2590]

Can you make a video on how you water everything and just general maintenance of the vivarium? I am very interested in this in will more that likely purchase one of the kits for my leo in the next couple of weeks.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes! I have a few videos I am working on!

[@landlocked-swisssurfing8041]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Post them please when you do!

[@megalodon4586]

You know what? This is art.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I appreciate that.

[@ruinnimbus4616]

Years ago I bought the stuff for the gecko tank and it’s doing excellent very minimal need to help him with shedding and he stays warm and cool when he needs to be. We’re ready to upgrade his tank and I hope to see products back in stock soon so I may purchase from you again

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks for the support! I’m happy to hear that. We’re currently working on several of our kits, as certain aspects are becoming difficult to source, but we’re getting there!

[@thegecko4704]

I’m so glad you sell great products that you think is safe

[@NaturesAquascapes]

Hi Josh, do you have a business email anywhere? i would love to help you expand your project range into the UK effectively, i really feel like we are missing your substrate variability, degradeables and range of isopods here and with my help would be a big hit. i Will go to your website shortly in search of contact info

[@Pessimystic]

I have been planning to get a leopard gecko for a while now, and if I ever do, i am really interested in using this kit. I like the idea of a natural ecosystem for the reptile. I have discussed about having a leopard gecko to my mom, and asked her if we can have one once we move into our new home. She said she will think about it. So, if I ever can in the future, i'd really like to use this idea for a terrarium than say a newspaper as a substrate and a cup for a shelter XD. I love how everything looks very alive and natural, and also has other species to make a small ecosystem. I really think your job can be very successful, so keep up the good work! :D

[@Spursin]

Flame Wing please do more research, a lot of things in this video are incorrect for a leopard gecko.

[@eco-logicgecko112]

This is awesome, thank you so much again, Josh, can't wait to try this out with my Leo! :)

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Have fun!

[@lifeofpicaso]

Nice!! Im gana set up mine later on. really cool landscape!!

[@bexxxd]

you can use bumper dot stickers on the corners of the tank to avoid squishing your cord for the heat mat if you choose to stick it under the tank :)

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Great idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@HUNTENMASTA1337]

i was considering a leopard gecko, and if i do im going with your stuff.

[@stiaanvanhuyssteen5069]

The videos are good quality and I love the fact that you give proper enclosures for your animals. Keep the videos coming

[@Zuxeh]

Edited - Poster reworded his comment.

[@stiaanvanhuyssteen5069]

Okay thanks for the comment, will edit my comment

[@Zuxeh]

I appreciate the reasoned reply, have a nice evening !

[@stiaanvanhuyssteen5069]

Thanks you too

[@meepmeep2525]

what?

[@chelseareyes252]

Youre so knowledgeable and passionate!!! Keep going and never stop reaching dude!

[@matthewjones9096]

Ghost wood looks like an antler. Looks sick

[@sebwijnands2099]

You deserve more subscibers and views😊👍

[@Samuel-fg2ul]

what the fuck is your profile pic

[@patriciagately1336]

Samuel8299 that's what I was thinking.

[@sebwijnands2099]

Samuel8299 art

[@sebwijnands2099]

Natytales! Hermit Crabs, Turtles And Gaming! Art

[@WildWesternLizardWizard]

welp i'm convinced. just bought a kit. my leo is in a sad minimal baby tank, but she's growing up fast and very active. we'll see how she likes it!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We'd love to see pictures :)

[@KC6111]

Knows it all and knows it well!!!! I hit subscribe as soon as the bio-bugs were being added! This guy needs to be heard!

[@allan7934]

I see you but hear Stuart from Big Bang theory.... great video BTW.

[@mariaf5301]

Just ordered the terra Sahara substrate for my gecko, super excited to get it but also kinda disappointed that the only shipping option was $16 more than the substrate itself :/

[@landlocked-swisssurfing8041]

Not just with the Bio Dude. It seems to be that way everywhere. Sometimes if you ask the supplier they are able to find alternate shipping options that are less expensive.

[@jojomusicstudio68]

Thank you Bio Dude, this video saved Maple's (leopard gecko) life. A friend of mine's son adopted Maple from a petshop, lost interest, then my friend became her caretaker. After a little over a year, Maple started to not eat and to seem worn out & dispondent. After months of going to my friend's house and seeing Maple just standing in the same spot, my heart ached for Maple and I offered to babysit her with hopes to help her somehow. Not having any knowledge or experience with leopared geckos I started researching: not ever being quite satisfied with the review of any substrate until I came upon the notion of a "bioactive" terrarium ... this lead me to your video and I will forever be grateful!!! I setup a terrarium according to your guide and am happy to announce that Maple is thriving ... we've had her since early December of '21 and she's still doing well as we speak! Thank you for your love & care of the lovely little creatures ... you are a jewel!!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you for the support!

[@bobbyward360]

Incredibly helpful!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you so much!

[@georod5642]

great content and tanks but i srsly laughed my ass off when you said "your little one"

[@Billothy69]

Also, would this setup be good for someone who is preparing to have their first leopard gecko? Or should it only be done by experienced people who know what to look for?

[@callmemaddy]

anyone can do this as long as you’ve done your research!

[@elinasmuzika]

you are amazing! you inspired me to upgrade all of our vivs!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is what we like to hear! Thank you ; )

[@rogerstenstromk5mow715]

Very cool set up.

[@Myzbeats]

Anyone’s gecko having a hard time adjusting to their new home? Just did this after two years of reptile carpet and he keeps trying to escape.

[@heydesiree]

This is amazing 😍 I'll be buying some plants from you later on. I'm wondering though, how does one spot-clean in a crowded tank? And also what is that white light fixture?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there, the white light bar is an LED. You also kinda just...spot clean(lol). pick up and wipe where needed.

[@Scones-bones]

I might get this for my birthday for my gecko , I might get that kit

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

This video just answered all my questions about leopard geckos in bioactive vivariums. I just got a leopard gecko a few days ago, and for now he's in a 10 gallon QT with repti-carpet. I've been curious about going with a planted vivarium with a clean up crew and the whole 9 yards, but wasn't sure if I should. Thank you for this.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you for watching and following!

[@fionashepley478]

I’d get a 20 gallon long at least

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Fiona Shepley the 10 is not his permanent enclosure. I just got him and so he’s in quarantine. Also he’s a baby. I already have a 20 long to move him into after his quarantine time is over. And I’m in the process of setting it up now.

[@GruffThree9]

Yes! Finally someone else who doesn’t like red bulbs. They need to stop being sold!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Been sayin' it for years!

[@bluecowboy1486]

Ya I agree. They’re advertised as “infrared” but just because leopard geckos can’t see the color red doesn’t mean they don’t see the light. It can mess up their day time night time schedule. If you want to use a heat bulb other than a heat mat use a ceramic. They’re a lot more effective

[@dwightbaker3656]

I'm new to reptile husbandry. My sister asked me if I wanted a breeder pair just before Christmas this year. I know nothing when it comes to this. I have been all over the internet looking for the best information. Anything you can tell me. I'm about to do my first full cleaning of their Vivarium. I'm keeping my eye out for a much larger tank.

[@reptielenshowassen1486]

What a great video! Thanks! Extremely informative and easy to recreate.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbhelle5481]

Love your set up for the leopard gecko. I have a rescued one bot not in a bio take yet. Thank you

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@trenttheoret1729]

Please do one on blue tongue skinks

[@robertculen2949]

Bioactive is a bit more difficult with blue tounges cause they got on the larger side and can be aggressive burrowers, which often destroys the roots of plants.

[@DrakeDragonheart]

Substrate, plant, scape with inanimate decor, add cleanup crew. I feel like you would've had an easier time starting big and ending small, going front to back

[@Cliffhanger_MFC]

Incredible, just incredible!!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!

[@uomorana71]

Josh your the vivarium genius!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you so much!!!

[@josephperea-naranjo6299]

I’ve herd people tell me leopard geckos are not climbers so they do not need branches and wood to be on but I still did it and she loved it she would climb on it all the time same with ball pythons if you give it to them they will use it

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Joseph. You are absolutely correct they love climbing on low lying branches and will utilizes every bit of space you provide.

[@pandawarrior2456]

When will your isopods and springtails kits for leopard geckos be in stock

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Soon. I added a "notify me when back in stock" on the website under the item specifically.

[@arrosconpollo1]

That was totally awesome!!! Great content

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Appreciate it!

[@johnvazquez1405]

Awesome you did it!! :D

[@thomasharrison99]

Will you do uk shipping?

[@FarAwayCookie]

Could you link some articles that explain in depth some of the bioactive concepts you talked about? I love the tank and the video is super helpful, but what can I say I'm a nerd and knowing the how's and whys is my specialty 😋

[@GenerationalGeckos]

I really enjoy your work and passion for your Reptiles and Amphibians. I am a new subscriber to your channel. You tank work is awesome along with your knowledge of how to keep a healthy environment. Thank you.

[@thefrosty4133]

Awesome setup my new dream!

[@skyemccready]

what about belly heat?

[@noahbraedon]

Skye McCready Belly heat is actually not something that leopard geckos require, as they wouldn’t have a heat source that self-emits in the wild.

[@keiralaurice3713]

Noah Miller yes there would they collect Heat from the grown and light can kill them so put your heater at the bottom please

[@mohammedyousef4791]

Can I get the terrasahara anywhere in the U.K?

[@clarascritters1125]

it's josh's special blend so you'll have to order from his website!

[@mohammedyousef4791]

Clara's Critters does he ship to the uk

[@johnvazquez1405]

Mohammed Yousef he does not :(

[@Stargirl41116]

SO helpful. I just received my kit from you and it's awesome.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Wonderful, very happy to hear that! We appreciate you support!

[@cassc8677]

I needed this video. Thank you.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You are so welcome!!! so glad!!! :)

[@gingercyanide]

Thanks for bringing up the issue with impaction. Super sick of hearing self proclaimed leopard gecko substrate police preaching against it. Leopard geckos don't live in pristine glass floored tanks in the wild. It's all about proper husbandry.

[@zilla8103]

Jamie Michelle sand still isn’t good for them

[@Weirdanimalboy]

Zilla 810 No, it's not. That's why he isn't using sand.

[@lisaroberts4388]

If you don’t use sand you can switch it for something digestible. we aren’t being “substrate police” we are simply trying to help leopard geckos in captivity live a HEALTHY life. So go ahead use sand tell me how it works out when your gecko has impaction.

[@Weirdanimalboy]

Then it' a good thing he isn't using sand. I have this substrate. It's not sand. It pacts together to make a stable floor that doesn't shift under the gecko's weight, while also having enough give that the gecko can easily dig in it whenever they desire, say to make a burrow or to lay an egg. Stop acting like geckos will get impacted by simply *looking* at a bag of loose substrate. There's caution, and then there's irrational fear.

[@lisaroberts4388]

Weirdanimalboy first I was responding to how she said we are being substrate police. I said nothing about his substrate. Second geckos do die from having sand and getting impaction they don’t get it from “looking” at it. And some people are encouraging it. Go ahead just be “ cautioned “ and I will be “irrationally in fear” but at least my geckos will be healthy and will live a good life.

[@MrDalgard]

Is it just me, or does this guy look and sound pretty simular to Stuart in the big bang theory? :P

[@nwyk153]

This is Better than those KZbinrs that recommend bare bottoms and plastic caves for their reptiles. Because you know, in the wild these reptiles are found on places where kitchen towels and vinyl flooring as substrates.

[@orlandog.7536]

badass bro. keep it up

[@destinyhounshell7153]

I feel like this would be so bad for a leopard gecko. Impaction, it would cause respiratory problems, and their legs need firm sold ground to walk on to built up muscle in their legs. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is all things I've been told by a vet.

[@nightinggale6470]

This isn’t bad for leopard geckos at all, it’s pretty much the best setup you could give them. Impaction only occurs if their husbandry (temps, etc.) is incorrect. As long as they’ve got proper husbandry they’ll pass any substrate they ingest easily. They encounter loose soil in the wild. I and countless others have used soil for years with zero problems. It offers beneficial digging enrichment and encourages natural behaviours. It will not cause respiratory problems as long as it isn’t dusty and the humidity isn’t too high. And the soil is firm enough to walk on easily and not cause any joint problems. You can also use textured tile or slate for part of the substrate to give them some solid ground to walk on.

[@nightinggale6470]

The Cløwn impaction can happen with any loose substrate if the animal’s husbandry is off. But as long as their husbandry is correct (hot spot temp especially), they won’t have a problem passing the substrate.

[@blakmoney]

Some people would say its to much shit in that space... I would say its nature assholes.... Keep it up biodude

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Could not of said it better myself.

[@lizleelu846]

This whole video was so awesome lol. Best 25 minute video

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you very much!

[@YOEPIC1]

Great video

[@DiamondsRescue]

Are you not considering the space for them to walk? Because what I am seeing is your more worried about the looks that there are too many hides, so the little guy don't have much room to walk. I am not trying to be rude just curious, it just looks like the Leo doesn't have much room to walk, or move.

[@paul-robinfranz9272]

Leos and geckos in general, always try to be near some sort of cover, to quickly hide in if any predators or other potenzial dangers are coming. Also this kind of setup offers much more surface area for the gecko to move on, since it's not just one plain surface.

[@0tto777]

Terrain in the wild is rarely flat. They will live in areas with plenty of hiding potential and good cover to move between them. This is an issue so many don't address. They'll give the animal a couple of hides and zero cover to move between them. It won't harm the leo but anything to make that small walk less stressful is a good thing. Plus it's far healthier for the gecko to have to climb over things to get to where they want to go than to just walk in a straight line. Leo's rarely want to just walk around an open space there is always purpose to their movement and given a route to their destination with or without cover, they'll chose the one with cover.

[@deanl9568]

That's just ridiculous there's to much in that small terrarium

[@zacharyformhals9714]

Dean L I definitely agree. However I will say the tank is nowhere near as small as it looks. I have one myself. But I don’t agree with putting in hugs, or even so much substrate as the heat won’t flow through all the dirt.

[@rayf5360]

I was thinking the same thing Dean L, there's virtually no room for a Leopard Gecko to walk around. I can appreciate the natural look but it's missing an empty space. I've kept a number of Leopard Geckos and from experience I can say they like to roam. Considering the average size of a adult specimen is around 20-25 cm this is way too crowded.

[@patheticsteam337]

Remember that the wood pieces really are also adding space to the tank, because the gecko can go under them or on top of them. I will admit he did go a little overboard on plants but not by that much.

[@zacharyformhals9714]

JungleHelp do you realize he put bugs in the tank for the soil? XD

[@patheticsteam337]

SkullServentsFly ?!, yes, there are bugs in the tank to clean. But how is that relevant to what I said?

[@baldysavage5115]

wow this is so cool and I like how u didn't pinch the cord

[@LisaCupelli]

I’m so glad I found you!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Like wise! Thank you for the support! 👍🏻

[@brydenvargas9863]

All the "belly heat" comments drive me nuts. The people knocking on you for using an overhead heater really don't understand how heat works. Either way, the gecko will be warmed up, thus providing belly heat to digest food.

[@bennash7017]

iDon'tCare The lamp will heat the ground that the gecko will walk on or lay on, as long as their skin is in contact with a heat source they will be fine

[@rayf5360]

True Ben Nash, I had this kind of setup and never had any problems with my Leopard Geckos, they thrived. In the wild it works the same way: sunlight heats surfaces which radiate it over a period of time. Shady spots also keep cool in a natural way as a result. No different in a vivarium. Never used underground heatsources and never will.

[@Furrvent]

Bryden Vargas that Does not mean it is better to use a heat mat and he should use eco earth or reptile carpet the gecko might eat the moss going for food then die

[@joshuatrejo2384]

you are really need to do your research they absorb heat from their belly’s because they are nocturnal and dayurnal reptiles bask

[@asifar1]

They get stressed out by the light

[@utub1473]

Putting the heat mat on the side is a TERRIBLE idea... In order for Leopard Gecko's to digest their food, they must have heat coming from below to warm up the substrate, and while sleeping warm their belly... Putting it on the side is not a good idea, it'll prevent the digesting of food and could lead to constipation for the Leopard Gecko.

[@Weirdanimalboy]

utub Leopard geckos burrow to get away from heat, not to get closer to it. If their environment is warm enough for them, they will not have problems digesting food.

[@reptileguy8458]

utub. I agree with you. I think this is a beautiful setup just maybe not for leopard geckos.

[@Spursin]

This is why no ones leo lives the 15-20 years it’s supposed to. Because people don’t do research and trust some guy on the internet making a setup that isn’t correct. Leos need stomach heat. They never use sunlight in the wild because they come out at dusk and dawn to hunt, then use heated rocks from the sun to warm up their stomachs for digestion. They aren’t out in the sunlight, they don’t use over heat because they’d never encounter it. DO YOUR RESEARCH PEOPLE. From multiple sources. 99.9% of the time they will tell you to use under the tank mats for proper digestion and health.

[@hyunibee6721]

Love it! Danggit. I already placed my plant order before you stocked the mexican basil. :-(

[@HecticXXViper]

I’m so excited and thrilled to start this set up. After doing so much research I found that this is the best/most natural way to make a gecko happy. I had a few questions and hoped to get some answers about my own current setup(non-bioactive). I hope someone can tell me what I’ve got for the moment isn’t shabby!

[@fionashepley478]

Sean Grandt I can help :)

[@HecticXXViper]

Fiona Shepley Thank for the reply!! So I’ve got a decent substrate similar to the terra Sahara and a moist level for the clean up crew maybe an inch from the top dry part. I’m currently about to plant some hardy plants meant for an arid environment, but noticed a slight problem... the “hot side” is showing about 86F, but ground feels colder and geckos are a tad sluggish (while handling a tad on the cool spectrum to touch) any tips for a more warm side? I’m thinking about getting a uvb lighting system for plants and more heat (in addition to my ceramic heating bulb)

[@fionashepley478]

Sean Grandt do you have a digital thermometer? I’d get a heat mat. You can make the substrate thinner on the warm side or your gecko can burrow dish to the heat. UVB bulbs are very beneficial for the gecko but doesn’t emit heat. Also, are they housed together?

[@HecticXXViper]

Fiona Shepley they’re housed together, yes. Both females and have no problems so far, they actually spend more time together that I’d expect (cuddling) I’ve got two heat mats on the sides of the tank and thought uvb would help w plant growth, what else might I add so you get a good idea of what’s in it and yes again they have plenty of space and hides

[@fionashepley478]

Sean Grandt I strongly recommend separating them. “Cuddling” is a very bad sign, it’s a sign of dominance. They’re solitary animals and don’t benefit at all. It only causes stress and they will fight sooner or later. I’d also put the heat mat(s) underneath one side of the tank.