Bioactive LEOPARD GECKO setup!

[@kelseybordeaux9206]

"So you want to build a Bioactive Leopard Gecko enclosure EH?" Canadian Intensifies XD

[@MikeTytula]

Someone caught on!

[@kelseybordeaux9206]

Mike Tytula Lol I know you too well

[@ellesreptiles]

I absolutely love this setup. It makes me want to do a bioactive setup for mine. 😊

[@suomynona8416]

Elle 622 will be worth it im pretty sure

[@MikeTytula]

I would certainly do it for yours!

[@jt-ru5iy]

You can get so creativ and the geckos love it

[@joshchantzzplayz1145]

Elle's Reptiles I watch you 😂😂😂

[@k2a2l2]

hope u tried it out👍❤️

[@JTBReptiles]

Looks fantastic Mike, I’m going to re-do my Leo’s bioactive setup at some point because it’s not big enough for him. I find that the best cleanup invert for arid setups are mealworms, in all of their life stages. Buffalo worms work too. Once Striker gets settled, try putting some damp sphagnum near his defaecatorium and keep it seeded with Arcadia’s custodian fuel - the bugs will set up residence and get cleaning in no time!

[@MikeTytula]

That's not a bad idea!

[@JTBReptiles]

Mike Tytula 👍

[@edrichlouw]

I’ve always loved all the bull that comes with substrates. Not just the ones in the exotic pet trade but gardening aswell.

[@MikeTytula]

You are correct!

[@jacobmilller5886]

Best arid bio-active yet, keep it up man always been a fan!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks Jacob! I appreciate it :) Feel free to share it :)

[@jacobmilller5886]

Mike Tytula any update on what cleaners are doing well in the arid climate? Looking for the best place to start. Thanks mike

[@tay8178]

Plant thermostats are awesome and affordable - I use the same one from amazon in all of my Leo enclosures, and they seem to be pretty accurate. If I’m not mistaken, they were less than $15 a piece.

[@AjayMomma]

I use the same thing. They last forever too. I still have my original ones that I bought 7 or 8 years ago.

[@MikeTytula]

They aren't quite as accurate... but they do tend to work for things that have lower temperature requirements.

[@cindywillick4205]

That looks awesome! Do an update on the clean up crew later on! I haven’t had great success with clean up crew in my arid tank.

[@MikeTytula]

I will certainly post a video about it.

[@trenthobson2756]

Excellent! This turned out beautiful, I'm sure both you and Striker will be able to enjoy this Viv for quite a while. Thank you so much for this video. I loved it.

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed man! I hope Striker likes it as much as I do!

[@dr.lobster2783]

This was a great video. I love the bioactive setups

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoy!

[@kenjiro2676]

Amazing ! It’s obvious that you put your heart and soul into your content.

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks man! Feel free to share it on social media :)

[@bmacintire9656]

You make me want to redo add to my tanks. I have a bio active 40 gallon for my leopard gecko and she loves it. She is so much more active and uses the space. Great video!

[@MikeTytula]

That's the goal! If only more people would provide larger habitats for their animals

[@lenny8911]

This is the coolest leopard gecko setup ever

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks buddy!

[@morganpowell3201]

I am completely new to Bioactive terrariums! I have mostly looked at tropical tanks for my 8+ year old fire bellied toad but I love the arid aspect of this one!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching!

[@rome27]

I would definitely want my geckos habitat to be as natural as possible, so I’m here learning as much as possible.

[@MikeTytula]

Awesome! That’s exciting

[@cameronm8451]

Woah! My mouth dropped when you said that you’re a biology student at the University of Calgary, so am I!! Thank you for this helpful video, the first and only bioactive enclosure I’ve made so far is a tropical one for my tree frogs, so I really needed some help with creating an arid enclosure :)

[@MikeTytula]

That's awesome! I graduated in 2019. That's awesome though!

[@starfruitjade5156]

That was awesome to see how to advance the setup for a gecko. I am very excited to see how the zebra species continues. Really awesome

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks they are doing alright so far!

[@AG-de9il]

This is my favorite leopard gecko set up on youtube damn

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks :) Glad you enjoy it :)

[@sirachcarter7301]

Super helpful totally going bioactive with my new leopard gecko

[@MikeTytula]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed

[@seanahale7149]

Thanks great video, I learned alot about the bioactive world its super cool.

[@MikeTytula]

It's neat but hard to achieve in a setup like this honestly.

[@kripkethechameleonfriends4505]

I like how Stricker was familiarizing himself with the new contents for his enclosure🙂 Thanks for sharing...

[@MikeTytula]

It's neat to watch!

[@nakitastokes3215]

OMG MIKE, I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO GIVE STRIKER A BIOACTIVE TANK FOR YEARS NOW!

[@MikeTytula]

Well the time has finally come!

[@Izaac_Artist]

Say what kind of lighting did you use?

[@MikeTytula]

I use the Arcadia shadedweller and a T5HO grow bulb for full spectrum lighting.

[@cassidy7684]

this is beautiful. although im not making an enclosure for a gecko, this for sure helps my hognose bioactive plan!

[@MikeTytula]

Awesome! Something like this would be great for a hoggy

[@meatsite]

i really want to make a bioactive setup for my gecko this inspired me thank you!

[@MikeTytula]

Awesome! Glad I could held

[@suomynona8416]

Mike how old is striker now? I know that he is pretty old

[@MikeTytula]

13-14 years old

[@kevmendes5]

No drainage layer? Just wondering how the succulents are doing? How often do you water them?

[@MikeTytula]

They are doing alright! It was pretty humid for a week or two in there so there has been some melting.Other than that they are doing good.

[@hereshetep2337]

Awesome video looking forward to making this for my tangerine tornados

[@MikeTytula]

Awesome! Do it man, it looks great and is extremely functional for the animal.

[@bushytailoutdoors6801]

Sup this vid is awesome I love all your vids keep up the grind

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks Dylan I appreciate it!

[@bushytailoutdoors6801]

Honestly the fact that you replied made my month thankyou so much

[@6ftcheeseburger384]

Is there anything I can use for a bioactive setup besides bugs and worms? My mom is terrified

[@MikeTytula]

The idea of bioactive is that there is organisms that aid in the break down of organic waste, so without the organisms you could have a realistic or naturalistic tank, but not bioactive

[@6ftcheeseburger384]

Thank you, do you any suggestions for plants, I want a rocky desert kinda set up, and I keep finding conflicting sources

[@MikeTytula]

For what animal? Leopard gecko I assume? I just used succulents as you can see in this video

[@dannastrohsack4380]

What material is your vivarium made out of? If I made a wood vivarium and put a heat mat inside it would it burn the wood?

[@MikeTytula]

No it would be fine, you just need a thermostat

[@dannastrohsack4380]

Mike Tytula ok thank you!

[@Puddle_OnClaws]

Hey! Building my first bio active for my younger gecko :)

[@MikeTytula]

Sweet! Good luck!

[@harryingd2674]

This gave me so many new ideas for my tank. Thx

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@harryingd2674]

Who wouldn’t enjoy lol

[@MikeTytula]

Haha idk!

[@Emily-ol2mk]

I know this video is 2 years old but thanks for this! It’s helping a lot with setting up bioactive enclosures for my leopard geckos

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching

[@trav537]

That's awesome can you make a bioactive setup for bane?

[@jason_a_rodriguez]

Travis Riddle Bane is in one already. He has a video of him moving Bane into it.

[@MikeTytula]

I have already made one lol

[@dsab381]

I made mine with clay for the main substrate the gecko is on, and made my own arid mix for a succulent garden along the sides. I've had luck with superworms and mealworms as a cleanup crew.

[@MikeTytula]

AWesome! Thanks!

[@dsab381]

@@MikeTytula I heard your zebras died in there. How did your springtails do? The substrate in mine completely dries between watering so I haven't tried it.

[@MikeTytula]

Ya mine has dried as well

[@eriathwen291]

Cool, im setting up a new viv for my African fat tailed gecko soon, great inspiration :)

[@MikeTytula]

AFT are awesome!

[@paulallen2474]

Where can I get Arcadia Earth Mix in the United States.

[@MikeTytula]

I believe lightyourreptiles.com should carry them.

[@bethanywalker-spiers6097]

So excited to get my hands on some of that excavator clay now and get started on my leopard gecko's new tank build!

[@MikeTytula]

It works great!

[@TheEnderEd]

Did you put the probe all the way into the substrate? Touching where the heat tape or superficially into the substrate?

[@MikeTytula]

The probe rests on the surface of the substrate

[@silverfox1752]

Looks great!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks man!

[@aimee0x330]

absolutely love this set up ! appreciate all the thought and detail that goes into your content, im researching intensively before i get a Leo, and youve helped both inspire and inform!

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed the video! And also happy to hear that you are doing some research before jumping into reptile keeping :)

[@aimee0x330]

ive had reptiles previously but never a Leo, and wanted to be sure i had the info before i got one, thanks! to many people rush into these kind of commitments.. thanks for your great content.

[@MikeTytula]

That is for sure! They come in all the time having no idea what they are doing, and expect things to go well... Glad you enjoy it :)

[@aimee0x330]

I see the same, I work with horses for a living... as you can imagine, also lots of people who need educating on the level of commitment and care they need 🙈

[@MikeTytula]

hahah ya considerably more than what a reptile needs!

[@brandonmckenzie8445]

Where do you buy your invertebrates

[@MikeTytula]

Most of them I just breed but you can find them all over. It depends when you are?

[@rill9000]

Hey mike just wondering where you got the cleanup crew. Im in Alberta

[@MikeTytula]

Jungle jewel exotics

[@joelselph6281]

How did the Zebra Isopods do??

[@MikeTytula]

Not well! haha

[@axelcaquias436]

Cool setup man

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks buddy!

[@jrminiatures9221]

Do you need a drainage layer when using the Arcadia earth mix arid ?

[@MikeTytula]

You certainly can use one

[@kenzieg1260]

Not trying to be call you out or anything, but doesn’t loose substrate have a risk for impaction?

[@MikeTytula]

Impaction is a man made issue caused be a combination of improper care. If given proper husbandry there is very little risk of impaction

[@cflo843]

Hey mike just to let u know I do learn a lot from ur videos I do appreciate them thanks keep up the good work 👍👍

[@MikeTytula]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching :)

[@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988]

Dude I love that setup 💀

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks! I enjoyed that setup a ton!

[@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988]

@@MikeTytula Awesome work dude.

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks so much!

[@KennethJamaca]

Why no biopod? After seeing your biopod setup video, I was planning on buying one for my Leo...

[@MikeTytula]

Do not buy one for your leo! They really aren't suited for anything arid!

[@KennethJamaca]

Mike Tytula sweet... What do you recommend then? I would like to go bioactive, but I've never done anything like that before.

[@MikeTytula]

You could do it in an exoterra, or PVC like what I am using.

[@KennethJamaca]

Got an exoterra large low this am... Going to stick to a standard implementation for now... Need to research the bioactive stuff a bit more...

[@MikeTytula]

Good idea

[@courtneyellis3526]

Great Video! How has the CUC been working out? Are the springtails surviving in the dry climate?

[@MikeTytula]

Their numbers aren't super high but they are still hanging in there!

[@courtneyellis3526]

Thanks for the reply!

[@maxnarro4582]

I want to try this but I don't know if the crickets will eat the plants?

[@MikeTytula]

They might nibble on some but shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

[@yesno5066]

can you make a budget leopard gecko bioactive ranging around 100-150

[@MikeTytula]

Maybe someday, but not anytime soon

[@HelloKitty15937]

A tip on excavator clay if you use it by itself- you’re supposed to mist it periodically

[@MikeTytula]

That is correct!

[@batgutigameseunboxings7449]

Do you have a update vid about this one?

[@MikeTytula]

I do a reptile room tour pretty much monthly and I show his tank in every one

[@Awesomekittyness]

could i mix the clay with eco-earth instead of jungle mix?

[@MikeTytula]

You could yup

[@Awesomekittyness]

Cool thank you!!

[@dannastrohsack4380]

Looks awesome! I think I’m gonna base my bio active build off this one! 👍👍👍

[@MikeTytula]

Do it! So far it's doing well!

[@katradiction]

Is the arcadia mix strong enough that it wont collapse on the gecko if they choose to burrow?

[@MikeTytula]

All depends on humidity level

[@katradiction]

@@MikeTytula thanks for the response! I tend to keep my enclosures somewhat dry, preferring to use a wet hide for shedding. I suppose I would water the succulents every so often. Considering that, it would probably not hold its shape for burrowing? 🤔

[@katradiction]

@@MikeTytula I'm considering using the mixture from you first video, I've seen it recommended by others also. 50/30/20 of soil, sand, and clay. How did that work out for you?

[@MikeTytula]

For the short time that tank was setup, it worked well!

[@blonde_AI]

Hey i know this might be dumb but where did you get the rock from ?

[@MikeTytula]

I local landscaping place

[@musicbruh803]

Do you think clown isopods would do well in this since they are a more arid species of isopod?

[@MikeTytula]

They might do okay but what you want to do is make sure there is a constantly humid area in the tank for them to retreat to. That could be under the water dish, or one of the caves in the tank.

[@musicbruh803]

@@MikeTytula thank you

[@pantsooa9542]

It would be SUPER helpful if you left the links of what you used

[@MikeTytula]

That would be a good idea! Maybe I'll take some time and leave some links

[@allyjones7225]

What about a drainage layer?

[@MikeTytula]

For leopard geckos? I mean you could, but I never needed one

[@allyjones7225]

@@MikeTytula doesn’t a drainage layer prevent root rot in plants? And that’s why??

[@MikeTytula]

It can, but that's only when the substrate is saturated and a leos substrate shouldn't be saturated at all times haha.

[@allyjones7225]

@@MikeTytula so when u water the plants you have no issues? Also how do u keep the plants alive? Is a uvb reptile lamp good enough to keep them alive?

[@MikeTytula]

@@allyjones7225 Ya I've nevber had any issues with the plants. I just dump a jug of water in there once or twice a month and they seem to do well. No the UVB lamp isn't sufficient for plant growth. Ideally, you had some sort of high PAR LED.

[@CornHuskers402]

What kind of lighting should I use to keep both the plants and gecko happy?

[@MikeTytula]

I assume it's for a leopard gecko?

[@CornHuskers402]

@@MikeTytula it will be yes, I'm doing my research on setting up a bioactve tank for a leo.

[@MikeTytula]

@@CornHuskers402 I recommend a arcadia shadedweller and sunblaster LED

[@dripwalker9995]

Hey mike, where is the best place to get leopard geckos?

[@MikeTytula]

Honestly it depends where you live!

[@devonwarren4166]

Great video! cant wait to do this for my little guys and again awesome video

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching man!

[@hilarylajcin4036]

How has the soil and excavator mix held up?

[@MikeTytula]

Great so far!

[@ZymarsMMA]

I know this video is old but can i have a list of what to use for like soil and plants

[@MikeTytula]

I'm pretty sure I mention it, but it's arcadia Earthmix Arid

[@thelastsamari7923]

Very much appreciated love your setups and very interested in doing a similar project

[@MikeTytula]

IT held up very well, Although I did redo it after my move.

[@thelastsamari7923]

@@MikeTytula thats apart of the fun

[@MikeTytula]

@@thelastsamari7923 It sure is!

[@illves]

How did this fare, I'm planning to do a bioactive for my leopard gecko in the future, and I have succesfully done o for my crestie, but the loose substrate and the humidness worries me.

[@MikeTytula]

It has been wicked so far!

[@illves]

@@MikeTytula Awesome! One of my geckos had a small respiratory infection when his wetbox was a bit too wet, so I've been very careful after that.

[@notyourbro3782]

Do gecko gonna eat or chop the plants?

[@MikeTytula]

Nah he never did

[@notyourbro3782]

@@MikeTytula good to know

[@sadisticsloth]

Great video! Why a uvb 10 & 5 though? Why not just use a nice t5 6500k for the plants? keep up the great videos :)

[@MikeTytula]

Leopard geckos will use UVB radiation.

[@meatsite]

also the substrate you talked about isn't available anymore

[@MikeTytula]

It is, just can't get it easily in the states

[@Punkstar911]

Thank you for the info

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching!

[@MYFORTEOG]

Hey mike, always a fan of your videos. I plan on making some naturalistic setup for my snakes. Have you or anyone you know used great stuff on a pvc/plastic enclosure? I want to make a naturalistic diy background and I’m worried it may not stick when it expands.

[@MikeTytula]

I don't think I have! I'm sure it would work just fine though!

[@Midoriku91]

Just discovered this vid and your channel. Love the vid. New subscriber!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks Holly, glad you enjoy.

[@TheUnknownOrigin]

Great vid...your doing well Mike..keep up the good work!!!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks Davon! I appreciate it

[@ShayedSays]

You didn't link Thrive Habitats in your description? o.o Also where do you buy your Arcadia substrate? Can't find it online anywhere that ships in/to Canada.

[@MikeTytula]

They honestly might not be around anymore... And the only place you can find it is reptilesrus.ca , but Keith hasn't gotten any in a couple shippings so hopefully he will get more in the next shipment :)

[@ShayedSays]

@@MikeTytula Yeah I sent an email to reptilesrus to see if they are expecting it in again soon, nothing back yet though. Are you still using it as the substrate for your bioactive? Any complaints ?

[@Dovietail]

Wait. Where did you get the background???

[@MikeTytula]

Universalrock!

[@Dovietail]

@@MikeTytula of course! From beautiful metropolitan Garland, Texas. 😉

[@MikeTytula]

You bet!

[@TraviseMontgomery-w2w]

Keep it up man

[@MikeTytula]

Cheers!

[@lakilakisorong8204]

so we can use sand for gecko? what happen if he eat it while eating bugs?

[@MikeTytula]

If he is properly heated, and hydrated they should have no problem passing it through their system

[@rawegg8880]

Do you still work for biopod?

[@MikeTytula]

Nope lol

[@chrisstorozhenko6579]

Where did you get your background?

[@MikeTytula]

Universal rock

[@nicosanto1466]

Where do you buy the spring tails and isopods?

[@MikeTytula]

Depends where you live

[@reptilerob9650]

Another cool video from the boss 👍👍👍👍

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks buddy! Glad you enjoyed!

[@geckosarecute6304]

Hi where can I buy that substrate In Canada. I'm kinda upset we don't have something like that here. I'd love to give this to my leo. Thank you!

[@MikeTytula]

You can buy it from reptilesrus :)

[@geckosarecute6304]

@@MikeTytula Thank you very much!! Love your videos as well!! :)

[@MikeTytula]

@@geckosarecute6304 Glad you enjoyed!

[@jaratt85]

Man, I kind of wish I could send you some of my local isopods, they'd be great for that enclosure. Temps around here hit 105-120 in the summer pretty easily so I know they'd live in that tank. And we've got some cool tan and gold ones as I showed you on facebook at one point.

[@MikeTytula]

Ya I remember that! That would have been cool

[@jaratt85]

well I could always catch more, though I have no clue how expensive it'd be to ship them all the way to Canadia for you

[@MikeTytula]

Wouldn't be worth the shipping costs. Thanks though!

[@simonwing7330]

Are there any plants toxic to leopard geckos.

[@MikeTytula]

There are definitely toxic plants out there but there isn't really a list. If you stick to the ones you saw in the video I think you should be good

[@Loganisbad]

My first Leo setup is going to be a bio, I’ve done so much research, I can do it cheap, but better than a naturalistic, so I will

[@MikeTytula]

Naturalistic isn't necessarily a bad thing. That sounds good though!

[@ExiledtoVampa]

I'm trying to find a background similar to that because my Leo Charmander likes to climb on my Exoterra wall but I'm not a huge fan of it. Where can I get a background like that with ledge's?

[@MikeTytula]

Best place is universal rock . Com

[@izizwhatiziznt]

Thanks for this video, it was awesome! I'm wanting to create a bioactive setup for my gecko. I think i have the basics down, but how should I go about maintaining the bioactivity months down the line? Also, how long should I wait to add my gecko after adding a clean-up crew? Thanks again for the video, it was awesome.

[@MikeTytula]

It’s very challenging to maintain over a long period. The true bioactive part of the enclosure failed for me.

[@izizwhatiziznt]

​@MikeTytula Would you suggest that I breed cultures separate from my setup to have some back up clean-up crew?

[@MikeTytula]

Absolutely. Almost never is one culture you buy going to be enough to sustain a tank. In reality a tank would need weeks or months of growing a CUC population before the animal is released. Alternatively, you seed it with a culture and add a couple more cultures down the line just to maintain population.

[@izizwhatiziznt]

@@MikeTytula Alright, thanks for the tip!

[@MikeTytula]

@@izizwhatiziznt No problem!

[@ZapateroMcFly]

Is there any way to find springtails and/or isopods in nature? Or some alternative? Im from Argentina and nobody sell them here...

[@ZapateroMcFly]

Mike Tytula where i can find them?

[@MikeTytula]

Surely you can find them some where outside

[@alyssamonsigneur1153]

Hey Mike! How long do you recommend having the bio tank set up and stable before putting a new baby leo in there?

[@MikeTytula]

Depends if you want the plants growing and stuff. I would suggest one month before. That will allow you to adjust temperatures as well

[@jsaintgon8169]

Hey Mike! Would this work with a tank that opens from the top?

[@MikeTytula]

Ya should be fine!

[@jsaintgon8169]

Mike Tytula also, where could I get this product in the US?

[@MikeTytula]

You can order it from lightyourreptiles.com

[@slim4400]

yessss, finally! you're a tease though for not showing him explore lol

[@MikeTytula]

That'll be on another video my friend!

[@MikesAquaticsThings]

great info!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks!

[@OutdoorsAndBotanical]

Where can i get a large selection of vivarium plants for a crested gecko viv in canada? Including bromeliads? Thanks

[@MikeTytula]

Depends where you live but I would just check local garden centres.

[@OutdoorsAndBotanical]

Garden centres around me just have outdoor plants and succulents. Is there an online source? Im in ontario

[@MikeTytula]

www.rium.ca is my buddy

[@OutdoorsAndBotanical]

Ill check it out thanks

[@INonStopWin]

Will a heat pad work for this with a glass tank? Like will it emit enough heat through the substrate for surface temperature?

[@MikeTytula]

Not likely, but it depends how you set it up

[@lenny8911]

This is awesome

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching

[@Shylo-Mylo]

New Leopard owner here! Hello from your neighbor city ! (Edmonton) :)

[@MikeTytula]

Congrats! Hopefully this helped out!

[@Shylo-Mylo]

@@MikeTytula Absolutely! The more knowledge the better

[@MikeTytula]

Glad to hear!

[@Shylo-Mylo]

Thank you for helping out! Happy lizard happy life!

[@II-bw5pp]

Great Video!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching!