How to set up a Crested Gecko BioActive terrarium with Mariah of Reptifiles.com

[@benshaw3891]

I love this layout, I’d be interested to see Mariah building some more tanks in the future. Perhaps something more extensive like the cork mosaic she mentioned.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

thank you for the idea!! - the dude abides

[@aqua.scape69]

This was an excellent video. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m new to reptile keeping. So, videos like this help me to know exactly how to set up my enclosures and which products to use. Thank you both very much. It turned out amazing.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

Use all your products for my created gecko enclosure…went bioactive as well. Tank looks as good as day one. Plant Growth has been perfect.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is awesome!

[@_taliajanae]

did you add any clean up crew or just the bioshot?

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

@@_taliajanae absolutely a clean up crew, get yourself some isopods and springtails and out them in. with good substrate they will thrive. I've had my tank for 3 years and never had to do a major clean up. bio dudes products are great. worth the cost in the long run

[@sisyphus215]

will your 18x18x24 kit be back in stock soon? @@TheBioDudeJoshHalter

[@sisyphus215]

where did you get the crew though, does the biodude sell them too? @@Anthony-eg7pw

[@wyattrichmond6878]

Love the setup! Great info aswell so glad I caught this video in my feed!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad you enjoyed it and that it was helpful!

[@themetaverseshotseries5469]

i love crested geckos

[@jahoot5545]

I have two

[@dappingup2895]

I love to

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Us too! the Dude abides by cute geckos!

[@stacie696]

This Rocks 😊😊😊😊

[@emmaleemccormack5807]

It’s the dudeee

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

The dude abides!

[@wandadiaz2067]

So beautiful

[@danielleb.7055]

Can you guys do an updated ball python enclosure? I know you guys did one a few years ago for someone but it was a super small enclosure. I just want to see what you could do with a much larger enclosure for a BP. I know a lot more people have bps than just a few years ago so I think it would beneficial for other keepers see how you do it and how they can improve / upgrade their enclosures for their own animals. Have a great day!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there Danielle! great idea! we did have another update that was removed due to a channel revamp. It would be the same type of set up, just a lot more supplies of the same types to cover more space. Hope this helps!

[@jameswiggle]

rediscovered this channel.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Welcome back!

[@pdv3526]

Great info and want to change mine to bio active. Do you sell those plants? I will also assume you sell the lighting equipment as well.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! yes we do! you can order through the website or the care team through [e-mail] www.thebiodude.com/

[@aronoiiel]

Miss the videos with just you giving info :/ your builds are top notch. Nice infor here though

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad you like them, more videos soon! - The Dude Abides :)

[@tophat7199]

I have 2 and if there not sleeping in a cork tube they will climb to the screen to and dive onto the floor grabbing crickets

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Adorable!

[@breaunasreptileworld]

I used to have a created gecko but she passed away this last year from something we still don't know she was 3year old female rip 🙏 sargi! I love u 💓

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

So sorry to hear that!

[@breaunasreptileworld]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Yeah it's still hard sometimes but I take it slow thanks for the reply keep it up!

[@the0ne1221]

I enjoy these videos, i have to redo my crestie tank this year and I tried to order a bioactive kit from you but unfortunately there's no shipping to canada :(

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We are working on receiving the proper permits to ship internationally. Thank you for the support even from afar!

[@akullerd]

So glad I found this channel - Can't wait to come to your store!! Question: what frog do you sell that is small like a poison dart but a little hardier? I worry if the power ever goes out . THANKS! - Amy

[@josephhalfacre1584]

So there are 3 different lights going into this set up? A grow light, a uvb and a heat lamp? We are just getting started on our 1st bio active crested gecko enclosure (18x18x24) just started looking more at lighting. We aren't using any lighting with the current enclosure (12x12x18). It gets direct sunlight for about 2 hours a day and indirect the rest of the day. The ambient temps in the enclosure ranges from 70 to 78. In almost 8 months I've never seen her out in the sun basking.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there Joseph! Yes that is correct, there are three separate lights being used, all for those different reasons as it helps with so many different ones! Crested Geckos are sometimes known to only put small parts of their body in the light range when needed and hide for the rest of the time, as long as there is lots of coverage for decor it will be great!- www.thebiodude.com/blogs/reptile-and-amphibian-caresheets-with-cited-veterinary-and-herpetology-sources/introduction-to-uvb-and-reptiles-part-1 & www.thebiodude.com/blogs/helpful-husbandry-faqs/photoperiod-is-important-to-your-pet-reptile-here-s-why & www.thebiodude.com/blogs/helpful-husbandry-faqs/red-bulbs-and-reptiles-why-they-are-detrimental-and-can-harm-your-pets-photoperiod & www.thebiodude.com/pages/search-results-page?q=thermostat

[@josephhalfacre1584]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter sounds good. We just placed our 1st order with you picking up the terra fauna, v2 drainage layer and some bio shot. Also grabbed the 16 inch grow light for the plants. We have heat and uvb lamps from 2 from Zilla and Thrive so we will compare those specs against the video you did with Mariah on uvb. We wanted to pick up clean up crew but those little suckers seem to be eternaly out of stock.

[@josephhalfacre1584]

Lol right after I said the clean up crew was always out of stock I got an email saying it was available.

[@sarapierce2142]

Hi! I'm a new crestie owner and this is going to be my first time replacing everything, and was doing research and found this. So I was wondering, do you mix the substrate, moss, and leaf litter together? or just layer? Also, what leaf litter did you use? because there are multiple types on your website. What plant kit do you think is the best choice on your website for cresties? One more question, your moss is out of stock, do you know when it will be back in stock? What other brands can I buy from to get the moss. Thank you!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there, yes, mix it all in. I will link the rest of the products here for you! Hope it helps! - www.thebiodude.com/products/crested-gecko-starter-plant-pack & www.thebiodude.com/collections/biodegradable-leaf-litter/products/large-oak-leaf-litter-mix-6-qt And you can use the Spag moss here - www.thebiodude.com/collections/biodegradable-leaf-litter/products/aaa-new-zealand-spag-moss-6qts Please let us know if you have any questions!

[@ChrisVivion]

Do you have to add the leaf litter or will the Terra Fauna layer be enough if you have a smaller tank and are not introducing live plants just yet (or at all?)

[@bigtgamer1]

Planning on getting a baby Leachie here soon and was wondering if a 12x12x18 would be okay until they get bigger? I'm planning on moving to a 22x17x36 when they grow up a bit. Also is there a wait period before you introduce them to your new bioactive enclosure?

[@alexw.7097]

I've tried every live bug and flavor of Pangea I can get my hands on, but my crestie *refuses* to eat anything but the Pangea Fig and Insect formula. He's a brat, but he's my brat.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It fun to learn your reptiles preferences, they have them just like we do!

[@AriComet14]

Hey I was wondering. If I am like cleaning my geckos terrarium where and how should I keep him in

[@ninnecnightman8815]

Would love to see an updated video on the hognose snakes

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey! we had one that was removed for a channel revamp. We are working on videos!

[@dreidrei1643]

Jesus Loves al of you guys

[@kats1978]

So if I put grow light, uvb light, and heat light( just for cold season) do I have enough space on top? In this video, the enclosure only had grow light. I wonder how it look like put all three kinds of lights all together.

[@jahoot5545]

I just got two baby emerald tree skinks from yall

[@pixiechel0520]

What size bioshot did you use for this specific setup? I have a 18x18x24 that I want to change to bioactive but I’m unsure what size to get.

[@pixiechel0520]

And will you be creating a newer video on a bioactive pacman enclosure?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! please reach out to [e-mail] and our team can get you set up with what you need, please make sure to include your enclosure size and any special information you feel the team needs to know so they can get you quoted! We are also working on updated videos, keep a look out! We still go by the way they are set up as it is still a valid way to do it :) hope that helps! let usknow if you have any further questions! The Dude Abides!

[@Kingdragon17]

Hey why does the crested gecko need the hydro balls along the bottom but the Leo doesn’t ?

[@alexw.7097]

Cresties need a much higher humidity as a tropical species, so there's a lot more water going into the tank vs a Leo which is an arid species

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

A Leopard Gecko requires a much drier environment with less humidity unlike a Crested Gecko!

[@christinakaladjian442]

Do you keep the plants in the pots? And how often do we add the new isopods/springtails. also if the isopods die how do we know and how do we change them?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Good morning Christina! thank you for reaching out to the dude! We do not keep the plants in their pots for the bio builds, the soil space will help the plants with growing a root system. The clean up crew bugs are initially added in at the beginning and with proper upkeep will produce prolifically and take over with no need to add new- the more common issue is needing to take some out! :) i will link a helpful blog from the dudes blog page on the clean up crew here !- www.thebiodude.com/blogs/how-do-i-create-a-bioactive-vivarium/what-role-does-a-clean-up-crew-play-in-a-bioactive-terrarium They love humid areas, biodegradeables, wood pieces to eat, bark, seed pods, multiple moss species, they go really well with cresties biomes! You will need to replace the biodegradables as they eat them, mixing more into the soil layers every now and then! :) www.thebiodude.com/collections/biodegradable-leaf-litter Hope this helps! please let us know if you have any further questions! The Dude abides!

[@christinakaladjian442]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter also for a hexagon terrarium do we still add the drainage layer?

[@Idkwhattoputhete12324]

@@christinakaladjian442 yes for all terrariums and I recommend just a eco terra or zoo tank instead of a hexagon

[@Yongburu]

Loved the vid ❤ I got a question tho. Would high humidity of a vivarium with moss and all sorts of plants cause any issues to crested geckos? Because I got some geckos living in vivarium and the enclosure seems to be humid at around 80% all the time. And also what conditions do lemon buttons like?

[@sisyphus215]

im no expert but there should be spikes of humidity, probably shouldnt be 80 all the time

[@adeasanders2711]

Yes spikes in humidity are important. 80% constant isn't great, maybe see about positioning a small fan angled at the tank from above/wherever the ventilation mesh is of your tank, so air can flow in and maybe dry it down some? Like a little desk fan or something might work?

[@adriantexas5403]

Hi! I have a question, how do you bathe a bearded dragon? Thanks

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! great question! unless they decide to roll around in their poo or recommended by a vet for health reasons, it is not required due to stress for the reptile that does not typically use water like that, from the temperature changes. Offering them a large enough flatter water receptacle for them to soak on their own if they prefer to do so is best. Hope this helps!

[@adriantexas5403]

Thank you so much! :)

[@FreezingTempest1337]

How do the plants that you placed on top of the vivarium and into the cork bark get their nutrients to sustain themselves?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! these are airplants! they do great being placed up high as they are sometimes found in the tops of trees or other plants thriving off where ever theyve landed! neat! hope this helps!

[@Arachnofriends]

Just ordered a kit for my crested gecko. Honestly disappointed with how much comes in the kit. As well I was a bit confused at first I thought it was supposed to come with a stand for your grow light but I guess not. Careful, it's extremely hot, it burned and turned my plants black in the first two days I'm worried about what it will do to my crested gecko.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I do apologize for the disappointment upon receiving your your shipment. Would you mind emailing our customer care team? ([e-mail]) This way we can work together to find a resolution and confirm you did receive all of the products you ordered. When it comes to the LED light, it can get a little hot to the touch on the outside of the bar once on for long periods of time. The light itself doesn't emit any actual heat rays so it shouldn't affect your Crested Gecko physically. Some plants can be really light sensitive and works best away from direct light. If you choose to email us, we can identify your plants and recommend a good placement for them to ensure they flourish!

[@surfingserpents676]

When’s the website getting updated. For isopod and springtails

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! they are listed as out of stock for shipping safety reasons as they are weather dependent to ship. We currently are not shipping any at this time due to the delays and weather changes over a majority of the US. Apologies! let us know if you have any further questions!

[@shanedow2433]

What is the hydro glow layer ?

[@mendenhallwoodworking]

I need to come by the store soon. It's been too long.

[@2lobstersinapot]

How often do you need to add new isopods in?

[@bipolarchemist]

It depends on how well the colony is doing and if your gecko is using them as a food source. If they are too small or too big, it has been my experience that my geckos tend to ignore them and I have a colony of ninja-like dwarf-whites that I've not had to replenish for over a year in a tank of Vazimba geckos that should see them as potential food items. I allowed the tank to do its thing for about 2 months before adding the geckos and there is a decent amount of moss so the isopods tend to go largely unnoticed. But If starting, I would recommend getting two starters, one for the intended tank and one to start a colony of your own in case you do ever need to add more. Isopods are pretty easy to care for and if you throw some springtails into the mix, you have an almost ready made primary culture that you can add to any tank to get secondary colonies of both isopods and springtails started with.

[@2lobstersinapot]

@@bipolarchemist thank you!

[@adriantexas5403]

Hi do you know what to do if your frog or gecko has babies?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! most reptiles will lay eggs whether they have been with another or not as part of their natural doings. some dont, however most do. There are few species of Asexual and a few species of live bearing ones that if they happen to come to you gravid (pregnant) it may be unknown TILL they have babies or lay eggs. but it is not often. the best advice i can give is to make sure husbandry is on point so that the females have the best environment to feel safe to lay eggs or have the babies, and research incubation for eggs or raising tadpoles! Hope that helps!

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

Question about the lighting, I understand how uvb has many good things for it. But my gecko sleeps during the day in his cork tube and comes out when lights go off. So how can I make sure he’s getting the good things UVB has to offer?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey Anthony! Having it on the enclosure exposes them.

[@dolboyeb5089]

Where do you find your 18x18x24 tanks? I can’t find them anywhere online or local places in Washington. Are there just a ton of places in Texas that sell em??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! Directly from the company. You can always try local reptile facebook groups, marketplace or craigslist near your location to find some as well as i see them listed sometimes.

[@corypeterson646]

I made a bioactive tank for my crested gecko back in the summer. Now I have all these white things in the Subterranean and not sure what they are. They are in a big group and the 2 people I know at have bioactive tanks have never seen this, and they said they are definitely not springtails. Any idea of what I might be dealing with and what I should do? I wanted to post pictures but I cannot on here…

[@adeasanders2711]

Look up Mealybugs. If that's what they are, you'll want to restart your entire enclosure because they're HORRIBLE to get rid of otherwise, and not good for plants and probably your animals either not to mention the methods to remove them often being faulty and maybe not great for your animal.

[@evan7384]

3 different lights? How do you fit them all on the tank seems like a lot. and what do you do for heating at night?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Good morning Evan! due to crested geckos husbandry requirements for heat being on the lower side, if you live in a warmer area/ keep a warmer home then the heat for the evening will be minimal, if any at all. if you keep the house cold like a polar bear, then an extra heating element would be needed to keep them within the 70s range. can be a Ceramic heat emitter or heating pad. i will provide some links for helping explain these needs! :) www.thebiodude.com/blogs/reptile-and-amphibian-caresheets-with-cited-veterinary-and-herpetology-sources/the-care-and-maintenance-of-a-crested-gecko For the lights there are two mentioned: One is an LED- this is for the plants to grow as they need specific wavelengths for inside the home. we love the dudes Solar Grows and glow and grows - www.thebiodude.com/collections/led-reptile-lighting The other one is a UVB, this is for the animal inside the enclosures health. the one mentioned was an arcadia shade dweller - www.thebiodude.com/collections/reptile-and-amphibian-uvb www.thebiodude.com/blogs/reptile-and-amphibian-caresheets-with-cited-veterinary-and-herpetology-sources/introduction-to-uvb-and-reptiles-part-1 www.thebiodude.com/blogs/reptile-and-amphibian-caresheets-with-cited-veterinary-and-herpetology-sources/introduction-to-uvb-part-2 Hope this helps please let us know if you have any further questions!

[@evan7384]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter thank you very much for your reply! Very informative! I suppose I won’t have to worry about heat at night then with my house being heated. I am setting up a crested gecko enclosure soon and I have been trying to find good information on what I need. A company that goes out of its way to help me like this is a company I’d like to spend my money at. You have gained a new customer today

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

This build looks great but doesn’t it seem to make it extremely difficult to grab and handle your gecko if you can never find him? haha

[@aluna2778]

Wish I could raffle off a tank for my crestie. Too bad I live in Florida 😔🥺

[@wandadiaz2067]

Are all plants safe

[@Bumblebee-bp9on]

I had a crested gecko once.

[@richardsanchez5444]

Till you took an arrow to the knee

[@ExoticNatureLife]

@richardsanchez5444 you just say anything out your mouth not even related to his videos seen your comments on alot of videos

[@troyjohnston3218]

I have a bearded dragon that is about a year and a half old is it too late to put him in a bio?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Nope! they can be moved any time!

[@christinakaladjian442]

Is the 8% shade dweller arboreal safe for crested gecko? I was always told 7% ?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You can use the Shade Dweller or you can use the Arcadia 6% / ReptiSun 5.0

[@gabrielgamer-fn5mf]

Amazing setup for a single pet cestie not so good for a breeding setup

[@kennedycox548]

What’s the best mesh to use to separate the substrate layers??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there we use this here!- www.thebiodude.com/collections/vivaria-drainage/products/vivarium-screen-protector

[@margaretbattista2298]

Do you have kits for 18x18x36 extra tall terrariums?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We absolutely can get one together for you! contact [e-mail] so we can set up a custom invoice for you!

[@kaydend6838]

I have a Crested gecko

[@beachaddict7653]

Do one on a ball python pvc cage 48''x24"... I want to see how you do it before I do it and screw up. 😁

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! like this- but bigger ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYC5qHZqe7B0mrM

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

AANNNDDDD you wont screw it up! we belieevvveee in youuu!

[@beachaddict7653]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter that one is a small glass cage, but ok

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Q: What's a "vivarium"? Thx!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

A vivarium is an enclosed habitat or container designed to provide a suitable environment for the care and housing of animals. It typically replicates the natural environment of the organisms it houses, providing the necessary conditions for their growth and development.

[@drowning_in_weirdness5627]

can u do a NON bioactive one?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

My business is called “the bio dude”

[@alexw.7097]

Bioactive is Literally what Josh does, the whole reason he built this channel and company is to make information and supplies for bioactive builds accessable to more keepers. So.... No. That's not what this channel is for. However, a basic, non-bioactive set up is just cocofiber and maybe some moss on the ground, hardscape like cork bark and wood, and fake plants. No isopods and springtails, no grow lights, but hopefully enough light/warmth for your gecko itself. Ledge for food and water, other spots for water to collect, and UVB is also highly recommended.

[@drowning_in_weirdness5627]

@@alexw.7097 Mk I didn’t know I just stumbled upon this video but thanks for the info.

[@tccarreira12]

Hey, how do yall remove the wood from the cork cuz i cant find it anywhere

[@benshaw3891]

It’s a natural process, the bio dude doesn’t do it. The cork farmers do it, during the harvesting process. It literally takes years.

[@tccarreira12]

@@benshaw3891 oh okay unlucky, im from portugal we are kinda specialist in cork work, but i didnt found anyone who preserves the cork like that without the wood.

[@kushpaladin]

tell Mariah i would like to marry her. 🥰

[@zionistinspectionday6566]

Does the girl have a KZbin channel?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

She does, along with a Website and Instagram: Just search " Reptifiles "

[@tds8980]

Correlation is a statistical measure (expressed as a number) that describes the size and direction of a relationship between two or more variables. A correlation between variables, however, does not automatically mean that the change in one variable is the cause of the change in the values of the other variable. Causation indicates that one event is the result of the occurrence of the other event; i.e. there is a causal relationship between the two events. This is also referred to as cause and effect. Without actual scientific study, as many have been done on snakes, but you'll find since the late 90's, biologist's have studied crested geckos as predicted from the principles dioptrics, having a larger corneal diameter and increased sensitivity, demonstrated many different reactions in overall behavior. It has been documented that under a dimmed 7% creased appetite and lifespan, has decreased. Therefore to make a claim for geckos in which it stimulates appetite and increases overall health, improving every process, isn't actually entirely correct if we are choosing to examine the few scientific studies and trials demonstrated on crested geckos thus far. It is more so an anecdotal opinion. Yes there are trials that have demonstrated benefits, as there are trials under the same circumstances and husbandry, that have not represented any positive benefits. As a very debatable topic amongst keepers, there are biologist’s who conclude how dangerous it is to use UVA/UVB. Due to the negative impact it more often causes, so unless you have an appropriate sunbeam device to measure. It is not recommended and in captivity they are known to unnaturally synthesize. Therefore if your educated and know exactly what your doing like these two do. Then obviously the more natural way of synthesizing is better, and if done right should be more beneficial, though hasn't been proven scientifically yet in regards to crested geckos.

[@JohnK-cp3tx]

Do you sell crested gecko?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hello John, We do at our Point of sale in Houston : )

[@LisaCupelli]

Please register me to win I’m in Florida ❤

[@davidlivesay4240]

Your statement about keeping them together is both true and false from my own personal experience

[@polyboy09aolcom]

Why did you sound out her plugs with your background music. You need to re-edit this and post it. Might be a good idea to put her links in the description too. Smh. Other than that. Cool vid.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Sounds like my channel isn't for you 😁

[@polyboy09aolcom]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter just trynna help. But maybe it isn't. 🤮

[@stephenseger19]

You must be new. Absolutely no plugs on anything that the dude himself cannot directly grow his business through.

[@Lina-te1iq]

I think this is animal abuse. The gecko itself measures 22cm and the enclosure measures 45x45x60 cm. Actually it’s only about 45x45x50cm, cause where the soil is, the gecko can’t use the space. How can people think this is good animal care? This type of gecko would jump through the forest if he could.

[@ilyyy19]

A bigger enclosure is always better but this is just the minimum. It works for them. Would you rather them live in the wild and be cannibalized or turned into a showpiece that gets free food every other day and has a perfect safe climate?

[@lilsugarsreborns2895]

Did she really say "do not snort that!".... wow

[@nelsonmcclure1820]

Researching this with my ten year old. She wants to go bio active. Was cool until she asked me “why did she say don’t snort that”? I mean I get it and I’m not trying to be that guy, but then again, gotta remember we are educating different ages here……kinda feel like you should have edited that out.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you for the feedback. While we understand where you're coming from and the need to filter content, we do have the videos marked for adults only in the event we don't catch something during our edits. We really appreciate the feedback and if you guys have any questions please feel free to reach out to us! - The Dude Abides

[@barrysuss4421]

She looks like the chick from those vampire movies but hotter..