[fab]

I plan on getting a P. Grandis in the next few months. I was just wondering if organic top soil or any kind of soil is a good substrate for this species. I plan on putting live plants in the vivarium so I guess that would be a good reason right?

[Wanderer]

typically a mixture of peat, coco husk, and potentially some richer compost or castings in the bottom layer has worked well for me.

just bear in mind these guys are rather indiscriminate when feeding, and any stone, perlite or vermiculite would be deadly if they should swallow it.

[fab]

so that would mean that i have to put that under the soil right? and if the gecko does end up swallowing any soil, will it cause any health problems?

[Sgvreptiles]

I have had hatchlings to adults get some dirt in there mouths while hunting a cricket with not 1 problem ever. Even saw my old male grandis eat a pretty good sized wood chip and passed it a few days later. Do you think geckos in the wild ever get some dirt in there mouth? Being overly cautious will take away from your geckos happiness in my mind.

ANY organic soil will work. Just stay away from artificially fertilized soils(miracle grow crap).

[fab]

yeah, that's what i thought. the reason I was being overly cautious is because I have a leopard gecko and I know that sand can be harmful and I was thought it was the same case with soil. thanks for the replies

[JIGSAW818]

Originally Posted by fab

yeah, that's what i thought. the reason I was being overly cautious is because I have a leopard gecko and I know that sand can be harmful and I was thought it was the same case with soil. thanks for the replies

I have organic potting soil in my terrarium right now it works fine just cover up the dirt with some moss and it wil be fine!

[Sgvreptiles]

Originally Posted by JIGSAW818

I have organic potting soil in my terrarium right now it works fine just cover up the dirt with some moss and it wil be fine!

moss is not necessary.

[daggekko]

I've always used cypress mulch and probably always will.

Do you think geckos in the wild ever get some dirt in there mouth? Being overly cautious will take away from your geckos happiness in my mind.

I've always told people-watch your animal eat. If it dives into the substrate and gets a mouth full of whatever, you should probably not have it in the tank. I've watched geckos get wood chips and they usually end up spitting it out.

I've figured out which plants I can grow with light, play sand, and top soil(organic). This way you can avoid the artifical stuff

[JIGSAW818]

Originally Posted by Sgvreptiles

moss is not necessary.

It is not neccesary but if he is worried about dirt getting into the mouth it's an alternative.. haha

[Sgvreptiles]

now it will get moss in its mouth.