As the title states I'm looking for a substrate to place in my moist hide that will retain moisture fairly well. Currently I am using paper towels and they dry out after a day or so. What do people use around here that seems to work? I have heard of coconut fiber but I do not have any personal use with that.
Best Substrate to Retain Moisture in Moist Hide
- Thread starter zak.payne
- Start date
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Sphagnum moss is an alternative to paper towels or cocopeat fiber. Keeping that substrate too wet will lead to mold.
Just saying that if you choose one thread to continue your set up inquiries, we would get a more complete picture (and give fewer repeated suggestions) than having a post here and another post there with each separate topic. ;-)
Just saying that if you choose one thread to continue your set up inquiries, we would get a more complete picture (and give fewer repeated suggestions) than having a post here and another post there with each separate topic. ;-)
Conched
New member
Two inches of sphagnum moss in a larger container will stay moist for about a week. I have not come across any commercial hides designed for this that are large enough to hold a decent amount of moss. I use a 45 oz Country Crock container. You could find a similar sized tupperware or plastic container.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Matt ~
What do you think of these caves as humid hides? Still too shallow?
Exo Terra : Gecko Cave / Terrestrial Gecko Hide
Conched
New member
In my opinion these are too shallow. They make an o.k. hide but as a moist hide the hole should be two inches higher up so that you can pack in more sphagnum, coconut fiber or whatever substrate you are using.
Geckologist.tj
Member
Guess that is why I am constanly having to mist the moist hide. I just don't like the asthetics of a cool whip container ya know?
Conched
New member
Agreed. Not pretty. You could paint it.
Geckologist.tj
Member
Alright, Matt, you inspired me to provide my leos with a better moist hide. I'm experimenting with a container I got from work. It looks slightly better than a cool-whip bowl I think.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Any one using this Gecko Cave who has tried placing more moss, say "2 inches worth", in this cave? It seems to have the height for additional moss as long as the leo can exit the door?
Conched
New member
Post a pic of your handy work, I am sure others may benefit from your experiment.
question for myself to anyone knowledgeable:
is it best to put moist hide on warm side or cool side? I've heard both opinions. Obviously on cool side it will not dry out as quickly, but on warm side the gecko will probably be more comfortable and more likely to use it.
Also should I leave moist hide in the cage all the time, or should I only place it in the cage during the week that I suspect the gecko will shed its skin? I find it difficult to have room for both the dry hide and the moist hide, especially if I try to fit both on the warm side of the tank.
is it best to put moist hide on warm side or cool side? I've heard both opinions. Obviously on cool side it will not dry out as quickly, but on warm side the gecko will probably be more comfortable and more likely to use it.
Also should I leave moist hide in the cage all the time, or should I only place it in the cage during the week that I suspect the gecko will shed its skin? I find it difficult to have room for both the dry hide and the moist hide, especially if I try to fit both on the warm side of the tank.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Moist hide on warm end 24/7 for shedding assist as well as proper hydration. Warm end does much better for the moist hide re upping humidity and providing the necessary warmth.
Having adequate space for 3 hides as well as ample romping room are some reasons why a minimum enclosure 30 x 12 x 12 is suggested.
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Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Here's what Conched (Matt) recommends for an ideal humid hide.
An easier way to keep the moist hide humid:
GU's Conched (Matt) says that it's much easier to keep the moist hide substrate dampish if an entry hole 2 inches off the ground is cut into an opaque plastic tub. Then add 2 inches of sphagnum moss to that hide. Use the lid of the container as the ceiling.
An easier way to keep the moist hide humid:
GU's Conched (Matt) says that it's much easier to keep the moist hide substrate dampish if an entry hole 2 inches off the ground is cut into an opaque plastic tub. Then add 2 inches of sphagnum moss to that hide. Use the lid of the container as the ceiling.
Muffins94
New member
What I find is a good moist hide that holds in moisture and a hefty layer of substrate is the 3-in-1 ReptiShelter made by Zoo Med. I used to provide my gecko with the Gecko Cave, but I found that it dried out too fast, didn't hold much substrate and the geckos kick out the substrate a lot (especially females). I switched to the 3-in 1 and love it. Holds much more, keeps everything in and plenty moist.
Repti Shelter? 3 in 1 Cave
Repti Shelter? 3 in 1 Cave
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Thanks for this share, Merissa. I have just included this link in the Humidity & Hide section of my Leo Caresheet for everyone's benefit. :biggrin:
Conched
New member
That is the first commercial product I have seen that would make a good moist hide. Nice find !!
Geckologist.tj
Member
What size zoo med 3 in 1 reptishelter is best for an adult leopard gecko?
cricket4u
New member
The large. The only problem I will warn you about is it's bulky on the outside, therefore it takes up a good amount of space. This is why I only recommended it a few times early on. Then again if it worked out for muffins94 it should be fine.
Muffins94
New member
I have a medium for my chunky adult gecko. The late was rather big and I know they like dark compact spaces. Either should work really. The small is very very tiny so avoid that. They do take up a bit of space but they are very roomy inside and retain the substrate moisture.