Bio-Active Crested Gecko Vivarium

[Shidog005]

Hi!

So I've had this 18x18x24 Exo terra I bought over a year ago for 50$ at pet smart. I just couldn't pass up the deal. So finally I decided to use it to put together my first living vivarium for 2 of my crested geckos that are currently in their own 12x12x18 enclosure.

So basically my main question is, has anyone successfully used grape wood for their crested gecko enclosures? I have heard conflicting info because of mold growth and the wood breaking down over time. The breakdown time I have heard is after a few years? Also the mold is a worry but I have springtails and Isopods, so wouldn't they eat they and clean it evffectively. I would just change out the piece of wood but the piece I found had so amazing shape to where I actually planted some plants and vines into it. I'm just curious to hear your thoughts.

The grape wood is the back piece going up on an angle with the plants growing out of it.
The tank has been up for about a week now.

 

[Zux]

Aslong as you keep the enclosure sufficiently humid to allow the custodians to thrive, particularly the springs if concerned with mold you should have no issues with that wood. If there is enough springs the mold will never even have a chance to become visible before it is consumed.

It is normal to have blooms when a bio-active system is first set up so its a good idea to have it running for a few weeks before adding the inhabitants, even if you cant it is of no concern and you can spot clean anything you are worried about for the first month should you so choose.

 

[Shidog005]

Aslong as you keep the enclosure sufficiently humid to allow the custodians to thrive, particularly the springs if concerned with mold you should have no issues with that wood. If there is enough springs the mold will never even have a chance to become visible before it is consumed.

It is normal to have blooms when a bio-active system is first set up so its a good idea to have it running for a few weeks before adding the inhabitants, even if you cant it is of no concern and you can spot clean anything you are worried about for the first month should you so choose.

Thanks Shane, that's what my thoughts were, what about the grape wood breaking down? I've heard some seasoned Viv builders stay away from it in humid environments due to the type of wood breaking down over a few years. This is not a major concern since I imagine I will probably redo some of my terrarium by that time anyways.

 

[Zux]

Thanks Shane, that's what my thoughts were, what about the grape wood breaking down? I've heard some seasoned Viv builders stay away from it in humid environments due to the type of wood breaking down over a few years. This is not a major concern since I imagine I will probably redo some of my terrarium by that time anyways.

I haven't used the Grape Wood anywhere humid so I cant comment on that I'm afraid.

 

[JessJohnson87]

Usually hard woods are best because they can take years (like several or more years) to break down. Oaks, magnolia, birch, fruit tree(cherry, apple anything with very little sap) are all good woods to use. I have seen where grape wood does mold a lot in humid environments and will break down very quickly when exposed to tons of moisture, I have a piece in my dry enclosure but oak and mimosa in my crested gecko tank. Driftwood is another great type of wood to use and can be found on beaches or on the shore next to a river.