Crested Gecko Bio-Active Help

[GpBp]

Hello! So, I'm setting up a bio-active eclosure for my adult male crested gecko, Bea. I'm picking up the tank today, and it's an 18x18x24. I'm trying to get everything ordered. This is my very first Bio-Active setup, so I'm kinda confused! I'll just show you everything in my cart:

From Josh's Frogs-



From NEHERP-


Is this okay? I wanted to get some cork rounds/flats for sure, and the stuff at NEHERP was the cheapest I could find. I'm of course trying to get the cheapest possible, but I still want quality items. Also, I already have some driftwood, and I know of a local place with very cheap pieces of wood, so the cork from NEHERP is not all. So is this okay? I don't think I'll be adding a background, but Bea's tank is on the top shelf against the wall, so he shouldn't be too stressed with bare walls, especially with all the plants etc. covering the sides. Tell me if there's anything . I should add/remove! Thank you!

 

[Entomologist210]

I can't make out what you bought. All you really need is drainage layer material (about 10 quarts from Josh's or NEHERP), an 18X18 substrate barrier, a few isopods, springtails and about 8 quarts of ABG mix (I find the stuff from Josh's is a bit better). I mix the springtails into the ABG as I apply it. Just make sure any outside materials you aren't sure about are sterile, and I usually cover the ABG with sphagnum or orchid moss just to make sure my gecko doesn't track it all over the tank. If you want to maximize your space, just leave the tank bare aside from your corks and wood pieces. Or if you want to add a little more pizzaz to it, you can foam it up with a natural looking background (EX below is my crested viv).

 

[GpBp]

I can't make out what you bought. All you really need is drainage layer material (about 10 quarts from Josh's or NEHERP), an 18X18 substrate barrier, a few isopods, springtails and about 8 quarts of ABG mix (I find the stuff from Josh's is a bit better). I mix the springtails into the ABG as I apply it. Just make sure any outside materials you aren't sure about are sterile, and I usually cover the ABG with sphagnum or orchid moss just to make sure my gecko doesn't track it all over the tank. If you want to maximize your space, just leave the tank bare aside from your corks and wood pieces. Or if you want to add a little more pizzaz to it, you can foam it up with a natural looking background (EX below is my crested viv).

Thank you! Beautiful viv!! Sorry, I just noticed those photos were unclear! Here's what I'm buying
From Josh's:

2x Josh's Frogs false bottom (5qt)-$14.94
1x Substrate barrier (18x18x24)-$1.99
2x ABG miz (4qt/1gal)-13.98
1x Large Crested Gecko plant kit (two large plants two small/medium plants)-$14.99
1x Josh's Frogs coco cradle (10qt)-$8.99
1x Springtail culture (32oz)-$9.99
1x Exo Terra reptile vision bulb (13watt)-$12.99
1x Fresh sheet moss (1qt)-$6.99

And I don't think I'll get the cork pieces I was planning on getting, as I know a great place to get driftwood. So that saves me $19.98! Things that I already have:

18x18x24 tank
UV hooded light fixture
A couple hides
Food/water dish

Thank you!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

1x Exo Terra reptile vision bulb (13watt)-$12.99

Is this bulb for UVB? Please check it's UVB specs. Some Exo Terra bulbs don't perform well. (I have more info.)

Arcadia bulbs and Zoo Med's Reptisun bulbs & tubes are top-of-the-line UVB sources.

Here's another source for cork:

• Virgin Cork and Cork Tube (Maryland Cork Company) 800-662-2675 Ask for VIRGIN cork. 2016 pricing: "flats" = $2.95 per pound; tubes = $3.95 per pound. (Ask for Marilyn.)

 

[GpBp]

Is this a UVB bulb? Please check the UVB specs. Some Exo Terra bulbs don't perform well. (I have more info.)

Arcadia bulbs and Reptisun bulbs & tubes are top-of-the-line UVB sources.

Here's another source for cork:

• Virgin Cork and Cork Tube (Maryland Cork Company) 800-662-2675 Ask for VIRGIN cork. 2016 pricing: "flats" = $2.95 per pound; tubes = $3.95 per pound. (Ask for Marilyn.)

Hmm okay! I'll try that! I'll call tomorrow. Thanks, Elizabeth! Is it okay if I go ahead and order the stuff I mentioned?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hmm okay! I'll try that! I'll call tomorrow. Thanks, Elizabeth! Is it okay if I go ahead and order the stuff I mentioned?

Maryland Cork Company opens again on Monday.

Is the Exo Terra bulb you're ordering designed for UVB? Please link it.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Here are some lighting specs from a friend who has bred Phelsuma mad mads (Phelsuma grandis) and other Phelsuma for years.

Ratio of UVB : UVI (UltraViolet Index)

• Exo Terra compact fluorescent bulbs = 14
• ***Zoo Med Reptisun compact fluorescent bulbs = 31
• ***Zoo Med Reptisun fluorescent tubes (T 8 ) = 34
• ***Arcadia D3 23W E27 - no rating available
• Sunlight = ~40-50

Melody also shares:
"I have info on reflectors too, which can make quite a difference! Arcadia sells a good reflector, but you can make one yourself by bending cardboard in an arc and covering it with tinfoil. Surprisingly, the dull side of tinfoil reflects UVB better than the shiny side! And white paint reflects light but not UVB!"

There's an awesome FB group called "Reptile Lighting". Fran Baines is one of the admins.

 

[GpBp]

Maryland Cork Company opens again on Monday.

Is the Exo Terra bulb you're ordering designed for UVB? Please link it.

Here are some lighting specs from a friend who has bred Phelsuma mad mads (Phelsuma grandis) and other Phelsuma for years.

Ratio of UVB : UVI (UltraViolet Index)

• Exo Terra compact fluorescent bulbs = 14
• ***Zoo Med Reptisun compact fluorescent bulbs = 31
• ***Zoo Med Reptisun fluorescent tubes (T 8 ) = 34
• ***Arcadia D3 23W E27 - no rating available
• Sunlight = ~40-50

Melody also shares:
"I have info on reflectors too, which can make quite a difference! Arcadia sells a good reflector, but you can make one yourself by bending cardboard in an arc and covering it with tinfoil. Surprisingly, the dull side of tinfoil reflects UVB better than the shiny side! And white paint reflects light but not UVB!"

There's an awesome FB group called "Reptile Lighting". Fran Baines is one of the admins.

https://www.joshsfrogs.com/exo-terra-reptile-vision-bulb-13-watt.html

What does the 14 mean? I'm confused :? Sorry! So, what would you reccomened? Maybe the Zoo Med Reptisun Compact bulb? Reflectors? @~@ I'm sorry!!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

https://www.joshsfrogs.com/exo-terra-reptile-vision-bulb-13-watt.html

What does the 14 mean? I'm confused :? Sorry! So, what would you reccomened? Maybe the Zoo Med Reptisun Compact bulb? Reflectors? @~@ I'm sorry!!

The numbers represent ratios of UVB/UVI = 14. I don't know whether these ratings would be the same no matter the wattage. Some compact fluorescents come in 13 watt and 26 watt bulbs.

Sunlight has a UVI rating between ~40-50.

I don't know whether there is a source for Arcadia bulbs in the USA.

Click: https://www.solarmeter.com/

 

[GpBp]

The numbers represent ratios of UVB/UVI = 14. I don't know whether these ratings would be the same no matter the wattage. Some compact fluorescents come in 13 watt and 26 watt bulbs.

Sunlight has a UVI rating between ~40-50.

I don't know whether there is a source for Arcadia bulbs in the USA.

Click: https://www.solarmeter.com/

Go with Zoo Med's Reptisun 10.0 compact fluorescent bulb. The screen top reduces UVB transmission. You may need a different reflector.

Thank you so much! So, I actually have a Reptisun 5.0. Is that okay? I forgot about it, and I found it while I was looking for the dome �� I didnt think it was good for growing plants. So is the 5.0 ok or should I get the 10.0?

 

[Entomologist210]

As a nocturnal animal, I have some doubts as to the necessity of UV for a crested gecko. I certainly don't use one for my gecko. I also don't use UV on my plants apart from any incidental UV provided by my LEDs. UV-A is good for plants as they can use it in the productions of flavinols, furanocoumrins and other phenolics (some of which are used as a DEFENSE against UV). Do not use UV-B on anything you don't have to. Normal amounts of UV-B lead to increased plant production of flavones and flavonols, but unless you're exposing your plants to pollinators and other beneficial insects it serves no other purpose. Excessive UV-B can damage cellular macromolecules and cause mutations by damaging the DNA of plants as well as inducing oxidative stress.

 

[GpBp]

Sorry for not updating! I've done a lot of research and decided on this light-

Exo Terra : Natural Light / Full Spectrum Daylight Bulb
the 13w

And ahh! The kit came in the mail today! I set up the tank. It looks so cool!!!! Here are pictures DDD



I'm super happy with how it turned out!! But um... It has one tiny problem. I don't think ANY of the springtails we got were alive. Are you not supposed to see any movement? I didn't see any specks or movement at all. It's like I just got a jar of coal lol. Also, is it too open? If not, I have a big pothos plant of my own I could donate ;-) When can I put him in? The wait is killing me! Do I need to let the tank sit for a few days or is it okay as is? Thank you!!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Sorry for not updating! I've done a lot of research and decided on this light-

Exo Terra : Natural Light / Full Spectrum Daylight Bulb
the 13w

And ahh! The kit came in the mail today! I set up the tank. It looks so cool!!!! Here are pictures DDD

View attachment 44922View attachment 44923View attachment 44924

I'm super happy with how it turned out!! But um... It has one tiny problem. I don't think ANY of the springtails we got were alive. Are you not supposed to see any movement? I didn't see any specks or movement at all. It's like I just got a jar of coal lol. Also, is it too open? If not, I have a big pothos plant of my own I could donate ;-) When can I put him in? The wait is killing me! Do I need to let the tank sit for a few days or is it okay as is? Thank you!!

You could put Bea in now.

It seems like you should see specks of springtails hopping around.

I agree, your vivarium needs additional cover. Here are some options:

• a snake plant planted its own pot -- sandy soil & prefers to dry out between watering (Snake plants withstand much of the bouncing around cresties dish out.)
• The Wholesale Reptile Supply Company (based in Sacramento, California) sells kool moss-covered sticks.
• bamboo: I've also bought thicker sections of bamboo from my local pet and garden store.

Click this link for photos of finished crestie vivariums: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...-summary-tips-february-2015-a.html#post440148

I don't know how deep a soil layer you need. When your cresties grow, maybe you could give them more space on top by shrinking the bottom layer???

 

[GeckoLeen]

The driftwood, unless it's Malaysian driftwood, is going to mold in a humid environment. Been there, done that. You would be better off with the cork flats or rounds. Everything else sounds good!

 

[GpBp]

You could put Bea in now.

It seems like you should see specks of springtails hopping around.

I agree, your vivarium needs additional cover. Here are some options:

• a snake plant planted its own pot -- sandy soil & prefers to dry out between watering (Snake plants withstand much of the bouncing around cresties dish out.)
• The Wholesale Reptile Supply Company (based in Sacramento, California) sells kool moss-covered sticks.
• bamboo: I've also bought thicker sections of bamboo from my local pet and garden store.

Click this link for photos of finished crestie vivariums: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...-summary-tips-february-2015-a.html#post440148

I don't know how deep a soil layer you need. When your cresties grow, maybe you could give them more space on top by shrinking the bottom layer???

Bea is in! As you can see I put additional coverage in there. I put in fake plant from his old tub, and this is tempararry until I can buy more plants/the plants I have in there grow big.



I will overtime get more plants/wood etc. for coverage, but I think this is okay for now?
Hope this helps! He's exploring and being so cute :biggrin:

 

[GpBp]

The driftwood, unless it's Malaysian driftwood, is going to mold in a humid environment. Been there, done that. You would be better off with the cork flats or rounds. Everything else sounds good!

It's actually a fake, rubberish material. It's bendable. https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Bendable-Jungle-Large/dp/B01MSYGIO6
But thank you! I'll keep that in mind

 

[GpBp]

Also, does anyone have any advice on cooling the tank a bit? Bea is on the very top shelf of my rack, and the top of the tank is 78°F while the bottom is 73°F-74°F. Would you recomend a desk fan or something? Sorry, thank you

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Click: https://www.amazon.com/Galápagos-05266-MossVine-Real-Natural/dp/B00KZDT4BI

I wonder how easy it would be to cut the Galapagos MossVine?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Also, does anyone have any advice on cooling the tank a bit? Bea is on the very top shelf of my rack, and the top of the tank is 78°F while the bottom is 73°F-74°F. View attachment 44930 Would you recomend a desk fan or something? Sorry, thank you

Those temperatures are perfect!

Just thoroughly spray it once daily in the evening. Let it dry out during the day.

 

[GpBp]

Those temperatures are perfect! Where is the tank right now?

Just thoroughly spray it once daily in the evening. Let it dry out during the day.

Oh ok awesome! I was worried it was too hot. The tank right now is where it is in the picture