Going Bioactive

[SafariWinter]

Hi there I'm going to start convirtong my 55 gallon tank in to a Bio active one and i was going to us a organic poting soil mixed with eco earth (I have been using eco earth for 5 years now) and the smallest bit of sand my concern is using sand in the mix will it hurt my babies of its mixed in? And if so is just the soil and the eco earth good for my succulents? Thanks
SafariWinter

 

[acpart]

I have not found that the small amount of sand mixed into bioactive soil is any kind of problem. Some people take issue with putting leopard geckos on any type of particle substrate but I feel it can be done. Here's an article by someone who did set up a bioactive leopard gecko environment:
Creating a Bioactive Leopard Gecko Setup - Gecko Time - Gecko Time

Aliza

 

[SafariWinter]

Yes I have red. This article before so sand eco earth andorganic potting soil is a good mixture then?

 

[acpart]

I believe it is as long as you can be sure the potting soil doesn't have any perlite in it.

Aliza

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Josh's Frogs sells an ABG soil mix. Check that out too.

 

[Sci~gecko]

Silly question as a bioactive tank is way beyond my skill level!

If insects already live in the tanks to take care of the waste do you need to add feeders? Or do the geckos just hunt the bugs that already live there. I find this topic fascinating!

 

[acpart]

The scavenger bugs are generally too small for the geckos to eat.

Aliza

 

[Sci~gecko]

The scavenger bugs are generally too small for the geckos to eat.

Aliza

That makes sense! Thanks for clearing that up for me!

 

[Andi]

This something I'm also seriously considering...after a number of years I got sick and tire of the paper towel substrate look. Sure it's easy and clean, but I want something that looks better. I went to tile, but I'm not crazy about that either. I'd love a bioactive setup, but my main concern would be the clean up crew....will they be effective? will they get out of control? will they bother my gecko? What substrate should I use? and will a dry substrate (i.e. plantation soil) be optimal for isopods, etc?

Please keep us updated.

 

[acpart]

Check out the article I recommended in post #2 and feel free to contact the author for more info.

Aliza