Just ordered a leopard gecko kit from bio dude today. I’m making a 29gallon Vivarium very excited to see how it goes. He had my order processed and set up with ups in 30min amazing and he offers a military discount if that applies to you
I just bought some Terra Sahara Substrate and a plant from you, its amazing the quality of the soil, I mist once or twice a week depending on humidity levels and my leopard is extremely happy. The plant is also growing fast after planting in one of my bio degradable pots. Your products are awesome, and when I get my giant leopard I will definitely be buying more items from you.
My daughter and I recently discovered you. I think this is amazing, its just what I've been looking for. We watched a few of your videos, very informative. We're going to be ordering very soon! Maybe we'll take some video to show you how our geckos are doing. I think they're going to be in heaven.
I see what you did there, naming some of your animals after Greek characters. Prometheus the leo, Hercules the beardie... That's actually really creative and clever of you guys! I like that!
A little pudger! I love him! This is an older video but so critical to watch and see that proper husbandry can be achieved for a happy healthy stimulated animal. Resewrch is key! Awesome leo and wonderful products ^_^
I know this is an old video, but I just found your channel and watched a few videos and you’re amazing. I have had a leopard gecko for the past month and I have had him on everything the pet store recommended, which clearly they didn’t know what they were talking about since I’ve seen several of your videos as well as many other channels. So, assuming your website is still up and running I’m gonna buy everything for my new bio active terrarium build from you. Keep up the great work!
Seriously AMAZING!! I just set up a 40 tall for 2 leopard geckos that came from a neglected situation. They are so happy now! I even added a waterfall fountain! Will be uploading video next week. New sub! This was great to watch! ❤❤
dude, thank you...! I have being thinking about getting me a leopard gecko but I wanna create an enviroment just perfect for it... I love the idea of having the cycle of life going. so; I'm sold...!
i cant wait till you start shipping to the uk , i wouldnt know where to start with all this stuff but when i watch your videos it makes me think that with your help and knowledge and your product line id have no problem getting ur kits and if needed phoning or emailing you directly for your opinion on things, i think all your animals look very happy and your tanks look so naturally beautiful... if theres anything we can do on this end to help get shipping in the uk , please let me know x
The Bio Dude Josh Halter, i put plants in my terrarium and I got small grey insects crawling on the inside of the plants , im not sure what they are and what their for
Zilla 810 means he has a lot of people who don’t agree with his methods. A lot of people out there have been living with bad reptile husbandry myths (I.e. “geckos need sand”, “under belly heat is absolutely necessary for digestion”, “impaction”) and when they see dude saying and doing these things they have never tried to consider. They respond irrationally and often (lol) I’m sure the dude is tired of getting unwilling to be educated “know-it-alls” that won’t watch the video yet then dislike and comment something blatantly stupid. Taking time and then patience from a man just trying to bring his passion to a science.
Getting ready to order some of your stuff, I'm slowly putting my tank together (I enjoy it way too much and take my time, I've been wanting to do this for 5+ years, the tank has to be just perfect Haha)
That is so unbelievably awesome!!! I just started collecting Tarantulas but have always wanted a leopard Gecko and having a bio active setup lick that would be awesome!!! Edit: I would be scared I wouldn’t be able to make the bio active work cause I’m a noob.
Look into reptile systems twin T5 luminaire . Uvb system that you can add a sunrise , sunset and the higher midday uvb output that both the animals and plants would see in the wild . It's something I'm playing around with at the minute
It's blown me away. Bearded dragon has lightened in colour. Natural behaviours. Hides away when it gets to much. And he just seems happier. I highly ratebit
I have heard that some people have problems with spiders moving into bioactive enclosures. I'm curious as to if you've had this problem or have noticed it in any of your arid tanks and if so, is it truly that prominent in happening? Also, really love your videos, they are really insightful and very informative! I'm trying to find the best set up for my first gecko that I plan on getting. Thanks for all the information you proved!
I see there's an LED light on the tank. No UVB? I have an APTOR, so they are albino, and I use a halogen heat bulb with a UVB light bar. Adding an LED will just be insanely bright won't it
Hey there its mentioned there is a UVB on the tank behind the LED. For any albino strains we recommend a solar grow for lower output, with a heavily decorated enclosure.
Great tank! More natural the better, your gecko is proof of this. All my animals but my leopard gecko have a naturalistic setup and I hope to do something with him soon. Have you ever done any naturalistic setups for turtles? I’ve been wanting to do something for my ouchita map turtles too:)
Do you run a risk of Dubia roaches infesting your home when allowed to breed in a bioactive tank? And should I and them too my gargoyle gecko bioactive vivarium?
So I am doing as much research as I can before starting my first bioactive habitat. A few questions I have regarding this specific enclosure... I saw the set up video as well as this update. I noticed that there wasn't a drainage layer. I've seen a lot recommend one. Is there a false bottom on that enclosure or does that substrate and particular clean-up crew and such take care of excess? Or are you just very cautious with your watering so as to not leave excessive moisture? Also, it looks like you have the ceramic heat emitter for the basking spot. Is the 'undertank' heater on the humid side?
I hope you see this comment. Just found your channel. I have the same cage you did the set up in and was wondering how much it would cost to do it. I hate to admit, but I have a minimally set up for my Leo and want to provide him a more comfortable one. Yours looks awesome.
Is the warm hide with the UTH also the humid hide? Or is the closed bark tube the dry warm hide? I would love to know because I want to make a bioactive setup!
Hey BioDude! Did you make a video for How to Maintain a Bioactive Leopard Gecko Vivarium? I looked on your channel, but I didn’t find anything other than the 8month update. I really want to make sure I am taking care of it as best as I can!!
Hi Amber. I don't have one specifically on how to maintain a Leopard Gecko enclosure, but I have a Terra Sahara maintenance video here: th-cam.com/video/uoTe_FWYrys/w-d-xo.html
Alright I'm about to buy your bio kit, im getting an exo terra terrarium size 36"x18"x12", im probably going to buy your 40 breeder kit. But my huge question is, should I buy hydroballs for drainage?
Hi Josh. Forgive me if I missed something, but you mentioned three different lights in this video. (the 16" LED, the ceramic Nano, and the UVB Hood) Which one should I be using?
You should make a bio active terrarium for flat rock lizards. I have a red tail flat rock lizard and I want to go bio active, but would like some insight and inspiration from you
Hey Alexis, Go ahead and email my team at customercare@thebiodude.com I can help you with a custom kit and help you get exactly what you need for your little one! -Josh
My mother-in-law adopted a neglected leopard gecko with tank. I have been watching your video and I think they used the same stuff in the bottom but the ppor thing has no hides. I have been researching. He has a heat lamp that came with him. I am wanting to make sure he has what all he needs. I need your advice. Bio Dude. I am an hr. South of Dallas Texas.
Hey Josh, glad it's going well for you and thanks for inspiring me to go bioactive, which is very similar to your little ones set up. 👌I completed the setup yesterday, so it's been 'live' now for a day. I'm waiting until Monday next week before I get my little guy in his new home. I've noticed that the humidity in my humid zone is 90%.....warm zone around 70-75 and cool zone 90. Way to high! Is it because I only did it yesterday and still needs more time to settle? Would be grateful for any advice you may have. Tom
I don’t think it’s wrong to want to be safe, and the gecko doesn’t care if it isn’t living on loose substrate as long as enough enrichment is provided. Impaction certainly is a risk that not everyone is prepared or experienced enough to take. Every gecko is different too, mine is a bit dumb and would eat substrate by the mouthful cause his aim is shit lol, I think impaction would be inevitable in his case
bumnum If the animal is in good health, has proper heat and uv, eating some substrate won't cause any harm. They definitely ingest substrate in the wild when grabbing prey anyway
Johanan Micaiah Like I said, providing proper enrichment is necessary, which may include something like a dig box which can double as a humid hide. For some animals like my own, areas where food is eaten need to be clear of substrate or it will be swallowed by the mouthful (in my gecko's case he has minor neurological problems which cause him to have horrendous aim, so he would do it frequently), which should not happen and most definitely can lead (and has led, in many cases) to harmful and even fatal impactions, even with proper humidity, temperature regulation, and supplements/UV lighting. It definitely isn't very common, but reptiles can die from impaction in the wild as well. Normally, the gecko will constantly lick its environment which of course leads to some ingestion of the substrate, but in such small amounts that with proper care a lot of the time there will be no issue (unless it's a bad substrate like pure Eco Earth or pure sand, or anything too fluffy really). What I'm saying is that some keepers would rather stay away from loose substrates because they're either not experienced with bioactive enclosures or they simply don't want their gecko risking eating any substrate at all, and as long as the animal's enclosure includes the proper enrichment to keep it healthy and happy, not having loose substrate isn't a problem. It all depends on the individual animal as well as the individual keeper.
I know this is an old video and you might not answer this but I'm getting a lot of conflicting info on this subject. I have the exact same vivarium you are using there for my Leo but I'm reading in some places that I should have a 3ft vivarium minimum? Is this true or will my Leo be happy with what I'm already using?
Is his tail that large purely due to how well dead he is or does the fact that it is re grown add to its chunkyness Just asking because I have NEVER seen a tail like that even on big Leo's, he is a beast dude!
Hey Josh, I have a setup made out of your substrate and I was wondering when and how long I should be misting my tank. I have a 36x18x12 exo terra. I use your terra sahara and I was also wondering if I could put a few roaches/crickets/superworms in my tank without them breeding and over populating my tank?
Hi Prestige. Your misting schedule will depend on your household environment as well as your animal's needs. Try to stay in a healthy range for the animal as far as humidity. If you feel it's too dry give your soil a drink. If you have plants I would give them a light water once a week. You might have stray food items hide and get bigger in your enclosure, especially roaches, but if you feel that it is overpopulated pull some out. Having those bugs in there aid in cleaning your biome.
Thinking of getting this type of setup, However I have a big problem with silverfish in my current apartment. would these be attracted and eventually invade the tank? As I know that silverfish like moist places
Do you add leaves as time goes? I am interested in setting up a 55 gal aquarium to be a bio enclosure. Do I just get a kit or is more than the kit needed?? Great videos
hi i want to get a leopard gecko and i would like to get a tank that is 45cm x 45cm x 45cm which is equal to just under 25 gallons is that ok for a female leopard gecko or when she gets older would i need to get a bigger tank? thanks this channel is great and very informational thanks
I've noticed that with a bioactive setup it is harder for my gecko to catch crickets since the crickets have more places to hide. I find myself adding them one at a time to ensure that my gecko eats them and they don't run off. Does anyone else have this problem or is it ok to put the crickets in with the geckos and just let them be overnight?
Hi Alex. I leave the crickets in there. That being said it's not 3dz at once, but leaving them is not harmful, especially in a naturalistic environment where there is a lot of places to hide, so they aren't harassing your pet.
Hey Bio dude I have a bio active setup for my crested gecko and it is doing well. But I would like to grow new plants for other vivariums. But I’m confused on how cuttings work. Are you getting seeds from somewhere or are you literally taking a leaf or something off the plant and planting it? Sorry if this is a stupid question I’m young dumb and know nothing about plants
Hi Taurus. There are a lot of plants that you can take cuttings from. Most of the plants in my videos have been grown from either a seed or a well established cutting. Taking a cutting will vary on the type of plant. I've found ivy is the easiest. There are a lot of instructional videos on how to cut certain species.
Hey Josh, I used your Leopard Gecko kit and my geck abides. The only thing I’m just a little worried about is whether having the heater stuck to the side of the tank instead of the bottom will prevent him from getting the proper belly heat. I’m worried if I put it underneath, it will dry out the soil or something. What to do? Keep it on the side?
Hey there! Thank you so much, I am glad he is abiding! Anyway, I think you will be alright. Just keep in mind, belly heat is a myth, 100%. Reptiles, well most reptiles thermoregulate via ambient heat not surface heat. You get much more out of the pad being on the side for creating microclimates in various levels of the soil.
What's the largest size you would go to for a Leopard Gecko (exo terra) if I wanted to give him as large of enclosure as possible? Was going to buy a bunch of stuff from you to set it up.
Hey Josh, my wife and I are interested in getting your bearded dragon kit and my wife is afraid that we will have to change the terra sahara every now and then. I was wondering if he do have to change it or not? Thank you and keep up with the good work.
Is leaf litter a must, or will any bio degradable plant matter work? I saw one site mention using palm bark and dried grass instead, could that work as well?
Hi Bryden, The leaf litter is a must for me. I also use palm bark as a degradable, but the leaf litter is important for isopods and spring tail growth. They like to lay their eggs in/on it. Also, while the palm bark it great, the leaf litter is softer and easier for you microfauna to break down. You can also use spagmoss as a good soft degradable.
HELP! I’ve tried my best with my leopard gecko but after seeing your setup I feel bad for mine. What are some affordable first steps I can take to eventually building what you have?
did you end up using the reptitherm heater on the back of the tank? I want to buy everything off your site I'm just not sure what i would need and what i wouldn't need.
Hey there! unless theres a disruption where things die out, the substrate can go for at least 10 years, if not more as we have some enclosures in the store going for that long.
is it just me or its calming to reptile videos
Just ordered a leopard gecko kit from bio dude today. I’m making a 29gallon Vivarium very excited to see how it goes. He had my order processed and set up with ups in 30min amazing and he offers a military discount if that applies to you
Yup I'm loving that. Will be ordering soon too. Got my military coupon code fired up and ready to go 😁
I just bought some Terra Sahara Substrate and a plant from you, its amazing the quality of the soil, I mist once or twice a week depending on humidity levels and my leopard is extremely happy. The plant is also growing fast after planting in one of my bio degradable pots. Your products are awesome, and when I get my giant leopard I will definitely be buying more items from you.
My daughter and I recently discovered you. I think this is amazing, its just what I've been looking for. We watched a few of your videos, very informative. We're going to be ordering very soon! Maybe we'll take some video to show you how our geckos are doing. I think they're going to be in heaven.
Hi Lina. We would love to see it!
I see what you did there, naming some of your animals after Greek characters. Prometheus the leo, Hercules the beardie...
That's actually really creative and clever of you guys! I like that!
I’m really happy that you did this because it inspired me to do this for my leopard gecko
SUBSCRIBED. This a man who is dedicated to his mission and geckos. Respect.
Beautiful enclosure. Love seeing how healthy your geckos sheds have been going.
A little pudger! I love him! This is an older video but so critical to watch and see that proper husbandry can be achieved for a happy healthy stimulated animal. Resewrch is key! Awesome leo and wonderful products ^_^
What a big healthy boy 🤗❤ I just ordered your leo kit. I'm so excited to spoil my babies!
Thanks for the update. It's been about 2 weeks since I set mine up. Your videos are very helpful.
i love how you set this up dude, Great Work!
I know this is an old video, but I just found your channel and watched a few videos and you’re amazing. I have had a leopard gecko for the past month and I have had him on everything the pet store recommended, which clearly they didn’t know what they were talking about since I’ve seen several of your videos as well as many other channels. So, assuming your website is still up and running I’m gonna buy everything for my new bio active terrarium build from you. Keep up the great work!
Seriously AMAZING!! I just set up a 40 tall for 2 leopard geckos that came from a neglected situation. They are so happy now! I even added a waterfall fountain! Will be uploading video next week. New sub! This was great to watch! ❤❤
Thank you for the kind words!
Thanks for this update it was really helpful, and eversense the first vid I’ve been saving up for the stuff for the leopard gecko from your website
Josh, he looks awesome as well as the tank
I know these are old but helpful real helpful I’m just getting into leopard geckos. And I love your vids dude👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you very much!!
dude, thank you...! I have being thinking about getting me a leopard gecko but I wanna create an enviroment just perfect for it... I love the idea of having the cycle of life going. so; I'm sold...!
Most beautiful regrown tail ever great job dude I love it I feel inspired
Awesome update!!
i cant wait till you start shipping to the uk , i wouldnt know where to start with all this stuff but when i watch your videos it makes me think that with your help and knowledge and your product line id have no problem getting ur kits and if needed phoning or emailing you directly for your opinion on things, i think all your animals look very happy and your tanks look so naturally beautiful... if theres anything we can do on this end to help get shipping in the uk , please let me know x
My favorite are the people who follow my channel so they can be the first to give it a thumbs down.
#getalife #hatersgonnahate #youjelly
The Bio Dude Josh Halter, i put plants in my terrarium and I got small grey insects crawling on the inside of the plants , im not sure what they are and what their for
Boi what does that even mean
Zilla 810 means he has a lot of people who don’t agree with his methods. A lot of people out there have been living with bad reptile husbandry myths (I.e. “geckos need sand”, “under belly heat is absolutely necessary for digestion”, “impaction”) and when they see dude saying and doing these things they have never tried to consider. They respond irrationally and often (lol) I’m sure the dude is tired of getting unwilling to be educated “know-it-alls” that won’t watch the video yet then dislike and comment something blatantly stupid. Taking time and then patience from a man just trying to bring his passion to a science.
Everything looks great dude!!!
Getting ready to order some of your stuff, I'm slowly putting my tank together (I enjoy it way too much and take my time, I've been wanting to do this for 5+ years, the tank has to be just perfect Haha)
josh your a star! love the update vids...love the setup vids too!!
That is so unbelievably awesome!!! I just started collecting Tarantulas but have always wanted a leopard Gecko and having a bio active setup lick that would be awesome!!! Edit: I would be scared I wouldn’t be able to make the bio active work cause I’m a noob.
We would be happy to help you journey into the wonderful world of bio-activity! We try to make it as easy as possible for beginners.
I really want to do this for both my leopard geckos and for all my future pets one day
Look into reptile systems twin T5 luminaire . Uvb system that you can add a sunrise , sunset and the higher midday uvb output that both the animals and plants would see in the wild . It's something I'm playing around with at the minute
Would love an update on this?
It's blown me away. Bearded dragon has lightened in colour. Natural behaviours. Hides away when it gets to much. And he just seems happier. I highly ratebit
He is a BIG BOY, But he's a pretty leapord gecko😍😍
I don't know if I'm just being a little baby it whatnot, but when he said hissing roach I started freaking out
So I just got my order of Terra Sahara and its great besides the fact on how it doesn’t compact so the plants come up easily
I love bioactive terrarium
Could you start including product lists in your description? That'd be granddddd!
Yes, absolutely! Thank you for the recommendation!
That's a good lookin Leopard Gecko
Just realized youre in my city. I am looking for plants for a 12×12×18. I have everything else, but i wanna make sure i pick the right plants.
We can help you every step of the way! Feel free to come by the shop M-F 8-4 or you can visit us online : )
I have heard that some people have problems with spiders moving into bioactive enclosures. I'm curious as to if you've had this problem or have noticed it in any of your arid tanks and if so, is it truly that prominent in happening?
Also, really love your videos, they are really insightful and very informative! I'm trying to find the best set up for my first gecko that I plan on getting. Thanks for all the information you proved!
I see there's an LED light on the tank. No UVB?
I have an APTOR, so they are albino, and I use a halogen heat bulb with a UVB light bar. Adding an LED will just be insanely bright won't it
Hey there its mentioned there is a UVB on the tank behind the LED. For any albino strains we recommend a solar grow for lower output, with a heavily decorated enclosure.
I like it bro. Keep it up. Maybe we’ll link in the future. Never know
Can you put crickets in there to survive for your gecko can eat
You might know me as grant dubak josh and my setup from corn snake setup is thriving well my snake Coco loves it keep up the good work josh.
Far out! Thanks man!
Thanks for replying josh
Great tank! More natural the better, your gecko is proof of this. All my animals but my leopard gecko have a naturalistic setup and I hope to do something with him soon. Have you ever done any naturalistic setups for turtles? I’ve been wanting to do something for my ouchita map turtles too:)
I do have a whole tortoise/turtle section for bio ; ). BioDude Aqua coming soon!
Can we get another update on this for 2019?
I will do my best! I gave him and that enclosure to a really good friend of mine. I should be able to get some pictures or at least a video : )
I agree!!
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Can we get an update in 2021?
Still waiting 😅
Prometheus looks so happy. How old is he? Big boy!!!
Do you run a risk of Dubia roaches infesting your home when allowed to breed in a bioactive tank? And should I and them too my gargoyle gecko bioactive vivarium?
I’m hoping to set something like this up for my leo that I started taking care of as soon as I get enough money to get him a proper sized tank
The description says a UTH is provided but where is it mounted because i think im blind haha
nice vid
how often are you misting the terrarium? and do you also water the plants or is the misting sufficient?
Super geek, I love it.
I’m thinking about doing this for my leopard gecko’s birthday.
Do we have to wait a month before putting an animal in a bio set up? Because I wouldnt have anywhere to put my Leo. . .
How do you deal with spiders? Is it just inevitable?
how long do his orders take to ship
Is it possible at all that bugs can get out of the tank? Like crawling out from the top ?
So I am doing as much research as I can before starting my first bioactive habitat.
A few questions I have regarding this specific enclosure...
I saw the set up video as well as this update. I noticed that there wasn't a drainage layer. I've seen a lot recommend one. Is there a false bottom on that enclosure or does that substrate and particular clean-up crew and such take care of excess? Or are you just very cautious with your watering so as to not leave excessive moisture?
Also, it looks like you have the ceramic heat emitter for the basking spot. Is the 'undertank' heater on the humid side?
Found the answer to the UTH in other comments made on the video.
So why exactly don't you ship plants to california??
I hope you see this comment. Just found your channel. I have the same cage you did the set up in and was wondering how much it would cost to do it. I hate to admit, but I have a minimally set up for my Leo and want to provide him a more comfortable one. Yours looks awesome.
More update dude! Plz : )
How long should I wait to put my leopard gecko in a bioactive tank once I’ve finished it?
Long enough till your custodians are all settled and thriving
How is the humid hide cool if thats where the heat mat is?
Is the warm hide with the UTH also the humid hide? Or is the closed bark tube the dry warm hide? I would love to know because I want to make a bioactive setup!
It can be, yes. This setup specifically, yes. You always want to provide a hot vs cool side. It helps them theromegulate and hydrate as well.
Hey BioDude! Did you make a video for How to Maintain a Bioactive Leopard Gecko Vivarium? I looked on your channel, but I didn’t find anything other than the 8month update. I really want to make sure I am taking care of it as best as I can!!
Hi Amber. I don't have one specifically on how to maintain a Leopard Gecko enclosure, but I have a Terra Sahara maintenance video here:
th-cam.com/video/uoTe_FWYrys/w-d-xo.html
Alright I'm about to buy your bio kit, im getting an exo terra terrarium size 36"x18"x12", im probably going to buy your 40 breeder kit. But my huge question is, should I buy hydroballs for drainage?
Hi Josh. Forgive me if I missed something, but you mentioned three different lights in this video. (the 16" LED, the ceramic Nano, and the UVB Hood) Which one should I be using?
Hey Martin. I use all three. One is for heat, one for UVB, and the Led is for optimal plant growth.
You should make a bio active terrarium for flat rock lizards. I have a red tail flat rock lizard and I want to go bio active, but would like some insight and inspiration from you
Hey Alexis, Go ahead and email my team at customercare@thebiodude.com
I can help you with a custom kit and help you get exactly what you need for your little one!
-Josh
How often are you watering the plants and how does it effect humidity?
My mother-in-law adopted a neglected leopard gecko with tank. I have been watching your video and I think they used the same stuff in the bottom but the ppor thing has no hides. I have been researching. He has a heat lamp that came with him. I am wanting to make sure he has what all he needs. I need your advice. Bio Dude. I am an hr. South of Dallas Texas.
Hey Josh, glad it's going well for you and thanks for inspiring me to go bioactive, which is very similar to your little ones set up. 👌I completed the setup yesterday, so it's been 'live' now for a day. I'm waiting until Monday next week before I get my little guy in his new home. I've noticed that the humidity in my humid zone is 90%.....warm zone around 70-75 and cool zone 90. Way to high! Is it because I only did it yesterday and still needs more time to settle? Would be grateful for any advice you may have. Tom
Gecko looks great! I hate how people keep leopards, beardies and even now crested geckos. all this fear on loose substrate is ridiculous
James Greig i agree!
I don’t think it’s wrong to want to be safe, and the gecko doesn’t care if it isn’t living on loose substrate as long as enough enrichment is provided. Impaction certainly is a risk that not everyone is prepared or experienced enough to take. Every gecko is different too, mine is a bit dumb and would eat substrate by the mouthful cause his aim is shit lol, I think impaction would be inevitable in his case
bumnum Leopard geckos and bearded dragons dig burrows in the wild. I think being allowed to dig is a basic need for them
bumnum If the animal is in good health, has proper heat and uv, eating some substrate won't cause any harm. They definitely ingest substrate in the wild when grabbing prey anyway
Johanan Micaiah Like I said, providing proper enrichment is necessary, which may include something like a dig box which can double as a humid hide. For some animals like my own, areas where food is eaten need to be clear of substrate or it will be swallowed by the mouthful (in my gecko's case he has minor neurological problems which cause him to have horrendous aim, so he would do it frequently), which should not happen and most definitely can lead (and has led, in many cases) to harmful and even fatal impactions, even with proper humidity, temperature regulation, and supplements/UV lighting. It definitely isn't very common, but reptiles can die from impaction in the wild as well. Normally, the gecko will constantly lick its environment which of course leads to some ingestion of the substrate, but in such small amounts that with proper care a lot of the time there will be no issue (unless it's a bad substrate like pure Eco Earth or pure sand, or anything too fluffy really).
What I'm saying is that some keepers would rather stay away from loose substrates because they're either not experienced with bioactive enclosures or they simply don't want their gecko risking eating any substrate at all, and as long as the animal's enclosure includes the proper enrichment to keep it healthy and happy, not having loose substrate isn't a problem. It all depends on the individual animal as well as the individual keeper.
Does the heat pad on the back work ok with a background?
in that czse we would suggest a CHE or ceramic heat emitter - www.thebiodude.com/collections/reptile-heat-bulbs
I know this is an old video and you might not answer this but I'm getting a lot of conflicting info on this subject. I have the exact same vivarium you are using there for my Leo but I'm reading in some places that I should have a 3ft vivarium minimum? Is this true or will my Leo be happy with what I'm already using?
how is your ank 20 all the time i dont spray my gu dont that much and its like 40%
Is his tail that large purely due to how well dead he is or does the fact that it is re grown add to its chunkyness
Just asking because I have NEVER seen a tail like that even on big Leo's, he is a beast dude!
Kyal Smalley thanks! It’s a regrown with a little extra weight :) he’s a beast
I absolutely love these bio set ups !! I’m just kind of confused about the belly heat issue with Leopard geckos.
Sandra Brabant you can still use a heat mat underneath the tank :)
Hi Sandra. Fiona is right. You can still use a UTH. I do recommend linking it to a thermostat to set the exact temperature desired.
How much substrate should be over the under tank heater?
Does your gecko get under tank heat? No hate but if you say it basks that’s not what the lizard needs for digestion. Thank you!
Hi Zilla. Yes he has an UTH on his cage.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter awesome thanks for the response!
Hey Josh, I have a setup made out of your substrate and I was wondering when and how long I should be misting my tank. I have a 36x18x12 exo terra. I use your terra sahara and I was also wondering if I could put a few roaches/crickets/superworms in my tank without them breeding and over populating my tank?
Hi Prestige. Your misting schedule will depend on your household environment as well as your animal's needs. Try to stay in a healthy range for the animal as far as humidity. If you feel it's too dry give your soil a drink. If you have plants I would give them a light water once a week. You might have stray food items hide and get bigger in your enclosure, especially roaches, but if you feel that it is overpopulated pull some out. Having those bugs in there aid in cleaning your biome.
Alright thanks
Prestige Worldwide what type of bugs do you recommend putting in?
Great build. I make my own desert substrate and tropical substrate... dont know why everyone doesnt do it themselves
How do you keep the superworms from eating your lizard? I just had to do surgery on one of my guys from the superwoems.
Thinking of getting this type of setup, However I have a big problem with silverfish in my current apartment. would these be attracted and eventually invade the tank? As I know that silverfish like moist places
What plants did you add in the tank!??
Do you add leaves as time goes? I am interested in setting up a 55 gal aquarium to be a bio enclosure. Do I just get a kit or is more than the kit needed?? Great videos
hi i want to get a leopard gecko and i would like to get a tank that is 45cm x 45cm x 45cm which is equal to just under 25 gallons is that ok for a female leopard gecko or when she gets older would i need to get a bigger tank? thanks this channel is great and very informational thanks
Hi Happy Pet Family. I would go with something larger. The minimum for an adult leopard gecko should be 24"x18"x18".
what if i got a 55cm x 50cm x 45cm as this is the largest vivarium i can find in the uk?
I've noticed that with a bioactive setup it is harder for my gecko to catch crickets since the crickets have more places to hide. I find myself adding them one at a time to ensure that my gecko eats them and they don't run off. Does anyone else have this problem or is it ok to put the crickets in with the geckos and just let them be overnight?
Hi Alex. I leave the crickets in there. That being said it's not 3dz at once, but leaving them is not harmful, especially in a naturalistic environment where there is a lot of places to hide, so they aren't harassing your pet.
Thanks for the reply! I bought your 10gal leopard gecko kit and love it, great product!
What is different with the terra Sahara when compared to the arcadia earth mix arid? And what would you say is a better substrate for a leopard gecko?
How often do you water the plants?
Can you list all the bugs you kept in the tank ?
should i not cover 3 sides of my tank
Hey Bio dude I have a bio active setup for my crested gecko and it is doing well. But I would like to grow new plants for other vivariums. But I’m confused on how cuttings work. Are you getting seeds from somewhere or are you literally taking a leaf or something off the plant and planting it? Sorry if this is a stupid question I’m young dumb and know nothing about plants
Hi Taurus. There are a lot of plants that you can take cuttings from. Most of the plants in my videos have been grown from either a seed or a well established cutting. Taking a cutting will vary on the type of plant. I've found ivy is the easiest. There are a lot of instructional videos on how to cut certain species.
I'm planning on going bioactive but wasn't sure how often I'd have to redo the tank what would you recommend?
Hey Josh, I used your Leopard Gecko kit and my geck abides. The only thing I’m just a little worried about is whether having the heater stuck to the side of the tank instead of the bottom will prevent him from getting the proper belly heat. I’m worried if I put it underneath, it will dry out the soil or something. What to do? Keep it on the side?
Hey there! Thank you so much, I am glad he is abiding! Anyway, I think you will be alright. Just keep in mind, belly heat is a myth, 100%. Reptiles, well most reptiles thermoregulate via ambient heat not surface heat. You get much more out of the pad being on the side for creating microclimates in various levels of the soil.
What's the largest size you would go to for a Leopard Gecko (exo terra) if I wanted to give him as large of enclosure as possible? Was going to buy a bunch of stuff from you to set it up.
Hi TJ, You can use whatever you want. I have kept them in 36 x 18.x 24 with no issues!
Hey Josh, my wife and I are interested in getting your bearded dragon kit and my wife is afraid that we will have to change the terra sahara every now and then. I was wondering if he do have to change it or not? Thank you and keep up with the good work.
Hi Ventrill. As long as your biome is healthy and thriving with micro fauna, there is no need to ever change the substrate!
The Bio Dude Josh Halter Thank you for the advice.
More updates Dude!
They are coming.
Is leaf litter a must, or will any bio degradable plant matter work? I saw one site mention using palm bark and dried grass instead, could that work as well?
Hi Bryden, The leaf litter is a must for me. I also use palm bark as a degradable, but the leaf litter is important for isopods and spring tail growth. They like to lay their eggs in/on it. Also, while the palm bark it great, the leaf litter is softer and easier for you microfauna to break down. You can also use spagmoss as a good soft degradable.
HELP! I’ve tried my best with my leopard gecko but after seeing your setup I feel bad for mine. What are some affordable first steps I can take to eventually building what you have?
Proper reptile care is expensive
did you end up using the reptitherm heater on the back of the tank? I want to buy everything off your site I'm just not sure what i would need and what i wouldn't need.
Yes, I did use it on the back hooked up to a thermostat.
How often Will you need to change the entire substrate?
Hey there! unless theres a disruption where things die out, the substrate can go for at least 10 years, if not more as we have some enclosures in the store going for that long.
How do you clean it
You don’t. A well established and varied cleanup crew cleans the enclosure for you.
With the exception of the glass. Whenever the glass is looking ugly from water marks and the such you get a reptile safe glass cleaner.
What tank is he using??
Read the description
Do you ever put small amounts of the bug grub inside your leopard geckos tank?
Hi Cynthia. I do not. It won't hurt anything. This tank is just so well established there's no need to.