How to create a BioActive Crested Gecko Terrarium
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video the Dude discusses how to setup a BioActive terrarium for your Crested Geckos. I show what is included in your kit, what you can add, how to set it up and the benefits!
Enjoy!
www.thebiodude...
Note: We upgraded the HydroGrow - It is no longer white and a different type of drainage layer. You can find the info here:
www.thebiodude...
Website: www.theBioDude.com
Facebook: / thatbiodude
TH-cam: / @thebiodudejoshhalter
Instagram: @TheBioDude
TheBioDude Location: The Bio Dude Inc Houston 15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: (717) 305-0684 Email: CustomerCare@theBioDude.com
-The Dude Abides
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Just wanted to give a big thumbs up to Josh! He went out of his way to help me and my son out with a crested gecko set up. We just received the plants and bio kit and set it up...My son had a snow day today, and Star Wars opens tonight, so he's having the best day of his life right now! Thanks Josh! Everything is perfect!
That is awesome to hear! I am glad he is diggin it! Thank you for your business!
This comment made my day
So wholesome 😀
So wholesome
Does he still do this?
Josh I'm always amazed at how you throw things in the enclosures at random and it always ends up looking great when I see others take forever to landscape and it looks a pile of crap. Keep it up dude. I'm inspired.
Thank you so much! I can't wait to get some of my new videos all done!
People including myself take ages setting up what you have but take a lot longer doing it, you have a great eye for what's needed and where to put things extremely fast very nice indeed. I've got my bioactive setups on hold because of mite problems and having to remove everything becoming quite costly...mites are a bane of my life at the moment,
RC Dean could be wood lice or termites if you have a lot of wood it also could be fungus gnats I have them in my giant pixie vivarium.
Thank you so much!!
I placed an order for a 12x12x18 tank. Best customer service by far. Excited to get this kit in the mail. Cheers!
Did the tank come with it?
just throwing this out there: you really should wear a mask to avoid silicosis. even a small amount of silica dust can be harmful. once it is wet and covered it should be fine but i would pour that bag outside with a mask and wash up/change clothes after.
Hi! I might be getting one of your kits for my birthday!!! (Lol) This video is very informational! Thanks!!!
Just got a Pacman frog and did NOT know they could die from soil ph. I thought as long as you keep the poop out it will be fine. Definitely ordering one of your kits now!
Dude your probably the most enjoyable person to listen to on TH-cam doing bio active setups🤙🏾
I just picked up all the stuff I need from a reptile expo got so many isopods hopefully I can get a good colony of them going
Best video I saw on the topic. Going to be buying a kit in the near future, after I get my 18X18X24 tank. You have definitely earned yourself a follower and customer. Keep up the good work!
I'm so excited about doing this for my cresties. :) thank you for these videos and these kits.
Thank you!
Hey Biodude, just purchased this whole kit from your store today for my 2 crested geckos. Would love to see and update to this video + lighting guide.
That dust doesn’t seem very safe to inhale. I mean it’s made of glass right
I thought it was made of plastic...🤨
Lord of All Dino's he said glass
You are stupid, watch the channel Leopard gecko her crested gecko is just like The bio dude and shes has great info too.
@@pablomigueldiaz6920 not just like the bio dude she is mainly leopard geckos and some crested geckos bio dude has his own bio shop and all kinds of different animals bio stuff but i get what u r saying she is very good at what she does.
Tbh you should rinse out your drainage outside layer before putting it in the tank. That way the dust isnt inside the tank
This guys loves the basketball shorts... just came from a pickup game
It's been a pain having to re establish eco earth substrate in my crestie's tank. Thank you so much for the help, will most definitely use your website when I get the chance (and money)
Thank you so much!
I'm absolutely loving the increase in uploaded videos!
think he recorded a few videos and are uploading them all now =)
You guys are going to love my video for my Ackies Monitors
John Vazquez hi
Dominick Turano hello there
WOW Josh I'm in awe of your habitats they look amazing , I wish I was good at decorating my habitats and especially my aquariums because I love aquariums but I'm terrible at decorating hahaha, I see how so many people decorate their habitats and it makes me so jealous. I am a proud owner of a Murphy's patternless leopard gecko / crested gecko / and several Tropical Aquariums.
Hi Josep, thank you for the support and don't worry. It takes some practice to get the decorating down, but just go with what feels right to you. Nature is crowded, so don't feel bad about putting a bunch of stuff in there.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter thanks Josh my crested gecko is my newest pet and I don't have many decorations for the habitat yet currently I have two hanging plants , two bamboo bars ,one ground plant and also a Jungle vine which is not yet in the habitat because I don't know how to put it in, my habitat size is 12 L× 12 W × 18 H and it's made by Zilla.
Last thing I wanted to know since I don't have a food ledge yet is it fine to have the food dish on the ground of the habitat, im not able to purchase online so I have to find a store that has then or can order for one for me.
Hi Joseph. It's fine to use the food dish on the ground, just ensure your baby knows where it is and is eating.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter ok thanks again Josh I was a bit worried that it wasn't going to be able to find the food but I think it eventually knew where the food was after watching me put the dish in , two nights ago I saw it sitting at the dish so I'm sure it won't be a problem now. Talk to you soon.
If the dude abides, I'm all in . Unless it's Saturday!
Love the bioactive setups! Keep up the good work!
Yo Bio Dude! You should do a Day Gecko viv setup using your day gecko kit!
ItsJayCross I agree
I have ALWAYS wanted a Day Gecko!
This is genius , you deserve waaayyyy more recognition but I guess Bioactive set ups aren't for everyone
Thanks it is the way to go!
You’re amazing I just got a crested gecko and it was not properly taken care of definitely ordering a kit
Thank you!
Ok thanks because I’m adopting my 3rd crested gecko
Im dying to see a bioactive setup for day geckos!
It's coming! By the end of the 1st quarter. Doing Klemmeri, Grandis and Lineata.
Great video, ordered a 12” x 12” x18” sized terra fauna kit,will get it tommorow, im going to use it for a new 20 gallon vertical tank vivarium im seting up.
Thank you Bob! You are the MAN.
“im gonna take my scissors right mEah”
Wouldn't it be good to pre rince the base layer to get rid of thr dust?
You can do that, sure. I usually just mist the sides to get the residuals off.
Looks like perlite
@@kencross25 It is.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter you're inhaling silica powder that's awful for you I won't even put that s*** in my lizard tank it's not a better product if it's terrible for your health lava stone always
This looks so good
Can’t wait to get your kit! Im doing a crested gecko 18x18x24 and a gold dust day gecko 12x12x24, would the 29 gallon terra fauna kit be enough for both tanks? Great products as well!
Love your videos! You're so thoughtful about all of your products, and this is very helpful.
Do you ever recommend removing/replacing the original background? I watched a video of a different bioactive setup for this species in which they removed the original backdrop and replaced it with one they made with a pressed layer of gorilla glue, water, cork, and a blend of eco earth, spaghnam moss, and sand. Reason being: the original backdrops (he used a ZooMed tank) he said are prone to mold/mildew, which can be dangerous for your gecko.
Thoughts? Recommendations?
You are very straightforward informative and professional. Your setup looks awesome!
Great setup
cool.
Will this bioshock mixture replace the jobs of the isopods and springtails to the same equivalence?
Gavin, Excellent question. Short answer - yes,
The Bio Dude Josh Halter Thank you! Love the videos. Been wanting to convert my crestie to bioactive but I’ve been hesitant about the springtails and isopods.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter what's the long answer though dude. Science, please?
Thank you so much because I asked you when I bought from you
This might be a dumb question but I am still learning. Do you need to replenish the leaf litter and sphagnum moss as it degrades over time? Thank you for your time and great video! New subscriber 😊
Hi Zahyachan. You are correct. You should add biodegradables to your enclosure as they are "fuel" for your biome.
Thanks for the reply! How often do you suggest adding both?
I’m diggin it
You should make deluxe kits with seed pods, Moss, etc.
That’s actually not a bad idea!
Thanks
this was relly helpful Thank you so much
Can I do this and then put my gecko in straight after?
And I don’t want a mist system can I still spray with my bottle 2 times a day?
Please reply
I do it, you can also let it cycle, it is 100% up to you.
You can hand mist twice daily, absolutely. Just make sure you are not over misting and you are set!
Will you do a video on Madagascar Velvet Geckos ?
Hi Deb. More videos will be coming soon!
With using the bioactive kit, do you NEED to have micro feeders like spring-tails as well, or can the terrarium thrive without them? What is the main purpose for micro feeders?
Nicole, great question! You do not Need the bugs. Their main purpose is to break down organic waste like leaf litter and poop to provide macro-nutrients to your soil and plants as well as aerate the soil with their tunnels. We have a product called The BioShot that does the same thing as far as waste break down, aeration can be achieved by digging in pieces of cork and palm bark.
I know next to nothing about plants. What happens if the plants you have in there outgrow the tank? I assume if it's width-wise you could uproot it and separate it out into like a cutting? If they get too tall can you cut them without killing the plant?
Also if eventually you want to revamp the tank is it going to totally screw up your mini ecosystem to change out or move around plants?
Zayden, you can simply trim them as necessary. You could even take a cutting from one tank and transfer it into another if you please. Just make sure you disinfect it first so you don't spread nasties!
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter oh right on!
I just bought a 18x18x24 zoo med how much would it cost to build the same as in this video but in the bigger size? Any special kit you sell for the bigger cages?
Just email me what you need and I can help you
I visited your store today, and it was awesome! I was just looking around, as I'm interested in getting a crested gecko for my first reptile. The lady who helped me was very kind and helpful! I was wondering though, would it be absolutely necessary to get an 18x18x36 terrarium, or could I get something smaller? I'm on a bit of a budget, since I only recently got my first job (I probably won't have the money needed to properly care for the gecko for a couple months). If you could get back to me on that, you'd really be helping me out!
They do best with more space so the 181836 is best yes.
Will both of those light's make the tank pretty hot are will they kept the temperature in the 70's?
Hi BFCubes. The lights do not emit enough heat to drastically change the temperature. My gecko tank never goes over 76 degrees :)
Thank you so much. Have a good day!
I like most of your bio active set ups, but I’m not a huge fan of this one because of the short tank with not a lot of vertical room. But that’s just my opinion and not a hate comment. Have a good day :)
winy diamond2 you’re right. It’s too short.
Is that background a sticker that you can peel off? If you keep it on will it go moldy?
You are going to want to remove it completely.
Ok thanks 👌
Holy shit, it's Scott Malkinson!
Hi, I'm Scot Malkinson and I have Diabetes.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalterBro you just a lifetime subscriber and customer!
That hydrogrow stuff. Is that just perlite?
It was overcooked Perlite but the HG has since been switched to an all new alternative that is even better.
Thinking about getting crested gecko kit
You have to completely replace all the dirt stuff every 3 weeks?
Awesome build but isnt that terrarium a little to short for crested geckos
Hi BlueBar. For a juvenile it's just right. It's a common misconception that these geckos are live high in the canopy. They are found closer to the ground. While they do utilize some height, it's typical to find a crested in a cork round on the ground. Everyone has their own way of keeping. This is what has worked for me and other keepers I know.
I have two crested geckos each in their own tank. One likes to sleep and chill in logs on the ground while the other one is always up on leaves. They both have 3.5ft tall tanks.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter They do live in the canopy though. They do come down sometimes. They are mostly arboreal. They don’t need UV but it’s good to have something to produce a natural 14 hour day and 10 hour night.
do you only need to buy one, or do you have to constantly replace it
Hi Julian. As long as your soil is healthy and thriving there is no need to replace it ever again.
Can you make some more crested gecko kits?
hey bio dude, I heard that all that light is bad for the crests because they do not have eyelids, are your lights on a timer?
HI Juan, a natural photo-period is necessary. Granted you should stay away from red and blue heat lights as reptiles have an extra cone within their ocular structure that intensifies light. I recommend using a timer or dimmer to allow a specific 12 hour daytime/12 hour nighttime cycle.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter it’s actually a 14 hour day and 10 hour night.
Love you josh. But you sound like stewart from big bang theory 😂
So ive been told lol
Hi Biodude, I recently purchased some of your products.
As I was finishing I realized that I forgot the background though I had everything all set up already, I managed to put the background back in place but I got some dirt on the bottom layer, and some hydrogrow on the substrate I managed to remove the hydrogrow out from substrate but not the dirt from the hydrogrow, will this affect anything?
Please REPLY! (Also asking the community feel free to reply please.)
Thanks!
Hi Gabriel. Thank you very much for your business! It should not cause an issue at all, especially if it's just little bit.
Very nice build! Are you not a fan of the whole spray foam background thing people like to do? Just curious.
I do it...sometimes.... My tanks just don't need it ;)
Thanks Jeff, you are totally right.
I will eventually, but there are so many ways to do it, so many different materials that you can use, that I would rather let people find the materials themselves instead of charing people so much money for it due to the amount of variables you can do with a background ; )
How small the tank is its gonna force the gecko to go in the soil and the thickness off stuff u put in will make the cresti suffocate its self.
Can the hydro grow be pre-rinsed before placing in the enclosure, just to remove some dust?
Great question, and yes it can.
OMG, SE Houston, never knew you were 5miles away, lol, Been watching for a while... Gonna have to visit the store front.
Do you NEED the LED light?
Its recommended for the plants : )
Would this work for a gargoyle gecko
Does this kit also work for Gargoyle Geckos?
This seems to be the best bioactive kit out there, and the bioshot replacement for the isopods is something that will really help with my budget
So, hws going to have to replace all those layers in 3 weeks?
this is amazing!!
That’s a tank of substrate not much room for anything else 😂
The substrate will eventually settle and loos some depth which is why I add extra in the beginning. A deep substrate layer also aids in proper draining as well as being able to accommodate large plant root systems.
Are they the same setups for Gargoyle Geckos?
Hey Michael Frasca. You can absolutely use a set up like this for a gargoyle.
What size terrarium is that?
Hi Mary. It's an 18x18x18 Zoo Med terrarium.
What is an 18 Cube is that 12x12x18 or 18x18x24?
Ay Toine its 18x18x18
Crested geckos only live in trees so you should probebly have a taller terrarium with more vines and wood
they live very close to the forest floor, yet are still arboreal. From a couple feet to a couple M of the ground is where they live. SO this size tank is good
He’s fine guy... the geckos don’t really live on tree tops...
good note, but they do live closer to the ground, but i would still have a taller terrarium as well.
Would you be able to feed crickets without impaction issues for crested gecko?
Hey there! impaction is more closely related to temperatures and the reptile not being able to thermoregulate properly to pass things through its stomach. As long as all husbandry parameters are met, with a varied diet and crickets being a treat item, impaction should not be a worry for crested geckos! Hope this helps!
Hey the bio dude I just bought one of kits for my crested gecko and was wondering do I water the plants or is the misting everyday enough?
Hi Spaceman. Depending on how heavily I'm misting and how the tank is looking I average a light water 1-2 times per week with my tropical plants
The Bio Dude Josh Halter My plants would be dried to the bone only misting that often.
Hi! I don't know if you will read this, since this video is old, but I'm a new crestie owner and this is going to be my first time replacing everything, and was doing research and found this. So I was wondering, do you mix the substrate, moss, and leaf litter together? or just layer? Also, what leaf litter did you use? because there are multiple types on your website. What plant kit do you think is the best choice on your website for cresties? Thank you!
Hey Sara! They are somewhat layered in this set up, You can use any of the leaf litter choices available, they will all break down and be part of the Biome :) We also have a crested gecko plant pack i will link - www.thebiodude.com/collections/species-specific-terrarium-plant-kits/products/crested-gecko-starter-plant-pack Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any further questions!
why fauna and not flora if flora is for high humidity and that is what crested geckos need?
Flora is better suited for a 75-100%. The Fauna is geared for 60-75% which is the perfect range for a crested gecko.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter ohh, I had read on the island created geckos are found, the humidity is 75-100%
What size enclosure are you using?
Where can I get the kit bro?
(Edit) Never mind I found it on your website I might buy it.
I live in Ireland :,(
Doesn't he ship to ireland?😥
My crested gecko loves to eat spangna moss can I just use leaf litter. Also can I mix the terra with reptibark
can you do a pacman and a sumatran water monitor enclosures
Hi Jovanny. More videos will be coming soon!
Im curious about the background in the tank. What is it?
What type of palm did he say? Somebody please say I really want to know
Sampyphillips, It's a pony tail palm.
Also can you show a set up for a gargoyle gecko
Can this setup also work for the Leachianus?
DrGilgamesh you’ll need a bigger cage
Can you do a Madagascar Giant Day Gecko Setup ?
That's awesome
How many quarts do I need for 18x18
Hey Saul! - Here ya go !
x2 bag of 6 quart HydroGrow - Drainage layer. -www.thebiodude.com/collections/vivaria-drainage
x1 vivarium screen divider 18 x 18 - Drainage layer divider -www.thebiodude.com/collections/vivaria-drainage
x3 bags of 6 quart Terra Fauna - The Dude's one of a kind substrate for high humidity biomes. Depending on which model terrarium, you may have excess substrate left over. - www.thebiodude.com/collections/bioactive-substrates/products/terra-fauna-6-qt-bag
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter when will the kit be back on sale?
I've noticed that you seem to bring your substrates up to the top level of the plastic aerating holes at the bottom of the tank. Doesn't that block the holes preventing aeration from the bottom (defeating its purpose)?. Also, wouldn't some of the springtails crawl out of the tank if the substrate covers the holes? I am going to setup a 12 x12x18 Zoomed tank.
Hi igregsmart. It doesn't make much difference with aeration to have the holes covered as most of the ventilation comes from the screen top. There may be a few rouge springtails, which are not invasive, but for the most part they prefer to stay where it damp and buried in the soil.
I’m thinking about doing something like this and was wondering how long should the lights typically stay on for? Also, do you do anything else for the plants that you have in there for watering, or do you just mist the tank twice a day?
I usually do 12 on 12 off, I have my MK automatically mist twice daily for 40 or 20 seconds
Will the plants still thrive if I just use an Arcadia Shade Dweller 7% UVB? Or do you truly recommend using both the UVB and the Solar Grow LED?
You can try it, and see how it works! I will always recommend supplemental lighting for your plants if they want to thrive.
Hi. In from the UK so I can't get any of your products. What other soil do you recommend that is available in the Uk???
This looks cool. Is this setup ment to leave for ever or do you have to clean and redo it evry time? (I dont own any repitles Just curious)
Hi Tiemo. As long as your biome is healthy and thriving it will last indefinitely, and it will be self maintaining.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter thats so cool thnx for answering.
Is lighting required for the plants?
Yes it is. I highly recommend using a good LED
Did the compact uvbs get fixed? I thought they where bad
Would building a bioactive tank help keep in humidity? I just recently adopted a crested gecko and I live in a very dry state and I struggle to keep his humidity up. He lives in a 12 x 12 x 30 terrarium with mainly fake plants and I spray down his home 4 times a day and have a humidifier pointed at his screen.
It does help significantly with humidity retention.
I have a question how would you water the plants? Would you get a watering can and soak the soil? Or how would that work.
Daily misting the enclosure will help, but I usually lightly water the root base of each plant with small cup once a week or so. When your biome is established and the roots have grown down to the drainage layer, daily misting will suffice with a heavier mist once or twice a week.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter ah ok thank you for the reply
love your videos and website, but is there any way a 'night mode' can be implemented on the site? The bright green against white makes it hard to see the wording when looking through the tabs :
I don't think so, sorry.
Do you need UVB?
I feel that all animals, even nocturnal ones, benefit from UVB in some way
shape or form. Everybody has their own way of doing things. This is
what works for me.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter ok thank you
It’s not necessary but if you use it only keep it on for 1-2 hours while giving them lots of places to hide from it. Also provide a natural 14 hour day and 10 hour night lighting cycle.
I'm so confused... why is this cage so recommended? Also why is there so many layers
Megan M. It is for all tropical pets as it drains water off fast and won't mold as rapidly. Otherwise you spend 50X what it costs to raise tropical animals as soggy bedding molds over and can cause infections. Not to mention ammonia build up in your tank from soggy wet bedding and urine.