Crested geckos are popular pets known for their easy care, friendly nature, and beautiful colors. If you want to provide your gecko with a healthy and natural environment, a bioactive enclosure is a fantastic choice. In this article, we’ll dive into the essentials of crested gecko care in a bioactive setup, ensuring your little friend lives a happy and vibrant life!
What is a Bioactive Enclosure?
A bioactive enclosure mimics the natural habitat of your crested gecko. It includes live plants, beneficial microfauna (tiny creatures), and a substrate that encourages healthy decomposition. This setup creates a balanced ecosystem, where everything works together to keep the environment clean and the gecko happy.
Why Choose a Bioactive Setup for Your Crested Gecko?
Crested geckos thrive in a bioactive enclosure because it provides:
- Natural Cleaning: Microfauna like springtails and isopods break down waste and leftover food, reducing the need for constant cleaning.
- Humidity Control: Live plants help maintain humidity levels, which are crucial for crested geckos.
- Stress Reduction: A more natural environment can help your gecko feel secure and less stressed.
Setting Up Your Bioactive Enclosure
1. Choose the Right Tank
For adult crested geckos, a tall terrarium is best, ideally an 18"x18"x24" tank or larger. Height is essential since these lizards love to climb. You can start with a smaller enclosure such as a 12"x12"x18" tank for hatchlings.
2. Select Your Substrate
A good substrate is crucial for a bioactive setup. You can use a mix of organic soil and materials like coconut fiber. It is extremely important to ensure the substrate is free of any chemicals like fertilizer and pesticide. Frog Dirt's ABG Mix is an excellent option, as it holds moisture well and supports plant growth. A quality substrate also allows for beneficial microorganisms to thrive, which will help keep the environment clean and healthy.
3. Add Live Plants
Choose hardy, tropical plants that can thrive in the humid environment of a crested gecko enclosure. Some great options include:
- Pothos: Easy to care for and grows well in low light.
- Philodendron: Adds beautiful greenery and provides hiding spots.
- Creeping Ficus: Creates a natural feel by vining along the background.
Similar to the substrate, it is important to make sure the plants are pesticide and fertilizer free, as chemicals can harm your pet.
4. Introduce Microfauna
Adding microfauna like springtails and isopods will enhance the bioactive setup. These tiny creatures eat waste and help maintain a clean habitat. You can buy these from specialized suppliers or online, ensuring they are safe and healthy.
5. Maintain Proper Humidity
Crested geckos prefer humidity levels of 50-70%. Misting the enclosure daily helps keep the humidity up. Ensure that you have a hygrometer to monitor the levels, and consider an automatic misting system if you're busy during the day. Make sure the enclosure has a chance to dry between mistings as too high of a humidity level can lead to fungal and bacterial problems.
6. Create a Temperature Gradient
Crested geckos thrive at temperatures around 72-75°F (22-24°C) during the day. You can use a small 25-watt bulb for basking, but avoid overheating the entire enclosure. Make sure there's a cooler area where your gecko can escape the heat. It is possible to be successful without supplemental heat if the enclosure is located in a part of your house that stays within the appropriate temperature range.
Feeding Your Crested Gecko
In a bioactive setup, you can provide a balanced diet using commercial crested gecko food that contains all the essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Every 2-3 days, prepare the gecko food and place it in a dish at the base of a plant or in an elevated feeding dish so your gecko can eat comfortably without touching the substrate. Supplement this with live insects such as crickets once per week.
FAQs About Crested Geckos
1. Can I use regular soil in my bioactive enclosure?
It's best to avoid regular garden soil as it may contain pesticides and harmful chemicals. Instead, use organic soil or specialized reptile and amphibian focused products like Frog Dirt, which are safe for your gecko.
2. How often do I need to clean a bioactive setup?
One of the benefits of a bioactive enclosure is that it requires less frequent deep cleaning. You should still spot clean any visible waste and remove uneaten food regularly.
3. What plants should I avoid in a crested gecko habitat?
Avoid any plants that are toxic to reptiles. Research the plants you plan to include, ensuring they are safe for your crested gecko. It is also important to ensure the selected plants live in a similar temperature and humidity range as your gecko.
4. How long can a crested gecko live?
Crested geckos can live between 10 to 20 years with proper care, so a bioactive setup can contribute to their long, healthy life.
5. Where can I get supplies for my bioactive enclosure?
You can find everything you need at pet stores or online. Frog Dirt is a great resource for bioactive substrate and other essential supplies for creating a thriving environment for your gecko.
6. Can I feed my crested gecko fruit?
Yes! Crested geckos can eat a variety of fruits, such as pureed papaya, mango, and applesauce. Just be sure to provide fruit in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
7. Can crested geckos swim?
Crested geckos are not natural swimmers, they are generally able to float and paddle in water in an emergency. It is best to avoid deep water in the enclosure as this can be a risk to their safety.
8. Are crested geckos nocturnal?
Yes, crested geckos are primarily nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They enjoy exploring their enclosure during the evening hours when it's cooler.
Conclusion
Creating a bioactive enclosure for your crested gecko is a rewarding experience that benefits both you and your pet. By following these simple steps and best practices, you'll provide a healthy and stimulating environment that mimics their natural habitat. Happy gecko keeping!