Peat moss for leopard geckos

D

DLS Reptile

Guest
I want to set up a naturalistic looking tank for my leopard gecko but do not want to use sand. I have always used newspaper as a breeder but it does not look very appealing. Does anyone use peat moss for a substrate. It looks natural and I figure you use it for a lay medium. Let me know what you think. I refuse to use sand...
 

BettaDragon

New Member
Messages
507
Location
NJ
I would think it might hold too much moisture. I'm no professional though. I've seen some people use stone slabs as a substrate when trying to get a natural look.
 
D

DLS Reptile

Guest
I think as long as i am only spraying under the hides it would work good..
 
A

Alliemac

Guest
I would be nervous they would ingest it. Natural looking tile is really nice looking and really easy to keep clean.
 
D

DLS Reptile

Guest
Well, Breeders use moss including myself with no ill effects. I clean my cages a lot so I am not worried about mold. I think I will go with Bigger rocks or tile for substrate.. I have produced hundreds of geckos but never had one in a naturalistic cage, they were all in racks. That is one of the reasons I got out of breeding them. I felt as if they were almost like Breeder mice in the little cages. If I keep something I want it to be as healthy and happy as possible. This is why I am thinking of getting into the nephrurus species. you can keep them in a more natural environment and do not have to breed nearly as many to sustain your hobby. I Have a lot of love and respect for all animals. They deserve the very best.:)
 

Yamori

Aussie Reptile Keeper
Messages
626
Location
Australia
I agree and do not think moss will harm them in any way.
All reptile parks and reptile enclosures in the zooz here use Spaghnum moss and natural rocks. As long as it isn't wet it wont grow any fungus or the like. but a little moist moss in the moist hide is great.

I myself will be using it, not as a substrate but adding a little here and there and in the moist hide.
 

happy gecko

New Member
Messages
91
Great DLS Reptile! No offense to all the breeders out there, but I feel breeding them in racks is overrated, though that's just my opinion. Moss should work OK. Though have you considered using real, natural slate rock with a little bit of sand to fill in the cracks? That is more inline with the geckos natural habitat, though it's up to you. Good luck!
 
S

shawn119

Guest
The peat moss will hold in to much moisture. It will also grow fungus.
 

Visit our friends

Top