I have a question

[Geckoman120]

Okay so my calcium supplement works fine but my multivitamin supplement (jurassi-vite) is hard to put on my crickets and mealworms, it doesn't stick to them, so when they come out there is nothing on them. Any suggestions?

 

[acpart]

Rep-cal herptivite or the Repashy vitamin stuff.

Aliza

 

[Kristi23]

I've found that the repashy calcium plus sticks best. I've been using that more often now. They also have a calcium line (without the vitamins) that I just got and that sticks really well, too.

 

[nats]

I was using Rep-Cal Calcium and Rep-Cal Herptivite mixed 1:1 and it would not stick to the mealies. I switched to Calcium Plus D3 Reptile-Life (in the red and white 4.5oz container) and mixed it with my Rep-Cal Herptivite (still 1:1) and that does stick to everything.

The Reptile-Life product was recommended by the good folks of this forum, and I thank them :main_yes: this stuff has made a big difference. My geckos like it, and even enjoy licking it off my fingers

 

[bitterbeauty]

You could try misting the crickets with water and then dusting them. Then everything will stick.

 

[Gecko Ranch]

I was using Rep-Cal Calcium and Rep-Cal Herptivite mixed 1:1 and it would not stick to the mealies. I switched to Calcium Plus D3 Reptile-Life (in the red and white 4.5oz container) and mixed it with my Rep-Cal Herptivite (still 1:1) and that does stick to everything.

The Reptile-Life product was recommended by the good folks of this forum, and I thank them :main_yes: this stuff has made a big difference. My geckos like it, and even enjoy licking it off my fingers

I had not seen the Repti life product so had a look at it to compare it to Calcium Plus by Allen Repashy, which works really well in using the proper ratios of vitamins to minerals, and has pro-biotics and pigment enhancers which Repti-life does not have.

Here are the Repti-life stats:

Crude Protein (min) 24%, Crude Fat/Oil (min) 4%, Crude Fiber (max) 1%, Moisture (max) 10%, Ash (max) 34%, Vitamin A (min) 8,800 IU/kg, Vitamin D3 (min) 500 IU/kg, Vitamin E (min) 220 IU/kg, Copper (min) 70 mg/kg.

Ingredients Calcium Carbonate, DL Methionine, Yeast, Yeast Extract, L-Lysine, L-Threonine, L-Tryptophan, Spirulina Algae, Taurine, Canthaxanthin, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Dried bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation Product Dehydrated, Choline Chloride, Maltodextrin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Monophosphate, Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Acetate, Beta Carotene, Niacinamide, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Mixed Tocopherols, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Cobalt Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride.

They really don't give a lot of specific info on quantities like Allen Repashy does on Calcium Plus below:

Facts:

This product is licensed by T-Rex Products and marketed as "Calcium Plus ICB" It has also been labeled as a species specific product for marketing purposes, but they are all the same thing. (examples: Bearded Dragon ICB, Tree Frog ICB)

Analysis:

Calcium 18%
Phosphorous 0 %
Protein 10%
Fat 1%
Fiber 2%
Vitamin D-3 48,000 IU/KG
Vitamin A 480,000 IU/kg
Beta Carotene 1,000 mg/kg
Choline 12,000 mg/kg
Vitamin C 5,000 mg/kg
Vitamin E 2000 IU/kg
Vitamin B1 80 mg/kg
Vitamin B2 160 mg/kg
Vitamin B3 1,000 mg/kg
Vitamin B5 300 mg/kg
Vitmain B6 120 mg/kg
Vitamin B12 1 mg/kg
Vitamin K 60 mg/kg
Biotin 4mg/kg

One problem I see with Repti life is the Vitamin A to D3 ratio of 17.6 to one. The ratio of 10:1 is well proven (Mader) and is what Calcium Plus uses. Allen uses both beta carotene and pre-formed Vitamin A to cover all the bases as there is some question on how well insectivores (leos are one) can use beta carotene to create Vitamin A. Looks kind of like Reptilife uses that approach from what I can see here, but in a questionable ratio. If an insectivore does not create enough Vitamin A to help process Vitamin D3, then an overdose can occur. The consequence of this is calcification of the internal organs, nothing to sneeze at!

Another consequence of the lack of information here is that you do not know the level of Calcium in this product. The ratio of D3 to Calcium is also critical.

So what about the Calcium, and how did Allen choose his level? Long story short, though a lot of theoretical and practical research with larger breeders like myself. He actually took crickets, coated them with Calcium, and measured exactly how much stuck after X amount of minutes. So, the ratios of all these critical vitamins and minerals were then set based on how much actually sticks, a pretty good way to do things. Calcium is ground at 3-5 micron size, the finest grind you can do with Calcium.

I really have to question some of the ingredients in Reptilife like Taurine, a major constituent of mammalian bile and component used in energy drinks like Red Bull. Taurine enhances properties of choline, a component used in both these supplements. Choline helps with various muscle functions as a precursor to a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine). I was not able to find any research telling me why this was good for reptiles in more than occurs naturally in their metabolism. If you find any please let me know.

Then Reptilife has Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product which is used in the fermentation of dairy, fruit and vegetables. It also aids in helping avoid yeast infections and helps folks with lactose intolerance drink milk. For geckos? Hmmm.

Then Reptilife's use Maltodextrin stuck out to me, it is a starch derivative probably used to make it all stick together. It is metabolized as glucose (sugar).

I'm running out of time, I'm sure there is a lot more to look into here. Please feel free to add to the discussion!

As far as spraying water to make a product stick - by doing this you are probably overdosing with supplement. The product has failed in its purpose if you have to do this regardless. Calcium Plus has all the important vitamin and mineral ratios figured out based on how it sticks, which we know is very well. More importantly these ratios and human grade components Allen uses are working for many breeders!

 

[Gecko Ranch]

I was using Rep-Cal Calcium and Rep-Cal Herptivite mixed 1:1 and it would not stick to the mealies. I switched to Calcium Plus D3 Reptile-Life (in the red and white 4.5oz container) and mixed it with my Rep-Cal Herptivite (still 1:1) and that does stick to everything.

The Reptile-Life product was recommended by the good folks of this forum, and I thank them :main_yes: this stuff has made a big difference. My geckos like it, and even enjoy licking it off my fingers

I just noticed that you mixed two products together, that is a huge no-no! Unless you are smart enough to know what it takes to make those kind of products in the first place it is a huge, huge risk and you have screwed up those all important ratios of vitamins and minerals!

 

[shadowx362]

I started using reptile life about a 2 month ago and the geckos really do like it and it comes in a sprinkle type thing so you can just shake it on the food or bowls. It kinda smells like the electrolite product some company sells(i forgot the name) I havent had any problems yet and it seems like the geckos eat their food better. Ex. some geckos that I own are about 3-4 years old and were feeding on crickets their whole lives and I tried the switching over thing, but nothing worked. I bought a couple thousand mealworms because I was fed up with the crickets and I used repti life and now they are eating mealworms exclusively.
I don't know if reptile life helped or if they just decided to like mealworms. I also don't know if its bad for them kinda like waxworms are bad but they like them....If you guys find anything else about this product I would love to know.
They sell different lines of their products like the crested gecko powder(higher vitamins and other),Calcium plus d3 supplement, insect gut loading food and the Vitamin and mineral dusting powder which is what I use. I looked at the insect gutloading and its the same as the vitamin and mineral power.
Heres the website http://www.ebugco.com/pages/reptilelife.html

 

[nats]

Facts:

This product is licensed by T-Rex Products and marketed as "Calcium Plus ICB" It has also been labeled as a species specific product for marketing purposes, but they are all the same thing. (examples: Bearded Dragon ICB, Tree Frog ICB)

/QUOTE]

I tried Googling that product calcium plus icb and found nothing.
Is it the same as sanfire superfoods leopard gecko dust??

 

[Gecko Ranch]

Facts:

This product is licensed by T-Rex Products and marketed as "Calcium Plus ICB" It has also been labeled as a species specific product for marketing purposes, but they are all the same thing. (examples: Bearded Dragon ICB, Tree Frog ICB)

/QUOTE]

I tried Googling that product calcium plus icb and found nothing.
Is it the same as sanfire superfoods leopard gecko dust??

I think you answered your own question with the quote above there.
You can buy the product at the pet shop as T-Rex ICB (bottles), or a fresh version called Calcium Plus (pet shop stuff is usually old) from Allen Repashy's Authorized Distributors:

http://www.store.repashy.com/

The Calcium Plus product comes in foil pouches in great sizes for everyone, 4oz, 8oz, 16oz, 32oz and 64oz.

I think in the past when Allen was part of Sandfire Dragon Ranch the products said Sandfire, he no longer is there. Regardless, Calcium Plus is a great gecko product made by a great gecko guy in Allen Repashy! :main_thumbsup:

 

[nats]

I think you answered your own question with the quote above there.
You can buy the product at the pet shop as T-Rex ICB (bottles), or a fresh version called Calcium Plus (pet shop stuff is usually old) from Allen Repashy's Authorized Distributors:

http://www.store.repashy.com/

The Calcium Plus product comes in foil pouches in great sizes for everyone, 4oz, 8oz, 16oz, 32oz and 64oz.

I think in the past when Allen was part of Sandfire Dragon Ranch the products said Sandfire, he no longer is there. Regardless, Calcium Plus is a great gecko product made by a great gecko guy in Allen Repashy! :main_thumbsup:

Hmmmm, I see. Now I understand.

OK, you sold me on trying some, so I ordered 16oz from your site (since you were the one to recommend it) :main_yes:

So, this stuff has everything leos need in terms of suppliment!?

Should I also provide a dish of it, or just dust the feeders?

This will be my second great reptile supply discovery today! the first was
New Zealand spagnum moss!! :main_yes: have you tried using it?
It's supposed to be softer, and stay moist longer. I had to go to a gardening supply place to get a good price.

 

[Gecko Ranch]

Hmmmm, I see. Now I understand.

OK, you sold me on trying some, so I ordered 16oz from your site (since you were the one to recommend it) :main_yes:

So, this stuff has everything leos need in terms of suppliment!?

Should I also provide a dish of it, or just dust the feeders?

This will be my second great reptile supply discovery today! the first was
New Zealand spagnum moss!! :main_yes: have you tried using it?
It's supposed to be softer, and stay moist longer. I had to go to a gardening supply place to get a good price.

Definitely I use everything I sell - Calcium Plus is the best thing to come along in supplementation in a long time!

All you need to do is sprinkle some of it on the insect feeders - no need to put out a dish of it. There is also no need to supplement with extra Calcium in that it would be excess, which is detrimental (see above for details on that).

I use a couple different kinds of sphagnum peat moss, one is the kind that comes from my local Orchard Supply, works great with Day geckos and Rhacodactylus, the other is from Black Jungle:

http://www.blackjungle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Session_ID=48C6C04C000D5219000006FE00000000&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BJTS&Product_Code=SPM&Category_Code=SUB

Not sure if that is from New Zealand or not. Works great for packing up tropical geckos, frogs and keeping in frog enclosures.

 

[nats]

Definitely I use everything I sell - Calcium Plus is the best thing to come along in supplementation in a long time!

All you need to do is sprinkle some of it on the insect feeders - no need to put out a dish of it. There is also no need to supplement with extra Calcium in that it would be excess, which is detrimental (see above for details on that).

I use a couple different kinds of sphagnum peat moss, one is the kind that comes from my local Orchard Supply, works great with Day geckos and Rhacodactylus, the other is from Black Jungle:

http://www.blackjungle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Session_ID=48C6C04C000D5219000006FE00000000&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BJTS&Product_Code=SPM&Category_Code=SUB

Not sure if that is from New Zealand or not. Works great for packing up tropical geckos, frogs and keeping in frog enclosures.

Yeah, I think that is the New Zealand moss (it's the right discription and PRICE!!). And yes, folks who grow orchards use this.

Thanks for all the advise :main_yes:
Did I read you correct that you dont need a seperate dish of calcium dust in their terrarium? Just the amount they get from dusted feeders is enough?

BTW, the instructions on the Rep-Cal Herpivite says to mix it 1:1 with calcium dust. I went and re-read it just to make sure. :main_yes:

If we like the calcium plus (which I'm sure we will since you have educated me about it), could you be our main supplier?

 

[nats]

All you need to do is sprinkle some of it on the insect feeders - no need to put out a dish of it. There is also no need to supplement with extra Calcium in that it would be excess, which is detrimental (see above for details on that).

I think alot of folks over do it on the calcium.
I remember when I first got into leos (mid 1980's) I never heard of putting calcium in a bowl. It wasnt until years later that I read about folks saying it was important, so I have been doing it ever since.

Makes me wonder how I was able to keep healthy leos all that time without the internet

 

[Gecko Ranch]

Yeah, I think that is the New Zealand moss (it's the right discription and PRICE!!). And yes, folks who grow orchards use this.

Thanks for all the advise :main_yes:
Did I read you correct that you dont need a seperate dish of calcium dust in their terrarium? Just the amount they get from dusted feeders is enough?

BTW, the instructions on the Rep-Cal Herpivite says to mix it 1:1 with calcium dust. I went and re-read it just to make sure. :main_yes:

If we like the calcium plus (which I'm sure we will since you have educated me about it), could you be our main supplier?

Glad to help, that's what we senior members of the gecko community are supposed to do. Give back! I am happy to supply anyone big or small with Calcium Plus and any Repashy product.

 

[Gecko Ranch]

I think alot of folks over do it on the calcium.
I remember when I first got into leos (mid 1980's) I never heard of putting calcium in a bowl. It wasnt until years later that I read about folks saying it was important, so I have been doing it ever since.

Makes me wonder how I was able to keep healthy leos all that time without the internet

You can stop doing it when you use Calcium Plus. Even if you don't, you are really messing with gecko metabolism by setting out dishes of Calcium. I did recommend that in my book, however, my book was written long before this version of Calcium Plus (just over one year old now). Setting out dishes of Calcium is now outdated, not to mention dangerous. We have learned that the ratios of vitamins and minerals are absolutely critical and not to be messed with by the guesswork some folks do, like mixing different products together or arbitrarily setting out Calcium.

 

[nats]

You can stop doing it when you use Calcium Plus. Even if you don't, you are really messing with gecko metabolism by setting out dishes of Calcium. I did recommend that in my book, however, my book was written long before this version of Calcium Plus (just over one year old now). Setting out dishes of Calcium is now outdated, not to mention dangerous. We have learned that the ratios of vitamins and minerals are absolutely critical and not to be messed with by the guesswork some folks do, like mixing different products together or arbitrarily setting out Calcium.

I will do that. I guess 16oz of calcium plus will last a long time for 2 leos!
But next breeding season, who knows how many I will have!!
I just cant resist everyones cute little baby leos (I'm saving a hole in my credit card for it!! :main_laugh: )

Julie, what you have been saying makes perfect sense to me.
Do you know how I can get more info regarding the proper nutritional requirements for leos? Did Repashy publish any of his research?

 

[Gecko Ranch]

I will do that. I guess 16oz of calcium plus will last a long time for 2 leos!
But next breeding season, who knows how many I will have!!
I just cant resist everyones cute little baby leos (I'm saving a hole in my credit card for it!! :main_laugh: )

Julie, what you have been saying makes perfect sense to me.
Do you know how I can get more info regarding the proper nutritional requirements for leos? Did Repashy publish any of his research?

Hi Nats! Here's an article Allen has written about reptile nutrition:

Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D3:

http://www.reptiles.repashy.com/calciumd.htm

 

[nats]

Great!
Thanks much Julie

 

[Gecko Ranch]

Great!
Thanks much Julie

You are very welcome! I think we gecko folks are very lucky to have someone like Allen working gecko nutrition!