Natural Vivarium (Crested gecko version!)

[mckyle]

Alright, I know there are probably 9001 threads about this already. But I'm looking for some specifics.

First off, what are the best plants? As in, don't require tons of natural sunlight, don't die easily, provide ample foliage, and look nice. And, of course, not harmful to the gecko.

Secondly, substrate. What exactly should be used, and where can I get it?

I've also heard about "self-sustaining" vivs, where insects are involved. What are the best insects to use, and where can I get them?

And the last thing - cost. How much could I expect this to run me?

I think that's all for now, but any other information you can provide ouwld be GREATLY appreciated!

(PS: I need a name! http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/brandieb3678/Fire Dancer/FD2.jpg She's a probable female.)

 

[mckyle]

I've also read about using leaf litter as a substrate for cresteds - any opinions/info on this?

 

[spykerherps]

If you want live plants their are tones to use. the first off the top of my head that I use are pothos and philodendrons. creeping fig wondering jew.

Substrate coco fiber, any reptile supply place online or pet stores

isopods - online from sertin distributors of the top off my head on that a member here digby rigby.

full cost you'd have to do your research on ???
not sure how much the isopods run. ruff estimate 50.00- 150.00 for tank substrate cage furnishings and isopods not including gecko.

 

[Tony C]

What are you trying to accomplish by seeding the viv with bugs? If by self sustaining you mean no need to clean up waste or add feeders, there is no way you will accomplish that. Crested Geckos are just too large, the viv would have to be room sized to even have a chance of that happening. There is a thread on Dendroboard that may be of interest to you, one member posted about his 55 gallon viv with a pair of thumbnail dart frogs (literally the size of a thumbnail) which is fairly self-sustaining, but even he has to add feeders on occasion. If a pair of tiny frogs keeps the microfauna in such a large tank on the edge of a crash, just imagine how quickly a large predator like a crested would decimate the population.

 

[mckyle]

What are you trying to accomplish by seeding the viv with bugs? If by self sustaining you mean no need to clean up waste or add feeders, there is no way you will accomplish that. Crested Geckos are just too large, the viv would have to be room sized to even have a chance of that happening. There is a thread on Dendroboard that may be of interest to you, one member posted about his 55 gallon viv with a pair of thumbnail dart frogs (literally the size of a thumbnail) which is fairly self-sustaining, but even he has to add feeders on occasion. If a pair of tiny frogs keeps the microfauna in such a large tank on the edge of a crash, just imagine how quickly a large predator like a crested would decimate the population.

Although those frogs sound awesome, that's not exactly what it is, by my understanding. The bugs aren't meant to be feeders, but rather keep the soil turning and helping with waste cleanup somewhat.

Although I will take a look at the thread

Edit: I think I worded the original post wrong by saying "self-sustaining". That's not what I'm looking for, I'm not sure what the correct word would be though. I've seen it called "living" a few times. It's basically having like a giant millipede )the largest example I've seen so far) living in the viv with the gecko, and eating the waste and turning the soil for the plants.

 

[Tony C]

A large gecko still produces too much waste for invertebrate microfauna to clean up unless you were to use an extremely large viv, larger than anything commercially available. They may be able to reduce the amount of cleaning necessary, but you will still need to remove the bulk of it's waste.

 

[mckyle]

A large gecko still produces too much waste for invertebrate microfauna to clean up unless you were to use an extremely large viv, larger than anything commercially available. They may be able to reduce the amount of cleaning necessary, but you will still need to remove the bulk of it's waste.

Oh, of course. From what I'm understanding its more beneficial if you have live plants, moreso than the cleaning factor.

 

[Tony C]

It wouldn't hurt, but the plants that are hardy enough to withstand being trampled constantly by a big gecko won't really need any assistance. I don't mean to sound discouraging, it's just that cresties aren't the best choice for an intricate naturalistic viv. Their size greatly limits the plants that are suitable, if you want a really nice, well planted viv you would be better off using it for one of the smaller day geckos or something of similar size.