Plant and Substrate Suggestions

[Garhard]

Hey Everybody,

I have two cresteds that are about 6 months old. Right now I'm using paper towels and fake plants. I want to set up a self sustaining natural environment. I would appreciate any suggestions for substrate and plants. From my understanding it would be good to put substrate, then potting soil, then plant the plants, then put a layer of peat moss over the potting soil so the geckos don't ingest the little white pebbles (forgot what they are callled). Does that sound about right? Thanks for all your help.

I've also read that rollie pollies are good because they eat the gecko waste.

 

[gaparicio]

You pretty much have it right. You will need some type of gravel about 1-2 inches deep. Place some type of plastic window screen or mesh over the gravel. The reason for the mesh is so the dirt doesn't mix with the gravel. Add some soil WITHOUT perlite (those white little things that you're talking about). You can then add some eco earth or moss on top. Your cresties and plants will be happy.

Rollie pollies are very good in any vivarium. They also aerate the soil.

By the way, what size vivarium are you looking into?

 

[Garhard]

The enclosure is 18Wx18Lx24H. Right now I have two cresteds and unless they hit puberty late I believe they are female so I may get one more. Do you think my enclosure is big enough for three? Also, what kind of plants are good in these natural environments?

 

[Ipsl]

Not to thread jack but what are those little balls I see at the bottom of everyones natural vivs?

I use Pothos, Philidundrins, and dracanus. they all have decent size leaves and are sturdy.

 

[rhino43grr]

the balls are made of clay or something similar i think... they're just to raise the substrate up to keep the moisture from collecting at the bottom of it and making mold i'm pretty sure

 

[gaparicio]

You can get away with 3 geckos in there as long as you have a lot of plants and hiding places.

 

[Garhard]

That's good news because I found this amazing looking baby at the reptile store by my house. It has a dark base with super bright orange tiger stripes.

 

[gaparicio]

That's good news because I found this amazing looking baby at the reptile store by my house. It has a dark base with super bright orange tiger stripes.

How big is this baby? Remember that whenever you buy a new animal make sure you quarantine it for 40 days before you introduce him/her to your any of your cresties. All cresties should be of the same size or bullying will result. The smaller crestie would eat very little or stop altogether because of the bigger geckos.

 

[Garhard]

Yea, it is super small so I would wait at least a few months (maybe 4 or 5) before bringing it in to the others.

 

[moosassah]

The expanded clay balls are supposed to be very light weight as opposed to using heavy rocks which could crack the glass. I used lava rocks in my viv because I couldn't find anyplace selling the balls.

To separate the rocks from the soil/sphagnum moss/orchid bark mixture I bought pvc tube fabric which prevents soil from plugging up yard drainage systems. I think it was about $5 & there's more than plenty left for future use.

You'll want to look for sturdy plants with large leaves for your cresties to curl up on. Post some pictures when you get it set up.