Bioactive

Questions and topics answered on this page:

  • What substrate do I use?

  • Bioactive tank supplies.

  • Successful leopard gecko bioactive tank.

  • Diego’s tank build.

  • Gizmo’s tank build.

  • Minnie & Maui’s tank builds.

What substrate do I use?

Here is my first video trying out EarthMix Arid. This is the substrate I still use to this day and would recommend it. However, if EarthMix Arid isn’t available to you, I would recommend mixing organic topsoil (that doesn’t contain fertilizers) with play sand - as this seems to be what many keepers in the US do.

Keep in mind you can use this substrate even if you’re not aiming for a bioactive tank.

Bioactive tank supplies.

Here’s a video that I made before putting together my leopard gecko’s bioactive tank. You can use these same supplies even if you’re aiming for a naturalistic tank.

Some of the tech I use in this video have since been updated, for example, instead of the standard Jungle Dawn LED Bar and ProT5, I now use the LumenIZE versions.

If you need direct links to the products that I use, click on the video and check out the description.

Successful leopard gecko bioactive tank.

I reached out to a keeper who had created a successful, fully-functioning bioactive tank, in hopes he would help us all build better setups and have more success with our own bioactive ventures.

Diego’s tank build.

My leopard gecko, Diego, was the first to get the big upgrade. He moved into an 80-gallon tank by Custom Reptile Habitats and even has his own starter kit now. This was my first attempt at doing a bioactive tank.

Gizmo’s tank build.

Gizmo was next to have an upgrade, once again by Custom Reptile Habitats. This time it was a 60-gallon tank, 3ft X 2ft X 1.5ft. I think I actually prefer the height of this tank as you don’t have to build the basking area up so much. Ideally you want a distance of 10-15” between the lamp and gecko at basking.

Minnie and Maui’s tank builds.

Minnie and Maui’s tanks arrived at the same time from Custom Reptile Habitat, so I decided to film them together. If you’re in the UK and would like a similar style tank, I would recommend Viperia.