Substrate and bioactive, crested gecko care
The goal of substrate is humidity buffering plus safety. Two valid approaches: a simple cleanable setup with paper towel or tile, or a bioactive vivarium with drainage layer, ABG mix, leaf litter, and a springtail/isopod cleanup crew.
Level: beginner. Part of: Housing.
Substrates to avoid
- Sand, calcium sand, walnut shell, impaction risk, no humidity benefit, marketed dishonestly.
- Cedar or pine shavings, aromatic oils are toxic to reptiles.
- Reptile carpet, traps claws, harbors bacteria, frays into threads that wrap toes.
Canonical URL: https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/substrate
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