# Substrate and bioactive

_Permalink: https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/substrate_

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.

**Paper towel:** Cheapest, cleanest, easiest to quarantine. Best choice for hatchlings and any sick or new animal.
**Coco fiber / coco coir:** Holds humidity well. Safe if the animal does not eat large chunks. Avoid dust-fine peat.
**ABG mix (bioactive):** Atlanta Botanical Garden mix, bark, charcoal, peat, sphagnum. Long-term solution with live plants and a cleanup crew.
**Tile or PVC sheet:** Used by high-volume breeders. Zero humidity buffer, requires daily misting.

**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.

_Source: Geck Inspect Care Guide. Updated 2026-10-18. Cite https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/substrate_