NearMeGeckos
Member
- Messages
- 67
- Location
- USA, Minnesota
For loose substrate argument-
It offers the gecko much needed inritchment.
It's the only way to do bioactive.
It's natural.
Other people do it with success.
I've done it with sucess.
Loose substrate is the only way to have an attractive leopard gecko habitat.
Against loose substrate argument-
Loose substrate is unsafe and can cause impaction, respiratory infections, and eye infections.
It makes a huge mess.
It's unnatural.
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Alot, if not all of the main arguments on both sides are just plain stooped, only half true, or unproven by scientific studies.
I have done many experiments with loose substrate (cocofiber and soil) and no loose substrate.
The gecko made no behavioral changes negative or positive in either loose or solid substrate. One of them did dig, but who's to say it was not trying to get away from the substrate? Or was it displaying "natural behavior"?
As far as health changes go, one gecko with loose substrate got an eye and respiratory infection from the dust despite my humidity and temp being spot on (He did recover after being placed back to a no loose substrate habitat and going on antibiotics). Another got an impaction, due to that was bleeding internally, and had to be put down (vet could not save her).
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I consulted my reptile savvy vet of 40 years experience. She did not recommend loose substrate and was against it for the following:
Risk of respiratory and eye infections.
Risk if impaction.
Is very unnatural, in the wild the substrate is compacted unlike in their tank.
Petstores are the main supporters, especially of sand.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I do not use loose substrate or recommend it because of my negative experience with it and my very experienced vets disapproval. I do recommend bioactive though. Wait, what!? Bioactive is loose substrate lol! Nope, not really, bioactive is "living" "with effect and substance". This is commonly done by putting live plants and a clean up crew in your geckos habitat. You can definitely do this without your gecko having access to the substrate. Bark, moss, and pots are good concealers of substrate. Air plants don't need substrate at all and can be glued or placed anywhere in your geckos habitat. My isopods love the moss in Sam's tank and thrive in there. Here is Sam's new upgrade:
As you can see, he has no access to any loose substrate but his tank has a cute "enchanted forest" vibe to it. It's very airy and open looking with the light bottom, yet there are plenty of hiding places. The bark and moss were colected outside here in MN (US).
As you can see, I've concealed his ugly hide and vitamin dish in the big slab of bark.
He loves chilling and exploring everything.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I hope this helped you, have a great day!!
-Samwise Gamgee
-H.P.
It offers the gecko much needed inritchment.
It's the only way to do bioactive.
It's natural.
Other people do it with success.
I've done it with sucess.
Loose substrate is the only way to have an attractive leopard gecko habitat.
Against loose substrate argument-
Loose substrate is unsafe and can cause impaction, respiratory infections, and eye infections.
It makes a huge mess.
It's unnatural.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Alot, if not all of the main arguments on both sides are just plain stooped, only half true, or unproven by scientific studies.
I have done many experiments with loose substrate (cocofiber and soil) and no loose substrate.
The gecko made no behavioral changes negative or positive in either loose or solid substrate. One of them did dig, but who's to say it was not trying to get away from the substrate? Or was it displaying "natural behavior"?
As far as health changes go, one gecko with loose substrate got an eye and respiratory infection from the dust despite my humidity and temp being spot on (He did recover after being placed back to a no loose substrate habitat and going on antibiotics). Another got an impaction, due to that was bleeding internally, and had to be put down (vet could not save her).
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I consulted my reptile savvy vet of 40 years experience. She did not recommend loose substrate and was against it for the following:
Risk of respiratory and eye infections.
Risk if impaction.
Is very unnatural, in the wild the substrate is compacted unlike in their tank.
Petstores are the main supporters, especially of sand.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I do not use loose substrate or recommend it because of my negative experience with it and my very experienced vets disapproval. I do recommend bioactive though. Wait, what!? Bioactive is loose substrate lol! Nope, not really, bioactive is "living" "with effect and substance". This is commonly done by putting live plants and a clean up crew in your geckos habitat. You can definitely do this without your gecko having access to the substrate. Bark, moss, and pots are good concealers of substrate. Air plants don't need substrate at all and can be glued or placed anywhere in your geckos habitat. My isopods love the moss in Sam's tank and thrive in there. Here is Sam's new upgrade:
As you can see, he has no access to any loose substrate but his tank has a cute "enchanted forest" vibe to it. It's very airy and open looking with the light bottom, yet there are plenty of hiding places. The bark and moss were colected outside here in MN (US).
As you can see, I've concealed his ugly hide and vitamin dish in the big slab of bark.
He loves chilling and exploring everything.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I hope this helped you, have a great day!!
-Samwise Gamgee
-H.P.
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