#Best substrate for leopard gecko

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

wet kiln
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Hi, i want loose substrate, i have this for my beardie but it’s too expensive now, any good alternatives?

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fervent pilot
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nqa if you want a premade mix, your best choices are arcadia earthmix arid or exoterra stone desert

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otherwise a 70/30 mix of topsoil and playsand is what we recommend here

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!substrate

lyric pulsarBOT
wet kiln
fervent pilot
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i believe its only available in UK and canada

thin gyro
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What kind of isopods/springtails would I get?

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Wait why is reptisoil okay in another guide but not here?

fervent pilot
thin gyro
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How much do I put then?

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Or should i just return it and do the topsoil and play sand?

fervent pilot
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the ratio is still 70/30

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so 7 cups of reptisoil for every 3 cups of play sand

thin gyro
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Would topsoil snd play sand be strictly better? I can return reptisoil

fervent pilot
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its about even, but topsoil is definitely the much cheaper option

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topsoil also varies regionally

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which is why some people will just opt for reptisoil

thin gyro
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Ohhh right i remember why i didnt do topsoil, i was nervous id miss an ingredient that would be bad

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I'll still do that, add in play sand ty. Isopods/springtail recommendations?

fervent pilot
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oh woof i dont have a bioactive so idk

nqa most powders do good in arid set ups

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blues n oranges

trim crow
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I believe BioDude has them on his website for sale for arid setups

torn rivet
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noddin Powder oranges and powder blues do well. Some people like giant canyons as well. Temperate springtails are fine

thin gyro
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Thank you! 😊

thin gyro
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Looks like biodude is sold out, is this a reputable website? https://isopodspecialist.com/products/powder-orange-isopods-and-16oz-springtail-culture-bundle-bioactive-clean-up-crew-free-shipping

Isopod Specialist
Powder Orange Isopods and 16oz Springtail Culture Bundle

Powder Orange (Porcellionides Pruinosis) Isopods are originally from Europe and reproduce very fast once established in a vivarium. They are a bright orange species of isopods and are great feeders for your reptiles of all kinds. The 16oz Established Springtail Culture includes arid or tropical springtails depending on

hot peak
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$25 for 12 powders is insane lol, i look for hobbyists on groups or ebay tbh

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dont buy isos from biodude either, $90 as a SALE PRICE for 50 powders…. sheesh

ivory root
# thin gyro I'll still do that, add in play sand ty. Isopods/springtail recommendations?

I suggest giant canyon isopods. They tolerate dry conditions way better than powders do. Giant canyons do get pretty big so your Leo may want to eat them. I suggest making a separate enclosure for your isopods for that reason. I just have the same substrate mix in their enclosure along with cork and leaf litter. I spray them 1-2 times a week and feed them fish flakes once a week

thin gyro
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The purpose of getting them is for a little mini cleanup crew, so same enclosure. Tho they are cool

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Would it be bad for the leopard to eat them or kinda be like population control/enrichment?

thin gyro
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I'll look at ebay, or if anyone selling here im in the market for isopods and springtails 🙂

hot peak
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he is very expensive yeah

torn rivet
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Hobbyist sellers or expos are probably the most cost effective way to go

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Sometimes #promotion has sellers or people in #invertebrate-chat may know

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Dubiaroaches also sells them sometimes

ivory root