- Size: Value not found
- Item Weight 6 pounds
- Flukers
- Size: 8 Quart
- 0.32 Ounces
- United States
- 2.5 Pounds
- 10.3 x 8.4 x 4.1 inches
- Zoo Med Laboratories
- Size: 1 brick 7-8 liters
- Zoo eco earth 1 brick
- Zoo med laboratories
- 10 Pounds
- 13 x 9 x 2 inches
- Pet Supply
Choose the Best Bedding Substrate for Crested Gecko
Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Bedding Substrates for Crested Geckos
7 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!
If you’re like most Crested Gecko enthusiasts, then you’re always looking for ways to make your herp’s environment as comfortable as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss the best bedding substrates for Crested Geckos and provide you with some helpful tips on how to choose the right one for your pet.
We’ll also review several popular products to help you decide which one is right for you. So whether you’re just starting out with Cresteds or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on for the best bedding substrate advice available.
Fluker’s All Natural Premium Sand Substrate Mixture for Hermit Crabs
This sand mixture is made from a variety of natural materials, including minerals, coral, and shells. It’s non-toxic and safe for both adults and babies. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
This is an excellent choice for your crab’s home. This sand mixture is perfect for creating a naturalistic habitat for your hermit crab. The sand is soft and comfortable for your crab to dig and burrow in, and it also holds moisture well, which is important for keeping your crab healthy. It is also very low dust, so it won’t irritate your crab’s lungs. [1]
Fluker Labs Repta-Bark All Natural Bedding
This bedding is made from natural materials and is excellent at absorbing moisture and waste, keeping your reptile’s habitat clean and healthy. Repta-Bark All Natural Bedding is also perfect for preventing excessive moisture build-up in your reptile’s enclosure, keeping them comfortable and healthy.
Made in the USA, this bedding is a great choice for responsible reptile owners looking for the best possible care for their pets.
However, be aware that it is very dusty and will dirty up any standing water sources. Additionally, it is not safe to feed to wood-eating species. [2]
Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate, 2.5 Pounds
HydroBalls will make your terrarium more than just a humid, cool place to sleep. If you add these balls filled with water to your plants or potting soil, you will create an ecosystem very quickly. Some people like to have natural things in their yard. But they also want something special.
So they can try using one ball that is at least 10 inches tall and put it beside a small waterfall. The waterfall should be made from another type of plastic bowl that fits onto PVC pipe fittings so the water flows intermittently throughout the night hours. [3]
Zoo Med Eco Earth (Single Brick)
This compressed coconut fiber is perfect for your pet, and good for the environment too. It is easy to use and maintain. It holds moisture well, so it’s great for humidity-loving animals. And it’s also durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace it as often as other substrates. [4]
Pet Supply Zoomed Excavator Clay Burrow Substrate 10 lb
Made from 100% natural clay, this cool tunneling material will hold its shape so your pet’s burrows won’t collapse. Plus, it is free of any dyes or chemicals – making it the perfect choice for their safety and happiness!
The Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrow Substrate makes it feel like they’re in their natural habitat. They can explore and feel at home.
Be aware, however, that it is not good for monitors. The clay can cause impaction in the tummy if ingested in large quantities. Use this substrate with caution and monitor your pet’s activity closely. [5]
Buyer’s Guide
What Is a Substrate?
The substrate is what lines your crested gecko’s enclosure. This can provide a safe place for animals to burrow, humidity levels that they would not have in their natural habitat outdoors, and opportunities to climb.
Is Substrate Necessary In a Crested Gecko Vivarium?
To provide high humidity, you need to have a substrate that will hold water in well so the vivarium stays humid throughout all year! A good option for your gecko is one with a lot of places for them to burrow or climb on top. This will help keep them from getting lonely at night.
Choosing the right substrate for your crested gecko is important because it can impact their health and well-being.
The best substrates for crested geckos are ones that:
- Are easy to keep clean
- Do not hold too much moisture
- Allow for good drainage
- Provide a safe place to burrow or climb
- Are non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals
- Substrate Types
- Newspaper
You can usually find it for free at your local recycling center or grocery store. Newspaper is also very absorbent, so it’s great for helping to keep your gecko’s enclosure clean and dry. The only downside to using newspapers is that it can be a bit boring for your gecko. You can overcome this by adding some live plants or other decorations to their enclosure.
Newspaper is a great substrate for Crested Geckos, especially if you are looking to save some money. It is important to remember that if you use newspaper as your substrate, you will need to change it out more often than other substrates. This is because newspapers are not as absorbent as some of the other options on this list.
If you decide to use newspaper as your substrate, be sure to add some live plants or other decorations to their enclosure to keep your gecko entertained.
Carpet
Carpet has a few advantages that make it ideal for your reptile friend.
First, it’s absorbent, so it will help to keep your crested gecko’s enclosure clean and dry.
Second, it provides traction for your gecko, so they can move around easily. And third, it’s relatively inexpensive.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you choose carpet as your crested gecko substrate.
- First, make sure that the carpet is made of natural fibers like wool or cotton. Synthetic carpets can be dangerous for your gecko because they can release toxins into the air.
- Second, avoid carpets with a lot of pattern or color. This can be confusing for your gecko and make it difficult for them to camouflage.
- Finally, make sure to clean your carpet regularly. You can do this by vacuuming it or shampooing it with a mild soap.
If you’re looking for a safe, absorbent, and inexpensive substrate for your crested gecko, carpet is a great option. Just make sure to choose natural fibers and avoid patterns or colors that can be confusing for your gecko. [7]
Paper Towels
Paper towels are an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. There are a few reasons why you should use absorbent materials when cleaning your animal enclosure. For one, they will help keep the enclosure clean.
They are also easy to use – just throw them away when you’re done or replace them as needed! Another good thing about these sheets is that they are not expensive. If something goes wrong while setting them up, it won’t cost a lot of money.
If you want to give your crested gecko a safe, absorbent and inexpensive substrate; paper towels are the perfect choice. Just make sure that they’re unbleached and free from dye-stuffs like patterns or colors!
Moss
Moss is a great material to use for your crested gecko’s enclosure because it can absorb moisture and keep the area dry, which helps prevent illness. Additionally, moss provides traction so that their movement isn’t limited in any way! This plant has some benefits. It is inexpensive, and it also has a smell that attracts prey insects. This smell will attract the insects to the habitat next to the plant, which is another benefit.
Moss is a great choice for crested geckos because it’s free of chemicals and pesticides, but also easy to clean up if your pet’s habitat gets wet or too dry. Make sure you check the quality of moss before you choose it to avoid irritating their respiratory systems.
You can keep your crested gecko happy with a little care and attention to the moss it eats. Feed your pet fresh greens instead of the harmful chemicals, pesticides, and other substances they have been eating. This will ensure that they are getting healthy food instead of adding more stress to their system.
Make sure to choose moss that is free of chemicals and pesticides, and avoid using patterned or colored paper towels.
Soil
It’s important to make sure that whatever mix you choose is appropriate for crest. Specifically, you’ll want to avoid any substrate with sharp particles or chemicals that could be harmful if ingested.
One popular option is coco coir, which is made from the husks of coconuts. It’s a sustainable and eco-friendly choice that holds moisture well, making it ideal for crestites who need higher humidity levels. Plus, it’s soft on their delicate feet and easy to digest if they happen to eat any while they’re exploring their enclosure.
Finally, there are a variety of commercial mixes available that are specifically designed for reptiles. These mixes often contain a combination of different materials, like coco coir, bark, and sand. They’re a great option if you want to provide your crest with a variety of textures and environments to explore. Just be sure to read the ingredients list carefully to make sure it’s safe for them.
Bark
Cork bark is the most popular type, coming from trees that grow in Africa. You can find it at your local pet store or anywhere with animals if you’re looking for tree planting supplies! Another kind of wood I know a lot about is Mopani.
It comes from all over this continent, but it has deep roots in African history. Back when nobody else would touch the rugged terrain because there wasn’t enough land, ancient tribesmen used Mopani wood to make weapons and shelter.
Crested geckos are natural climbers and love to explore new places. Since bark provides them with a nice hiding spot, it’s perfect for use as their substrate! This type of wood is good for keeping humidity levels high, which is great for animals. You won’t have to worry about the wood being too dry or the temperature being too cool.
Crested geckos are very active creatures, so you need to provide them with an outlet for their energy. One way to keep your pet hydrated is to provide them with a water dish. This will help them stay hydrated when they need to eat or bathe. [6]
How to Choose the Substrate for Crested Geckos
They are used to living in humid conditions on the ground among leaf litter and other organic matter. When choosing a brand of food for your gecko, make sure that it has similar ingredients or textures.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best substrate for your pet gecko:
- It should be absorbent to help maintain humidity levels in the terrarium.
- It is safe if ingested, as some geckos may be tempted to taste-test their surroundings.
- It should be easy to clean and disinfect.
- It should not contain any harmful chemicals or materials.
Substrates to Avoid
It’s fun to get creative and make your own substrate! If you’re planning on using the same ol’ play sand as a base for all of those amazing gecko tunnels, be aware that it may not always end well. In fact – this type might cause respiratory problems if ingested by any pets inside them (including Crested). You should avoid using any chemicals that might be harmful to animals. This includes anything with a strong smell, like perfume. It’s best to steer clear of these products altogether.
You should take into account what type of enclosure you have, as some substrates work better in certain types than others. [7]
Tips and Tricks for Using Substrate
The herpetologist who studied geckos for many years found that they prefer to climb onto vertical surfaces, like walls or ceilings. The snake needs to shed its skin regularly, so it is important to have a humid environment. You might want to get a snake depending on where you live.
The study found that some rocks are better than others at providing necessary environmental conditions for these animals’ health. Rocks with a lot of surface area and moisture help keep the animals healthy.
Make sure the substrate will be safe for your gecko. If they can’t digest it, then the particle may get lodged in their throat and cause injury or death over time. This is because the particle is much different in size from other materials that are meant for ingestion by animals such as herself!
The type of soil you use for your terrarium can make all the difference. For example, coco coir is very absorbent and can hold a lot of water. This helps keep humidity levels high. Brands like sand do not hold a lot of water, so they are better suited to drier climates or environments.
While it is important to consider what type of habitat you want for your gecko, don’t forget that they also need some natural elements in their surroundings. For example, if a brightly-colored sand will be seen as an intrusion on its space and cause distress due to brightness contrast with dark soil or bark chips underfoot.
While soft moss may serve no purpose other than providing cover from potential predators at night time when temperatures drop below freezing point outside!
No matter which substrate you choose, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and monitor your gecko closely to make sure they are using it safely.
FAQ
Do Crested Geckos Need a Substrate?
It’s important for you as the owner of this animal not only what kind but also how much space is given so that your pet has enough room!
Coco fiber is an excellent choice for keeping your crested gecko’s enclosure clean and dry. Made from the husks of coconuts, this substrate has natural absorbency that will help you stay ahead in maintenance!
Be sure to take care of your crested gecko’s needs with the right type of substrate. There are several ways to treat constipation in reptiles. You should avoid using anything that contains harmful chemicals or a bad taste, since this could make them sick and cause further problems. Always wash hands after handling a pet store product- no matter how small their size may seem.
What Soil Is Safe for Crested Geckos?
If you want to keep your crested gecko safe, then it is important that they have the right potting soil. Commercial brands of soil work fine, but you need to be careful if it is organic. Organic soil can sometimes contain harmful bacteria and insects that could make an infection worse.
When you are choosing a product to use on your pet, it is always best to be safe and choose a high-quality product. This will help make sure that you don’t make your pet sicker by using a low-quality product.
To avoid any potential harm to your crested gecko, make sure that the type of sand you use is natural and not sharp or abrasive. Some good choices for this would be play-sample construction washable artificial turf (WIT), which can provide a more realistic appearance with less risk involved!
It is important to avoid using any type of treated wood for your crested gecko. toxic chemicals could be dangerous and may do harm if ingested by them! If you’re not sure whether or not a particular piece has been painted with harmful substances, then it is better to be safe than sorry. Just like humans would when faced with an unknown risk factor in their environment, always err on the side of caution!
Is Coconut Fiber Substrate Good For Crested Geckos?
Coconut fiber is a natural product made from the husks of coconuts. It has excellent absorbency properties, which can help to keep your crested gecko’s enclosure clean and dry. Coconut fiber is also a great choice for tropical species like crested geckos, as it helps to maintain high humidity levels.
However, there are a few potential downsides to using coconut fiber substrate. Coconut fiber can be a bit messy, and it’s important to make sure that it’s not too deep in your crested gecko’s enclosure. It can also be difficult to find in some pet stores.
If you’re looking for a natural, absorbent substrate that will help to maintain high humidity levels, coconut fiber is a good choice. Just be sure to keep an eye on the depth of the substrate and clean up any messes promptly.
How Often Should I Change the Crested Gecko Substrate?
It really depends on how often your enclosure needs to be cleaned. If you have a lot of plants and decorations in your tank, you will need to change the bedding more often than if there are only a few plants or decorations. However, you should still change the bedding at least once a year.
It’s a good idea to change your crested gecko substrate at least once every six months. If you notice that they’re starting to get sick, then it’s time for them to go through this process all over again!
Make sure that you remove all of the old stuff from its enclosure before adding new ones. This will help keep them from getting contaminated and also make sure to wash everything with soap and water to be safe.
There are a few things you can do to help your pet adjust to new food and water.
- First, give them food and water improvements right after each change-over period. This will help speed up the process.
- Second, don’t handle them too much during these times. Let them have their own space so they can feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Is Pillow Moss Safe For Crested Geckos?
Most people are unaware of the many benefits pillow moss can provide for your favorite pet! It’s an ideal substrate because it absorbs moisture well and is soft, making these types easy on their skin. Not only does this make them safe to eat but also helps keep track-the perfect natural cleaning material too!
Pillow moss can be very dusty, so it is important to mist it regularly. It is also important to make sure that the pillow moss is not too deep. Crested geckos can easily burrow and get lost in deep substrates.
Pillow moss is a great substrate for crested geckos, as long as it is used correctly. Make sure to mist it regularly and keep an eye on your crested gecko to make sure they are not burrowing too deeply.
How Often Should You Mist a Crested Gecko?
To keep your crested gecko healthy, mist it with droplets from overspray on glass doors once or twice per day. This will keep humidity levels consistent without getting too dry!
Give your crested gecko a misting and make sure they’re hydrated with clean water, but don’t give them dishwater. If your natural diet doesn’t have enough fruit or vegetables, you should provide an extra source of fluid such as rainwater!
Geckos are desert dwellers, so they need special care to keep them happy. Humidity is key! If you live in an area where the humidity is low or if your home does not have enough humidity, then you will need to mist more often.
Crested geckos are sensitive to changes in their environment, so it’s important to make sure the humidity stays constant. Misting once or twice a day should be sufficient, but you may need to adjust as needed depending on the humidity level in your home.
Do Crested Geckos Like to Be Wet?
Crested geckos can be found climbing trees and scrambling over rocks near streams or rivers, which means they’re used to living with a lot of moisture!
To keep your pet gecko healthy, you’ll need to provide it with a substrate that can hold a lot of moisture (like coco coir or sphagnum moss) and make sure the humidity around it is between 50% and 70%.
You can give your crested gecko a drink from the droplets on leaves or provide them with its own small bowl of water to keep humidity levels up. Misting their enclosure once or twice per day will do this for you!
It also provides an opportunity for your crested gecko to drink and bathe. When choosing a substrate, it’s important to make sure that it’s safe for your gecko to ingest if they accidentally eat some while bathing.
Coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, and calcium sand are all good choices for substrates that are safe for crested geckos. Do not use substrates made of clay or soil as they can expand and cause blockages in your gecko’s digestive system.
If you are not sure what substrate to use, or if you want to switch to a different one, talk to your veterinarian or a reptile specialist for advice.
Can You Mist Crested Geckos With Tap Water?
Crested geckos are unique in that they come from humid environments and need to stay hydrated with regular misting. You can use tap water, but it’s best if you let the mixture sit for 24 hours so that your pet will not be exposed to the water too quickly and so you will not get sick. You can also distill your own oil.
Just make sure you don’t go overboard because this type of oil has less than 95% humidity levels compared to other types of oil. If you use mineral oil, it will cause problems faster than before.
The perfect substrate for your crested gecko is one that will provide a safe place to burrow, help regulate humidity and hold moisture.
The best way to keep your crested gecko happy is by choosing the right substrate. You want something that will hold moisture and not get dried out, like coco coir (a natural fiber from coconut husks). It’s an excellent choice because it has a neutral pH level which means no sponsorship for you.
Useful Video: What To Buy Your Pet Crested Gecko // Setup, Substrate, Food, Lighting, etc
Conclusion
After doing all of this research, we’ve come to the conclusion that the best substrate for crested geckos is a mix of coco coir and sphagnum moss. This combination provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage, while also being soft on your gecko’s feet.
If you’re looking for something a little more naturalistic, you can also add some live plants to your crested gecko’s enclosure. Just make sure that the plants you choose are safe for reptiles and won’t harm your gecko if they decide to take a nibble.
We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the best substrate for your crested gecko. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
References:
- https://www.amazon.com/Flukers-Natural-Premium-Substrate-Mixture/dp/B00NG61JS2
- https://www.amazon.com/Flukers-SFK36005-Repta-Bark-Natural-Bedding/dp/B004LODC4W
- https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-HydroBalls-Lightweight-Terrarium/dp/B00167TXY0
- https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Laboratories-SZMEE10-1-Brick/dp/B007C8580K
- https://www.amazon.com/ZooMed-Excavator-Clay-Burrow-Substrate/dp/B00BUTLLVW
- https://beingreptiles.com/best-substrate-for-crested-geckos/
- https://mycrestedgecko.com/terrarium-substrate/