How To Make A Bioactive Tank For Gargoyle Geckos

Bioactive terrariums provide an environment that is the closest you can get to the natural environment of a gargoyle gecko in captivity.
Bioactive terrariums stimulate natural instincts and behaviors in gargoyle geckos.
Bioactive terrariums are more self-sustaining than traditional tanks.

Whenever you get a pet reptile home, it is advised that you create an environment that is as close to its natural habitat as possible.

The same advice holds true for the tanks of your pet gargoyle geckos. While most reptile enthusiasts and gargoyle gecko owners create a naturalistic environment by using ample décor and hiding places, some opt for bioactive tanks.

A bioactive tank is simply a more advanced version of a terrarium for your gargoyle gecko. It is the most naturalistic environment that you can provide to your pet gargoyle gecko in captivity.

A bioactive tank has most if not all, elements of the natural habitat of a gargoyle gecko. It has many advantages. But it also comes with its fair share of complexities and challenges.

In this article, we will give you a complete guide to making a bioactive tank setup for your pet gargoyle gecko.

List Of Things You Need For A Bioactive Terrarium

First things first, you need to have all the required materials ready before you start making a bioactive tank for your pet gargoyle gecko.

The list and guidelines for the most fundamental items of a bioactive reptile tank are given below.

Microfauna/Isopods

Microfauna are tiny organisms that live in the soil and help to break down organic matter. Isopods are a type of microfauna that is commonly used in bioactive terrariums.

They are excellent at cleaning up waste and helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Here are some guidelines on selecting microfauna/isopods for a bioactive tank for your gargoyle gecko:

Choose isopods that are the appropriate size for your terrarium. The size of the isopods will depend on the size of your terrarium and the size of your gargoyle gecko. For a small terrarium, you may want to choose smaller isopods, such as dwarf white isopods. For a larger terrarium, you can choose larger isopods, such as powder orange or powder blue isopods.
Choose isopods that are compatible with your gargoyle gecko. Some isopods can be harmful to gargoyle geckos. For example, some isopods can bite or sting. Be sure to choose isopods that are known to be safe for gargoyle geckos.
Choose isopods that are easy to care for. Some isopods require more specialized care than others. If you are new to bioactive terrariums, you may want to choose isopods that are easy to care for.
Choose isopods that are visually appealing. Isopods come in a variety of colors and patterns. You can choose isopods that match the aesthetic of your terrarium.

Here are some specific isopod species that are recommended for bioactive terrariums with gargoyle geckos:

Dwarf white isopods
Powder orange isopods
Powder blue isopods
Orange dalmation isopods
Zebra isopods
Porcellio laevis
Cubaris murina
Armadillidium vulgare

You can purchase isopods online or at some pet stores. Be sure to purchase isopods from a reputable source to ensure that they are healthy and free of pests.

Once you have purchased your isopods, you will need to set up a quarantine tank for them.

This will help to prevent the spread of any pests or diseases to your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium.

The quarantine tank should be set up with the same substrate and plants as your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium.

Once the isopods have been quarantined for at least two weeks, you can add them to your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium.

Be sure to add the isopods to the terrarium at night, when your gargoyle gecko is sleeping. This will give the isopods time to adjust to their new environment before your gargoyle gecko sees them.

Fungi

Fungi are also important members of a bioactive terrarium. They help to break down organic matter and provide nutrients for the plants. You can purchase fungi cultures online or at some pet stores.

Here are some specific fungi species that are recommended for bioactive terrariums with gargoyle geckos:

Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Ink Cap)
Flammulina velutipes (Enoki Mushroom)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist’s Conk)
Hericium coralloides (Coral Tooth Fungus)
Lentinula edodes (Shiitake Mushroom)
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species)
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum)

You can purchase fungi cultures online or at some pet stores. Be sure to purchase fungi cultures from a reputable source to ensure that they are healthy and free of pests.

Once you have purchased your fungi cultures, you will need to inoculate them into the substrate of your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium. To do this, simply follow the instructions on the fungi culture packaging.

Once the fungi have been inoculated into the substrate, it will take some time for them to colonize. During this time, you will need to keep the substrate moist. You can do this by misting the terrarium regularly.

Once the fungi have colonized the substrate, you will start to see them growing. You can now add your gargoyle gecko to the terrarium.

Fungi are an important part of a bioactive terrarium ecosystem. They help to break down organic matter and maintain a healthy environment for your gargoyle gecko. By following these guidelines, you can choose the right fungi for your bioactive terrarium.

Here are some additional tips for caring for fungi in a bioactive terrarium:

Maintain a high humidity level. Fungi need a humid environment to thrive. Aim for a humidity level of around 60-70% in your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium.
Mist the terrarium regularly. Misting the terrarium will help to keep the substrate moist and provide the fungi with the humidity they need.
Provide the fungi with a food source. Fungi need organic matter to feed on. You can provide them with food by adding leaf litter, wood chips, or other organic matter to the terrarium.
Monitor the fungi for signs of pests or diseases. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, remove the affected fungi immediately.

Natural Decoration

gargoyle gecko on a skull — Gargoyle geckos love to climb so branches are a must

Natural decoration, such as branches, logs, and rocks, provides hiding places and climbing opportunities for your gargoyle gecko. It also helps to create a more natural-looking environment.

Here are some specific natural decoration items that are recommended for bioactive terrariums with gargoyle geckos:

Branches
Leaves
Logs
Rocks
Cork bark
Driftwood

You can purchase natural decoration for your bioactive terrarium online or at some pet stores.

Be sure to purchase natural decoration from a reputable source to ensure that it is safe for your gargoyle gecko and free of pests.

Once you have purchased your natural decoration, you will need to clean it before adding it to your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium.

You can clean the natural decoration by soaking it in a bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinsing it thoroughly with water.

Once the natural decoration is clean, you can add it to your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium. Be sure to arrange the natural decoration in a way that provides your gargoyle gecko with hiding places and climbing opportunities.

Leaf Litter

Leaf litter is another important component of a bioactive terrarium. It provides a habitat for microfauna and fungi, and it also helps to maintain humidity.

Here are some specific leaf litter types that are recommended for bioactive terrariums with gargoyle geckos:

Oak leaves
Mulberry leaves
Maple leaves
Willow leaves
Birch leaves
Beech leaves
Magnolia leaves

You can collect leaf litter from your backyard or purchase it online. If you are collecting leaf litter from your backyard, be sure to avoid collecting leaf litter from areas that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.

Once you have collected or purchased your leaf litter, you will need to clean it before adding it to your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium.

You can clean the leaf litter by soaking it in a bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinsing it thoroughly with water.

Once the leaf litter is clean, you can add it to your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium. Be sure to add the leaf litter to the terrarium in a way that creates a natural-looking environment.

You can also add leaf litter to the hiding places in your terrarium to provide your gargoyle gecko with a more secure place to hide.

Plants

bioactive gargoyle gecko tank — A completed gargoyle gecko bioactive tank

Live plants help to purify the air and provide humidity in a bioactive terrarium. They also provide hiding places and foraging opportunities for your gargoyle gecko. Choose plants that are non-toxic to reptiles.

Here are some specific plant species that are recommended for bioactive terrariums with gargoyle geckos:

Pothos
Spider plants
Snake plants
Philodendrons
Bromeliads
Air plants
Ferns

You can purchase plants for your bioactive terrarium online or at some pet stores. Be sure to purchase plants from a reputable source to ensure that they are healthy and free of pests.

Once you have purchased your plants, you will need to pot them in a substrate that is suitable for bioactive terrariums. You can purchase bioactive terrarium substrate online or at some pet stores.

Once the plants are potted, you can add them to your gargoyle gecko’s terrarium. Be sure to arrange the plants in a way that provides your gargoyle gecko with hiding places and climbing opportunities.

Misting System

A misting system is important for maintaining humidity in a bioactive terrarium. Gargoyle geckos need a humidity level of around 60-70%.

Here are some specific misting systems that are recommended for bioactive terrariums with gargoyle geckos:

ReptiFogger™ Terrarium Mister
Zoo Med ReptiRain™ Terrarium Misting System
Exo Terra Monsoon RS400 Terrarium Misting System
TetraFauna ReptoFogger Drip System
MistKing® Reptile Misting System

You can purchase misting systems online or at some pet stores. Be sure to purchase a misting system from a reputable source to ensure that it is high quality and safe for your gargoyle gecko.

Substrate

The substrate is the material that goes on the bottom of the terrarium. It should be a mixture of soil, sand, and organic matter.

Here are some specific substrate types that are recommended for bioactive terrariums with gargoyle geckos:

Bioactive terrarium substrate
Coco fiber
Potting soil
Peat moss
Orchid bark
Sphagnum moss

You can purchase substrate for your bioactive terrarium online or at some pet stores. Be sure to purchase substrate from a reputable source to ensure that it is high quality and safe for your gargoyle gecko.

Steps On Making A Bioactive Terrarium

Choose a terrarium that is the appropriate size for your gargoyle gecko.
Add a layer of drainage material, such as gravel or perlite, to the bottom of the terrarium.
Add a layer of substrate on top of the drainage material.
Add your plants, fungi, and microfauna to the terrarium.
Mist the terrarium to maintain humidity.
Add your gargoyle gecko to the terrarium.

Tips For Maintenance

Mist the terrarium regularly to maintain humidity.
Feed your gargoyle gecko a diet of insects and fruits.
Clean the terrarium regularly to remove waste.
Monitor the terrarium for any signs of problems, such as mold or pests.

Pros Of a Bioactive Tank Set-Up

Bioactive terrariums are more self-sustaining than traditional terrariums.
Bioactive terrariums provide a more natural environment for your gargoyle gecko.
Bioactive terrariums can help to reduce the amount of time you spend on maintenance.

Cons Of a Bioactive Tank Set-Up

Bioactive terrariums can be more expensive to set up than traditional terrariums.
Bioactive terrariums can be more difficult to maintain than traditional terrariums.
Bioactive terrariums may have pests, such as springtails or woodlice.

Summary

Bioactive terrariums are a great way to provide your gargoyle gecko with a natural and healthy environment.

However, they can be more expensive and difficult to maintain than traditional terrariums. If you are considering setting up a bioactive terrarium, be sure to do your research and make sure that you are prepared for the challenges involved.