Bioactive Leopard Gecko Habitats Explained

With their unique colors and small size, it’s hard not to find leopard geckos to be endearing. They are cute, bright, fast, and easy to take care of, making them a classic pick for reptile lovers worldwide. However, we can do a few things as owners if we want to bring their comfort to the next level.  That’s where a bioactive leopard gecko habitat comes into play.

Unlike dogs or other household pets, geckos will need to spend most of their time in their tank, and a standard tank can be incredibly drab. So why not spice it up? Your pet will enjoy a healthier and more active life in a space that panders to its needs, and that’s what a bioactive habitat can offer it.

Understanding bioactive habitats

As an owner, chances are you have heard of the term bioactive habitat before, but let’s try to clarify what this means once and for all. Think of a standard tank enclosure for reptiles. On its own, it will likely be a reasonably sterile area. It’ll have some wood or other accessories to give it a more dynamic appearance, but it’s not bustling with life.

A bioactive habitat is an enclosed ecosystem full of living elements like microfauna, isopods, and other crawlers that that make the maintenance of the habitat easier in the long run. Bioactive habitats are a new concept in the US, but it’s been part of how reptiles have been kept and raised in Europe for decades. After all, it doesn’t take much to realize that any reptile will live more comfortably if they are in an enclosure that replicates its ideal living conditions. This is what bioactive habitats offer and why we are enthusiastic about them.

How to make the right habitat for your leopard gecko

If you are now sold on the idea of bioactive habitats, let us give you a hand, both through some essential tips that will come in handy.  We also offer a selection of isopods and products you can get from us at Isopods And More LLC.

For your bioactive leopard gecko, the substrate or soil should always come first, as it’s the building base of the entire habitat. Leopard geckos love to burrow underground, so you shouldn’t go for soil that is too compact, additionally, as they do want some moisture, you’ll want to make small cavities in the substrate for moisture absorption and, of course, for your cleanup crew.

The “cleanup crew” is the name we use for all those small animals that keep your habitat going. They keep the soil fresh, prevent mites, and are a good snack for your pet, so we are talking about isopods. Isopods are great at sustaining an environment, and there is a wide selection of them for you to choose from, so feel free to ask us for more information when designing your next habitat.

Next comes the additional biological elements that will help wrap up your design for the bioactive leopard gecko habitat. Trunks and similar accessories are classic, but to ensure everything goes as intended, we recommend you look at leaf litter and cork bark. Both of these products will eventually decompose and provide different nutrients to the soil. But leopard geckos are generally big fans of cork, using it as a landmark to burrow under the ground or as their hideout. So adding some is a must to make your gecko feel at home, and that’s precisely what a habitat is all about.