Moss

[beanersmysav]

I just purchased a beautiful male crested gecko from a breeder who lives about an hour away from me, and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow or the day after whenever we decide. But in the meantime I'm setting up his cage and was really thinking about using a moss substrate, but I have a few questions about it before i decide to use it because I cant find these questions anywheres and i feel their good to know

1. How often should I change the moss or if theres a way to steralize it thats safe for the geckos what is it?

2. Should I buy whats in the pet store or use the natural moss in the woods around my area.

3. Is there a better substrate that any of you would reccomend?

Thanks for those who look and answers
John-Paul

[HeatherRose]

1. You'd probably have to bake moss in the oven if you take it from outside...there could be bugs or worse in it.

2. Petstore moss would seem easier, as you don't have to bake it. I used to use it a long time ago but found that feeders got under the moss never to be seen again...

3. Paper towels? :D

Heather

[beanersmysav]

Thanks for the reply, I know paper towels would work but theres a spot in the side of the tank where its been broke before but the guy did a great job of gluing it back together with aquarium glue, but im afraid that somehow something may happen where the glass comes apart again which i doubt but if it does i dont want my gecko to be exposed to it. He said his boa pushed against it alot though and it never broke again so I doubt a crestie would have too much to put up against the glass. Still dont trust things like that when it comes to my pets, and i know i could pack the moss up tightly against it.so maybe ill just use it at that spot and put a hide around it... somethin'

[beanersmysav]

Also still wondering how often i would have to change the moss or steralize it

[concept3]

I clean my cresteds tank every 2-3 days. They poop lots, and their poop stinks. If your really set on having a natural looking tank, use bed-a-beast, You can pack it down nice and hard so the crickets and their poo will stay on top, thus making it easier to spot clean and you wont have dead molding crickets under the moss. But if your still set on moss you would probably have to clean every 3-5 days.