moss for my crested

[Ryan Schweiger]

What is the best substrate that any of you have found? I am thinking of putting in natural sheet moss from blackjungle.com. Has anyone done this, does it look good. I just got a new 40 gallon high reptile aquarium for $25. It was such a deal. Now I'm decorating. Any ideas would be great, thanks. Where else can I get good moss for my set up?

[little_dragon_]

I'm all for coco fiber as a substrate for any forest dwelling gecko.

[Ptindy]

Originally posted by little_dragon_
I'm all for coco fiber as a substrate for any forest dwelling gecko.

What he said.

Mike

[Ryan Schweiger]

Which type of coco fiber, the cubed-like stuff or the stuff that looks like dirt? I'd think that the stuff that looks like dirt would get stuck to the feet of me crested.

[beanersmysav]

I use sphagnum moss from www.mosserlee.com 100% natural, doesn't smell, and it's extremely cheap! Easily replaced and looks good

[lisab_83]

I also use sphagnum and my guys love hiding in it. It looks great and also keeps the humidity up much better than paper towel substrate.

[DNA Reptiles]

Hi Ryan,
I would most definitely recommend spagnum moss. It's the perfect substrate and helps greatly with the humidity. I am fortunate as it grows on my property up here in B.C., Canada. I am sure you will find it in a regular florists shop.
Andrea - DNA Reptiles.

[Manitoban Herps]

I use peat and bark multch mixed. I also have fake moss I got from the Dollarama.

[little_dragon_]

It's very rare for moist coco fiber to stick to your cresteds feet unless they take a run through the babyfood and hit a dry spot while roaming. In that case you will see it stuck to their toes for a second before they lick it off. Geckos take good care of their feet! Another situation would be your gecko is frequently misted but the ground is neglected and dry. Then it will stick to their feet but if you are keeping the proper conditions you won't have any problems. The key is to keep the bottom moist but not saturated. I use a really thin layer of fiber on the bottom to protect their noises from a bad dive and to keep the humidity up.
Providing some moss or corkbark over top of the egg box or humid hides for cover is a better alternative then using moss a whole substrate. I find the males like to hide more then the females.

In my opinion moss is a terrible substrate for cresteds for several reasons. Crickets hide under the moss and start to eat it. It can contain sharp tigs and dried pellets. The moss begins to stink very quickly and is very easy to over saturate. It's harmfull for your gecko if it's consumed. Plus it's a breeding ground for bacteria.
I would rather my cresteds digest the fiber while hunting then getting a mouth full of moss and having a higer risk of choking or dying.