Live plants in gecko viv

[trailblazer295]

Hey all

I know this is a snake forum but I've gotten info on here and figure a live plant viv is the same regardless of what scaley thing is moving around inside. So I'm in the process of trying to source a 24x18x24 exo terra that comes with a canopy which will be the home to a pair of female crested geckos. Part of the reason I want to try a live plant setup is A maintaining humidity in the tank especially winter being in Canada and all B I really like the natural look and C better air quality in the room. Now a few starter questions

1 To have a live plant setup does it require a bioactive substrate?

2 What substrate would be needed for a bio active or if not what are good substrates to use? I can use my aquarium water for watering and nutrients.

3 What kind of maintenance is required?

[Sylphie]

Here are pics of one of my vivs, we make it yeaterday -> http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/elaph...tml#post966401

1. Normal soil for plant is perfect, there is no need for all the "special" bio active, or "reptile" soils...

2. Like I said I just use normal soil for plant, but you can mix it with coco fibre or something like this (i.e. few inches of soil at the bottom, and then few inches of coco fibre on it... it all depends on what you like

3. I'm just watering it every 2 weeks, because humidity is really good, and the plants don't need more. And of course I spot clean when there is a need for it (reptile poops, withered leaves etc).

[trailblazer295]

That looks AMAZING. Do you use regular soil from a garden store?

[Sylphie]

Yeah, the most universal one, as I'm never sure which plants I'll add someday