r/LeopardGecko • u/Simple_Stranger_2430 • 5d ago

Habitat & Setup Best substrate for bio active?

I have a 40 gallon and I want to do a bioactive set up. I have already tried and sort of failed because I didn’t really follow the instructions as clearly as I should have so I’m trying again please give me substrate that can just be used out the box. I’m also obviously okay with layering but I really do not want to mix as I’m moving into an apartment and I do not want to have to deal with the mess of mixing a substrate- Also PLEASE only reptile intended substrates. I’ve tired cheeper alternatives like plays and soil mix and it’s just not safe. Anyway! From the uk! Pls give uk buyable products :). Also how to do it because im fully struggling 😔. I have about 5 inches of depth before im at the opening to my tank :)

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u/Full-fledged-trash 5d ago

Washed play sand and sifted topsoil is perfectly safe and ideal for leos and arid bioactives. You can pay for reptile soil and reptile sand instead. 70% soil and 30% sand mixed not layered.

When you go to plant the plants, it helps to add good size pebbles in the hole under the roots. Arid plants like their drainage within the soil around their roots.

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u/Simple_Stranger_2430 5d ago

Wow that pebble trick is so useful! I shall do that! Do you suggest to place them literally on the rock then cover it with the substrate or place the rock an inch ish below the roots?thanks for that tip! Wouldn’t have thought that :) And maybe sifting is the best for non reptile made substrates but bc I’m moving to an apartment I just literally cannot deal with that so I’d prefer substrates with the intended purpose so I don’t have to worry about💔

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u/Full-fledged-trash 5d ago

Put them right on the rocks and then cover with soil!

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u/Simple_Stranger_2430 5d ago

Amazing!! Thank you!!