How to setup a bioactive terrarium for Leopard Geckos. Self cleaning, self maintaining.
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- 8 MONTH UPDATE - • Leopard Gecko BioActiv...
Here is one of the most requested videos by followers of The Bio Dude. Here is a video explaining how to setup a self cleaning, self maintaining bioactive terrarium featuring the Bio Dude's hand crafted Terra Sahara substrate. I cover care, heating, feeding and many other frequently asked questions.
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- Website: www.theBioDude.com
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- Instagram: @TheBioDude
- TheBioDude Location: The Bio Dude Inc Houston 15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: (717) 305-0684 Email: CustomerCare@theBioDude.com
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You sound like hiccup from how to train your dragon
So I've been told - I've also told I am like Stewart from the BB theory - My wife thinks I am like Peter Balish from GOT lol!
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter 🤣🤣
Definitely
How to train your gecko
I can’t unhear it now
I know this was posted two years ago, but I can't stress how grateful I am for this video. It's leaves nothing out. Your attention to detail, patience, impressive knowledge and eloquence when explaining your reasonings behind your choices is something that is lacking these days when it comes to education on pet care.
I must say dude, i love your passion! People can really hear how much time and effort you put into this! You will be somerhing great one day, keep it up bro👍🏽
I appreciate that!
: )
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter uuuu GB
He’s a natural salesman
Hi Josh, do you have a business email anywhere? i would love to help you expand your project range into the UK effectively, i really feel like we are missing your substrate variability, degradeables and range of isopods here and with my help would be a big hit. i Will go to your website shortly in search of contact info
Me when is see it says “self cleaning and self maintaining”: this looks like the thing for me
Just a Random dude YOUR NOT FUNNY
Jack R you’re
Emily Fleegle ahh yes. Correct my grammar. Got nothing else to say? Bitch
Lol
@Darth Vader says the guy who replied to my 5 MONTH OLD FUCKING COMMENT
Love ya my dude I can't tell you how much I hate seeing animals kept in bare tanks with just a heat lamp, newspaper on the floor as some kinda of idiot substrate and just one bark hide from petco.
I love bio active terrariums as well but I'm sure that if its more affordable, many people wouldn't be keeping their pets with "just a heat lamp, newspaper on the floor as some kinda of idiot substrate and just one bark hide from petco."
There is a multitude of reasons, new or ill informed keepers would initially shy away from keeping their animals in enclosures such as these.
They feel it looks dangerous, expensive, difficult to maintain and even more difficult to accomplish, all of which we know to be the opposite of the case, but alas.
True but people are entitled to what they believe is best for their animal(s) whether good or bad.
I know people that keeps their animals in a very minimal setup for years without problems. Its probably not right but why fix something that isn't broken?
Its hard to know what's right or wrong for your animal(s) with so many opinions, especially on the internet.
I think I can agree with your point about difficulty in knowing what is best.
The attitude that, "if its not sick, why change or provide it anything?" Though, no so much.
Yes, bio active is the best way but I'm saying its not the only way.
I'm just using devils advocate so you can at least have an open mind to why most people could/would not want to change to bio active terrarium.
11:05 Awesome man. Nobody ever mentions what to do to prevent crickets from drowning. It's one of the reasons I hated feeding them. Never thought a simple piece of wood would keep them afloat.
This is Better than those UA-camrs that recommend bare bottoms and plastic caves for their reptiles. Because you know, in the wild these reptiles are found on places where kitchen towels and vinyl flooring as substrates.
“Mexican basil *inhales*...smells real good” I laughed to hard at that
It's good stuff :)
The Bio Dude Josh Halter do u smoke weed
I literally screamed 😂😂😂
I'm 100% going to buy one of your bioactive kits for my leo, Morty. Thank you!!
Can you make a video on how you water everything and just general maintenance of the vivarium? I am very interested in this in will more that likely purchase one of the kits for my leo in the next couple of weeks.
Yes! I have a few videos I am working on!
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Post them please when you do!
I’m so glad you sell great products that you think is safe
Do a reptile room update with all the terrariums you've made. People really seem to get their rocks off to those.
I know I do
if you open the zoo med package it has feet to place on your vivarium precisely so it does not pinch the cord
Nugrat1 are you talking about little foam pads to put on the terrarium to raise it? I was going to go look for some but if it comes in the package I guess I won’t have to
Lauren Belle they’re like little rubber pods
Kasey Ligon I don’t use them anymore I use some tile pieces.
I've never owned a reptile before (I found your channel looking up just plant terrariums) but after watching a number of your videos and other people's reviews, I'm super interested in reptile ownership. It's not something I'm going to jump into without more research and making sure I can keep up with care; but I think if I ever do (I'm kind of in love with leopard geckos and bearded dragons) I'm definitely going to think of your stuff first and suggest it to anyone I know with herps.
Oh wow 3 years ago! Did you ever end up getting any?
@@isuckatnamingthings5499 Not long after I posted that, a friend of a friend had to suddenly re-home a leopard gecko early 2018. I currently have three leopard geckos, one is special needs - I have a pet hognose snake (another that needed rehomed and had some health issues at the time) and a gargoyle gecko :) so, yeah, I fell in pretty hard. Everyone's doing good. I'm building a bioactive enclosure for my gargoyle gecko, and I'm going to experiment with my leopard geckos. The special needs one will likely never be full bioactive just due to pre-existing conditions, but I've built more naturalistic things for them to climb on, pieces of slate/tile.
Oh, and I got a jumping spider and I'm raising isopods haha
@@caeabw92 wow thats crazy! have fun!
@@caeabw92 hognoses are great
This whole video was so awesome lol. Best 25 minute video
Thank you very much!
My daughter and I just used your tankless 20 g long Leopard Gecko kit. We really like it!
That is what I like to hear : )
The Bio Dude Josh Halter It has been a couple of months now, and our leopard gecko loves her bioactive enclosure as much as we do. The side-mounted UTH keeps her warm hide of cork bark at the perfect temperature, and she comes out most evenings for a walk (and to see if we are going to feed her,) the cleanup crew is doing really well....even most of the urates disappear! Our cleanup crew consists of silver springtails, powder blue Isopods, costa rican purple isopods, zebra pillbugs, and mealworm larvae/beetles. Excellent kit, Biodude!
Aquarimax That is excellent feel free to leave a review under the product on the website that really helps with my SEO and really helps with my conversions :)
The Bio Dude Josh Halter Yes, we left you a very positive review on your site some weeks ago. We are very glad to have found you! Would you ever consider doing an interview? I have nearly 5,000 subscribers to my UA-cam channel, and would love to post a video interview to my channel about you and what you do...I'm sure it would send some potential customers your way.
I would be open to that, although I would not have any idea how to go about doing it. Feel free to email me and we can work out the logistics that way. Josh
thank you for your passion!!
This is too cool!
Beautiful, healthy for our lizard & self cleaning- a mother’s dream
My new tank looks so empty compared to this lol It's my first time setting up a bioactive vivarium, so I will have to move some stuff around before my little one goes in her tank on Monday. You are an absolute inspiration!
We appreciate your support, thank you!
Love your set up for the leopard gecko. I have a rescued one bot not in a bio take yet. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Just ordered the terra Sahara substrate for my gecko, super excited to get it but also kinda disappointed that the only shipping option was $16 more than the substrate itself :/
Not just with the Bio Dude. It seems to be that way everywhere. Sometimes if you ask the supplier they are able to find alternate shipping options that are less expensive.
Youre so knowledgeable and passionate!!! Keep going and never stop reaching dude!
dope scaping man! not many people have that eye
Every video is quality. Consistent and becer gets old
Excellent!
I am preparing my Leopard gecko's new home, and I was very interested in a bio-reactive tank because of how much it seems to benefit the geckos. This video really helped me a lot and I will definitely be purchasing all of the fauna, microorganisms, isopods, your mosses and substrate, your ghost wood, etc! Since he is still a baby I am going to start off with a lot fewer things and a smaller tank, but as he grows I will be letting the tank grow with him and continue to expand the habitat. I loved the detail you went into about everything that you use and why you use it and how it works in the environment you created. I absolutely love the way you seem to be dedicated to your animals. Thank you so much for this video.
This is awesome, thank you so much again, Josh, can't wait to try this out with my Leo! :)
Have fun!
Anyone’s gecko having a hard time adjusting to their new home? Just did this after two years of reptile carpet and he keeps trying to escape.
This guy looks 14 and he owns his own business? What the hell am I doing with my life haha! Good stuff man.
LOL! thank you
This is one of the best looking vivarium I've seen!!
Josh your the vivarium genius!
Thank you so much!!!
great content and tanks but i srsly laughed my ass off when you said "your little one"
To solve for the heat mat i put little wood risers under the tank so the cord isn't crushed 👌🏼
Good idea!
I will mention that in my next videos!
Also, would this setup be good for someone who is preparing to have their first leopard gecko? Or should it only be done by experienced people who know what to look for?
anyone can do this as long as you’ve done your research!
I really enjoy your work and passion for your Reptiles and Amphibians. I am a new subscriber to your channel. You tank work is awesome along with your knowledge of how to keep a healthy environment. Thank you.
This is amazing 😍 I'll be buying some plants from you later on. I'm wondering though, how does one spot-clean in a crowded tank? And also what is that white light fixture?
Hey there, the white light bar is an LED. You also kinda just...spot clean(lol). pick up and wipe where needed.
Very cool set up.
I bought this product about a year ago and my leapord gecko couldnt be more happy. You can definitely tell the difference in behavior when you have a bare minimum tank vs this. She has made burrows and always has somewhere to run to feel safe, the plants really bring everything to life (even if she steps all over them haha) and I can always see her sticking out her burrow waiting for food to come her way.
For those that are skeptical about belly heat and impaction I never had a problem with it. I have a heat lamp over a trail of broken tiles and a log in my tank that gives the heat my leapord gecko needs. I hand feed my lizard most of the time but if you have correct husbandry this product will NOT cause impaction.
Hi Dylan, we appreciate your business and are glad to hear your Leopard gecko is happy!
I completely agree! It is ideal to let them hunt most of the time though, it’s great enrichment.
Thank you for this amazing video! I am getting a Leopard Gecko as a family pet for my home and the "kits" at the local pet store just didn't look right at all for an animal. I knew there had to be something better out there and watched a very helpful video by Happy Tails, who mentioned you and your products. This was REALLY helpful! Definitely ordering a kit from your site. Thanks again! This was awesome! So excited to set it all up!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Y do i feel like this is just one bio dude ad that is really persuading me because this is so cool, its a whole ecosystem
I might get this for my birthday for my gecko , I might get that kit
Substrate, plant, scape with inanimate decor, add cleanup crew. I feel like you would've had an easier time starting big and ending small, going front to back
I love your channel and site! Amazing vid!
Love all your videos. I binge watch them. Your information is great and I love the no BS approach. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
Glad you like them!
What a great video! Thanks! Extremely informative and easy to recreate.
Glad it was helpful!
researching leopard geckos for my kids 9th birthday present. you've helped a lot with me studying the best things for a terrarium! Thank you!!
That is what I do! Thank you for watching.
Awesome 👍 so helpful. My problem is that I can't find most of the stuff where I live. Can you pass me a list of the things you used? Thanks
two videos in a row! its like christmas. love the new setup btw
Yet another awesome video. Wish you were in the UK
I have been planning to get a leopard gecko for a while now, and if I ever do, i am really interested in using this kit. I like the idea of a natural ecosystem for the reptile. I have discussed about having a leopard gecko to my mom, and asked her if we can have one once we move into our new home. She said she will think about it. So, if I ever can in the future, i'd really like to use this idea for a terrarium than say a newspaper as a substrate and a cup for a shelter XD. I love how everything looks very alive and natural, and also has other species to make a small ecosystem. I really think your job can be very successful, so keep up the good work! :D
Flame Wing please do more research, a lot of things in this video are incorrect for a leopard gecko.
So helpful, thank you!
Thank you! glad the videos are helpful!
I'm new to reptile husbandry. My sister asked me if I wanted a breeder pair just before Christmas this year. I know nothing when it comes to this. I have been all over the internet looking for the best information. Anything you can tell me. I'm about to do my first full cleaning of their Vivarium. I'm keeping my eye out for a much larger tank.
Hello, i love watching your videos.it helps me with my geckos. I have one that is shedding often and is having a hrd time in doing it. suggestions?
Yes! Finally someone else who doesn’t like red bulbs. They need to stop being sold!
Been sayin' it for years!
Ya I agree. They’re advertised as “infrared” but just because leopard geckos can’t see the color red doesn’t mean they don’t see the light. It can mess up their day time night time schedule. If you want to use a heat bulb other than a heat mat use a ceramic. They’re a lot more effective
That was totally awesome!!! Great content
Appreciate it!
I’ve herd people tell me leopard geckos are not climbers so they do not need branches and wood to be on but I still did it and she loved it she would climb on it all the time same with ball pythons if you give it to them they will use it
Hi Joseph. You are absolutely correct they love climbing on low lying branches and will utilizes every bit of space you provide.
Have you had any issues with the "bugs" (crickets, mealworm, isopods, springtails, etc) biting your leopard gecko or disturbing him ? my main worry for my little guy is him not getting hurt.
You deserve more subscibers and views😊👍
what the fuck is your profile pic
Samuel8299 that's what I was thinking.
Samuel8299 art
Natytales! Hermit Crabs, Turtles And Gaming! Art
What is his definition of spot clean? just a question like what all do you do?
Getting ready to switch my guys to bioactive terrariums with your help and I cannot wait!
thank you i found this very helpful
You're welcome, glad to hear it helped you out!
i was considering a leopard gecko, and if i do im going with your stuff.
Nice information
You know what? This is art.
I appreciate that.
Isn't the Dirt Substrate bad for the Reptile. Gecko can get sick from eating it. Can I use a A Large Cloth piece Linen Substrate like a cover sheet instead
I'm so very glad that I found you. I'm about to get my first herp. I very excited. I just got my screen cage today. I want my first to be a Grreen snake or a hognose snake first. But I know it won't end there. I can learn so much from you
Very nice Dude, my fourteen-year-old daughter has been asking for a year to get a leopard gecko. I want to do a bioactive tank. I'm just afraid of the springtails getting out. About 25 years ago I got inundated with them at home and it was terrible to try to get rid of them. Have you ever had an issue with them getting out. Thanks again brother I will be visiting your store🙏
Hey there! a leopard gecko would be a wonderful choice! We do not have issues with them getting out of the enclosures. We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have and get you started and set up with a leopard gecko kit. please reach out to customercare@thebiodude.com so the cam can get you set up!
I will also link some information regarding leopard geckos from the dudes blog page, hope it helps! :) www.thebiodude.com/blogs/reptile-and-amphibian-caresheets-with-cited-veterinary-and-herpetology-sources/the-care-and-maintenance-of-the-leopard-gecko
www.thebiodude.com/blogs/how-do-i-create-a-bioactive-vivarium/what-role-does-a-clean-up-crew-play-in-a-bioactive-terrarium
I feel like this would be so bad for a leopard gecko. Impaction, it would cause respiratory problems, and their legs need firm sold ground to walk on to built up muscle in their legs. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is all things I've been told by a vet.
This isn’t bad for leopard geckos at all, it’s pretty much the best setup you could give them. Impaction only occurs if their husbandry (temps, etc.) is incorrect. As long as they’ve got proper husbandry they’ll pass any substrate they ingest easily. They encounter loose soil in the wild. I and countless others have used soil for years with zero problems. It offers beneficial digging enrichment and encourages natural behaviours. It will not cause respiratory problems as long as it isn’t dusty and the humidity isn’t too high. And the soil is firm enough to walk on easily and not cause any joint problems. You can also use textured tile or slate for part of the substrate to give them some solid ground to walk on.
The Cløwn impaction can happen with any loose substrate if the animal’s husbandry is off. But as long as their husbandry is correct (hot spot temp especially), they won’t have a problem passing the substrate.
Isopods mentioned: Powder blue, giant orange, dwarf purple
Other CUC: Giant white spring tails
Thanks for bringing up the issue with impaction. Super sick of hearing self proclaimed leopard gecko substrate police preaching against it. Leopard geckos don't live in pristine glass floored tanks in the wild. It's all about proper husbandry.
Jamie Michelle sand still isn’t good for them
Zilla 810 No, it's not. That's why he isn't using sand.
If you don’t use sand you can switch it for something digestible. we aren’t being “substrate police” we are simply trying to help leopard geckos in captivity live a HEALTHY life. So go ahead use sand tell me how it works out when your gecko has impaction.
Then it' a good thing he isn't using sand. I have this substrate. It's not sand. It pacts together to make a stable floor that doesn't shift under the gecko's weight, while also having enough give that the gecko can easily dig in it whenever they desire, say to make a burrow or to lay an egg. Stop acting like geckos will get impacted by simply *looking* at a bag of loose substrate. There's caution, and then there's irrational fear.
Weirdanimalboy first I was responding to how she said we are being substrate police. I said nothing about his substrate. Second geckos do die from having sand and getting impaction they don’t get it from “looking” at it. And some people are encouraging it. Go ahead just be “ cautioned “ and I will be “irrationally in fear” but at least my geckos will be healthy and will live a good life.
This is prettttty fucking dope
I see you but hear Stuart from Big Bang theory.... great video BTW.
Can you do a bioactive Sunbeam Snake set up please. I have been trying to do something like that for a while but I cant see to keep the plants alive or the layers right.
When will your isopods and springtails kits for leopard geckos be in stock
Soon. I added a "notify me when back in stock" on the website under the item specifically.
I often see people do a drainage layer. Is that not necessary? And if not, then why do people do it?
Did you ever find out the answer? I had the same question
When utilizing our Terra Sahara substrate a drainage layer is not necessary. The way it is designed, allows the moisture to distribute evenly amongst the layers creating micro climates that are beneficial for the reptile. On our website, we do show the science behind our Terra Sahara if you have any further questions.
your set up videos are SO good other cvhannels leave so much out but your one take really lets us see it all
glad theyre helpful!!!
Bio active is wet. Aren’t they from a dry area
hey there! where they are from is kinda like a semi-arid, semi-desert. The initial starts of the bios will always be "wetter" till it regulates and dries out due to the amount of water added. Sorry for the confusion!
Please do one on blue tongue skinks
Bioactive is a bit more difficult with blue tounges cause they got on the larger side and can be aggressive burrowers, which often destroys the roots of plants.
Wow so hydroballs aren't necessary for your soil?
Ghost wood looks like an antler. Looks sick
Knows it all and knows it well!!!! I hit subscribe as soon as the bio-bugs were being added! This guy needs to be heard!
you can use bumper dot stickers on the corners of the tank to avoid squishing your cord for the heat mat if you choose to stick it under the tank :)
Great idea. Thank you for sharing.
You don't create a false bottom for proper drainage or to help create a water cycle?
It is not necessary with a arid biome.
That's just ridiculous there's to much in that small terrarium
Dean L I definitely agree. However I will say the tank is nowhere near as small as it looks. I have one myself. But I don’t agree with putting in hugs, or even so much substrate as the heat won’t flow through all the dirt.
I was thinking the same thing Dean L, there's virtually no room for a Leopard Gecko to walk around. I can appreciate the natural look but it's missing an empty space. I've kept a number of Leopard Geckos and from experience I can say they like to roam. Considering the average size of a adult specimen is around 20-25 cm this is way too crowded.
Remember that the wood pieces really are also adding space to the tank, because the gecko can go under them or on top of them. I will admit he did go a little overboard on plants but not by that much.
JungleHelp do you realize he put bugs in the tank for the soil? XD
SkullServentsFly ?!, yes, there are bugs in the tank to clean. But how is that relevant to what I said?
Isn't thousand mother plant toxic? I know that leopards are insectivores, but I worry about accidental ingestion or even eating insects that have nibbled on it.
Will you do uk shipping?
Expensive sets but they are gorgeous ❤️❤️❤️. I have my BP on eco earth and my beardie on tile and repicarpet. They both are happy but i wanna get one for there size tanks. Both are in 55 gallon tanks. Do you make up to that size? I know how people down it for BP’s but mine wouldn’t eat till she got a big tank and beadies well bigger is better i was told.
We sure do! We have kits for BPs for 55 gallons : )
Love your tank!!! It is so beautiful and natural!
Thank you very much Zara!
Hey Josh I just received the Terra Sahara Bioactive Kit 24 x 18 x 18/24 today and my question is can i just have springtails in the tank? If so what is the best way for them to stay alive? Would I only mist the tank 3 times out the week?
Hey there Frank! yes, you can use the springtails alone but you may need to spot clean every now and again till they become well established. the humidity needs to be monitored from your personal home as its going to be based off your weather where you live as well, monitor it and add water when needed to provide the right percentages. hope this helps! please let us know if you have any further questions!
Dude mother of thousands is very poisonous you should not put that with your geckos.
That is only if ingested, leopard geckos do not eat them so they can't hurt them. He also stopped selling them.
Also he could boil it so i cannot be as poisonous
@@MrRod317 Yeah but that would kill the plant and therefore defeat the purpose of having it in the enclosure
@@mistymountainasmr4047 then sanitize it and you can only die if you eat it and the leopard geckos don't like to eat it , it is not like poison ivy
@@MrRod317 the problem is if your feeder insects decide to eat it or your gecko misses and gets one of the plant buds.its a low risk to be sure but not one that I would be willing to take.
I have a 15 gallon setup and I'm going to give my gecko a bioactive setup. Should I keep the heater on the bottom of the warm side or should I put it on the side of the tank and use a ceramic heater above?
I am going to move him to a 20 gallon. Should I put the wall mounted heater on the moist side or the dry side? I think on the dry side I will put a deep heat projector with thermostat if I can find one
Could you link some articles that explain in depth some of the bioactive concepts you talked about? I love the tank and the video is super helpful, but what can I say I'm a nerd and knowing the how's and whys is my specialty 😋
I have a good question about bio tank set up for my leopard gecko... if my set up is in my livingroom and my concern is that crickets will survive to bigger sizes and drive me bonkers with their noises.
My current tank set up which i used to be proud of until the Dude educated me here is one i can find and remove irritating crickets... but my girl definitely love hunting. I want to make an awesome vivarium now... but the fear of going crazy from hiding noise crickets is all i need a solution for to move forward!
Is it just me, or does this guy look and sound pretty simular to Stuart in the big bang theory? :P
I’m a new Leopard gecko owner (never have had a reptile before) and I know that there is many different isopods, my question is dose it matter what type of isopods you put in? I really want to take the best care of my little one. Also will the sharper edges of the wood you put in hurt them? If so what would you recommend to file them down. One more thing, do you have a list of plants safe to put in the bioactive tank? (If anyone is wondering yes I did do research before I got her but couldn’t find a good site to find some things.)
Hey there ! i do notice some of these are sold out so please use the "notify me" on the side of the page to be sent an email notification.
-clean up crew packs- www.thebiodude.com/collections/bioactive-terrarium-bugs-for-reptiles/products/leopard-gecko-clean-up-crew-pack-includes-overnight-shipping
- they will be okay with natural wood, promise.
-plant packs! www.thebiodude.com/collections/species-specific-terrarium-plant-kits/products/leopard-gecko-starter-plant-pack
Some people would say its to much shit in that space... I would say its nature assholes.... Keep it up biodude
Could not of said it better myself.
Hi - This is the greatest tutorial ever! I do have a couple of points where I am confused. Why do you need the red/blue LEDs? Is it for the plants or the gecko or for something else? Also, does my leopard gecko need a UVB lamp, I thought they were nocturnal?
They’re crepuscular, active during dawn and dusk. UVB is beneficial but not completely necessary. Some albinos (like mine) aren’t a fan of it. LED is for the plants and it should be white.
Can I get the terrasahara anywhere in the U.K?
it's josh's special blend so you'll have to order from his website!
Clara's Critters does he ship to the uk
Mohammed Yousef
he does not :(
The bugs part freaks me out but the natural aspect makes me really wanna do a terrarium like this. Do those tiny bugs typically stay in the soil? (Little colonies of bugs freak me out not all bugs. I can’t explain it lol)
Yes they do, they will sometimes climb but not much.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter cool basically as long as they stay in the terrarium and won’t migrate into my room lol 😂