Minimum enclosure sizes have moved up a lot over the last couple years. I'm still working on upgrading all of mine. I used to recommend a 4x2x2 for an ackie, but now I suggest a 5x2x3 minimum for 1 adult. There's no such thing as too big of an enclosure either, as long as it's set up properly. Heating and lighting are pretty complex. I'll oversimplify things to give a brief explanation: Heat mats, ceramic heat emitters and radiant heat panels only produce IR-C, which doesn't penetrate much deeper than the reptiles skin. CHE's and RHP's are generally best for heating air to raise ambient temps in an enclosure. Heat mats are generally best for warming substrate. Deep heat projectors are next. They produce mostly IR-B, which penetrates slightly deeper, but doesn't warm larger bodied reptiles to their core. They're good for night heat and really good for heating substrate. The best heating elements for basking are some form of incandescent bulb or the Reptile Systems Gold IR lamp. They produce more IR-A than anything else, which is the deepest penetrating IR that any of our heating and lighting elements produce. Larger bodied reptiles absolutely need IR-A for them to function and digest properly. I run multiple halogens paired with T5 HO UVB and broad spectrum LED to create basking areas for my monitors. There's been a lot of really good research on heating and lighting posted in the Reptile Lighting Facebook group if anyone is interested in learning. Please don't take my word for it, go read for yourself. They have multiple pages of guides going over the science behind everything.
I always enjoy your videos and you have helped me with my bearded dragon more than you know. He turns 1 year old next month. You have so much knowledge and I really appreciate you so much.
You've been a great resource as I've been learning about caring for leopard geckos, thank you for your videos and taking the time to make updates like this
Biggest change I've made is automation. I think Wickens has a list under his videos with all the things he uses. But digital hydrometers and thermostats that connect thru WiFi and Bluetooth to your phone. Apps that help keep your chores organization on track. It's easy to think "oh I've been doing this forever I've got it down to a science" but when I tell you the difference it made... Unbelievable
Great video! Thanks for sharing 😊 Definitely validates my decision to bring my new little guys to the vet's even tho they seem good - we really don't know!
#1 piece of advice to update be careful who you promote custom reptile habitats is a good example doubt anyone would ever see the money again. Its a shame to see all those who pushed people over to them for years pretend like this is not happening.
@ellesreptiles We have half our animals still on aspen and the rest on topsoil mixture. We're in the process of switching them all to topsoil mixture. We also used to use that green carpet back in the day for lizards. We love the topsoil mixture for all of our animals now.
I've only had one reptil4 years r and went straight into bioactive. Bio active for my leo as well,who I got last summer. I also have a huge bag of aspen which I plan to mix with reptisoil. for when I get a snake.
I have been using repti bark aspen and loose coconut soil for my bedding but still having trouble with humidity with my one ball python. Is there something else I can do because right now both are in a tank with no PVC and hers is good. But any info would help because we have done soil and feel like that was an issue again anything would help please!!
I know this is random but I just got a central banded leopard gecko about a month ago, and he hasn’t eaten. His tail was thin when we got him. Our nearby vet charges a lot, so we don’t want to take him. We’ve tried super worms, mealworms, hornworms, Dubia roaches, waxworms, and soldier fly larvae. I am planning on starting syringe feeding, but I’m worried he’s going to drop his tail out of fear. Do you have any tips that can help?
Have you tried crickets? My geckos would eat only crickets/3x/weekly. Dust with phosphorus free calcium powder. Good luck. I know it's frustrating and scary when your babies refuse food ❤
I know a vet is expensive, but that is definitely the best advice I can give you. If you do start syringe feeding - there's a powdered food by the brand Oxbow called Critical Care Carnivore that can be syringe fed that is packed full of nutrients and can actually help get their appetite going as well
Of course I agree bigger is better if it is feasible to do so.. but if you have kept a crested or gargoyle gecko in an 18x18x24 for literally years and they thrive. to tell everyone that they must now spend hundreds of dollars to go out and get larger enclosures.. or that someone who houses a ball python in a 4x2x2 that they need to go out and get a 6 foot enclosure. plus do initial vet visits for every single animal they get ... well it is cost prohibitive and not necessary. first.. most of us do not have sponsorships that allow us to do this at free or discounted rates. So now you are also discouraging vast numbers of people from getting kids involved in the reptile hobby because parents are less likely to let their kids (or even first time adult keepers) that new ball python or bearded dragon because of the cost of your recommendations . Compounded with the prices for everything swelling and you telling them they have to go through 3 or four rounds of "upgrades" over a 3 or 4 year period as an animal matures and grows. What you choose to do is not what everyone automatically should do.. and you should be more clear on this. Lie breaking down the cost of all these upgrades and vet visits, plus the initial investments and losses when you sell your old enclosures for half or less of what you spent on them..
I love that you're sharing how you've changed your mindsets and how you've grown!! You're such a good reptile momma!!! ❤
Thank you. Wish so many more people would do this and acknowledge that things change over time especially in this hobby.
It all changes so much! Sometimes I don't realize just how much until I look back at old videos 😅
Minimum enclosure sizes have moved up a lot over the last couple years. I'm still working on upgrading all of mine. I used to recommend a 4x2x2 for an ackie, but now I suggest a 5x2x3 minimum for 1 adult. There's no such thing as too big of an enclosure either, as long as it's set up properly.
Heating and lighting are pretty complex. I'll oversimplify things to give a brief explanation:
Heat mats, ceramic heat emitters and radiant heat panels only produce IR-C, which doesn't penetrate much deeper than the reptiles skin. CHE's and RHP's are generally best for heating air to raise ambient temps in an enclosure. Heat mats are generally best for warming substrate.
Deep heat projectors are next. They produce mostly IR-B, which penetrates slightly deeper, but doesn't warm larger bodied reptiles to their core. They're good for night heat and really good for heating substrate.
The best heating elements for basking are some form of incandescent bulb or the Reptile Systems Gold IR lamp. They produce more IR-A than anything else, which is the deepest penetrating IR that any of our heating and lighting elements produce. Larger bodied reptiles absolutely need IR-A for them to function and digest properly. I run multiple halogens paired with T5 HO UVB and broad spectrum LED to create basking areas for my monitors.
There's been a lot of really good research on heating and lighting posted in the Reptile Lighting Facebook group if anyone is interested in learning. Please don't take my word for it, go read for yourself. They have multiple pages of guides going over the science behind everything.
That accent🤌! Wish I found your videos sooner! I could listen to you explain things all day
I always enjoy your videos and you have helped me with my bearded dragon more than you know. He turns 1 year old next month. You have so much knowledge and I really appreciate you so much.
You've been a great resource as I've been learning about caring for leopard geckos, thank you for your videos and taking the time to make updates like this
So glad the videos are helpful and thank YOU for taking the time to watch them 💜
Very Cool 👍
Sometimes its good to have change
Biggest change I've made is automation. I think Wickens has a list under his videos with all the things he uses. But digital hydrometers and thermostats that connect thru WiFi and Bluetooth to your phone. Apps that help keep your chores organization on track. It's easy to think "oh I've been doing this forever I've got it down to a science" but when I tell you the difference it made... Unbelievable
Awesome video . I'm always learning something new with caring for bearded dragons . Your videos have been very helpful over the years Thank You!!
LOVE YOUR CHANNEL 🎉. MY SON ALSO LOVES. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ❤😎🙏 Julie
Great video! Looking forward to the next!
Thank you so much! 💜
I love your channel and you have been a great inspiration to up my career for my snakes.
Great video! Thanks for sharing 😊
Definitely validates my decision to bring my new little guys to the vet's even tho they seem good - we really don't know!
I like that the wikipedia link under this video goes to "reptilian humanoid".... not quite google but thanks for trying LOL
Hahaha that's great
#1 piece of advice to update be careful who you promote custom reptile habitats is a good example doubt anyone would ever see the money again. Its a shame to see all those who pushed people over to them for years pretend like this is not happening.
We've been into reptiles for many years. Things are always changing and growing. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for being here and watching 💜
@ellesreptiles We have half our animals still on aspen and the rest on topsoil mixture. We're in the process of switching them all to topsoil mixture. We also used to use that green carpet back in the day for lizards. We love the topsoil mixture for all of our animals now.
I've only had one reptil4 years r and went straight into bioactive. Bio active for my leo as well,who I got last summer. I also have a huge bag of aspen which I plan to mix with reptisoil. for when I get a snake.
Thank u great video
I changed from top soil to only coco husk. I was told it is better for moisture. It is a bit pokey though. It is very confusing as to what is best.
Which is more cost-effective: heating lamps, heat pads, or power bills?
Good Morning Elle. I am about to move all mine to substrate as well.
Love that! I hope they all enjoy it 🥰
Same for me
I love how the reptile hobby has grown and changed with all the knowledge we've gained and research that's gone into keeping reptiles.
Hi there! What is your favorite organic top soil mixture?
What brand of topsoil do you use? Looking to mix with my current substrate for my ball python.
I have been using repti bark aspen and loose coconut soil for my bedding but still having trouble with humidity with my one ball python. Is there something else I can do because right now both are in a tank with no PVC and hers is good. But any info would help because we have done soil and feel like that was an issue again anything would help please!!
Hey, I was wondering if you would do another ‘rating your vivariums’ video, I would love you to rate mine and give me advice.
Alabama? I had your accent pegged as Texas. I would have put money on you being a Houston native.
Whoop! Right here a min after upload 😂
Haha love that!
💜💜💜💜
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I know this is random but I just got a central banded leopard gecko about a month ago, and he hasn’t eaten. His tail was thin when we got him. Our nearby vet charges a lot, so we don’t want to take him. We’ve tried super worms, mealworms, hornworms, Dubia roaches, waxworms, and soldier fly larvae. I am planning on starting syringe feeding, but I’m worried he’s going to drop his tail out of fear. Do you have any tips that can help?
Have you tried crickets? My geckos would eat only crickets/3x/weekly. Dust with phosphorus free calcium powder. Good luck. I know it's frustrating and scary when your babies refuse food ❤
I know a vet is expensive, but that is definitely the best advice I can give you.
If you do start syringe feeding - there's a powdered food by the brand Oxbow called Critical Care Carnivore that can be syringe fed that is packed full of nutrients and can actually help get their appetite going as well
I’ll try, thank you!
@@LEMIEisa_BALLPYTHON713It took three weeks for my leopard gecko to eat. Now, because it's winter. She is not eating.
@@juelz713 I would also agree with elle on taking to the vet. Also the syringe feeding tried. If all insects fail. Good luck
👊🏼👍🏼💗
💜
Hiiiiii
Hi! 😊
Of course I agree bigger is better if it is feasible to do so.. but if you have kept a crested or gargoyle gecko in an 18x18x24 for literally years and they thrive. to tell everyone that they must now spend hundreds of dollars to go out and get larger enclosures.. or that someone who houses a ball python in a 4x2x2 that they need to go out and get a 6 foot enclosure. plus do initial vet visits for every single animal they get ... well it is cost prohibitive and not necessary. first.. most of us do not have sponsorships that allow us to do this at free or discounted rates. So now you are also discouraging vast numbers of people from getting kids involved in the reptile hobby because parents are less likely to let their kids (or even first time adult keepers) that new ball python or bearded dragon because of the cost of your recommendations . Compounded with the prices for everything swelling and you telling them they have to go through 3 or four rounds of "upgrades" over a 3 or 4 year period as an animal matures and grows. What you choose to do is not what everyone automatically should do.. and you should be more clear on this. Lie breaking down the cost of all these upgrades and vet visits, plus the initial investments and losses when you sell your old enclosures for half or less of what you spent on them..