What an excellent post, I totally agree with flame here. I have heard from many breeders and enthusiast alike how difficult natural terrariums are and it is simply not true. Some one some where decided to write it into the book of urban legends that they just don't work (what a crock). I can personally can testify that they are easy to care for and the cresteds stay fat all year round. Yes there are slightly easier setups that require less maintenance, but you really have to ask your self if a couple minutes a week isn't worth it for your animal. Now in the case of massive breeding projects I understand keeping them in tubs, hell they'll sell soon anyway. But if your keeping them as pets have a little sympathy and at least let them have the illusion of a natural habitat. I enjoy my set ups and yes even enjoy maintaining them. I'm not trying to harp on anyone but I do ask that you at least think about it. Here are some tips and info on maintaining them.

1. First find an all organic soil (try to avoid compost) Home depot sells some of the kind I use(EarthGro).

2. Sift through it taking out any large objects, and try to crush up and dirt balls (this may take a while)

3. Find your main plants for your terrarium, good places to try are Home Depot, Lows, and any local nursery, try for a few hardy strong branched ones like Ficus (Weeping Fig), Rubber plants, Jade Plants, shrubs, etc.

4. If you like pick up a few decorational plants to place around the tank (try to avoid flowering plants & if you use a ground cover keep it to a minimum so crickets have no where to hide).

5. remove the majority of soil form the roots and rinse the plant room temp water and a cloth (to help remove any pesticides). Also water the plants after they have been planted.

6. Find some pretreated wood cork bark, grape, etc. (don't grab it from outside) place this in the tank to give them something to hang out on at night (saves your plants)

.7 Line the tank with Vaseline (to keep ants out) around the bottom or top edges.

8. Slap a high powered UVA UVB light on there or preferable a plant light. As a side not your going to want to make sure your plants don't require more light than can be provided.

9. Water as needed, wipe the glass down as needed, and enjoy.

With a large enough tank 30 gal or so you almost never need to clean the substrate and when you do just stir it up, makes great fertilizer.



The set up takes time to get together but the maintenance is as simple as picking your nose.

Good luck to all, even you lazy people (just kidding)

-Eli

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