01/14/2026
This bioactive terrarium for a leachianus gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) is the second entry in our January Tank Tuesday competition, where standout builds compete for a $25 Bio Dude gift card.
Shared by Emily, this enclosure is well suited to the natural behavior of Leachie geckos, which inhabit the forest canopy of subtropical New Caledonia. A vertically-oriented enclosure supports their arboreal lifestyle, and abundant branches and cork tubes replicate the tree hollows they rely on for daytime shelter.
Dense foliage throughout multiple vertical levels helps retain humidity, increases visual density, and provides natural textures for climbing and cover. Plant selections include Epipremnum aureum ‘Global Green,’ Maranta leuconeura, and Scindapsus pictus ‘Silvery Ann,’ all of which will vine as they mature. A Begonia maculata and Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’ add vertical structure and upper-canopy coverage.
At the ground level, a Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ and a Begonia ‘Angel Wing’ create shaded microhabitats for the clean-up crew, which includes Magic Potion and Dairy Cow isopods along with tropical springtails.
The custom background enhances both function and aesthetics by supporting hardscape elements and elevated planting pockets. It was carved from pond and stone spray foam, sealed with silicone, and finished with substrate and sphagnum moss.
To enter January’s Tank Tuesday, tag us, message or email us, or share wide-angle photos of your bioactive enclosure in our Facebook group, Bioactive Reptile and Amphibian Setups USA. Let us know who lives in it and share any details you’d like. U.S. residents only. Exemplary husbandry required.
THE DUDE ABIDES 👍🏻
Location: The Bio Dude Inc. Houston
15116 Highway 3, Bldg 4, Webster, TX 77598
Hours: Mon–Sat, 10am–6pm
Phone: (717) 305-0684
Email: [email protected]
