Reddit reviews Zoo Med Reptivite, with Vitamin D3, 2-Ounce

Yeah, those Zilla kits all are pretty much terrible. You're better off not using a kit at all actually, since they are way overpriced compared to buying/making the things you need individually.


Definitely go for the 20 gallon long tank. That size tank is actually ideal for a single adult leopard gecko. Instead of the lights, you'll want to heat the tank with an under tank heater under one side that is controlled with a thermostat. That's not optional, since a UTH can get very hot if it isn't controlled. I use the Hydrofarm thermostat, and recommend it. It certainly isn't the best out there, but it does its job and you can't beat the price. Be sure to have a digital thermometer that can read the actual surface of your gecko's substrate, not the little ones that stick on the glass. A thermometer with a probe alongside an infrared temp gun works wonders.

I'd personally also ditch the reptile carpet for tile as well, since my guy kept snagging his toes and jaws on the carpet and the tile is a breeze to clean, but if yours does fine with the carpet it should work fine, just don't use sand. Be sure to have three hides: one on the cool end of the tank, one on the warm end, and a humid one. Exo Terra is my personal favorite for hides, but store brand ones work fine, or you could even make your own.


I can't really say how old your gecko is without pictures, but if you got it from a pet store it's probably pretty young. Be sure you dust its food with calcium and vitamins. Vitamin D3 is particularly important. Repashy Calcium Plus is great, since it's an all-in-one powder, but I know alternating Repti-Cal and Reptivite works as well.


Crickets are a great thing for it to eat actually, better than mealworms. However, variety is always nice, but I don't have a lot of tips on getting a gecko to try new foods since mine isn't picky. Dubia roaches, if you can get over the ick factor, make an even better feeder than crickets, and phoenix worms and Calci-Worms are also great options. I'd stick to feeding your gecko as much as it can eat in a night if it's a baby. You do need to catch and remove any crickets that aren't eaten in 15-30 minutes. I always try to corner them and grab them one at a time, even if that can take a while.

Also, be sure you're gutloading crickets before feeding them as well. Basically, feed them nutritious food before feeding them to your gecko. I recommend either Bug Burger or Cricket Crack, but there are a lot of options out there. Toss in some bits of carrot, potatoes, greens, or fruit as well, or use some gel polymer to keep them hydrated.


Sorry for the massive wall of text, but hopefully this helps! Good luck with your little buddy!

I ask:
OP what part of the world are you in where you have to keep this animal in a box like this?

You answer:
> Its a 3 by 2 cage?

That makes about as much sense as telling me what color it is.

> Its a repti calcium brand.

That's not the brand.
The brand is "Zoo Med" and the product is ReptiCalcium (w/ D3?)
But with these symptoms, I think you're using reptivite

IF it is, then we specifically tell people to NOT use that stuff

So... you're still not answering my basic questions.
Please do so if you want to help the veiled.

I see multiple problems here with basic husbandry to be perfectly honest that are all avoidable and shouldn't happen.

The animal is suffering as a result.

I'm looking at a lot fo orange yellow urinates on the branches
Swollen joints, underweight and kept in a box.

https://www.amazon.com/Vivian-Reptile-Warmer-Temperature-Controller/dp/B01M7SP67V - a heat matt ive used since christmas. its fairly resilient and works fine in my bioactive 20 gal setup so you shouldnt have any problems. id recommend the 7watt.

yeah i mean i feed mine crickets primarily, i sometimes throw in dubia roaches or a wax worm for a treat but my gecko wont eat meal worms either so its really fine. make sure you dont mix vitamins - give pure calcium to vitamin/mineral powder in a 5:2 ratio (3:1 if youre feeding every other day). dont but calcium with d3, it should be pure calcium and a vitamin and mineral powder should be used separately.

here’s what i use:
v/m powder: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptivite-Vitamin-2-Ounce/dp/B0002AQB6A

calcium powder: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptile-Calcium-without/dp/B000UJPHL8

Thank you, I will definitely go shopping for an umbrella plant ASAP! Will the monsoon misting system be ok for him or would he prefer a drip system? The supplements I purchased are Zoo Med Reptivite (with D3) and Zoo Med Repti Calcium (with D3). I plan on dusting his food with calcium 3x a week and the vitamin once a week. Thank you for your help, I'm so excited for my little guy!

You don't really need a block. Most people use the calcium powder (Also look into versions without vitamin D3, buy both with and without) that you can find at nearly any store. Pet stores certainly will have it, but WalMart near my house has it as well, even though the reptile/fish selection is limited to one half an aisle. Also put some of the calcium without D3 in a little dish (I use a milk jug lid) and they'll take part if they feel like they need more calcium.

Calcium Without D3:

Add-On Item (Cheaper)

Non Add-On Item

Calcium With D3:

Add-On Item (Cheaper but a lot smaller)



Non Add-On Item

Also look into a separate vitamin.

This will give you the options necessary for size and with/without D3.