This is inspiring, I have had my ball python for going on three years now and have only just started hearing about BioActive Terrariums. This is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing ball python enclosures I've seen on UA-cam, and I'm eager to start work on my own now. Kudos man, you've gained a subscriber from the U.K.
So cool. I can't wait to get all my animals switched over to Bioactive from you! This looks so much nicer in my home than a boring tank with newspaper, and it seems so much better for them, too. Also: very cute pug. :)
Thank you for the info, I have watched a few different vids on how to set up a bioactive take as to make sure I get everything right, however, you are the first person so far to mention that the clean up crew will not deal with piss, thanks!
Just picked up the leopard gecko bioactive kit and it's working great. Love the products man I'll definitely be converting all of my tanks to bioactive with your kits. hit up Shark Tank
BioDude, can you do a review on your misting system? I know there's a few COTS ones out there by Zoo-Med and Exxo-Terra. Would like to see how it compares. Thank you!
Hello, I am in the process of doing research about bioactive setups for my reptiles and I love your website and videos! I have a couple of questions. If I use the bioshot do I still need to add spring tails and isopods? And how quickly can I put my reptile in to the enclosure after I set it up as bio active? Thank you
Hey there Cheezzz, YEP that is one of the cleanup crews main food sources, they will happily help you get rid of that haha If at any point there is excess that the cleanup crew does not get to, then you can remove it or mix it into the soil. Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any further questions! The Dude Abides!
Oh wow this is great. That's a small snake you put in there. Will this set up work with an adult full size ball python? I'm thinking of buying a tank like that but want to make sure it will be ok.
excuse the dumb question, but with bioactivity do i still need to spot clean? i want to burry a few hides, but would have no way of getting inside of them to spot clean without disrupting the entire terrarium
He said you need to spot clean. The CUC will eat everything, except urates. So I would imagine try you best to get urates out and see what the CUC will cleans for you in the tank. That is my my hope for my tank once it is set up.
This is awesome. Josh I'd like to see you do a sustainable pacman frog bio active enclosure. They pump out alot of urine and take huge dumps. I'm not convinced it can be done in a healthy manner but you've shown me things in these videos I didn't find possible.
I saw Megan from Happy tails use your bioactive for her breaded dragon and i want one for my Ball Python but the cost and how much it would be for a 55 gallon tank
Did u go bio active? I am planning to in January. It a lot for a 55 gal. Which is what I have but u save time and shipping cost if u go with his. Also all his reviews on them are great. I wouldn't wanna take a chance on another seller.
New ball python tank, WHAT HEATER SHOULD I USE? A ceramic heater for heating from above that may become to hot or a under tank heater that may not heat all the way through the substrate but creats humid hides?
I love your video’s Bio dude, but why do you change rooms and camera perspectives? In this video I cannot see the terrarium that well. The video where you set up the paludarium is perfect
Really interested in this kind of set up, and definitely plan on buying from you. Kind of curious though, are the isopods and springtails included in the kit or are they bought separately?
Zamora Reptiles Thats what I though, but will that be broken down? and for the urates, would you just have to dig for it or what? im still not sure about how you would clean it XD
bioactive is terrible for ball pythons or any other nocturnal or terrestrial snake, way too stressful and just gross, you need to clean regularly no matter what.
i suppose as often as the soil would need it, 6 months or so, but would definitely need to thermostat on the heat to prevent decrease to keep the populations going for soil health.
Josh, I am strongly considering purchasing the Vivarium electronics digital thermometer/hygrometer from your site. Paired with free shipping, you have the best price, and you seem very confident in it. Just 2 questions about it: How do you know it is so accurate? Where do your products ship from?
Hey Brother, I had a question for you, how do you counter act compaction ? Do you do live feedings or frozen thaw? Is there an issue of over growth or over population with the isopods?
Dude, how much of the LED light should my enclosure get (to keep plants healthy and happy)? 8-12 hours a day, turn it off at night, what? btw, looks great at nighttime! Very happy with your product so far.
Do a 12 hour on, 12 hour off cycle to simulate day and night. I use timers for mine, as it's a bit tedious to turn the lights on and off each day at the same time :)
HI Allen Wong, a succulent is a desert species of plant requiring semi arid soil, whereas the Ball python is a temperate tropical species, so the higher humidity requirement would not be conducive for the succulent.
The basic ball python kit says it comes with Solar Grow, while the advanced kit says it comes with LED/adapter. What is the difference between the two, and which is recommended?
Both the Solar Grow and The Glow & Grow work great for plant growth, but the Glow & Grow LED is ultimately better, as it features a higher lumen and kelvin output (thus illuminating the enclosure better) and red and blue diodes. However, LEDS are pricier to manufacture, thus cost more to our customers, so that is why we also offer the Solar Grow as a more affordable option, which will also grow plants well just not quite to the level the LEDS will.
Dominic Smith if you take a look at the website and it breaks everything down to you as to what is included. Everything you're going to need to build the tank is included but you can always add additional things to make it even nicer.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter thanks for the fast response I'm very impressed with this bioactive setup and can't wait to give my Ball python the environment he deserves.
Could this set up (obviously taken up to a larger scale) work for a boa constrictor? I have a juvenile female that is roughly 3.5 feet at the moment who will go into a 4 by 1.5 once I convert this old dresser I have into a tank and I'd love to do bioactive. They just get so bulky and heavy that I don't see how plants will work.
yeah, ball pythons are rather "generic" snakes, what works for them tends to work for a lot of other snakes, and boa constrictors are also rather generic snakes as well. though you might want to mist more. as for plants, try a lot of ferns, they are rather hardy plants that can survive a beating, and they grow fast. Also, my boa would climb anywhere she could, so as long as you give them plenty of room to go up, plants might not be as much of a problem.
They do. The bugs prefer the soil, but if you're just not a fan of bugs, that's ok. We've got you covered. All of our kits come with The BioShot which does the same thing as the bugs on a microscopic level. It's a combination of beneficial bacteria, fungi and archea.
Hi Zunna. We have a Corn Snake Kit if you would like to check it out here: www.thebiodude.com/collections/snake-bioactive-kit/products/corn-snake-bioactive-kit
i'm about to order a leopard gecko kit and i have a question is shipping free or is their shipping depending on the price and do y'all sell leopard geckos because if not i'm getting one from lllreptiles
You do. Your 'charcoal' springtails are typically Folsomia or Colembolla springtails which need a very wet environment. You need springtails such as the Giant White or Large Silver that can handle the drier periods of time that this biome requires.
So typically with the 'charcoal' springtails you are dealing with the Folsomia or Colembolla springtails which need a wet environment. WHen dealing with a dry biome you need springtails that can handle periods of dryness and heat. With that in mind I have always had success with my Giant White or Large Silver.
Cool - will be making a nice enclosure with my Daughter. Once complete, I will be ordering substrate, etc... I am sold on the approach and science behind as educational tool for kids.....cheers
Hey Jetson! The reason you will see people saying that red and blue light is harmful is due to the fact that some people try to provide these as the sole option for heat, lighting, or heat at night using these colors even though it is known that reptiles can see red and blue. This becomes a problem as it never allows them to have a day/night cycle and keeps them from sleeping. That being said we also highly recommend having a 12 on 12 off cycle for all lights and heating as this will best mimic the natural world. www.thebiodude.com/blogs/helpful-husbandry-faqs/red-bulbs-and-reptiles-why-they-are-detrimental-and-can-harm-your-pets-photoperiod
This is inspiring, I have had my ball python for going on three years now and have only just started hearing about BioActive Terrariums. This is by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing ball python enclosures I've seen on UA-cam, and I'm eager to start work on my own now. Kudos man, you've gained a subscriber from the U.K.
This guy is a genius. I'm really want to turn my 65 gallon tank into a bioactive tank for my ball python
I remember loving your work back when you were Genesis Exotics. Keep it up!
Ahaa, understood! You sure are improving! Keep up the good work!!!
So cool. I can't wait to get all my animals switched over to Bioactive from you! This looks so much nicer in my home than a boring tank with newspaper, and it seems so much better for them, too. Also: very cute pug. :)
Thank you for the info, I have watched a few different vids on how to set up a bioactive take as to make sure I get everything right, however, you are the first person so far to mention that the clean up crew will not deal with piss, thanks!
Shane Porter How would you clean the pee since the bugs don't.
Grab it with a paper towel and throw in the trash : )
Really enjoy watching and listening to you making these videos
Very useful info
Glad you like them!
Just picked up the leopard gecko bioactive kit and it's working great. Love the products man I'll definitely be converting all of my tanks to bioactive with your kits. hit up Shark Tank
Thank you for your business!
As always another great video!!!
Well physically the heat can't be "pushed to the side" this doesn't make sense to me. Isn't it more efficient to put the heat mat under the tank?😅
BioDude, can you do a review on your misting system? I know there's a few COTS ones out there by Zoo-Med and Exxo-Terra. Would like to see how it compares. Thank you!
Will the python need to be washed before handling if he's in the substrate and possibly sleeping where he goes to the bathroom?
Hello, I am in the process of doing research about bioactive setups for my reptiles and I love your website and videos! I have a couple of questions. If I use the bioshot do I still need to add spring tails and isopods? And how quickly can I put my reptile in to the enclosure after I set it up as bio active? Thank you
Does having the BioShot mean I don’t need the springtails or isopods?
Please do a red tail boa video!!!!!
Can you put Desert plants in the Terra Firma?
Why do you put the uth on the side? What other methods of heat do you use?
Do you ship to Canada? I heard you didn't but I didn't see it in the shipping policies.
Do I leave the feces in the enclosure for the bugs to eat? Cause the bugs are all over it.
Hey there Cheezzz, YEP that is one of the cleanup crews main food sources, they will happily help you get rid of that haha If at any point there is excess that the cleanup crew does not get to, then you can remove it or mix it into the soil. Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any further questions! The Dude Abides!
Does the kit come with all the stuff in the video?
Also, what are the specific names of the plants? I didn't see that grass looking thing on the website. I like both these plants.
Oh wow this is great. That's a small snake you put in there. Will this set up work with an adult full size ball python? I'm thinking of buying a tank like that but want to make sure it will be ok.
excuse the dumb question, but with bioactivity do i still need to spot clean? i want to burry a few hides, but would have no way of getting inside of them to spot clean without disrupting the entire terrarium
He said you need to spot clean. The CUC will eat everything, except urates. So I would imagine try you best to get urates out and see what the CUC will cleans for you in the tank. That is my my hope for my tank once it is set up.
This is way cool. I want all my animals in this bio tank. I have 4o gallon tanks. Do uou have a website?
Yes we do, go check it out! thebiodude.com
Will the snake just receive water from misting, or is a water dish needed
I always provide fresh, clean water in a dish
I have an enclosed plastic vivarium with two small circle vents in the back. Would this work for that type of enclosure?
How often should i spray my terrarium with water, if i had springtails and isopods?
This is awesome. Josh I'd like to see you do a sustainable pacman frog bio active enclosure. They pump out alot of urine and take huge dumps. I'm not convinced it can be done in a healthy manner but you've shown me things in these videos I didn't find possible.
I saw Megan from Happy tails use your bioactive for her breaded dragon and i want one for my Ball Python but the cost and how much it would be for a 55 gallon tank
Did u go bio active? I am planning to in January. It a lot for a 55 gal. Which is what I have but u save time and shipping cost if u go with his. Also all his reviews on them are great. I wouldn't wanna take a chance on another seller.
great info great products keep on educating
teardrop thank you
What would be an equivalent exo terra enclosures size please?
I just my first ball python kit and do I use the led light all day and night or do I turn it off
No, you want to create a natural photoperiod, so I recommend a 12 hour on/12 hour off with any visible light.
New ball python tank, WHAT HEATER SHOULD I USE? A ceramic heater for heating from above that may become to hot or a under tank heater that may not heat all the way through the substrate but creats humid hides?
Preference. Under Tank Heaters, Ceramic Heat Emitters, Incadascent heat bulbs. Just make sure you are monitoring your temps.
Use thermostats
I love your video’s Bio dude, but why do you change rooms and camera perspectives? In this video I cannot see the terrarium that well. The video where you set up the paludarium is perfect
Hi J B. This is an older video done at my house before I got the warehouse space and camera accessories. I'm always growing and learning!
Should I give my tank some time for the isopods and springtails time to breed and get established or can I set up and immediately put my snake in?
That is 100% up to you. I always put them in right away but that is just me.
Really interested in this kind of set up, and definitely plan on buying from you. Kind of curious though, are the isopods and springtails included in the kit or are they bought separately?
Hi Jacob, They are not included, my kits now utilize the Bio Shot.
Can we buy your products in the UK - do you have a UK distributor?
But doesn't the Urin get soaked up by the substrate? So do I have to change the first layer regularly if the bio mass can't break it down ?
Reptiles don't pee, they poop out solid urine, called Urates.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter How would you clean that though? What if they go in a tunnel or something, where you can't see it or get it?
they definitely do pee liquid as with their urates
Zamora Reptiles Thats what I though, but will that be broken down? and for the urates, would you just have to dig for it or what? im still not sure about how you would clean it XD
bioactive is terrible for ball pythons or any other nocturnal or terrestrial snake, way too stressful and just gross, you need to clean regularly no matter what.
How often do you have to buy the bioshot just in case the insects die due to rapid decrease in temperature
i suppose as often as the soil would need it, 6 months or so, but would definitely need to thermostat on the heat to prevent decrease to keep the populations going for soil health.
Josh, I am strongly considering purchasing the Vivarium electronics digital thermometer/hygrometer from your site. Paired with free shipping, you have the best price, and you seem very confident in it. Just 2 questions about it: How do you know it is so accurate? Where do your products ship from?
I ship from Houston, Texas. I have tested it with the infared temp guns + VE themselves make that claim.
Thank you for your business, Jr Mikulec
My pleasure, you have been a fantastic contact. I will be sure to leave a review when I receive my order.
Thank you!!
You're welcome!
what tank size is this? the 75 gallon?
Bruh
Hey Brother,
I had a question for you, how do you counter act compaction ? Do you do live feedings or frozen thaw? Is there an issue of over growth or over population with the isopods?
I feed frozen thawed, but I do have one snake that REFUSES anything but live. Which I just feed in cage.
Dude, how much of the LED light should my enclosure get (to keep plants healthy and happy)? 8-12 hours a day, turn it off at night, what? btw, looks great at nighttime! Very happy with your product so far.
Do a 12 hour on, 12 hour off cycle to simulate day and night. I use timers for mine, as it's a bit tedious to turn the lights on and off each day at the same time :)
So it's not just to light up the vivarium, right? It's essential for plant growth and to keep the bioactive setup happy?
Sure, but you still don't have light 24 hours a day, just a 12/12 cycle is okay :)
Hey dud, just wondering do you ship to the uk and if so how much would a ball python kit cost to send over? :)
Hey so will a succulent plant work. I have a baby ball about 1 1/2 ft long.
HI Allen Wong, a succulent is a desert species of plant requiring semi arid soil, whereas the Ball python is a temperate tropical species, so the higher humidity requirement would not be conducive for the succulent.
The basic ball python kit says it comes with Solar Grow, while the advanced kit says it comes with LED/adapter. What is the difference between the two, and which is recommended?
Both the Solar Grow and The Glow & Grow work great for plant growth, but the Glow & Grow LED is ultimately better, as it features a higher lumen and kelvin output (thus illuminating the enclosure better) and red and blue diodes. However, LEDS are pricier to manufacture, thus cost more to our customers, so that is why we also offer the Solar Grow as a more affordable option, which will also grow plants well just not quite to the level the LEDS will.
I'm like to know how tall is that tank
is this all included in your ball python kit on your website, are there four bags of substrate or do you have to order extra.
Dominic Smith if you take a look at the website and it breaks everything down to you as to what is included. Everything you're going to need to build the tank is included but you can always add additional things to make it even nicer.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter thanks for the fast response I'm very impressed with this bioactive setup and can't wait to give my Ball python the environment he deserves.
How often do you need to add new sphagnum moss and leaf litter?
Once every few months or so : )
do the springtails and isopods come in the kits you sell?
Negative,
Yaaay more videos
Could this set up (obviously taken up to a larger scale) work for a boa constrictor? I have a juvenile female that is roughly 3.5 feet at the moment who will go into a 4 by 1.5 once I convert this old dresser I have into a tank and I'd love to do bioactive. They just get so bulky and heavy that I don't see how plants will work.
yeah, ball pythons are rather "generic" snakes, what works for them tends to work for a lot of other snakes, and boa constrictors are also rather generic snakes as well. though you might want to mist more. as for plants, try a lot of ferns, they are rather hardy plants that can survive a beating, and they grow fast. Also, my boa would climb anywhere she could, so as long as you give them plenty of room to go up, plants might not be as much of a problem.
Is this also safe for corn snakes? I want to start bio active for my corn but idk if that's safe for corn snakes
Yes! They love it. I have had both of my corns on bio for 8+ years with the same substrate!
I'm buying a 20 gallon kit, how many bags of Terrafirma come in that kit?
4 bags
I'm really interested in switching to something like this as soon as possible. I'm a little nervous about the "bugs." Do they stay put?
They do. The bugs prefer the soil, but if you're just not a fan of bugs, that's ok. We've got you covered. All of our kits come with The BioShot which does the same thing as the bugs on a microscopic level. It's a combination of beneficial bacteria, fungi and archea.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Can you still use the bugs and the bio shot?
I like how this video says bioactive (self maintaining) and people are asking questions about there snakes shit and piss
Yea
You can also leave your water out for 24 hours to remove chlorine. If your die hard, like my family, we only use rain water on plants and animals.
How does heat travel sideways? Why wouldn't it work on the bottom of the tank with a thermostat controlling the temperature?
He does it to make sure the cord doesn't get pinched, which can cause a serious fire. You can put it on the bottom like he says in some videos.
Can I use this same setup for a corn snake?
Hi Zunna. We have a Corn Snake Kit if you would like to check it out here:
www.thebiodude.com/collections/snake-bioactive-kit/products/corn-snake-bioactive-kit
Thank you 😀
Can you do a Madagascar Giant Day Gecko Setup ?
What type of isopods do you use?? You said the name very quickly, so I couldn't quite it... Purple something lol.
Dwarf Purples and Powder Blue isopods
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter thanks so much!!
Where do u buy isopods
Hi Xavier. I culture my own. You can usually find them at your local reptile shop or at a show like Repticon.
Are there not mites in these plants?
Mites are everywhere. In the air we breathe. The soil beneath us. The cereal we eat.
The Bio Dude Josh Halter wtf lol
i'm about to order a leopard gecko kit and i have a question is shipping free or is their shipping depending on the price and do y'all sell leopard geckos because if not i'm getting one from lllreptiles
I do not sell leopard geckos. Shipping is not free, it is automatically calculated on the website. Thank you for the consideration in my products.
Ha! I love that show...Hopefully I don't end up a drunk like him :)
You are not stupid at all. They do have a water dish, always.
Can this work with dwarf boas?
I would think so. I'm going to do it for my colmbian
hell yeah!
She also mentioned. These little bugs can eat snake mite eggs and help control mites?? Is the true
Yes.
do they breed and sustain forever or do you keep adding more over time. and how often would that be.
They create a sustainable population within the tank itself, yes.
Fantastic! Thank you so much!
You do. Your 'charcoal' springtails are typically Folsomia or Colembolla springtails which need a very wet environment. You need springtails such as the Giant White or Large Silver that can handle the drier periods of time that this biome requires.
So typically with the 'charcoal' springtails you are dealing with the Folsomia or Colembolla springtails which need a wet environment. WHen dealing with a dry biome you need springtails that can handle periods of dryness and heat. With that in mind I have always had success with my Giant White or Large Silver.
What if I have my 🐍 snakes in tubs and I wanted to make them bioactive!?!?!? How would I go about making 40qt. tubs bioactive?!?!?!
Petey Wheatstraw Jesus, thats just lazy. Rehome those snakes unless you learn to take the time to properly care for them.
Why not use a false bottom?
Really no need for a drainage layer?
exactly,
Cool - will be making a nice enclosure with my Daughter. Once complete, I will be ordering substrate, etc... I am sold on the approach and science behind as educational tool for kids.....cheers
I thought red lights hurt there eyes
Hey Jetson! The reason you will see people saying that red and blue light is harmful is due to the fact that some people try to provide these as the sole option for heat, lighting, or heat at night using these colors even though it is known that reptiles can see red and blue. This becomes a problem as it never allows them to have a day/night cycle and keeps them from sleeping. That being said we also highly recommend having a 12 on 12 off cycle for all lights and heating as this will best mimic the natural world. www.thebiodude.com/blogs/helpful-husbandry-faqs/red-bulbs-and-reptiles-why-they-are-detrimental-and-can-harm-your-pets-photoperiod
Damb those are some weird two fingers
Can i use the 29 gallon setup on a 30 gallon?
Yes : )