I did this for my rats and they are so happy with it. They zoom around all, dig in the soil, build tunnels and occasionaly snack on the isopods if they find anyxD I'm so happy I gave them this amazing enrichment that is so much more sustainable and also cheaper:D
I have a difficult situation for you. I have an 8x5 foot tegu enclosure I'm making bioactive and the substrate will be a minimum of 8 inches deep (but the deepest will be around 16-18 inches all going well) Tegus burrow Alot and I will have underground platforms to support burrows easier. I will have lots of plants because I've been an indoor plant enthusiast for years and know how best to make them thrive. I was just wondering what I could use substrate wise that's is functional and cost effective! Its not that I don't have the money to care for him/her it's just the sheer size of the enclosure! The humidity will be 75-90% and I have access to any amount of cleanup crew
Thank you! It is not common for the bugs to escape the enclosure, but if they did, they would dry out in the house pretty quickly. I have never seen isopods bothering any of my reptiles or amphibians, although some research on the specific species you wish to keep together is a good idea, Most of the time, the isopods and springtails stay in or on the substrate.
Edgar Sabahernandez I have never kept that species, but I did a little research. If your room temperatures are stable and at least 70-75 F, you probably don’t need to provide additional heat. If heat is needed, the advice I see is that a side-mounted heating pad can be used. (Mounting on the bottom can cause the scorpion to overheat if it burrows.)
james bryan I have really only had this type of water feature once. I used a plastic mesh to separate the lower substrate from the water, this was years ago, and I don’t necessarily recommend that method.. So,e people use waterproof pond foam to construct a pool.. A good place for ideas is Dendroboard.com
Is there a way to go bioactive without the tiny bugs (for ball python setup)? Why can’t plants be planted into coco fiber eco earth? Why do they need to be in pots?
Red Queen Official Great questions! Well, you could do a partially bioactive setup without springtails for your ball python, if you had Isopods. The springtails definitely help though...part of their speciality is keeping the fungus (which is beneficial too) from going overboard. Coco fiber is not a great rooting medium by itself for most plants...at least not over time, as the substrate will often become too compacted and start to go anoxic, which is not good for plant roots. Keeping them in the pots helps protect the roots from such problems, and allows you to replace the cocofiber if needed without disturbing the plants too much. That can be a lot of work, which is why I prefer the multilayered substrate shown here.it is more expensive than cocofiber, but allows the plants to really thrive, with less effort.
Hey there! I was wondering what plant you have growing along the top and background in your crested gecko inclosure. I have been wanting to get some sort of vining plant, but am unsure which one to go with, and also how to get it started. I don't really understand how you get it rooted so high up. Thanks in advance for your help!
Brandon Berry That vining plant is Ficus pumila, also known as creeping fig. I planted the cuttings in the substrate, and once they rooted and became established, they naturally climbed up the cork bark background, anchoring themselves with aerial roots. I hope that helps, let me know if you have any additional questions. 👍
Have you changed your substrate for reptiles over the years? Do you know if using Coco coir is ok for a crested gecko (obviously in a mix). My house dries out fast and I am looking to get them into a larger enclosure with better substrate soon (they are almost 25g).
I have tried a few different mixes from different companies, all have been successful so far. Coconut coir can be fine as a substrate component in a naturalistic vivarium for cresties (if they are old enough so that impaction is not as much of an issue)
Sam True Some people report success with ABG mix and ball pythons, but I would look into some of the other mixes that are designed to work with somewhat lower humidity than that required by dart frogs. NEHERP has one I use, www.neherpetoculture.com and the Biodude has one too: i.refs.cc/w4QzX9y1
Small forest dweller Depending on the substrate, you may not need a drainage layer. For our leopard gecko, we use The Biodude’s Terra Sahara, with no drainage layer. I have zebra pillbugs, powder blue Isopods, and mealworm larvae/ beetles, as well as some micropods in there. I see all but the micropods, breeding and doing a great job. I suspect the secretive micropods are doing well,too. No pressure of,course, but if you’re interested in checking out his substrate, you can get a $10 discount with this coupon: i.refs.cc/w4QzX9y1?u=1521494576741
Thanks for the link, but I'm in the UK and the postage will probably be too expensive. I'll be using a mixture of equal parts Arcadia Earth Mix and playsand, a 1/3 coco fiber, and some leaf mold. And then varying the amounts until I get a good substrate. Thanks I'll look up those microfauna!
Small forest dweller Imsee,that makes sense. It does sound like a good base you’ve got there, best of luck finding the microfauna! Oh, I forgot to mention that I also have springtails...Folsomia candida and a species known to me as ‘silver springtails.’
Oh I'm glad you approve it, I spent a few nights looking up bio-active substrate for different species and environments till I found one that I think will do. But I guess you also learn as you keep animals too. Your channel has helped me a lot actually, for fish keeping too! (breeding live food) Thanks, I've added them to the list! :D
Small forest dweller Glad to hear my videos have been helpful for more than one hobby. 😊👍 Some of the key features in arid substrates with no drainage are the ability to avoid too much compaction, and to stay dry at the surface while allowing for some humidity at lower levels.
flamebyxis gt just the forest moss? It could be a component, but Imwouldn’t use it as the only item. You can look up DIY ABG mix, but it is probably cheaper to just buy it, unless you are making large quantities.
Hi maybe you can help me out ? I got my first Chinese Mantis and there homes are basically sml .I have a 1 gallon plastic jar .I really want to give my Mantis a Bio active home that's not to complicated .What can u recommend for a nice home ? I do have coconut fibre and have live plants available
@@Aquarimax , I have heard of the method in many UA-cam videos. What does baking do exactly to the leaves? What are we trying to get rid of from the leaves? I am just trying to learn.
chan huang great question. 👍 many pests, such as mites, nemerteans (which eat springtails) and so on could be hidden on the leaves, as could some creatures that may not be exactly pests, but could be unwanted in your vivarium such as spiders. baking pretty much eliminates the risk of introducing such creatures.
Jean Paul it depends on many factors, including substrate depth, whether or not the vivarium is planted, etc. it a planted vivarium with a drainage layer, it may work temporarily, but it will have a much shorter lifespan, especially with worms as the cleanup crew. It will tend to pack down fairly quickly, and go anoxic. In a non-planted vivarium with a shallower layer, it might work a bit longer, as long as it does not get packed too tightly. I would not consider that mixer a long-term substrate though.
Jean Paul have you checked out the Biodude’s substrates? I use his Terra Sahara in my leopard gecko vivarium, it is great stuff! It is meant to hold a burrow. You may want a more humid mix for your Timor monitors, like the Terra Fauna...www.thebiodude.com/collections/single-bioactive-substrates
I have a curiosity. Every other video on bio-active substrates that I have watched contains no mention of leaving plants in the pots. So would you mind explaining why you are making that restriction ?
I will clarify that I do not suggest leaving plants in pots when using a truly plant-friendly substrate. I only suggest leaving the plants in pots when using a substrate that is not suitable for plants long-term, though it may be fine for isopods and springtails. I hope that helps.
@@Aquarimax First I really apreciate the reply. The ABG mix uses charcole/peat moss/spagnum moss...but I did read one tutorial which stated that peat moss breaks down rather quickly. I have the dry clay for the bottom layer. Then I plan a mixture of chopped spagnum/coco coir/coco fibers/top soil/charcoal. I need about 16 qts(40G breeder) so one gallon of top soil/four quarts of charcoal/a couple of packages of spagnum/coco fiber to make most of the rest of the 16 Qts and some coco coir. As long as I have somebody's attention(I've asked a dozen people with no replies)...I have had very bad luck with growing plants. I thought that I would start small and work through the problems on a small scale first before doing that list in a 40G breeder tank. my mistake was to use peat mixed with top soil as my sub and it compacts too well, not to mention dries out on me. I have two T5 bulbs on top of this tank so it's not for lack of light. I started/w a 10G tank. It got an excess of isopods that killed any plant that I put in there so I introduced a toad to eat them. But the plants still die. I'm threatening to pull out the old sub and put in a smaller amount of that mix at the top of this. I fear that if I can't get any growth after that it likely will stop me from going to the larger tank.
I have a quick question for you. I want to get a leopard gecko and use a bioactive substrate for him. Which one would be the best for it? And if its the multi layer i’d like to know if there are other good soil types other than the one that you mentioned because i can’t seem to find it in my country.
Lanie G It depends on so many factors (depth and composition of substrate, the bioload in the enclosure, cleanup crew, frequency of additions of biodegradables like leaf litter, humidity, etc.) that is is hard to say. In ideal conditions.I have had some last a year or so.
Thanks for the reply! I have a 20 gallon tall tank the will hold 2 whites tree frogs, with around 50% humidity... what do you recommend for this enclosure? (How deep should the substrate be, substrate tips, best cleanup crew, and longevity.) I greatly appreciate your help!
Lanie G In a setup of that sort, I would recommend about 2” of substrate. From what I understand, White’s Tree Frogs are somewhat likely to ingest some of the substrate, so cocofiber might be your best option as to composition. I would recommend making a couple of hides on the substrate for your cleanup crew: a moist hide by putting a handful or two of moist sphagnum moss under a cork bark slab or similar, and another dry hide under another cork slab. With 50% humidity and the level of ventilation these frogs need, you might want to use Porcellionides pruinosus, also know as the powder blue isopod. They are fast movers, tolerate some dryness, and breed so fast that it won’t matter if the frogs pick some of them off. I would replace half the substrate every few months, leaving a healthy population of isopods going in the other half. I would suggest adding springtails too.
Great video, but your pros and cons are quite confusing. You say its easy to maintain humidity, but in your cons you say its easy to make it too wet or too dry? That sounds like contrasting statements. Also, Aspen shavings are a poor bioactive option as they mold far quicker than other options within the substrate.
+Junaid Hassan you definitely have to be careful what you include, in terms of raw materials and microfauna, but bioactive substrates seem to be very healthy for the inhabitants if done correctly.
Thanks for watching, Psychedelic Babe! Indeed, these are a close relative of the woodlice you see in your garden, although the white species featured in the video stays very, very small (about 2 mm in length) and can only live in tropical/subtropical environments.
flamepeace good question...ants can live in vivariums, but many species at least would be able to escape from most viviariums, and they might not get along well with other inhabitants.
HI Max.. great video. It's amazing how full of life the substrate is!! Thanks for sharing!
You're very welcome, and thank you for watching!
I did this for my rats and they are so happy with it. They zoom around all, dig in the soil, build tunnels and occasionaly snack on the isopods if they find anyxD I'm so happy I gave them this amazing enrichment that is so much more sustainable and also cheaper:D
I obviously did it in a way that is specifically for rats with non toxic plants and safe soil:)
Very informative video, and very well put together.
Gothic Reaper Thank you, I am glad it is appreciated!
Nice video - helped me learn a lot! I subscribed!
Thank you, much appreciated!
Beautiful enclosure
Nature Zone Thank you! This is one of my favorite gecko builds. 😊👍
Great vid as always :)
staplerSen Thank you, much appreciated!
Great educational video.
keep it up
Feroz Reef Thank you, I appreciate the support, and will do my best!
Aquarimax you'r most welcome
Aquarimax subscribe
Fascinating information. As Always.
colinbarsby Thank you Colin, I appreciate it!
Aquarimax I think of my aquarium substrate as Bioactive as well.
colinbarsby That's certainly true...aquariums have likely had bio active components longer than vivariums! 👍
Thanks 🐸🦎
I have a difficult situation for you.
I have an 8x5 foot tegu enclosure I'm making bioactive and the substrate will be a minimum of 8 inches deep (but the deepest will be around 16-18 inches all going well)
Tegus burrow Alot and I will have underground platforms to support burrows easier.
I will have lots of plants because I've been an indoor plant enthusiast for years and know how best to make them thrive.
I was just wondering what I could use substrate wise that's is functional and cost effective!
Its not that I don't have the money to care for him/her it's just the sheer size of the enclosure!
The humidity will be 75-90% and I have access to any amount of cleanup crew
AWESOME Video ,I will be sure to make a bioactive subtract soon in the future!!!!!😃😄👍
Dinosaurs terroir World Great! I love BIOACTIVE!
Aquarimax me too!!!😊👍
Aquarimax 00:19-00:21 cute isopods😊👍
Dinosaurs terroir World Yes, those dwarf whites are admirable little critters, they work hard!
Aquarimax do you have to remove the entire substrate after 3years???
Great info! Great tank! Do the bugs ever get out of enclosure? Do they bother the pet? Or do they ever go into the bottom later?
Thank you! It is not common for the bugs to escape the enclosure, but if they did, they would dry out in the house pretty quickly. I have never seen isopods bothering any of my reptiles or amphibians, although some research on the specific species you wish to keep together is a good idea, Most of the time, the isopods and springtails stay in or on the substrate.
This is a great and imformative video!
Gabriela Angelina Thank you, I appreciate it!
Can I add aspen shavings in my people substrate?
Hi, I wanted to get your opinion about heating for a vivarium for a Asian Forest Scorpion. What do you recommend?
Edgar Sabahernandez I have never kept that species, but I did a little research. If your room temperatures are stable and at least 70-75 F, you probably don’t need to provide additional heat. If heat is needed, the advice I see is that a side-mounted heating pad can be used. (Mounting on the bottom can cause the scorpion to overheat if it burrows.)
I would like to have some water in the front of my new viv. How to separate from the substrate layer ?
james bryan I have really only had this type of water feature once. I used a plastic mesh to separate the lower substrate from the water, this was years ago, and I don’t necessarily recommend that method.. So,e people use waterproof pond foam to construct a pool.. A good place for ideas is Dendroboard.com
Is there a way to go bioactive without the tiny bugs (for ball python setup)?
Why can’t plants be planted into coco fiber eco earth? Why do they need to be in pots?
Red Queen Official Great questions! Well, you could do a partially bioactive setup without springtails for your ball python, if you had Isopods. The springtails definitely help though...part of their speciality is keeping the fungus (which is beneficial too) from going overboard.
Coco fiber is not a great rooting medium by itself for most plants...at least not over time, as the substrate will often become too compacted and start to go anoxic, which is not good for plant roots. Keeping them in the pots helps protect the roots from such problems, and allows you to replace the cocofiber if needed without disturbing the plants too much. That can be a lot of work, which is why I prefer the multilayered substrate shown here.it is more expensive than cocofiber, but allows the plants to really thrive, with less effort.
Hey there! I was wondering what plant you have growing along the top and background in your crested gecko inclosure. I have been wanting to get some sort of vining plant, but am unsure which one to go with, and also how to get it started. I don't really understand how you get it rooted so high up. Thanks in advance for your help!
Brandon Berry That vining plant is Ficus pumila, also known as creeping fig. I planted the cuttings in the substrate, and once they rooted and became established, they naturally climbed up the cork bark background, anchoring themselves with aerial roots. I hope that helps, let me know if you have any additional questions. 👍
Awesome, and will it be able to grow up the stock exo-terra foam background as well?
Brandon Berry good question...I haven’t tried that, but the stock styrofoam does have some texture to it...it might!
subscribed👍
Zer0cool NINJA88 Thank you!
So with either option would you have to replace some of the substrate periodically?
Yes, but much less frequently in a balanced, planted vivarium. My dart frog substrate lasted about 5 years before I set up a new Vivarium.
Have you changed your substrate for reptiles over the years? Do you know if using Coco coir is ok for a crested gecko (obviously in a mix). My house dries out fast and I am looking to get them into a larger enclosure with better substrate soon (they are almost 25g).
I have tried a few different mixes from different companies, all have been successful so far.
Coconut coir can be fine as a substrate component in a naturalistic vivarium for cresties (if they are old enough so that impaction is not as much of an issue)
Is the ABG good for something like a ball python, or only more tropical species?
Sam True Some people report success with ABG mix and ball pythons, but I would look into some of the other mixes that are designed to work with somewhat lower humidity than that required by dart frogs. NEHERP has one I use, www.neherpetoculture.com and the Biodude has one too: i.refs.cc/w4QzX9y1
Is a drainage layer needed for a dryer setup, for a corn snake? And which cleanup crew work best in these setups?
Small forest dweller Depending on the substrate, you may not need a drainage layer. For our leopard gecko, we use The Biodude’s Terra Sahara, with no drainage layer. I have zebra pillbugs, powder blue Isopods, and mealworm larvae/ beetles, as well as some micropods in there. I see all but the micropods, breeding and doing a great job. I suspect the secretive micropods are doing well,too. No pressure of,course, but if you’re interested in checking out his substrate, you can get a $10 discount with this coupon: i.refs.cc/w4QzX9y1?u=1521494576741
Thanks for the link, but I'm in the UK and the postage will probably be too expensive.
I'll be using a mixture of equal parts Arcadia Earth Mix and playsand, a 1/3 coco fiber, and some leaf mold. And then varying the amounts until I get a good substrate.
Thanks I'll look up those microfauna!
Small forest dweller Imsee,that makes sense. It does sound like a good base you’ve got there, best of luck finding the microfauna! Oh, I forgot to mention that I also have springtails...Folsomia candida and a species known to me as ‘silver springtails.’
Oh I'm glad you approve it, I spent a few nights looking up bio-active substrate for different species and environments till I found one that I think will do. But I guess you also learn as you keep animals too. Your channel has helped me a lot actually, for fish keeping too! (breeding live food)
Thanks, I've added them to the list! :D
Small forest dweller Glad to hear my videos have been helpful for more than one hobby. 😊👍 Some of the key features in arid substrates with no drainage are the ability to avoid too much compaction, and to stay dry at the surface while allowing for some humidity at lower levels.
I want a ask? Can you use exo terra plantation soil wich is cocopeat in a multi layer substrate?
flamebyxis not successfully long term, at least not as the main ingredient. It will eventually pack down and restrict the necessary airflow.
Aquarimax what abaout exo terra forest moss susbtrate
flamebyxis gt just the forest moss? It could be a component, but Imwouldn’t use it as the only item. You can look up DIY ABG mix, but it is probably cheaper to just buy it, unless you are making large quantities.
Hi maybe you can help me out ? I got my first Chinese Mantis and there homes are basically sml .I have a 1 gallon plastic jar .I really want to give my Mantis a Bio active home that's not to complicated .What can u recommend for a nice home ? I do have coconut fibre and have live plants available
Elise West You could add some springtails to the cocofiber for a start, and a live plant or two, if the lighting is sufficient. 👍
How would you suggest sanitizing the leaf litter?
Fishhunter2014 Good question--many people boil it for a few minutes. I typically heat it to about 200 F in the oven for about half an hour.
@@Aquarimax , I have heard of the method in many UA-cam videos. What does baking do exactly to the leaves? What are we trying to get rid of from the leaves? I am just trying to learn.
chan huang great question. 👍 many pests, such as mites, nemerteans (which eat springtails) and so on could be hidden on the leaves, as could some creatures that may not be exactly pests, but could be unwanted in your vivarium such as spiders. baking pretty much eliminates the risk of introducing such creatures.
@@Aquarimax thank you very much.
chan huang you’re welcome! 😊👍
Is a mix of coco fiber, wood, soil, and leaf litter good enough as a rooting layer?
With earth worms as the main clean up crew
Jean Paul it depends on many factors, including substrate depth, whether or not the vivarium is planted, etc. it a planted vivarium with a drainage layer, it may work temporarily, but it will have a much shorter lifespan, especially with worms as the cleanup crew. It will tend to pack down fairly quickly, and go anoxic. In a non-planted vivarium with a shallower layer, it might work a bit longer, as long as it does not get packed too tightly.
I would not consider that mixer a long-term substrate though.
@@Aquarimax for 1 foot deep planted vivarium what would you recommend?
Preferably something that can hold a burrow
Will have a drainage layer
Jean Paul what will the inhabitants be?
@@Aquarimax timor monitors
Jean Paul have you checked out the Biodude’s substrates? I use his Terra Sahara in my leopard gecko vivarium, it is great stuff! It is meant to hold a burrow. You may want a more humid mix for your Timor monitors, like the Terra Fauna...www.thebiodude.com/collections/single-bioactive-substrates
I have a curiosity. Every other video on bio-active substrates that I have watched contains no mention of leaving plants in the pots. So would you mind explaining why you are making that restriction ?
I will clarify that I do not suggest leaving plants in pots when using a truly plant-friendly substrate. I only suggest leaving the plants in pots when using a substrate that is not suitable for plants long-term, though it may be fine for isopods and springtails. I hope that helps.
@@Aquarimax First I really apreciate the reply.
The ABG mix uses charcole/peat moss/spagnum moss...but I did read one tutorial which stated that peat moss breaks down rather quickly. I have the dry clay for the bottom layer. Then I plan a mixture of chopped spagnum/coco coir/coco fibers/top soil/charcoal. I need about 16 qts(40G breeder) so one gallon of top soil/four quarts of charcoal/a couple of packages of spagnum/coco fiber to make most of the rest of the 16 Qts and some coco coir. As long as I have somebody's attention(I've asked a dozen people with no replies)...I have had very bad luck with growing plants. I thought that I would start small and work through the problems on a small scale first before doing that list in a 40G breeder tank. my mistake was to use peat mixed with top soil as my sub and it compacts too well, not to mention dries out on me. I have two T5 bulbs on top of this tank so it's not for lack of light. I started/w a 10G tank.
It got an excess of isopods that killed any plant that I put in there so I introduced a toad to eat them. But the plants still die. I'm threatening to pull out the old sub and put in a smaller amount of that mix at the top of this. I fear that if I can't get any growth after that it likely will stop me from going to the larger tank.
I have a quick question for you. I want to get a leopard gecko and use a bioactive substrate for him. Which one would be the best for it? And if its the multi layer i’d like to know if there are other good soil types other than the one that you mentioned because i can’t seem to find it in my country.
I use the Biodude’s desert mix, but a good bioactive desert mix should be suitable.
@@Aquarimax Thank you! 😊
What is that background you use?
hunterinfected6 for the vivariums featured in this video, I believe I used Zoo Med cork bark tile.
How long do you think a one-layer substrate will last? (The first option)
Lanie G It depends on so many factors (depth and composition of substrate, the bioload in the enclosure, cleanup crew, frequency of additions of biodegradables like leaf litter, humidity, etc.) that is is hard to say. In ideal conditions.I have had some last a year or so.
Thanks for the reply! I have a 20 gallon tall tank the will hold 2 whites tree frogs, with around 50% humidity... what do you recommend for this enclosure? (How deep should the substrate be, substrate tips, best cleanup crew, and longevity.) I greatly appreciate your help!
Lanie G In a setup of that sort, I would recommend about 2” of substrate. From what I understand, White’s Tree Frogs are somewhat likely to ingest some of the substrate, so cocofiber might be your best option as to composition. I would recommend making a couple of hides on the substrate for your cleanup crew: a moist hide by putting a handful or two of moist sphagnum moss under a cork bark slab or similar, and another dry hide under another cork slab. With 50% humidity and the level of ventilation these frogs need, you might want to use Porcellionides pruinosus, also know as the powder blue isopod. They are fast movers, tolerate some dryness, and breed so fast that it won’t matter if the frogs pick some of them off. I would replace half the substrate every few months, leaving a healthy population of isopods going in the other half. I would suggest adding springtails too.
Aquarimax Pets Thank you so much! This was so helpful (The video and reply) I’m a new fan!
Can I find Leafs in nature? And put boiling water on them, and put them into my bioactive corn snakes terrarium.
TokeDenOP Yes you can. Nontoxic hardwood leaves such as oak, maple, and magnolia can be used, I usually bake mine, but boiling water can work as well.
Great video, but your pros and cons are quite confusing. You say its easy to maintain humidity, but in your cons you say its easy to make it too wet or too dry? That sounds like contrasting statements.
Also, Aspen shavings are a poor bioactive option as they mold far quicker than other options within the substrate.
Wait won't a bioactive substrate spreed disease Faster?
+Junaid Hassan you definitely have to be careful what you include, in terms of raw materials and microfauna, but bioactive substrates seem to be very healthy for the inhabitants if done correctly.
Aquarimax Awesome! thanks for the advice
+Junaid Hassan Happy to help, thanks for watching and commenting! 👍
Oooo they are woodloise I get millions of them in my garden and they breed like crazy in my planters haha they are creepy ..... nice video 🤗
Thanks for watching, Psychedelic Babe! Indeed, these are a close relative of the woodlice you see in your garden, although the white species featured in the video stays very, very small (about 2 mm in length) and can only live in tropical/subtropical environments.
Aquarimax they make me itchy hahaha
PsychedelicBabe 😂
can i put ANTS inside ?
flamepeace good question...ants can live in vivariums, but many species at least would be able to escape from most viviariums, and they might not get along well with other inhabitants.
ask Antscanada on youtube.He has lots of video s and might be able to give more indepth advice for many ants species
multilayer for the winnn