How to Setup a Bioactive Enclosure (Two Ways!)

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  • Опубліковано 4 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @Dani-zw4mq
    @Dani-zw4mq 4 роки тому +309

    “And Ed insisted on using his Ed Roberts mug”,” line made my day.

  • @thegriffin88
    @thegriffin88 4 роки тому +450

    Peat is an amazing thing! Peat at the bottom of the bog is, sometimes, anaerobic, meaning it contains no oxygen and therefore no bacteria.When digging for construction, workers in Britain and Scotland discovered the absolutely remarkably preserved remains of Iron Age Celts that had been sacrificed to the bog by ancient druids.
    This was my thesis in college. You could say peat moss...grew on me. (yeaaaaaaahhhhhh)

    • @seanathanbeanathan
      @seanathanbeanathan 4 роки тому +41

      Bog mummies bog mummies bog mummies

    • @DesireeWalker
      @DesireeWalker 4 роки тому +5

      I'd love to read more about this! Where can I go to learn more?

    • @justaperson4656
      @justaperson4656 4 роки тому +3

      I'd love to read up on this, we tend to make our own Compost or buy from a local green shop (their Compost is primarily food waste) so I had no idea about peat moss!

    • @thegriffin88
      @thegriffin88 3 роки тому +4

      @Butt Chug Brother Well now it is. It was a fuel source, you could burn it or make houses out of it. My thesis was on the Iron Age.

    • @angelqueen0823
      @angelqueen0823 3 роки тому +2

      @@DesireeWalker there is another youtuber named Catlin Doughty that talks about it. The channel is AskAMortician

  • @jackiec3208
    @jackiec3208 4 роки тому +266

    Yay! Setting one up for a rescue rough green snake rn ❤

    • @northtexasskies3243
      @northtexasskies3243 4 роки тому +7

      Nice

    • @Jessemasonpalmer
      @Jessemasonpalmer 4 роки тому +5

      Ur a good person!

    • @Aouf1
      @Aouf1 4 роки тому +2

      Thank you for rescuing it😊

    • @heyitsviv1033
      @heyitsviv1033 3 роки тому +2

      Be careful when rescuing becasue sometimes wild snakes do better wild♥️🐍

    • @beanel9554
      @beanel9554 3 роки тому

      Hey, how's the noodle doin!

  • @xxpowwowbluexx
    @xxpowwowbluexx 3 роки тому +5

    FINALLY somebody explained the components of a bioactive environment!!! Thank you!!!

  • @Xenbae
    @Xenbae 4 роки тому +261

    I'm not an expert by any means but I remember hearing in other bioactive tutorials that it's a good idea to let the tank sit by itself for around a month or so before introducing the reptile so that the bacteria and cleanup crew has time to establish itself. Otherwise the reptile may introduce more waste than the rest of the tank can keep up with. That's just something I've seen people say, at least. If you and Ed are also new to bioactive setups then this may be something to look into further.

    • @zanderg7048
      @zanderg7048 3 роки тому +23

      That makes so much sense! Like it has time to create its natural biome first

    • @riemoe1662
      @riemoe1662 2 роки тому +55

      This is why she squized out aquarium filter, since aquarium filter already has an established colony of bacteria and you simply just transfer it over to another tank. Thats why she said its a quick start

    • @eleventeen_gaming4403
      @eleventeen_gaming4403 Рік тому +3

      Yeah that makes a lot of sense but a month seems a little long to me idk

    • @sarahhelmer6559
      @sarahhelmer6559 Рік тому +10

      I’d think that it depends on specifics, if I had a large colony of isopods and spring tails and start with adding the colony of bacteria I’d imagine you’d have to leave this for very little time for it to keep up. And a set up should sit for a couple days min to make sure your humidity and temp are stable and correct for your animals needs. So if you did that I think it would be fine to add animal almost immediately

    • @ventislyre5092
      @ventislyre5092 Рік тому

      This actually helps me a lot-

  • @mastermarkus5307
    @mastermarkus5307 4 роки тому +568

    Emily: Now we get to add LIFE to them!
    Plants: ....

  • @renatowalker1423
    @renatowalker1423 4 роки тому +269

    Have you considered looking into Serpadesigns or Ant Canada? They both do some amazing Bioactive works on their channels which could definitely give you some inspiration for your displays at the new building.
    Best of luck Emily, and have a great 2020!
    Edit: The Substrate mix that Sepra uses is 1 Part Coco Fiber, 1 Part Orchid Bark, 1 Part Charcoal, 2 Parts Sphagnum Moss and 0.5-1 part sand.
    This seems pretty similar to what you used, so I imagine you'll have good results.

    • @shadodragonette
      @shadodragonette 4 роки тому +15

      I didn't read this first, but I also suggested Ants Canada! I don't plan on keeping ants any more than I plan to keep snakes, but I find both channels fascinating. I have watched 1-2 Serpadesigns videos and thought they were good, but I decided to limit my pet channels to just Snake Discovery and Ants Canada.

    • @larimatolaganon4946
      @larimatolaganon4946 4 роки тому +3

      @@shadodragonette Same with me, only we do have 1 5 lined skink and 3 leopard gecko's. My 4 year old wants a snake but Grandma is scared of snakes. She loved watch Snake Discovery.

    • @Vador-ft5xo
      @Vador-ft5xo 4 роки тому +2

      I love Ants Canada, and they have some super interesting bio active setups.

    • @ellatheellaphant
      @ellatheellaphant 4 роки тому

      Yes ants Canada is so good

    • @rjtuck1
      @rjtuck1 4 роки тому +1

      I literally just came here from serpa

  • @SqueakerGirl359
    @SqueakerGirl359 4 роки тому +14

    I'm honestly so happy to see how much more animated Ed gets overtime. I'm glad he feels more comfortable with his presence on the channel.

  • @reikinnie7045
    @reikinnie7045 4 роки тому +50

    I love how you care about your animals some people just neglect them keep up the great work

  • @YellowSpark
    @YellowSpark 4 роки тому +1647

    Me: Doesnt have pets and don't plan to have anytime soon...
    Also me: Watches video on setting up bioactive setups for pets...

    • @chaos383
      @chaos383 4 роки тому +8

      Vj Hawj me

    • @arwinjoshi3407
      @arwinjoshi3407 4 роки тому +7

      @@chaos383 thats me

    • @deborahyoung3762
      @deborahyoung3762 4 роки тому +6

      Lol

    • @gubjorggisladottir3525
      @gubjorggisladottir3525 4 роки тому +16

      2 male cats live with me and my grownup children. Every reptile is illegal in my country. Only ever seen reptiles on TV or UA-cam... still watch and comment.

    • @stella80831
      @stella80831 4 роки тому +7

      @@gubjorggisladottir3525 What country you from?

  • @brooke-_-
    @brooke-_- 4 роки тому +832

    Emily setting up some cages: alright this is how you do this/that
    The people who disliked the video: cages are weird I don’t like this stick. DISLIKED!!
    Me: oooooooooooooohh I like that dirt it’s nice I want it.

  • @BringDeathByPickles
    @BringDeathByPickles 4 роки тому +17

    Fantastic that this video came out the same day I decided to start remaking my corns habitat into a bioactive one! I'm happy you're shining a light on the peat-issue.
    Thank you so much!

    • @williamlewis3163
      @williamlewis3163 4 роки тому

      So what wrong with using peat moss?

    • @williamlewis3163
      @williamlewis3163 4 роки тому

      Is my turtle going to be okay using it?

    • @battlebear437
      @battlebear437 4 роки тому

      William Lewis I’m hoping (and assuming) you found out the answer(s) to your question(s).

  • @FangirlKatydid
    @FangirlKatydid 4 роки тому +5

    You're like the patron saint of snakes. My mom and I were discussing setting up a bioactive tank for Honey, and BOOM! you post a video on that very subject. You're the reason I got a snake and one of the reasons I'm able to take good care of her. Thank you so much for everything you do!

  • @painpain4490
    @painpain4490 4 роки тому +848

    Half of us don't even have reptiles
    And here we are watching this

    • @april629
      @april629 4 роки тому +19

      Probably way more then half, if we’re being honest.

    • @painpain4490
      @painpain4490 4 роки тому +3

      I'm littlerly waiting for a shayan video

    • @branfordfamilies8282
      @branfordfamilies8282 4 роки тому +8

      I got a snake because of them. 😫Thanks Emily.😍🐍🐍😂

    • @sls8830
      @sls8830 4 роки тому +5

      My reptile is a desert animal but I’m still watching this lol

    • @astrinymris9953
      @astrinymris9953 4 роки тому +1

      Accurate. ;-D

  • @haleyw5677
    @haleyw5677 4 роки тому +24

    Oh my gosh I’m so glad that you are talking about the problems with using pete moss

  • @lauraelaineallen21
    @lauraelaineallen21 4 роки тому +4

    Thank you so much for consistently focusing on environmental impacts and trying to offer alternates. Such important information

  • @lanagreen7120
    @lanagreen7120 4 роки тому +30

    I was just looking through and saw this pop up. I’ve never seen one of your videos so early!! They’re so interesting and also so educational and you always explain everything perfectly for me (sometimes I can find it hard to understand what people are trying to say and need it explained in a different way) so thank you for that ...I just LOVE your videos. xx

  • @lemonlizard1
    @lemonlizard1 2 роки тому +6

    Using beneficial bacteria from aquarium filters is a great idea! When looking into ecosystems for fish tanks, someone found that the beneficial bacteria in aquariums live in soil as well! They don't need water to survive, so I'm sure that using the filter media helped with establishing the terrarium faster.

  • @miekekuppen9275
    @miekekuppen9275 4 роки тому +10

    Thank you for the peat sensitivity!

  • @finfin3544
    @finfin3544 3 роки тому +1

    Respect on a educational talk on peat moss, I didn’t know that but it’s important thanks!

  • @AlbinoAxolotl
    @AlbinoAxolotl 4 роки тому +206

    Hey Chad!! Is your false chameleon a girl or a boy!? CHAD we want to know!
    😉

    • @Sillysealciel
      @Sillysealciel 4 роки тому +20

      why does this scare me

    • @moonchild5794
      @moonchild5794 4 роки тому +2

      @@Sillysealciel Same😭😂

    • @toko3411
      @toko3411 3 роки тому +2

      @RATHALOS Stfu
      JKJKJK

    • @Dokumashin
      @Dokumashin 3 роки тому

      I'm sorry, I don't know. I haven't got one yet.

  • @spankinrainbows1587
    @spankinrainbows1587 4 роки тому +4

    Went to visit my friend and meet her new wife, luckily we both watch your videos so we were able to bond over our love of snakes and your videos 😀

  • @Alwayscountry17
    @Alwayscountry17 4 роки тому +6

    I always make my own substrates for Bioactive Enclosures. This last time I used charcoal and gravel for the drainage layer, and then Coco coir, Organic Super Soil (Bat Guano), and Sphagnum Moss for the soil layer! I also mixed in some ReptiBark for soil aeration! I'm very excited to see how it all works! But so far, I'm very thrilled.

  • @urvimande
    @urvimande 4 роки тому +1

    Why do people even DISLIKE Emily's videos! Her every video is very educational and amazing!

  • @malene4609
    @malene4609 4 роки тому +74

    "Sorry for the focus problem. Ed was playing with the camera"
    God damnit, Ed! You had one job! XD

  • @marinaiida7586
    @marinaiida7586 3 роки тому +16

    Have you made an update video on this build? Would love to see the results :) Really enjoy all of your videos and always learn a lot from them!

  • @justtryingmybest3479
    @justtryingmybest3479 4 роки тому +93

    There are springtails in the soil naturally in my area, and there are Rollie pollies here too, so I usually just wake some dirt from behind my garage and use that in my enclosures
    Toads do sometimes eat the Rollie pollies though

    • @tiredtypes1260
      @tiredtypes1260 4 роки тому +19

      That’s real handy! I was about to mention taking care with the material and possible contaminants in the soil, but I suppose the springtails and the microorganisms would help clean it.

    • @prcervi
      @prcervi 4 роки тому +28

      only real issue of outside soil is the chance of parasites and poisons also coming with it
      payoff is usually pretty good though

    • @veronicap5877
      @veronicap5877 4 роки тому +16

      I bought nice orange Rollie pollies for my toads tank and he ate all of them in a day 😅

    • @deemariedubois4916
      @deemariedubois4916 4 роки тому +6

      Veronica P You need to teach him not to be a pig, everything, even orange Rollie pollies, in moderation. 😅

    • @user-nz3ek2mm7j
      @user-nz3ek2mm7j 4 роки тому +2

      That could potentially come with some pretty bad parasites and pesticides and such.

  • @parrotjoybirdtoys
    @parrotjoybirdtoys 3 роки тому +1

    Really appreciate you describing the problems associated with peat moss, how to look for it in an ingredients list, and alternatives.

  • @KeeliaSilvis
    @KeeliaSilvis 4 роки тому +138

    Love this video! Quick question re the experiment: Will the different sizes of the chameleons (small vs big) possibly affect the results?
    Like, if the smaller chameleon produces less feces will the good bacteria have less to eat? Or if the larger produces too much, could the enclosure get dirtier?

    • @justcallmemochi
      @justcallmemochi 4 роки тому +17

      The size won't really matter, at least I think not, but you do have a good point. Both still need upkeep but with the amount of bacteria and things in there they should stay equally clean, but I think the leaves in the smaller one's enclosure might disappear faster

    • @willgraham4868
      @willgraham4868 4 роки тому +13

      Keelia Silvis there would technically be a difference due to, as you mentioned, less food consumed and less feces produced, but it would be so minute it wouldn’t be noticeable. Very good question tho

    • @darthtator3549
      @darthtator3549 4 роки тому +1

      @@willgraham4868 baby animals actually eat more then their grown counterparts

    • @ijustwanttomakeavide
      @ijustwanttomakeavide 4 роки тому +1

      I don't know how active false chameleons are but I've compared the growth rate of the same plants in my baby tank vs the adult crested gecko tank and because my oldie loves jumping and crushing plants, they don't do as well as the baby tank. And the feces does make a difference as well.

  • @ocxanamasternak6128
    @ocxanamasternak6128 4 роки тому +26

    Hi Emily! I just wanted to say that I really thoroughly enjoyed your video. Your habitat looks well built but in reality it's very simple. I enjoyed the way that you explain the information was simple for me to understand.
    I recently did a bioactive enclosure for my ball python. My substrate mix consisted of orchid bark, sphagnum Moss, Coco fiber and charcoal. like your mixture it was mostly I balled and not actually measured out but the consistency was somewhat similar to what you have. It's worked really well so far although it's only been 2 months. At the suggestion of some people on a bio-active Facebook group I added in organic topsoil because my plants were not doing very well and since then my plants have done much better. Another thing that I did was I have not added in my ball python yet in order to allow my plans to establish rootsbefore I have a somewhat heavy bodied snake slithering around them although that won't be a problem with your false chameleons. I baste my substrate a mix that circle design here on UA-cam as well as a video that Clint's reptiles posted on building bio-active. I like that your video was much more informational as to what the elements in the terrarium actually do. the majority of videos that I've seen have just been how to build it with little to no explanation of why to do things a certain way. Excellent video!!!

  • @cullen5986
    @cullen5986 4 роки тому +3

    I recently saw someone set up a bioactive tank and found it kinda soothing so i was excited to get the notification for this video!

  • @thekcrane
    @thekcrane 4 роки тому +4

    Can’t wait to see an update! It’s crazy how different they look just being male/female!

  • @casualkhajiit
    @casualkhajiit 4 роки тому +76

    I Swear im not stalking your channel its just luck! But that being said, Love your channel!!
    Edit: Also, the video so far is so useful, im looking to get a reptile sometime and these videos are a lifesaver!

    • @ninjapandagirl4886
      @ninjapandagirl4886 4 роки тому +3

      Ya know, notifications are used

    • @casualkhajiit
      @casualkhajiit 4 роки тому +2

      Ninja Panda Girl
      Notifications don't come 30 seconds after the video is uploaded!

    • @ninjapandagirl4886
      @ninjapandagirl4886 4 роки тому +2

      @@casualkhajiit oh really? Kay, I thought it was like that but I was always 25 minutes late.

  • @gin_s
    @gin_s 4 роки тому +139

    I didn’t know Peat moss was bad for the environment! I will change to a different soil when I run out!!
    Edit: I meant Peat Moss harvesting is bad for the environment, not the Peat Moss itself

    • @plumtucker9514
      @plumtucker9514 3 роки тому +9

      peat moss harvesting is bad for the environment, peat moss itself isnt.

  • @ethanwickson4248
    @ethanwickson4248 4 роки тому +11

    I been looking on a video like this for ever, love your vids snake discovery.

  • @eddienance3796
    @eddienance3796 4 роки тому +1

    Absolutely love your videos! I set up a bioactive just a few weeks ago after a ton of research online. I ended up doing my own mix for substrate, geared more towards a ball python since that’s what’s being housed in it currently. I went with reptibark, coir, topsoil, spagnum, and leaf litter. I even used water from my aquarium to hydrate the soil and in my drainage layer just on a whim for the same reasons you gave here. That beneficial bacteria can only help! You guys are always sooo motivating and I love watching all your stuff! Thank you for being so passionate and dedicated to both your animals, and the education you provide for all of us!

  • @forest6981
    @forest6981 2 роки тому +38

    i'd love to see a bioactive enclosure specifically for ball pythons! also - any thoughts about bioactives without false bottoms? i've seen a few people make them so they can still use heat mats, but i'd love to hear yalls opinion on this!

    • @nightinggale6470
      @nightinggale6470 2 роки тому +4

      Heat mats are not a good heat source. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option during the day. They produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively than heat mats. Whereas heat mats only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin. Ceramic heat emitters are good for nighttime heat.

  • @reptilefriends9095
    @reptilefriends9095 4 роки тому

    I am Doing a bioactive set up in a week and this video gave a good idea of what I'm doing this for my anole that I'm getting soon.
    Thank you so much, Emily and Ed. This Bioactive set up was awsome.

  • @789cosmo
    @789cosmo 4 роки тому +48

    I’ve grown orchids, usually miniatures and want to build an orchidarium with some kind of small animal.

    • @iriolexisbierle6697
      @iriolexisbierle6697 4 роки тому +10

      There are a few geckos that would probably have similar needs

    • @OliveOiyl
      @OliveOiyl 4 роки тому +13

      ORCHID MANTIS

    • @kakkernakker
      @kakkernakker 3 роки тому

      A mourninh gecko

    • @plumtucker9514
      @plumtucker9514 3 роки тому +1

      @@kakkernakker unless they keep one... otherwise I hope they're ready to own a clan of them.

  • @albekayl041
    @albekayl041 4 роки тому

    So I have no snakes/ any reptiles yet here I am binging Snake Discovery!! Learning where peat moss came from and it’s pretty interesting!! Emily is a great teacher!! I can sit and listen to her for hours. Which is proven after the last couple of weeks!!

  • @FinchsFauna
    @FinchsFauna 4 роки тому +4

    I finished setting up my second arid bioactive enclosure for my rescued Leo.. he’s doing really well (and before people come for me I watch the humidity and everything). I always love to mix my own substrate for both of my enclosures I used coco fiber, organic cacti potting soil, earthworm castings, a bit of sand for drainage and clay to compact it a bit. (I also have some moss on the humid side)
    Ps: my female is in a 50 gallon and my male (he’s a lot smaller) is in a 30 gallon so they gave a good range of heat and humidity

  • @Deathbyfartz
    @Deathbyfartz 2 роки тому +1

    i don't have any reptiles or inverts yet, but ive had great success with lightly crushing the clay balls, to massively increase the surface area, this has worked amazingly for a hybrid hydroponic setup ive been running with sensitive veggies and herbs.

  • @levitate6655
    @levitate6655 4 роки тому +10

    They're so adorable 😍😍

  • @truantverreaux5483
    @truantverreaux5483 4 роки тому +2

    thank you for letting me know about the peat moss issue, i had no idea that it was so damaging to harvest. i will make sure in the future to never get peat moss or anythign with it as an ingredient.

  • @merelypale
    @merelypale 4 роки тому +4

    I want another video with just ed again! I love him so much!!

  • @violetwolf6121
    @violetwolf6121 4 роки тому +1

    I have to vicariously live through you since I'm not in the financial position to own reptiles, but I love them so much! So, thank you for the videos! 🖤

  • @janavanbellingen8531
    @janavanbellingen8531 4 роки тому +3

    This is great, I'm in the process of making a bigger terrarium for our cornsnakes and it's a big help to see how bioactive enclosures work. I do wonder where I can find the bugs...

  • @hyperion7155
    @hyperion7155 Рік тому

    I have been wanting to redo both of my snake's terrariums for a long time (they were my sons babies who passed away). I watched this video and fell in love with it and have just ordered all the items from Josh's Frog to set up the 36x18x18 first. Wish me luck since this is my first time doing a bio terrarium but I can't wait to get started. Thank you for doing this video and believe me I am following this channel and will watch more to help my snakes live the best life they can.

  • @natedrawsthings
    @natedrawsthings 4 роки тому +17

    I keep dart frogs, and bioactive is basically the best way to keep them. One thing for people to be aware of setting up a bioactive tank is that you dont add unwanted pests. It's usually recommended that you rinse your plants, and boil or bake any sticks you bring in from outside to kill any hitch hikers. My first frog tank now has a bunch of unplanned millipedes. Yay.

    • @hollandfan67
      @hollandfan67 2 роки тому +2

      Millipedes are super beneficial though!

    • @hssnrh
      @hssnrh Рік тому

      Personally I wouldn't add milipedes with my frogs since milipedes secrete a toxin through their skin which can be potentially harmful for a dart frog since they absorb substances through their skin

  • @vildhallon4709
    @vildhallon4709 4 роки тому +2

    This is absolutely beautiful I love the live plants. Bio active enclosers are kind of their own little worlds it's super cool. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • @kimoenen9301
    @kimoenen9301 4 роки тому +4

    Awesome video! The false chameleons look so cute and beautiful. Love how you explain everything and mention where people can buy the supplies you mention. I'm wondering if you're gonna make a video about the springtails/baby snails and the isopods. Because I'm curious about when you started with them, how you keep them and how you take care of them.

  • @luauraa
    @luauraa 3 роки тому +1

    You don’t understand that this channel is my life it’s so good like I really like the content like Ik I sound so weird but it’s really educational and I actually have an interest in learning this stuff it’s amazing and I have 9 pet snails and a moss garden and wood lice or whatever u call them to help clean up and I really love them ur content makes me so excited I cant describe it and I feel so educated like Ik what I’m talking about I love it

  • @samyiabowie712
    @samyiabowie712 4 роки тому +6

    I love ur videos u inspired me to get a corn snake and I love him 😍

  • @masonp1314
    @masonp1314 4 роки тому

    I added a tiny fountain pump to my tank to create a waterfall, and made a corner of the tank have a little pond by pushing back the substrate with some material. My tree frogs love it!

  • @chocolata134
    @chocolata134 4 роки тому +27

    Could you do a video for setting up a bioactive vivarium for a woma? As I have built 2 vivs for my womas but I'm unsure what substrate and plants to use for them

    • @bearsbeetsbsg8
      @bearsbeetsbsg8 4 роки тому +3

      check out the Reptile and Amphibian Bioactive Setups facebook page

    • @duhduhvesta
      @duhduhvesta 4 роки тому

      sugar plum I did one for my mantis and have failed miserably. So glad they are doing one so I can learn. I didn’t realize the drainage layer should stay wet :(

  • @kristenhitz6104
    @kristenhitz6104 4 роки тому +1

    Cant wait to see them in a few months. I like learning about bio-active set ups. Really interesting learning the difference between bio active and other set ups. Thanks for the info!!
    Also I think this is the most Ed sightings I've ever seen!

  • @justinruim5262
    @justinruim5262 4 роки тому +41

    my only questions are how often the enclosures actually need to be cleaned and if so what products would be recommended?

    • @ashleyduran6455
      @ashleyduran6455 4 роки тому +26

      Once its established you shouldn't have to clean or mess with the enclosure ever again unless there's issues like plants dying or you just don't like the way it looks. The point of going bioactive is to have a completely self sustaining environment like outside. You of course would have to make sure you have enough food sources for the isopods and springtails and you may have to add more of those guys in if you notice they aren't breeding or you don't have as many as you should, but otherwise it shouldn't have to be cleaned or anything.

    • @justinruim5262
      @justinruim5262 4 роки тому +4

      @@ashleyduran6455 cool thanks

  • @kristinkramer9049
    @kristinkramer9049 4 роки тому

    Please never ever ever end your youtube chanel

  • @elainewood5887
    @elainewood5887 4 роки тому +1

    Very informative video Emily! I really liked how you explained the reasoning behind each layer/component of the bio-active enclosure. I can't wait to see the progress video in a couple months.

  • @ThePeacekeeper71
    @ThePeacekeeper71 4 роки тому +3

    Concerning compost, if you can't find any, I suggest making your own ^^ it's really easy, especially if you have a garden: just purchase a specialized type of bin (or make your own with wood, it's pretty easy) then plonk all your green (banana skins, vegetable peels, tea...) waste into it. DIY compost in just a couple months :)

  • @capricornycacophony9764
    @capricornycacophony9764 4 роки тому

    I had no idea about peat moss, thank you for sharing that info!
    I actually made my own bioactive enclosure about 3 months ago using a diy substrate. I got the basic 'recipe' from SerpaDesign here on youtube, then tweaked it a little based on what I had/what I could find.
    I started with a coco fiber base, I think it was eco earth, then added sphagnum moss, lump wood charcoal, sand, and orchid bark. I have a magnolia tree in my front yard, so I collected some leaves from there, baked them, then crunched them up and scattered them around on top of the substrate.
    I also did a custom background for mine which I put small pots in so I could have plants all over the back and sides. I used similar plants as you guys, an arrowhead plant, and 2 varieties of pothos, plus creeping fig, a white vein fittonia, a maidenhair fern and a "janet craig compacta" draceana. (there were other plants, but they died off from the shock of the move)
    I of course added springtails and isopods to mine, but I also added some redworms I bought in the fishing section of Walmart, to help break down the soil and feed the plants.
    Unfortunately I didn't think to get a bacteria starter culture, but I have a feeling mine is pretty well established at this point.
    You guys provided some great info and if you, or anyone else wants to learn more about bioactive enclosures, I highly recommend SerpaDesign. He's amazing and makes some absolutely GORGEOUS terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums.

  • @Jaaambb
    @Jaaambb 4 роки тому +70

    1:25 oh my god she’s so smol I want to very gently pat her

  • @kendrac5191
    @kendrac5191 2 роки тому

    I love love love that you're looking for alternatives for peat!!

  • @wildivy4083
    @wildivy4083 4 роки тому +8

    Hi Emily, I was wondering if you could reply to me when your business is done because I would love to come when your there! I really want to meet you! I recently got a crested gecko and will soon get a snake, this is all because of you! You got me to love reptiles and now my mom is getting into reptiles too (still working on snakes though)

  • @elisewilliams7632
    @elisewilliams7632 4 роки тому

    I've had my critters in bioactive setups for several years now and they have done beautifully in them! It is much lower mantinence than the more classic setups I had them in before and I am no longer having the same shedding/appetite problems that I was having before switching. My leopard gecko will now sometimes give herself a soak in her water dish instead of me needing to give her a bath which would have never happened before. I wasn't expecting the change of enclosure to change her behavior all that much but it certainly has! Love the channel, curious to see how they do as I have always made my own mix of soil.

  • @nerdtasticzelda1737
    @nerdtasticzelda1737 4 роки тому +3

    This is so awesome! I have a question about working with the enclosure! How do you keep mold from forming in your enclosures? I don't have a reptile myself yet, but I can already see this being a problem for me as my plant babies have had a few mold issues in the past in their soil. This is easy to care for and fix, but it seems like it would be difficult to cure in an enclosure. I'd just love to know from you or other commentors! ♡

  • @gzusrlz10
    @gzusrlz10 4 роки тому +2

    I made my own substrate mix for my crested gecko enclosure. I used coconut fiber, jungle mix, reptile bark, charcoal, sand, sphagnum moss and crumbled leaf litter. I covered the whole thing with a layer of live carpet moss. It seems to be holding moisture well and my gecko loves it.

  • @gwyddionz.4210
    @gwyddionz.4210 4 роки тому +5

    Thanks for telling us about peat moss! I had no idea that extracting it was so damaging to the environment.

  • @HarrisonTheGrey
    @HarrisonTheGrey 4 роки тому

    Need more updates on new Building you guys bought!!! I MUST KNOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!
    Congrats by the way!! I'm sooooo happy for you guys!!!!!! It has nothing to do with me but I'm still proud of you guys!!

  • @vinceamoyo627
    @vinceamoyo627 4 роки тому +28

    No views. 64 likes and 8 comments. Makes a lot of sense youtube 😂 btw love the videos. Im a big fan of yours. Thanks for making very good eductional videos for all of us 😁😁

    • @prcervi
      @prcervi 4 роки тому

      they count people who've finished watching most of the video
      also slow to update youtube is slow as ever

  • @HoundofOdin
    @HoundofOdin 4 роки тому +1

    I'm looking forward to setting up a bioactive enclosure for my Timor monitor, and this video gave me some great ideas.

  • @arwinjoshi3407
    @arwinjoshi3407 4 роки тому +4

    I really want a snake now that i've seen your channel.

  • @joshualandry3160
    @joshualandry3160 3 роки тому +1

    This is really cool. I've done a bioactive fish tank. The setup is a bit different, but the results are fantastic. I never had to do a water change over the life of the tank or even let it cycle. I left it for a week before adding fish but the nitrates and ammonia where always stable so that wasn't actually needed.

  • @meganreid3607
    @meganreid3607 4 роки тому +10

    I would love to move to bioactive setups for my snakes once they get to adult size. I do have one question though, is there a good way to treat for snake mites without having to completely tear down a bioactive enclosure and rebuild it later when the mites have been taken care of?

    • @caterscarrots3407
      @caterscarrots3407 3 роки тому +1

      I've heard that you can add predatory mites that will eat the parasitic mites to prevent snake mites or mites on lizards in a bioactive setup, just adding those predatory mites into your cleanup crew.

  • @crowsnestpets3818
    @crowsnestpets3818 4 роки тому +1

    I've been planning on something bioactive for a Chinese Water Dragon when I eventually get one! Love watching and learning about it even if the animal is different

  • @Indoraptoad
    @Indoraptoad 4 роки тому +37

    I’m going to Repticon tomorrow! (Basically a reptile expo thing.)
    But I can’t buy anything.

    • @darkja90
      @darkja90 4 роки тому +10

      I said that to myself but ended up coming home with a hognose

    • @Indoraptoad
      @Indoraptoad 4 роки тому +6

      JL Arm but did your mom tell you to not buy anything? I really hope to get a ball python.

    • @ninjapandagirl4886
      @ninjapandagirl4886 4 роки тому +3

      Fun! Wish I could go to furcon... =(=

    • @Indoraptoad
      @Indoraptoad 4 роки тому +3

      Kiri N nice! I hope I can get a nice ball python! I honestly don’t care if mine will be cool looking I just want a nice ball python. I will update you once I come back.

    • @ladywolf889
      @ladywolf889 4 роки тому +4

      I said the same thing came back with a female pied ball python, a female tangerine leopard gecko, a mack snow leopard gecko, a mango bearded dragon and a tegu

  • @NOxiousKaye
    @NOxiousKaye 4 роки тому +1

    I have a Gopher snake how loves to dig around and make tunnels. I also really wanted plants in my tank, but thought having a planted enclosure would make it a pain to dig her out if I had to. So I put potted plants in there. Made it look like a little porch garden.

  • @dino2aa252
    @dino2aa252 4 роки тому +8

    Emily: Talks about different dirt
    Me: DIRT IS DIRT

  • @greensparrow1239
    @greensparrow1239 4 роки тому

    Oh my gosh what great timing... I'm in the process of setting up a bioactive enclosure right now!

  • @DjBarns2077
    @DjBarns2077 4 роки тому +11

    When I watched a snake video I lost the fear of snakes thank you so much

  • @jessimicak8
    @jessimicak8 3 роки тому +1

    I didnt know this was how peat moss was sourced until now :( Thank you, I use it frequently to top dress my lawn and as a general mix and wont any longer. Love you videos!

  • @sienna.6654
    @sienna.6654 4 роки тому +17

    1:25 so smol
    Her:Wait what I'm getting a mansion 😏

  • @FunSize4Audibles
    @FunSize4Audibles 4 роки тому

    Oh wow that looks a lot easier than I thought. Definitely gonna look into this when I upgrade enclosures for my babies.

  • @pennyalksnis4829
    @pennyalksnis4829 4 роки тому +10

    Emily: *puts in a bunch of fancy layers*
    Me: *puts in paper towels and bedding for my gecko*
    Also me: *cries*

  • @aliciagordon8221
    @aliciagordon8221 4 роки тому

    This is by far the best and most informative video on bio active enclosure setup. Great job!

  • @ocxanamasternak6128
    @ocxanamasternak6128 4 роки тому +4

    One suggestion I had. I quarantined my plants. Basically I washed them in water to take as much of the existing soil off and then replanted them in my prepared substrate and placed them in a plastic tote for a few weeks. Basically I did this because a lot of plants sold at garden departments and in similar places have soils with chemicals and fertilizers that won't be good to have in your finished vivarium. My logic behind it was that plants are very sensitive to changes in soil and this way they had some time to get rid of the fertilizers in their roots as well as to get accustomed to the soil they would now be living in. Personally I would at least wash the roots of all the plants that I put in a vivararium that I intended to put my pets in just to make sure that I get all the chemicals and fertilizers out.

    • @jaydeef5187
      @jaydeef5187 3 роки тому

      There's not much fertilizer that is gonna harm an animal unless it eats pounds of substrate. It's not much difference than letting poop break down in the tank. 2 day old drinking water is worse imo.

  • @Cyndy101
    @Cyndy101 4 роки тому +2

    Ed & Emily you should look into getting one of those chemical compression bottles as a water mister. The larger ones work really well to mist your aquariums and they have a long hose from the bottle to the mister spout so you don't have to hold the bottle. A friend of mine has hers on a 3 castors rolling plant stand so she wheels it around 🚿misting her aquariums.

  • @dallasmythe22
    @dallasmythe22 4 роки тому +39

    Emily: now we get to add life now!!
    Me: ummm. If it’s bioactive isn’t *everything* alive?

  • @Sillygoosespoofse
    @Sillygoosespoofse 3 роки тому +2

    Hey, this host is amazing, energy, information delivery, speed and ease of access to the more complex areas of information, all really well done. Much respect to the script writers, the host, and production team. Really makes videos better to watch when people care.

  • @shakuras2000
    @shakuras2000 4 роки тому +6

    I think antscanada does the fish tank filter thing for his ant colonies. He’s has a great channel, and you might want to check him out if you want more ideas!

  • @nynaingersoll1572
    @nynaingersoll1572 4 роки тому +1

    Can’t keep my focus off Ed’s reflection in the enclosures lol glad to see you in a video Ed!

  • @morgangobin9985
    @morgangobin9985 4 роки тому +4

    Just out of curiosity, what’s the cleaning and upkeep regiment for a bioactive enclosure?

  • @taylorwaynett
    @taylorwaynett 2 роки тому

    Coconut coir is amazing!
    Also, in lieu of compost, you could use worm castings. They're my go-to nutrients source for all my plants, and my soil mixtures. Best yet, they're commonly found in most garden supply stores!
    Thank you for the video!

  • @laurenmorriseidson4009
    @laurenmorriseidson4009 4 роки тому +17

    The clay balls look like cocoa puffs! Lol 😜 and who could watch Emily and be like I dislike this! This sweet funny smart girl I dislike it. People are weird

    • @battlebear437
      @battlebear437 4 роки тому

      I thought they were acorns at first, and wondered how that would work for the lowest layer. I can’t tell you how glad I am that they weren’t something that would degrade like acorns!

    • @battlebear437
      @battlebear437 4 роки тому

      In re to the latter part of your comment: I believe they’re people who are jealous of this wonderful channel’s popularity and love to dislike everything they upload

  • @kittygirlsp
    @kittygirlsp 4 роки тому

    I plan on setting up my first bioactive enclosure ever for a crested gecko I'm planning on getting eventually so I'm grateful this video is here to help!

  • @hopegoat35
    @hopegoat35 4 роки тому +11

    When it said “Ed was messing with the camera” I said out loud “god damn it Ed” and everyone else in the room looked at me 😂

  • @hroffey
    @hroffey 4 роки тому

    Great idea "seeding" the drainage layer with your aquarium biofilter!

  • @catherinebobatherine2152
    @catherinebobatherine2152 4 роки тому +4

    The people that disliked it were probably trying to watch the video but then their reptile walked on the dislike button

  • @Wolvestome
    @Wolvestome 4 роки тому

    I love that your videos are cute (mainly eggs hatching) and they are also informational

  • @Prepper.N
    @Prepper.N 4 роки тому +4

    What snake do you suggest for a beginner on England apart from the 5 you listed in your vid

    • @Raych666
      @Raych666 4 роки тому +2

      I'm not sure what the 5 are, will go and watch again after this video but I'm considering getting a black tailed Cribo. I live in UK. However, I'm a noob to danger noodles so I'll be interested in what others reply to your comment 😊

    • @Prepper.N
      @Prepper.N 4 роки тому +2

      @@Raych666 thanks for the suggestion

    • @Prepper.N
      @Prepper.N 4 роки тому +1

      @@Raych666 what part of the UK do you live in?

    • @Raych666
      @Raych666 4 роки тому

      @@Prepper.N Plymouth 😊