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Basic Bioactive Tutorial

  • Writer: Ashley Becker
    Ashley Becker
  • Jun 20, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 9, 2024



**Please note this is just a very basic bioactive terrarium setup. I did not go into soil pHs, nitrogen cycles, etc. I find this is a great place to get your feet wet without being overwhelmed.


Drainage layer: I have used leca aka hydro balls and river rock. A false bottom allows excess water to pool without soaking your substrate.


Leca


River rock


Substrate barrier: I always use a substrate barrier on top of my drainage layer, but they can be a pain to fit into your terrarium. If you noticed a spot that isn’t covered with your barrier, you can always cut a small piece for the area/corner/etc.



Activated charcoal: This material has an exceptionally high surface area making it an excellent absorber of harmful chemicals and bacteria and subsequently a perfect feeding ground for your microfauna (such as your springtails).


Substrate: The heart of your terrarium. I use ABG mix or reptisoil for all my terrariums.


ABG


Reptisoil (can also be purchased at Chewy and other petstores)


Plants: If you want to know any of the plants pictured in my bioactive galley I'm happy to share! So far I've had great success with pothos and ferns.


Sphagnum moss or live moss: I love using both and absolutely love the way live moss looks. This will help increase your humidity.


Sphagnum moss


Live moss


*Plants and pods also has wonderful substrate, leaf litter, decorative wood, etc.


Leaf Litter: this will provide food for you microfauna.



Natural decoration: Cholla, spider, or mopani wood, cork bark, crystals, etc.


Clean up crew, the real MVPs:

  • Springtails

  • These detritivores are famed for their ability to consume and remove mold and are small enough to be an appropriate option for almost any sized terrarium.

  • Isopods

  • These detritivores are great recyclers of a bioactive setup. They will make sure any departed plant matter/mosses are taken care of before rot sets in. Plus, they are super cute!


** I highly recommend joining the "Isopod Breeding and Keeping" Facebook group! I would be happy to help point anyone in the direction for where to purchase isopods and springtails.


Let me know if you have any questions, as I'm always happy to help! ☺️

 
 
 

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