Bioactive

Bio-active enclosures are regarded as being an ideal housing solution for many reptiles. A bioactive vivarium is one where the soil contains invertebrate custodians that assist with the breaking down of uneaten food, dead leaves and waste material. They are usually live planted and intended to replicate the animals natural environment.

It is worth noting that the majority of bioactive custodians available on the market (Springtails, Isopods, Earthworms etc) require humid conditions to thrive. Not all reptiles require the same high levels of humidity so a bioactive enclosure is not always suitable. In order to ensure a healthy population of these animals; supplements may be required if the reptiles are not that messy. This is particularly the case for snake setups, as snakes are clean animals that defecate infrequently.

A ‘bioactive style’ setup without the addition of custodians is referred to as a naturalistic setup and these will work for the majority of species. Reptiles appreciate environments that mimic where they are found in nature.

Branded naturalistic and bioactive substrates are usually soil type mixes containing a mixture of bark chips, sand and soil; simulating a rainforest or woodland environment.

Adding a drainage layer to planted enclosures, and those that are misted frequently, is recommended in order to prevent the substrate becoming over saturated and stagnant. A drainage layer of clay balls provides the water with a reservoir to keep the substrate drier. A sheet of fleece between the layers helps prevent them from mixing together.