Soil

Soil substrates can be used in bioactive and naturalistic enclosures, but they also make a good option for more basic setups. It is easy to keep clean and holds moisture well.

As long as it is kept moist the fine nature of soils allows animals to perform natural burrowing behaviours; such as forming a cave, burrow, or tunnel systems, without the risk of collapse. These fine soils also allow for moisture retention when sprayed, helping to keep humidity levels high for rainforest species.

Soil can also be used for dry setups, and works very well when mixed with sand for arid species such as Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos.

Some of the available bioactive branded soil mixes contain a mixture of bark chips, sand and soil; simulating a rainforest or woodland environment.

The majority of the soil substrates available can also be used as a planting medium for terrarium plants. Though it is recommended to add a drainage layer if planting plants directly into the setup soil.  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.