A bioactive terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem that contains live plants and animals. The key to creating a successful bioactive terrarium is to mimic the natural environment as closely as possible. This means choosing the right plants and animals, as well as providing them with the necessary food, water, and shelter.
To start, you will need a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The size of your terrarium will depend on the number and type of plants and animals you want to include. Once you have selected your container, it’s time to choose your substrate.
This can be anything from sand to soil to gravel. Just make sure it is clean and free of chemicals.
Next, you will need to add some water to your terrarium.
If you are using live plants, they will need access to water in order to survive. You can either use distilled water or rainwater for this purpose. Add enough water so that the substrate is moist but not soggy.
Now it’s time to add your plants! When selecting plants for your terrarium, it’s important to choose those that are native to humid environments. Some good choices include ferns, mosses, ivy, and philodendrons.
Once you’ve added your plants, mist them lightly with water until the leaves are evenly coated.
The final step is to add your chosen animals into the mix! For smaller Terraria , frogs , lizards , snails ,and spiders work well .
Larger Terraria can accommodate rodents such as hamsters or gerbils . Be sure not overcrowd your Terraria ,and provide hiding places for each animal . A piece of bark or a hollowed-out log makes a great hiding spot .
- Start with a clean, clear container
- You can use a fish tank, aquarium, or even a plastic storage bin
- Next, add in 1-2 inches of gravel or sand to the bottom of your container
- This will help with drainage and aeration
- Now it’s time to add in your plants! Begin with adding in any low-growing groundcover plants first
- These can be things like mosses or liverworts
- Once you’ve added your groundcover plants, you can start filling in the rest of your terrarium with other plants that you love! Be sure to leave some room for growth and don’t overcrowd the space
- Finally, it’s time to add in your animal inhabitants! If using reptiles or amphibians, be sure that the plants you’ve chosen are safe for them to eat and that the terrarium has proper ventilation
- For invertebrates like snails or millipedes, make sure there is plenty of hiding places and moist areas for them to enjoy

Credit: www.terrariumquest.com
How Do You Make a Bio Active Terrarium?
A bioactive terrarium is a naturalistic enclosure that contains live plants, animals, and microorganisms that work together to create a balanced ecosystem. The term “bioactive” refers to the ability of the terrarium to support life without any intervention from the keeper.
Creating a bioactive terrarium is not difficult, but it does require some planning and preparation.
The first step is to choose the right size enclosure for your desired setup. A good rule of thumb is 10-20 gallons (40-80 liters) for small setups, and 20-40 gallons (80-160 liters) for larger setups. Once you have your enclosure, you will need to add a drainage layer.
This can be done with a layer of gravel, rocks, or hydroton balls. The drainage layer should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep to allow proper drainage and prevent waterlogging of the soil.
After adding the drainage layer, you will need to add a substrate layer.
How Do You Make a Self Sustaining Bioactive Terrarium?
A self sustaining bioactive terrarium is a vivarium that contains live plants and animals that interact with each other to create a balanced ecosystem. The term “bioactive” means that the terrarium contains all of the necessary elements for the plants and animals to thrive without any intervention from humans. In order for a terrarium to be self sustaining, it must have four key components:
1. Live Plants: The plants in a self sustaining bioactive terrarium provide food and shelter for the animals while also helping to regulate the environment. Without plants, the other components of the ecosystem would not be able to survive.
2. Live Animals: The animals in a self sustaining bioactive terrarium help to control pests, aerate the soil, and spread nutrients around.
They also provide food for other members of the ecosystem through their waste products.
3. Microorganisms: Microorganisms play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. They also help to prevent disease by keeping pathogens in check.
4. Soil: A healthy soil is essential for supporting plant life and providing homes for microorganisms.
What are the 6 Elements for a Successful Bioactive Enclosure?
If you’re looking to set up a bioactive enclosure for your reptile or amphibian, there are six elements you’ll need to consider:
1. Substrate – This is the base layer of your enclosure and can be made up of things like soil, sand, sphagnum moss or coco coir. Your substrate should be deep enough to allow burrowing and digging, and should also promote drainage to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
2. Live plants – Plants not only add aesthetic appeal to your enclosure, but they also help to create a more naturalistic environment for your pet. They also play an important role in the nitrogen cycle, helping to break down waste products and provide essential nutrients for your animal. Be sure to research which plants are safe for the species you’re keeping before adding them to your enclosure.
3. Hides – Every pet needs a place to feel secure and hidden away from the rest of the world, and this is especially true for reptiles and amphibians who often feel stressed in open spaces. Hides can be made from many different materials like wood, stone or even plastic tubs turned upside down with holes cut into them. Just be sure that whatever hide you choose can’t easily be tipped over or broken into pieces by your pet.
4 . Lighting – In order for live plants to thrive (and for some animals to properly digest their food), proper lighting is essential. Full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs are a good option as they emit both UVB and UVA light wavelengths which are beneficial for many species of reptiles and amphibians.
. If using incandescent bulbs, it’s best to supplement with UVB bulbs as well since these types of lights don’t emit any UVB rays on their own. A day/night timer can also be used so that your lights turn off automatically during nighttime hours.
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5 . Temperature gradient – It’s important that your enclosure provides a temperature gradient so that your animal can thermoregulate properly.
. This means having one end of the cage warmer than the other (usually accomplished with a basking spot under a heat lamp).. Ambient air temperature in the room where the cage is located should also fall within the preferred range for the species being kept..6
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What Substrate for Bioactive Terrarium?
There are many different substrates that can be used for a bioactive terrarium. Some of the most popular substrates include coco coir, sphagnum moss, and soil. Each substrate has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the substrate that best meets the needs of your particular terrarium.
Coco coir is a popular substrate for bioactive terrariums because it is absorbent and holds moisture well. It also provides good drainage and aeration, which is important for plant roots. However, coco coir can be difficult to keep clean and can harbor unwanted bacteria and fungi.
Sphagnum moss is another popular substrate for bioactive terrariums. It has excellent moisture-retaining properties and can help to keep the humidity in your terrarium high. Sphagnum moss also provides good drainage and aeration, but like coco coir, it can be difficult to keep clean.
Soil is another option for a bioactive terrarium substrate. Soil allows plants to grow directly in the Terrarium, which can simplify maintenance. However, soil does not hold moisture as well as other substrates and may require more frequent watering.
In addition, soil can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi if it is not kept clean.
How to Setup a Bioactive Enclosure (Two Ways!)
How to Make a Bioactive Terrarium in a Jar
One of the most popular trends in terrariums these days is the bioactive terrarium. A bioactive terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem that contains live plants and animals that work together to create a balanced environment. The key to making a successful bioactive terrarium is to choose the right plants and animals for your particular setup.
In this article, we will show you how to make a bioactive terrarium in a jar.
The first step is to choose the right size jar for your project. A wide mouth canning jar or fish bowl works well for most setups.
Once you have your jar, add some drainage material to the bottom. This could be gravel, pebbles, or even coffee filters cut into strips. Next, add a layer of activated charcoal over the drainage material.
This will help keep your water clean and free of harmful toxins.
Now it’s time to add your soil! For best results, use a mix of 50% coco coir and 50% topsoil.
Coco coir is an excellent choice for Terrariums because it holds moisture well and doesn’t compact like regular potting soil can. Once you’ve added your soil mix, gently tamp it down so everything is nice and level.
It’s now time to start adding plants!
When choosing plants for your Terrarium, it’s important to consider which ones are safe for the animal you’ll be adding later on (if any). Many common houseplants are actually poisonous to reptiles and amphibians, so do your research before making any final decisions. A few good plant choices for most Terrariums include ferns, mosses, air plants, and small succulents like hens & chicks or sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’.
Once you’ve added all of your plants, it’s time to mist them lightly with water using a spray bottle. Be sure not to overwater as this can lead to mold growth which can quickly kill off all of your hard work! Now let everything settle overnight before moving on to the next step…adding animals!
If you’re planning on adding animals to your Terrarium (and we highly recommend it!), there are a few things you need to take into consideration first such as what type of animal(s) you want , what size they’ll be full grown , whether or not they’re social creatures , etc .
How to Make a Bioactive Terrarium for Corn Snake
If you’re a corn snake owner, you know that these fascinating creatures require specialized care. One important aspect of their care is providing them with a bioactive terrarium. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to create a bioactive terrarium for your corn snake step-by-step.
First, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:
• A glass aquarium or reptile enclosure
• Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate
• Exo Terra Plantation Soil
• A large water dish or reptile waterfalls and streams kit
How to Make a Bioactive Terrarium for Leopard Gecko
One of the best things you can do for your leopard gecko is to provide them with a bioactive terrarium. Not only does this create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing environment for your pet, but it also has many benefits for their health and well-being. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up a bioactive terrarium for your leopard gecko:
The first step is to choose the right size enclosure. Leopard geckos don’t require a lot of space, so a 10-gallon tank will be sufficient for one adult gecko. If you plan on keeping multiple geckos together, you will need a larger enclosure.
Next, you need to add a layer of substrate. This can be either coco coir or soil mixed with sand. Be sure to avoid using any substrates that contain chemicals or toxins that could harm your gecko.
Once you have added the substrate, it’s time to add some plants!
Some good plant choices for leopard geckos include ficus pumila, hibiscus rosa-sinensis, and philodendron scandens. These plants not only look great in the terrarium, but they also help to create a healthy microclimate by absorbing moisture and filtering the air.
You can find these plants at most garden centers or online retailers specializing in reptile supplies.
After adding your plants, it’s time to add some rocks and branches for climbing and basking. Be sure to choose materials that are safe for reptiles and free of any sharp edges.
Once you have everything in place, it’s time to mist the enclosure with water until the substrate is dampened but not soggy.
You should mist the terrarium once or twice per week depending on how dry the substrate becomes. In addition, you will need to provide your leopard gecko with a shallow dish of water for drinking and bathing purposes.
Now all that’s left is to sit back and enjoy watching your new bioactive terrarium thrive!
How to Make a Bioactive Terrarium for Ball Python
A bioactive terrarium is a naturalistic enclosure for your reptile that includes live plants. The plants help to create a healthy environment for your pet by providing humidity, absorbing waste, and offering hiding places. A bioactive terrarium can also help to keep your home more clean and tidy as there is no need for regular spot-cleaning or changing of the substrate.
To create a bioactive terrarium you will need:
-A glass or plastic aquarium with a lid
-A reptile safe heat mat
-A thermostat to control the heat mat
-Reptile safe soil mix
-Live plants that are appropriate for the humidity levels in your enclosure
-Coconut husk or sphagnum moss
Follow these steps to set up your bioactive terrarium:
1. Choose an appropriate sized enclosure for your ball python.
Make sure that the lid is secure as ball pythons are good escape artists!
2. Place the heat mat on one side of the enclosure and cover it with ReptiChip or another type of reptile safe substrate. 3. Connect the thermostat to the heat mat and plug it in to an outlet.
Set the temperature between 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. Fill the rest of the enclosure with at least 6 inches of reptile safe soil mix. You can add more if you want taller plants or want to create hills and valleys in your landscape.
5 . Plant live plants around the perimeter of the enclosure leaving some open space in the middle for your ball python to bask . Be sure to research which plants are appropriate for reptiles as some can be toxic . Try using tropical pitcher plants, bromeliads , ferns , or hibiscus . 6 . Add coconut husk or sphagnum moss on top of the soil mix . This will help hold moisture in and make it easier for plant roots to grow through . 7 . Spray down all of the foliage in the terrarium until it’s wet but not dripping then placethe lid on top . 8 .
How to Make a Bioactive Terrarium for Crested Gecko
If you’re looking to add a new pet to your home, why not consider a crested gecko? These adorable lizards are easy to care for and make great pets for both adults and children. Plus, they’re perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space since they can live happily in a small terrarium.
To create a bioactive terrarium for your crested gecko, you’ll need the following items:
– A small glass terrarium (10-20 gallons is ideal)
– A layer of Zoo Med Eco Earth substrate
– A layer of drainage material such as lava rock or hydroton balls
– Live plants that are safe for reptiles ( spider plants, pothos, etc.)
– A water bowl
– A hiding place for your gecko (cork bark or artificial cave)
Instructions:
1. Begin by adding the substrate and drainage material to the bottom of the terrarium.
Make sure to pack the substrate down firmly so that it doesn’t shift when wet.
2. Next, add live plants around the perimeter of the terrarium. Be sure to leave some open space in the middle so that your gecko has room to move around.
If you’re using pothos plants, you can simply lay them on top of the substrate. Spider plants will need to be planted in pots filled with potting soil.
3. Add a water bowl and hiding place next.
It’s important to use bowls that are shallow enough for your gecko to easily access but deep enough that they won’t tip over. Cork bark or artificial caves work well as hiding places but feel free to get creative! 4 . Once everything is in place, mist the terrarium lightly with water until the substrate is evenly moistened but not soggy . 5 . Place your crested gecko inside their new home and watch them explore!
Bioactive Vivarium Kit
A bioactive vivarium is a living enclosure that contains both plants and animals that work together to create a balanced ecosystem. The plants help to filter the water and provide food and shelter for the animals, while the animals help to aerate the soil and spread pollen. This type of setup mimics the natural world and can be used to house a variety of different species.
One of the benefits of a bioactive vivarium is that it requires less maintenance than a traditional aquarium or terrarium. There is no need to change the water or clean up waste because everything is recycled within the system. Another benefit is that it provides a more natural environment for your pets.
Plants help to regulate humidity and temperature, creating a comfortable habitat for your reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates.
If you’re interested in setting up a bioactive vivarium, there are many kits available on the market that contain everything you need to get started. These kits usually include live plants, substrate, rocks, and other decorations.
Some even come with starter cultures of beneficial insects like springtails or Isopods!
How to Make a Bioactive Reptile Enclosure
Are you interested in setting up a bioactive reptile enclosure? This type of setup is becoming increasingly popular among reptile enthusiasts, as it more closely resembles a reptile’s natural habitat and can be much easier to maintain than a traditional enclosure. Plus, it looks really cool!
Here’s how to set up your own bioactive reptile enclosure:
1. Choose the right size enclosure for your reptile. The size of the enclosure will determine the number and types of plants and animals you can include.
A larger enclosure will allow you to include more variety, while a smaller one will be more limited.
2. Select appropriate plants and animals for your setup. Make sure to research which plants and animals are safe to include with your particular reptile species.
Some common choices for reptiles include live mosses, ferns, small invertebrates such as springtails or isopods, and amphibian larvae.
3. Create hiding places within the enclosure for your reptile to feel secure. This can be accomplished by using rocks, logs, artificial hides, or anything else that provides cover from predators (real or imaginary).
4. Set up a proper lighting system appropriate for the plants and animals you have chosen. Live plants will need some form of artificial light in order to photosynthesize properly, while many reptiles require special UVB lighting in order to prevent metabolic bone disease. Consult with a professional or do some research online before choosing your lighting fixtures so that you get the correct type and intensity of light for your needs.
5., Add water features if desired/appropriate. Many reptiles enjoy having a water source available in their enclosure (such as a small pond), but not all species require this feature. Water features also increase humidity levels inside the cage which can be beneficial for some plant species but may be too high for others; make sure to research what level of humidity is best for the plants you have selected before including them in your setup!
You may also want to consider adding an automated misting system to help maintain optimal humidity levels if natural sources are insufficient . , 6., Start slowly when adding new inhabitants . It’s best not introduce too many new organisms into the enclosures at once as this can cause problems with competition for resources or even aggression between individuals . If possible , start with just a few plants or animals first , then gradually add more over time until you reach the desired stocking level .
Bioactive Terrarium Bugs
Welcome to the exciting world of bioactive terrariums! In this post, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about these amazing little creatures.
Bioactive terrariums are becoming increasingly popular among reptile and amphibian enthusiasts.
These systems provide a more naturalistic environment for your pets, while also offering a host of benefits for both the animals and the keeper.
One of the key components of a successful bioactive terrarium is the inclusion of so-called “bugs”. These small invertebrates play an important role in breaking down waste products and recycling nutrients back into the system.
This helps to keep the terrarium clean and healthy, and can even help to prevent problems like mould and mildew from taking hold.
There are a wide variety of bugs that can be used in a bioactive terrarium, but not all of them are created equal. Some common choices include springtails, isopods, woodlice, millipedes, and earthworms.
Each species has its own unique set of requirements, so it’s important to do your research before adding any new inhabitants to your system.
In general, bugs should be added gradually over time as part of an overall stocking plan. It’s best to start with just a few individuals and allow the population to build up naturally.
This will give them ample time to establish themselves before being put under too much pressure from waste products.
If you’re thinking about setting up a bioactive terrarium or already have one underway, make sure to consider incorporating some bugs into your system! They really are essential for keeping things running smoothly (and looking good!).
Conclusion
This terrarium is a little ecosystem all unto itself. It’s self-sustaining, which means once you set it up, there’s very little maintenance required. The key to a bioactive terrarium is the inclusion of live plants and animals that work together to create a balanced environment.
One of the most important things to remember when creating a bioactive terrarium is to choose plants that are native to the area where your animal lives. This will ensure that the plants can properly support the animal’s needs. You’ll also want to make sure your planting medium is well-draining so that it doesn’t hold too much moisture and rot the roots of your plants.
Once you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to add some animals! Small reptiles or amphibians make great candidates for bioactive terrariums. When selecting an animal, be sure to research what kind of habitat they need and whether or not they’re compatible with the other animals and plants in your terrarium.
After adding youranimal companions, top off your terrarium with some dead leaves, bark, or other organic matter. This will provide homes for beneficial insects like springtails and Isopods, which help clean up waste and aerate the soil. With everything in place, all you need to do is sit back and watch your mini ecosystem thrive!