bio-active?
Introduction
When setting up your terrarium, you have the wonderful opportunity to choose to create a bioactive terrarium. This means you can include a variety of beneficial organisms that act as your own 'clean-up crew' within the confines of the terrarium. In a bioactive terrarium, you aim to realistically replicate the natural processes of waste decomposition, creating a more harmonious environment for your reptiles. Essentially, it's a small, self-sustaining ecological system that thrives within the terrarium, fostering a healthier habitat for your pets.
Why?
An bioactive terrarium ensures better hygiene and ease in maintaining your terrarium. It also provides a natural environment for your animals, stimulating their natural behaviors. There is little visible difference between a naturally designed terrarium and a bioactive terrarium. However, a bioactive terrarium does incorporate the natural processes of waste management. The organisms you introduce into the terrarium are very effective at processing elements such as fungi.
Substrate
A bioactive terrarium begins with the substrate. A sufficient amount of substrate is necessary, at least 10 cm deep. In a tropical terrarium, it's advisable to add a drainage layer. This can be done by first placing hydro pellets at the bottom, then laying a landscaping fabric over them before adding your substrate. When selecting a substrate, it's practical to choose one that retains moisture well, such as cocopeat or terrabasis. You can mix this with dried leaves. Additionally, you can place a layer of dried leaves on top of the substrate. This provides more shelter for your invertebrates and reduces the likelihood of them being eaten by your reptile. You can also mix in thin strands of moss and place some moss on top as well.
Cleanup-crew
After preparing the substrate, you can start adding the invertebrates. This is your own "clean-up crew," and they will help maintain the substrate for you. The animals that are added must be able to survive in the climate of the reptile and should not damage the reptile or any plants/decor. The foundation of a bioactive terrarium lies in springtails and isopods. Both are well-known cleaners in the terrarium, and thus they are essential for creating a bioactive setup. You can also add millipedes; the type of millipede suitable depends on the species of reptile. Millipedes can sometimes be seen as food more quickly. Adding earthworms is optional. As they move through the substrate, they help keep it "airy" and also break down waste materials.
The following animals could be used
- Springtails
- Woodlice
- Centipedes
- Earthworms
Nutrition
Springtails, pill bugs, and millipedes all feed on the same food source. They consume dead leaves in the terrarium. It is always beneficial to supplement their diet. This can be done, for example, by providing vegetables (zucchini, carrot), fish food, or dried gammarus. They also benefit from cuttlefish bone, as the calcium from it helps keep their exoskeleton strong. Having plants in a bioactive terrarium offers advantages. The roots of the plants uptake nutrients from the substrate. The waste produced by the invertebrates then serves as food for the plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, utilizing bioactive setups for terrariums, whether intended for display purposes or for the permanent housing of pets, is mostly advisable due to the numerous benefits these systems provide. On the other hand, it is important to note that such an approach can be a very expensive and inefficient way to raise and keep reptiles, particularly when they are in quarantine or for purposes related to mass breeding. Thus, careful consideration should be given to the specific needs and circumstances of the reptiles involved.