Bioactive substrate

[musiclover18]

Hi I am looking at changing my substrate over to something that holds more humidity and I have heard about bioactive substrate so I have some questions
1. what does bioactive substrate entail? I have heard mixed reviews of what people use for it.
2. Would the bugs in the bioactive substrate leave the enclosure? I have a partly open top to my enclosure and I am worried about bugs getting around my house.
3. What are the pros and cons to this substrate?

 

[S2G]

Well bioactive is just a catch phrase used to sell you things. Your just doing a vivarium. What it basically entails is adding springtails & isopods. Your dirt will naturally develop bacteria & cycle like a fish tank filter. The bugs won't get out & if they did they would dry out anyway. You want live plants & a well draining substrate. All pro's if you do it right. If you add the wrong type substrate you'll create a swamp or litter box.

I kept dart frogs forever & this is standard issue stuff in that world. Once your plants take root & your bacteria builds it will basically be like natural dirt breaking down waste. If the enclosure is too small your waste will overload the system.

 

[musiclover18]

Well bioactive is just a catch phrase used to sell you things. Your just doing a vivarium. What it basically entails is adding springtails & isopods. Your dirt will naturally develop bacteria & cycle like a fish tank filter. The bugs won't get out & if they did they would dry out anyway. You want live plants & a well draining substrate. All pro's if you do it right. If you add the wrong type substrate you'll create a swamp or litter box.

I kept dart frogs forever & this is standard issue stuff in that world. Once your plants take root & your bacteria builds it will basically be like natural dirt breaking down waste. If the enclosure is too small your waste will overload the system.

Whats a good way to set up drainage in a wooden enclosure for a redfoot that likes to hide in the substrate