Zoo Med Tropical Bioblend - 8 Quarts

Zoo Med’s NEW Tropical Bioblend is the perfect substrate for your Tropical Bioactive Terrarium. Let’s break down what’s in it:

• The ReptiSoil™ base combines humus, peat moss, sand and carbon to provide a living space for your “Clean-Up-Crew” to thrive in while also providing nutrients to your plants.
• Also added to this substrate blend is ReptiBark®. These small chips of Fir Tree bark provide drainage and aeration for the soil and prevents compaction making sure that your invertebrates can move about the substrate.
• Lastly, Sphagnum Moss is added to retain moisture and boost the humidity of your tropical terrarium. Sphagnum moss will also resist decay making this substrate long lasting.

WHAT IS BIOACTIVE?

The term “bioactive” is used to describe a miniature ecosystem created in a terrarium or vivarium. In a functional bioactive habitat, small invertebrates (aka: Clean-up Crew) break down waste from your pet to make nutrients available for live plants to consume. This incredible living network forms a balance that can reduce the maintenance of your habitat while enhancing its look. The right substrate mix is critical to a successful bioactive habitat as it will be where your “Clean-Up Crew” will do their part to convert waste and where plants will root to take up the excess nutrients.

More on Moisture and Humidity:

Maintaining proper moisture and humidity levels in a Bioactive Terrarium is essential for the health of all of the organisms involved. Plants should be watered, and substrate should be regularly misted at a minimum. In a tropical Bioactive terrarium, a fogger may be used to maintain high humidity levels as well. Since maintaining beneficial bacterial and microbial health is one goal of a bioactive terrarium, any and all water used should be treated to remove chlorine and chloramines before adding it to the terrarium. Reptisafe® can be used to safely remove these as well as add in important electrolytes for all habitat inhabitants.