This article reviews Exo Terra Substratum, a bioactive substrate designed to create a thriving and natural environment within your terrarium. Unlike traditional terrarium setups, a bioactive approach mimics a wild habitat, fostering a symbiotic relationship between plants, animals, and beneficial microorganisms. Exo Terra Substratum, sourced from the nutrient-rich foothills of Mount Asama in Japan, provides a fertile base for this ecosystem. Its unique volcanic composition and porous structure promote excellent drainage and aeration, while incorporated Bacillus bacteria help combat harmful bacteria and odors.This review explores the versatility of Exo Terra Substratum, detailing its use as a drainage layer, a component of a bioactive mix, or even a sole substrate. We'll walk through the setup process as demonstrated in a video, showcasing its application in creating thriving terrariums for both tree frogs and dart frogs. The discussion covers essential steps such as preparing a drainage layer with Bio Drain substrate, creating a bioactive mix with other organic materials, and the importance of using dechlorinated water. Ultimately, we'll assess whether Exo Terra Substratum offers a superior, low-maintenance solution for your bioactive terrarium needs.
Pros And Cons
- Collected from mineral-rich foothills, nutrient-rich and contains carbon.
- Porous structure ideal for drainage and aeration, promoting plant root growth.
- Contains dormant Bacillus beneficial bacteria that activates with water and waste.
- Combats harmful bacteria, mold growth, and foul odors.
- Can be used as drainage layer, mixed with other substrates, or as a sole substrate.
- Excellent substrate media for raising springtails and tropical species.
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What is Bioactive Terrarium?
A bioactive terrarium mimics the natural symbiotic relationships found in wild habitats. Instead of just dirt, it incorporates a mix of decaying organic matter like wood, leaves, and animal waste.
This organic matter supports a 'cleanup crew' of beneficial invertebrates, such as springtails and isopods. These creatures break down waste and maintain a clean terrarium environment.
Creating this balanced ecosystem helps maintain a healthy and natural environment for your terrarium inhabitants, providing a more enriching experience than traditional setups.
Exo Terra Substratum: Composition and Benefits
Exo Terra Substratum is a soil collected from the nutrient-rich foothills of Mount Asama in Japan. This volcanic soil is rich in carbon and nutrients, providing a fertile base for your terrarium.
Its porous structure allows for excellent drainage and aeration, promoting healthy plant root growth and creating an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria.
The substrate contains dormant Bacillus bacteria, which activate upon contact with water and waste, helping combat harmful bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors.
Versatile Application of Exo Terra Substratum
Exo Terra Substratum is incredibly versatile and can be used in three ways: as a drainage layer, mixed with other organic substrates, or as a sole substrate.
It's also excellent for cultivating springtail and isopod colonies, further enhancing the bioactive environment of your terrarium.
The flexibility in application makes it suitable for a wide range of terrarium setups and plant life, accommodating varied needs and preferences.
Setting up a Bioactive Terrarium: Step-by-Step
The video demonstrates setting up two terrariums—one for tree frogs and one for dart frogs—using Exo Terra Substratum. Both use a drainage layer, but the methods differ slightly.
For the drainage layer, it recommends rinsing the Bio Drain Terrarium Draining Substrate before use to remove any excess material.
The next step involves layering the substrate, using a mesh to separate the drainage layer from the bioactive mix to prevent mixing.
Creating the Bioactive Mix
A bioactive substrate mix is created, starting with the Exo Terra Substratum, Rainforest Substrate, and Equatorial Forest Substrate, incorporating plantation soil to retain moisture.
The video stresses the importance of neutralizing chlorine and heavy metals in the water used to mix the substrate using a water conditioner.
The resulting mixture provides a rich, nutrient-filled environment for plant growth and supports the thriving cleanup crew within the terrarium.
Conclusion: Is Exo Terra Substratum Worth It?
Exo Terra Substratum offers a comprehensive solution for creating a thriving bioactive terrarium. Its nutrient-rich composition, porous structure, and inclusion of beneficial bacteria make it a strong contender.
The versatility of its application and ease of use, as demonstrated in the video, make it suitable for various terrarium sizes and inhabitants.
The added benefit of supporting healthy plant growth and combating harmful bacteria and molds positions it as a superior choice for those seeking a natural and low-maintenance setup. While price may be a factor, the long-term benefits and ease of use justify the cost.