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View Full Version : Bioactive set-ups

jaleely
03-25-12, 08:08 PM
Another thread lead to a discussion that got me thinking. What are the general opinions on these types of set-ups? What kind of animals have it? My red eyed croc skink is almost on a set up like this as it is, just due to me changing things to her liking. I'm missing the plants. I'm going to change that, though, as soon as I do some more research. I think the pyxie frog, and all my snakes could thrive in this environment as well.

What do you think of this link?
Bioactive substrate...the beginnings. in Morelia Viridis Forum Forum (http://moreliaviridis.yuku.com/topic/10981#.T2_NbzEgdv4)

And do you think this would be a good way to go for my hognose snakes? They tend to like things dryer, and can be burrowers. I am trying actual sand for my sand boas, atm, recommended by Warren Treacher.
How do you think my carpet, balls, dumerils, corn snake, and bolivian boa would do in this environment? I respect and look forward to some engaging advice from 99% of you *lol* Oh ain't i a stinker!?
BarelyBreathing
03-25-12, 08:36 PM
I think bio-active substrate is the way to go.
jarich
03-25-12, 08:38 PM
I completely agree; if possible, I think it's always the best idea.
jaleely
03-25-12, 09:22 PM
but the way to go for Whooom? What's your opinions on the types of animals that can thrive in it? Hognose? Dumerils? Carpets? etc...?
BarelyBreathing
03-25-12, 09:31 PM
Anything that isn't too heavy bodied. I haven't tried it with anything other than tropical animals, though.
Trollbie
03-25-12, 09:58 PM
I was considering this for my BRB when he gets older
infernalis
03-25-12, 10:09 PM
I love it, my sav cage is self cleaning..

and those little poop machines go everywhere in there.

a few hours later, the little black puddles are gone.
jarich
03-26-12, 07:29 AM
I think its good for all animals, but then you have to account for size. You cant keep a burm on four inches of soil and expect it to be able to withstand all that nitrogenous waste within the cycle. However, if its done well, I think every animal benefits from an active biological cycle within the enclosure.
jaleely
03-26-12, 09:01 PM
OKay guys, you are driving me batty! I need details here.

Do you think a hognose will thrive in a set up like this? They do burrow. HOw about a sand boa?

What do you use for a heat source?
Do you use a rack system?

I want extreme details here! I have all tanks, and no racks, but I would prefer to move everyone to bioactive substrate.
DOes this require lamps? Right now i have all UTHs. Would i have to use lamps?

Details, details!!!
BarelyBreathing
03-26-12, 09:17 PM
I've never tried it for a hognose or sand boa. I don't see why they couldn't, though.

Live plants require UV-B, so yes, you will need lamps.
jaleely
03-26-12, 09:20 PM
do i have to have plants? i am not adverse to lamps, but hubby is a freak about electricity....but then again 14 snakes, however many bugs, and three huge fish tanks with high lighting for corals...i do get it...lol

I figure i should switch to lamps anyway since i realize my snakes aren't getting enough of the right stuff if they only have UTHs. My poor babies! I just wonder how i'm going to do it.

If you guys all use this method, how do you do it? do you have a bunch of tanks, or how do you do the racks?
BarelyBreathing
03-26-12, 09:41 PM
Bio-active soil is defined as live soil that maintains its own environment. This means that you have little bugs and plants to break down waste.
jaleely
03-26-12, 10:00 PM
bugs, and moss, i was hoping...i'm a terrible green thumb :(
maybe this is just what i need actually to be better with plants!
BarelyBreathing
03-26-12, 10:02 PM
I can't keep plants alive in a pot, but I don't have to think twice about keeping them alive in an enclosure.
hellosugaree
03-27-12, 09:31 AM
Live plants require UV-B, so yes, you will need lamps.

Really? So all my house plants get magical UVB through the windows or from my standard fluorescents? Or was I using special bulbs and lamps and I just didn't know about it? :)
BarelyBreathing
03-27-12, 11:55 AM
Really? So all my house plants get magical UVB through the windows or from my standard fluorescents? Or was I using special bulbs and lamps and I just didn't know about it? :)


I've always been told that plants need UV-B. Isn't that how they function?
Gungirl
03-27-12, 01:13 PM
From what I am aware they can do just fine without UV-B but it does help them grow faster and get deeper colors.
BarelyBreathing
03-27-12, 01:26 PM
Hmm, okay. Something to keep in mind.
jarich
03-27-12, 03:57 PM
Its not so much about UVA or UVB or UVC, as much as it is about the colour spectrum. Reds and blues are especially important, the rest less so. Glass blocks out most UVB, and a lot of UVC, but doesnt block out much UVA. (Thats why posters left in the window will dull over time.) Having said all that, plants dont use that much UV anyway.
BarelyBreathing
03-27-12, 04:07 PM
Hmm. I've been misinformed. Thanks for setting me straight.
jarich
03-27-12, 04:43 PM
Well, yes and no. It depends on the purpose. If you were raising something like...hmmmm...green, then there are different requirements due to flowering, etc. But for just your average house plants, the light that filters through glass should do the trick. Keep in mind the sunlight that filters through glass is still much stronger in all spectra than a light bulb though