Real plants without bioactive substrate?

Sasha2 · 05-16-15, 01:42 PM

After doing some more research Im not sure that I want to do the whole bioactive thing., However I still want to incorporate live plants into the tank.

Could I put an inch of gravel in the tank for drainage, use weed block netting, add plants still in their pots and cover everthing with some kind of changeable substrate?
I dont want the pots to show or if I can find some kind of natural looking pots that would work too.
What would work best as a cover substrate? Im thinking either very deep layer of eco earth or cypress mulch. I would only water the potted plants.

jarich · 05-16-15, 08:02 PM

Eco earth is not a good substrate to use on its own in my opinion. It dries out quickly, molds pretty easily and is dusty. If you are going to use that you might as well just go with soil and make it bioactive.

The mulch would be better to use in the case that you are talking about, yes.

Jim Smith · 05-16-15, 08:29 PM

I would also be careful of using the weed-block netting. As you know, snakes are amazing at finding ways out of (or in to) tight places. I would hate to have your snake find a way to get under the netting and get trapped there. What about getting an attractive piece of wood like drift wood or a wood burl and boring holes in it large enough to act as flower pots. It would be a combination hide and allow you to include real plants in your enclosure. Just a thought...

Sylphie · 05-17-15, 05:26 AM

I'm having live plants in each of my viv. I'm just using normal earth for plants on the bottom of the tank, and then add about 2 inch of coconut peat. It's works really well, plants are in good condition and snakes/geckos are well too, not a single problem with health.

Sasha2 · 05-17-15, 07:53 AM

Thanks for the ideas.

I like the idea of the drift wood with holes cut for the pots.
I have a nice piece at our other house and I was going to leave it behind.I'm going to have to go get it and see what I can do.
Okay instead of netting I may use spaghum moss above the drainage layer to prevent any accidents, it was an option I was looking into.
I should be able to spot clean cypress mulch for the most part. Im not fond of the mulch its always full of splintery pieces.Ive had the coco bedding and have had it mold.

What about reptibark? kind of expensive and I would need probably 3 bags.

Still not sure if I am making this for Dante or maybe getting a few geckos instead.