Bioactive Enclosure Project 24x24x48
- Thread starter BiotechStudent
- Start date
bbyoda
Chameleon Enthusiast
Holy moly! Glad you're using your compost tea
BiotechStudent
New Member
After combining the answers you've provided with the naturally created discussion (I pretty much enjoyed how much information I was able to absorb), I was able to improve my raw project. I'm considering using charcoal as the breeding medium for springtails other than filtration. The excess water will most likely exterminate all sorts of isopods before charcoal warrants any benefits in a short time period. In conclusion, I will be introducing a drainage system with a reservoir beneath the enclosure.
What are your thoughts?
"I have about 6-8" of soil that sits atop a thin level of charcoal that sits on a thin layer of pumice rocks at the bottom of the bag"
What would be this bag? The one BioDude shows here?: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...meleon+biactive+enclosure+biodude&FORM=HDRSC4
bbyoda
Maybe the secret is not to excessively mist your enclosure; obviously, we have to follow certain procedures in order to mimic the chameleon's natural environment and enjoy its natural behaviors! However, I wonder if a fog maker would minimally solve the excess water issues or perhaps the abundant fauna (parallel with soil capacity) could help maintain optimal humidity levels in a caged enclosure.What are your thoughts?
Highway61
Your idea truly makes me rethink the project, but there's one point I got confused about."I have about 6-8" of soil that sits atop a thin level of charcoal that sits on a thin layer of pumice rocks at the bottom of the bag"
What would be this bag? The one BioDude shows here?: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...meleon+biactive+enclosure+biodude&FORM=HDRSC4
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
If not that one, probably one similar. There was a thread over the summer about these bags...
I'm not finding the thread I'm looking for, but I found this one that discusses them (in part).
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/more-bioactive-questions.175511/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/search/1447175/?q=bioactive+bag&o=relevance
bbyoda
Chameleon Enthusiast
I think this thread is showing there are a few variables you can tweak based on how you want to configure your setup. I didn't want to bother with a drainage scenario (honestly figuring out the mist king reservoir was the hardest DIY thing I've done in my life so that gives you a sense of my limits lol) so I set out to create a setup that didn't need one. I live in Florida so my humidity is always high, but yes live plants do help increase humidity. Fogging at night is great for some species and a must have for others. It's working for my chameleon after a few adjustments to ensure he was able to hydrate with less and shorter misting sessions.
I use root pouches as well. Just buy them off Amazon or Home Depot online. No need to go through BioDude. You do need to get one that's big enough to fit in the square enclosure and smoosh/fold them in the way you'd like. I think the root pouches are great for keeping soil aerated. So they probably have an impact on drainage and setup as well.
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
I... forgot
oops to reiterate my enclosure is a double (48W x 24D x 48H) so I go through twice as much water as if it were 24 x 24 x 48.
Highway61
Chameleon Enthusiast
Stay away from that Bio-Dude scam, he stamps his name on Chinese prison made junk, over charges for it and then doesn't stand behind it.
https://www.homedepot.com/order/view/summary
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BiotechStudent
New Member
I am seeing a lot of criticism about BioDude products.
Is it okay to use TerraFirma after all?
Is it okay to use TerraFirma after all?
TayloredExotics
Established Member
Terra firma itself I've been told is a fine product, it does what you want and is critter safe. That said, it's essentially very overpriced potting soil. Even organic topsoil with a bit of Coco coir or peat moss mixed in would do the same thing. I didn't comment on it before because I know it can be more economical to buy it if you want only very small quantities and to not have the hassle of mixing your own. If you want any sizeable amount though, it's much better to look elsewhere.
I don't know much about the sourcing of his products; I do know he sourced info/ideas from other forums, then turned around and started taking credit for all the knowledge and rebranding materials, and refusing to share that information. In addition, he vastly overcharges for everything he sells, especially things like Terra firma (organic potting without perlite), hydrogrow (fish tank gravel), hydrogrow V2 (pumice/lava rock)...
Sorry to be negative, I just feel that he has a very unethical business model and uses a friendly/approachable and knowledgeable front to take advantage of people looking for guidance
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
That's the one. Thanks.
Highway61, BiotechStudent, root bags/pouches are pretty ubiquitous, but quality counts.
Apparently some mfrs. make rectangular & square bags as well as round/cylindrical.
root pouch grow bags
BiotechStudent
New Member
Coconut coir
Orchid bark
Tree fern
Spagmoss
Charcoal
Is it a good mix for tropical substrate? (Im not considering the proper ammounts)
Orchid bark
Tree fern
Spagmoss
Charcoal
Is it a good mix for tropical substrate? (Im not considering the proper ammounts)
TayloredExotics
Established Member
I'm not sure what tree fern is- Spanish moss maybe?
Spag moss will not mix in well, unless you meant the fine peat moss (like the sort sold in bales).
Charcoal doesn't do much for plants/microfauna in a substrate, but do provide a lot of surface area for beneficial bacteria and fungi.
I'd add in a bit of sand for density and structure. Otherwise, these are good materials for basic structure, but have little to no available nutrients. The orchid bark will provide a little as it decomposes, but that will take time, and it will be a nitrogen sink (use a lot of the available nitrogen in the substrate) during decomposition. I'd add in some composted bark and/or manure compost. This can be sterilized if you are worried about contamination from non-target microorganisms.
BiotechStudent
New Member
I forgot to mention that I will be also using sand. But i was skeptical about this mix because theres litterally no nutrient rich components...
Tree fern is a fiber to better aerate soil
Charcoal for more water filtration and breeding sides for microorganisms
I have no intention on using peat.
New mix:
a)Tree fern fiber
b)Coconut coir
c)Orchid bark
d)Charcoal
e)Sand
new:
F) Composted bark - is this a better option and should I drop orchid bark instead?
G) Manure compost- this is a full of nutrients compost that I will check
Tree fern is a fiber to better aerate soil
Charcoal for more water filtration and breeding sides for microorganisms
I have no intention on using peat.
New mix:
a)Tree fern fiber
b)Coconut coir
c)Orchid bark
d)Charcoal
e)Sand
new:
F) Composted bark - is this a better option and should I drop orchid bark instead?
G) Manure compost- this is a full of nutrients compost that I will check
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