Bioactive Mentor

[SharpShooter]

You don't hang about! That's a stunning enclosure fit for chameleon royalty.

 

[Repti]

Looks so amazing makes me want to build one myself

 

[Brodybreaux25]

Thanks, had a lot of help along the way! He seems to be adjusting well, openly drinking and hunting first thing this morning...

...please excuse the background noise, son was playing video games way too loud.

 

[maxheadroom]

What did you end up using for your substrate?

 

[Brodybreaux25]

What did you end up using for your substrate?

Mix of soil from my vegetable garden with moss, organic compost and this ExoTerra soil Ive had laying around for years. Also ordered spring tails and caught about 100 wild doodle bugs for breeding.

 

[maxheadroom]

It came out great. I'm doing the same type bioactive terrarium. What type of screen did you use?

 

[Brodybreaux25]

Called Hi-visibility screen from the doors and windows section of Home Depot. $20 a roll and I could have done my viv 10 times over...

 

[maxheadroom]

I was looking at that but I'm still undecided due to all the conflicting info online.

 

[Brodybreaux25]

I was looking at that but I'm still undecided due to all the conflicting info online.

What kind of conflicts?

 

[salty dog]

Earthworms are (a sexual) sweet viv!!!!

 

[iMi]

I use exo terra’s, so substrate is probably 6-10 inches. I utilize the slope method as well. If I was going full custom, I like the idea of 2 inches or so of drainage, and substrate depths of 12-18 inches. I like thinking of the bottom as a giant planter. The giant volume of soil will accommodate TONS of benificial microflora and insects. I would look at it as though I was planting out the enclosure once, then leaving it to become it’s own micro climate/environment. All the volume of substrate and space in general should create an amazing self sustaining environment. Basically add water and light, and watch the magic happen.

I love this idea. I ran into a weight problem with too much soil. It’s close to a foot including drainage layer and slopes backwards. Wish I could make it deeper. Someday I may also build a custom enclosure. There is only so much a commercial enclosure can handle, but I love the idea of a deep, bio diverse base.

 

[iMi]

Mix of soil from my vegetable garden with moss, organic compost and this ExoTerra soil Ive had laying around for years. Also ordered spring tails and caught about 100 wild doodle bugs for breeding.View attachment 221227

I really like the plantation soil. I used it as well. It’s light weight, too.

 

[maxheadroom]

What kind of conflicts?

That it can be hard on chams feet or their claws can get caught in the screen.

 

[Brodybreaux25]

That it can be hard on chams feet or their claws can get caught in the screen.

I’ve built 14 vivs over the last 2 years, never had a single problem.

 

[maxheadroom]

I’ve built 14 vivs over the last 2 years, never had a single problem.

That's great news to hear. Thanks for the info!

 

[maxheadroom]

Of course the Lowe's near me only has fiberglass hi visability screen

 

[Beman]

Done! Now for the fun part, let’s pick it apart!
https://youtu.be/yLyT2EyHk1YView attachment 221120View attachment 221121View attachment 221122View attachment 221123View attachment 221124

Looks absolutely fantastic!!!!!! I love all the driftwood! just beautiful!

 

[Brodybreaux25]

Of course the Lowe's near me only has fiberglass hi visability screen

What’s wrong with fiberglass?

 

[Goose502]

What’s wrong with fiberglass?

Feeders can eat through it is what I’ve heard.

 

[maxheadroom]

What’s wrong with fiberglass?

I don't want crickets chewing holes through the screen.