Bioactive

[Flick boy]

Ok so my new muji viv has silver ledges ( I know iknow silver ledges are extremely popular in Madagascar) but I thought I might do something I bit less natural plz be kind

 

[Flick boy]

Also what amount of isopods and springtails is recommended ( I can't remember if I already asked )

 

[MissSkittles]

Also what amount of isopods and springtails is recommended ( I can't remember if I already asked )

I have no idea how many isopods I started in an enclosure. I’m thinking it was at least 20 of the giant canyons, which are very hardy and reproduce well. I do recall using only one springtail culture.

 

[Flick boy]

Not sure what all kinds are available here lol I know one is called a dairy cow isopod

 

[Sonny13]

Same here, I’ve only used one culture (small container) per type. That’s more than enough, because they establish pretty fast. Got daisy cow (they’re the largest), then an orange type, springtails and smaller type (don’t know their name anymore).

 

[Flick boy]

Same here, I’ve only used one culture (small container) per type. That’s more than enough, because they establish pretty fast. Got daisy cow (they’re the largest), then an orange type, springtails and smaller type (don’t know their name anymore).

Auto correct wee daisy cows

 

[Sonny13]

Auto correct wee daisy cows

You’re right about that

 

[Flick boy]

Would this be a bit of nail injury risk?

 

[MissSkittles]

Would this be a bit of nail injury risk?

No, it shouldn’t be. I used whole panels of that stuff to line the sides of my girls’ enclosures a while back and Stella had fun climbing it. She even pulled it back at one corner so she could see he forbidden boyfriend. No nail damage at all.

 

[Sonny13]

Would this be a bit of nail injury risk?

Same here, used it before and so far I haven’t witnessed any nails injuries.
It’s gonna look great as I can see so far

 

[Flick boy]

Hi all happy Thursday or whatever day it is where you are. So anyway how do bioactive setups fair with drippers?

 

[Sonny13]

I can only advise to think through a good drainage layer. This is key for a working bioactive enclosure. Still haven’t found the perfect drainage layer, this is why some plants die quickly and others stay healthy

 

[Mad Dog Murphy]

@MissSkittles I feal bad with the lack of pictures ( I can't match you or sonny) not 3ven half started but hopefully will turn out OK, I've applied rehydrated tropical moss to the sides only a week ago, so we shall see plz be kind

It looks really good, I’m just checking out your plants and getting ideas, what’s the climber there? Is it a jasmine?

 

[Flick boy]

I can only advise to think through a good drainage layer. This is key for a working bioactive enclosure. Still haven’t found the perfect drainage layer, this is why some plants die quickly and others stay healthy

Hi sonny can you elaborate ( on perfect drainage layer) ie weed mesh or substrate composition ?

 

[Flick boy]

It looks really good, I’m just checking out your plants and getting ideas, what’s the climber there? Is it a jasmine?

Thank you, be glad when it's done ,yes it's a madagascar jasmine

 

[Mad Dog Murphy]

I Like that, Im putting that on my list, I know what u mean currently making my first terrarium for my first chameleon and it’s dragging on a little, work and life in general is slowing my progress, hopefully back at it Saturday , currently waiting for the fake rock foam boards to gas out, there siliconed in on 3 sides

 

[Flick boy]

This is my 3rd and still get stressed as I'm using different products and equipment and ideas , trying to be patient and not rush so everything is close to 100% , but also mindful I'm running out of time , like it takes I believe 4/ 6 weeks for an bio eco system to stabilise just like a fish tank filter

 

[Sonny13]

Hi sonny can you elaborate ( on perfect drainage layer) ie weed mesh or substrate composition ?

Well that’s the thing. The layers substrate is one thing (which the blog about bioactive on CF, describes really well), the more important part is the drainage itself. I.e. a sink drainage in the middle of the floor or some kind. Something that drains the water out of the enclosure. And that the bioactive is completely waterproof. I’m using a thick layer of mud clay balls, about 2-3 inch and then mesh on top. Above that it’s mixture of flowering dirt, spagnum moss, sand and wood chunks.

 

[Flick boy]

This is what I'm starting with

 

[Sonny13]

Perfect