Bioactive Substrate
A range of bioactive substrates
Great for use in naturalistic enclosures
Great for live planted enclosures
A range for dry and humid setups
Fast delivery available using a next day courier service
Our Customers' Favourites
The Exo Terra Rain Forest is a 100% natural, biogradable reptile substrate mixture made from sustainable Maritime Pine & Sphagnum moss. Rain Forest terrarium substrate is the ideal decorative substrate to create natural planted terrarium set-ups for humidity-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from tropical rainforest environments. The Rain Forest substrate regulates the terrarium's humidity in a natural way by absorbing and slowly releasing moisture. Its hygroscopic properties is maximised by adding natural sphagnum moss to the mixture. Adequate air humidity levels aid in shedding and help prevent respiratory infections. The unique size and shape of the bark particles, in combination with natural sphagnum moss, allow frequent irrigation of your plants while still providing good aeration for healthy root growth. Exo Terra Rain Forest is heat-treated to reduce bacterial contamination.
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The Exo Terra Rain Forest is a 100% natural, biogradable reptile substrate mixture made from sustainable Maritime Pine & Sphagnum moss. Rain Forest terrarium substrate is the ideal decorative substrate to create natural planted terrarium set-ups for humidity-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from tropical rainforest environments. The Rain Forest substrate regulates the terrarium's humidity in a natural way by absorbing and slowly releasing moisture. Its hygroscopic properties is maximised by adding natural sphagnum moss to the mixture. Adequate air humidity levels aid in shedding and help prevent respiratory infections. The unique size and shape of the bark particles, in combination with natural sphagnum moss, allow frequent irrigation of your plants while still providing good aeration for healthy root growth. Exo Terra Rain Forest is heat-treated to reduce bacterial contamination.
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Bioactive Volcanic Substrate
The Exo Terra Sub Stratum is collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the Aso Volcano in Japan. The natural volcanic soil, formed from andesitic and rhyolitic tephra, is very nutrient rich, ideal for lush plant growth in bioactive planted terrariums. The porous surface allows for excellent drainage and aeration, supporting strong root growth. The Sub Stratum?s friable, low density structure promotes a flourishing population of beneficial, nitrifying bacteria, creating a self-sustaining, living terrarium ecosystem. The active beneficial bacteria of the soil will decompose biological waste, keeping the terrarium clean and healthy.
Bioactive Volcanic Substrate
- Natural bioactive soil
- With live beneficial bacteria
- Keeps the terrarium clean & healthy
- Eliminates ammonia & odours
- Great drainage capabilities
- Ideal for bioactive planted terrariums
3 Ways to use Sub Stratum
- As a sole substrate
- As a drainage layer
- Mixed in with other substrates
Sole Substrate
When Exo Terra's Sub Stratum is used as the sole substrate, add a layer of 1-2" (2,5 - 5 cm) to the terrarium. The live bacteria will activate when the substrate comes in contact with water or waste. The organic matter such as left over food and animal waste will decompose over time. The absorbing properties of volcanic ash will eliminate odours by trapping the decomposed materials. Rinse the Sub Stratum and replace partly every 12 months.
Drainage Layer
Add a top layer of biological substrate to the Exo Terra's Sub Stratum layer for optimal bioactivity and drainage. Plants can be secured in the top layer (eg. Exo Terra's Plantation Soil) while their roots will thrive in the sub layer of Sub Stratum - resulting in optimal growth.
Additionally, an inorganic layer can be added first for even better drainage (Exo Terra's BioDrain) to allow excess water to flow through the substrate to avoid saturation and anaerobic bacteria to outcompete the beneficial bacteria in the Sub Stratum substrate. Use the BioDrain Mesh to separate the BioDrain layer from organic matter to penetrate the underlying layer.
Use a top layer of leaf litter to provide dry areas, shelter and dwelling surfaces for all organisms in the terrarium. In the meantime it will prevent evaporation of the underlying layers.
Mixed-in
The secret to growing healthy plants begins with the soil. Naturally, healthy soil contains living microorganisms ? from bacteria to fungi, protozoa and arthropods. Together they form a choreographed exchange from the recycling of nutrients to the decomposition of organic materials.
By mixing the Sub Stratum with other organic substrates, you enrich any substrate with the required minerals like calcium, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. It also aids in the water retention capacity and provide adequate air supply to the roots.
Ingredients: Natural Volcanic Soil (Andisol), Active Carbon, Live beneficial bacteria (Bacillus)
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ProRep Drainage Medium is produced by firing ash at a high temperature. As it fires the air bubbles in the material expand to form a honeycomb of interconnected chambers and create an inert, hard and lightweight material that will hold moisture and provides a large surface area for the growth of beneficial bacteria. Used in the base of bio-active terrariums it creates a reservoir of water which moistens the substrate from below and helps to create a natural moisture gradient. The large surface area within each ball provides the ideal habitat for beneficial bacteria which will neutralise potentially harmful waste products formed within the ecosystem.
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Compressed expandable coconut fiber substrate for invertebrate pet habitats. Ideal for spiders (including tarantulas), insects and other invertebrates. Increased humidity and promotes natural burrowing behaviors.
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Creatures Creature Soil is a safe, proprietary blend of natural materials, including Peat Moss, Soil, Sand, and Carbon. Great for a variety of creepy-crawlers, as well as natural plant life in habitats.
- Proprietary blend of natural materials including Peat Moss, Soil, Sand & Carbon.
- Ideal for spiders (including tarantulas), insects and other invertebrates.
- Increases humidity and promotes natural burrowing behaviors.
- Great for live plants
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The Exo Terra Bamboo Forest Floor is a multi layer substrate that allows you to recreate the forest floor as found in natural bamboo forests. The forest floor is one of the most distinctive features of the bamboo forest ecosystem. It usually consists of two major layers; The top layer mainly consisting of fresh leaf litter (2.2l). The base layer consists of rich organic matter usually decomposed leaves & wood (6.6l)
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The Exo Terra Bamboo Forest Floor is a multi layer substrate that allows you to recreate the forest floor as found in natural bamboo forests. The forest floor is one of the most distinctive features of the bamboo forest ecosystem. It usually consists of two major layers; The top layer mainly consisting of fresh leaf litter (1.1l). The base layer consists of rich organic matter usually decomposed leaves & wood (3.3l)
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The Exo Terra Equatorial Forest Floor is a multi layer substrate that allows you to recreate the forest floor as found in natural equatorial forests. The forest floor is one of the most distinctive features of the equatorial forest ecosystem. It usually consists of two major layers; The top layer mainly consisting of fresh leaf litter The base layer consists of rich organic matter - usually decomposed leaves & wood The top layer consists of sun dried decorative Ardisia leaves from a sustainable resource. With this decorative top layer you can actually create the soft floor covering found in natural equatorial forests. The Ardisia leaves provide a soft layer for animals to burrow and cover their secret hideout. Most reptiles and amphibians forage the forest floor in search of food and water. The top layer covers the actual substrate underneath to facilitate its moisture retention and prevent the soil from drying out.
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The Exo Terra Equatorial Forest Floor is a multi layer substrate that allows you to recreate the forest floor as found in natural equatorial forests. The forest floor is one of the most distinctive features of the equatorial forest ecosystem. It usually consists of two major layers; The top layer mainly consisting of fresh leaf litter The base layer consists of rich organic matter - usually decomposed leaves & wood The top layer consists of sun dried decorative Ardisia leaves from a sustainable resource. With this decorative top layer you can actually create the soft floor covering found in natural equatorial forests. The Ardisia leaves provide a soft layer for animals to burrow and cover their secret hideout. Most reptiles and amphibians forage the forest floor in search of food and water. The top layer covers the actual substrate underneath to facilitate its moisture retention and prevent the soil from drying out.
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The Exo Terra Tropical Forest Floor is a multi layer substrate that allows you to recreate the forest floor as found in natural tropical forests. The forest floor is one of the most distinctive features of the tropical forest ecosystem. It usually consists of two major layers;
- The top layer mainly consisting of mosses & lichens
- The base layer consists of rich organic matter usually decomposed leaves & wood
The top layer consists of sun dried natural green moss from a sustainable resource. With this decorative top layer you can actually create the soft floor covering found in natural tropical forests. The sun dried green moss provides a soft layer for animals to burrow and cover their secret hideout. Most reptiles and amphibians forage the forest floor in search of food and water. The top layer covers the actual substrate underneath to facilitate its moisture retention and prevent the soil from drying out. The biodegradable moss is absolutely free of chemicals and can be safely composted in your garden.
The base layer consists of rich organic matter from sustainable ground coconut husk fiber. It is a 100% natural, ecological and biodegradable substrate with great hygroscopic properties. This base layer makes an ideal substrate to create natural planted terrarium set-ups for humidity-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Its water retention, natural rooting hormones and anti-fungal properties promote plant growth in your terrarium. The unique coir pith used for the Exo Terra Tropical Forest Floor consists of a mixture of short fiber and coco-peat grain sizes ranging from coarse granules to fine clumps resulting in improved soil drainage and healthy plant root aeration.
The top layer of sun dried natural green moss keeps the base layer slightly moist, facilitating maintenance by functioning as a natural ecosystem where beneficial organisms will brake down waste products and thus reduce odors.
The Exo Terra Tropical Forest Floor is heat-treated to reduce bacterial contamination.
Directions for use: Spread 2-4" (5-10 cm) of the base layer on the terrarium floor. Water or mist the substrate according to the humidity level required. Place your decorative items in the terrarium, than cover the floor with the top layer of decorative natural green moss. Use an Exo Terra Hygrometer to monitor the level. To increase air humidity in well-ventilated terrariums or those with very high humidity requirements, place an Exo Terra terrarium substrate heater underneath the terrarium. Spot clean the bedding on a daily basis, and completely replace with new bedding when necessary.
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The Exo Terra Tropical Forest Floor is a multi layer substrate that allows you to recreate the forest floor as found in natural tropical forests. The forest floor is one of the most distinctive features of the tropical forest ecosystem. It usually consists of two major layers; The top layer mainly consisting of mosses & lichens (1.1l). The base layer consists of rich organic matter usually decomposed leaves & wood (3.3l)
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Completely natural moss cage substrate for amphibians and wetland environment reptiles.
Great for use in humidifying shelters for all types of reptiles and amphibians.
Excellent for use as an egg-laying and incubation medium for a variety of reptiles.
Additional Information: Available in 5 sizes including a mini compressed bale size for multiple terrariums.
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Exo Terra BioDrain Terrarium Draining Substrate is a natural, non-organic substrate that allows excellent drainage of the terrarium. It will not rot or decompose like other natural substrates. The optional BioDrain Terrarium Draining Mesh will keep the BioDrain Terrarium Draining Substrate separated from the decorative terrarium top-layer substrate and prevent the different substrates from mixing and contaminating the water. The BioDrain Terrarium Draining Substrate will function as a biological filtration system. The clean terrarium water can then be circulated in waterfalls, the Exo Terra Rain System or Dripping Plants.
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- 100% natural substrate
- Ideal for natural terrarium set-ups
- Perfect for humidity loving reptiles
- Stimulates natural digging and burrowing behaviour
- Nutritional substrate for live plants
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Exo Terra Forest Moss is real compressed moss grown in tropical Asia. This ecological substrate is ideal for increasing humidity in the terrarium and is totally safe for frogs, salamanders and burrowing or digging animals. The Exo Terra Forest Moss is extremely absorbent and is recommended in humidifying shelters such as the Exo Terra Snake Cave or Reptile Cave. It is also an ideal egg-laying or incubation medium.
- Completely natural forest moss (no dyes or chemicals)
- Ideal for amphibians and wetland environment reptiles
- Great for use in humidifying shelters
- Excellent for use as egg-laying and incubation medium
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The Hydro Fleece was developed for use with the Lucky Reptile Hydro Drain clay substrate. It prevents substrate from seeping into the drainage layer while it lets through water without problems.
Compared to solutions with nets or meshes the main advantage of the Hydro Fleece is that it also stops fine materials like humus from getting into the drainage layer. The fleece does not rot and can be easily cut to the desired size. To cover the floor in larger terrariums several pieces of Hydro Fleece can be arranged with a small overlapping area to achieve the desired layer separation effect.
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The Lucky Reptile Humus Brick consist of natural coco humus which has been pressed to a tight brick. If placed in water, this humus brick will swell up to about 8-10 times its volume. The humus is excellent for burrowing animals and can be used either dry or humid. It is an excellent substrate for tarantulas and tortoises as well as tropical amphibians and reptiles.
The Lucky Reptile Humus Brick is a natural product (100% bio degradable) and free of chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers.
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For tropical terrariums Hydro Drain cannot be foregone. It is a special clay substrate which is excellent for water storage.
Hydro Drain acts as drainage layer below the normal substrate. The water seeps through the substrate and is stored in the Hydro Drain clay pieces. Once the storage capability is surpassed you can still have water standing at the vivarium floor. As long as the fill height of Hydro Drain is not surpassed the regular substrate will not get swampy.
Thanks to its water storage abilities Hydro Drain increases the humidity inside the vivarium and is excellent to supply plants with water. We recommend to add a minimum layer of 3 cm Hydro Drain and cover it with our special Hydro Fleece. On top of this the normal substrate is placed, e.g. terrarium humus.
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Lucky Reptile Vivarium Moss is perfect for decorating your vivarium and creating places inside your vivarium with high humdity.
Soak the moss in water to allow it to take up lots of humidity. It will also look green and fresh.
Perfect for use with Lucky Reptile Multi Box!
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ProRep Live Moss can be used as cage decoration or as a substrate and is normally used wet to provide high humidity for moisture-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
It is also suitable for use in a wet box for egg laying or shedding. Live Moss is harvested from sustainable sources.
Directions: Place the required amount in a container of clean de-chlorinated water for 10 minutes. Remove and squeeze gently to remove excess water.
Please note that this is a fresh, living product and is not sterile.
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ProRep Spider Life is part of the species-specific life series of substrates and has been created to meet the needs of spiders and scorpions originating from humid habitats, including burrowing species.
It is a blend of ingredients that provide the ideal mix of structure and moisture retention whilst promoting natural digging and burrowing behaviour.
Directions: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth suitable for the species. For most species 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) is adequate but burrowing species may require 2-4 inches (5-10cm) of substrate in order to construct their burrows correctly. Spot-clean regularly to remove soiled substrate and replace completely every 2-3 months or as needed. Keep the substrate evenly moist but avoid making it too wet.
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A blended substrate to help create the ideal environment for Crested Geckos and other arboreal species.
The life substrates are specially blended from high quality ingredients to create a substrate that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of a particular species, or group of similar species.
For 'Crestie life' we have created an open, moisture retaining substrate with a slightly acidic pH. This holds moisture and releases it slowly, so helping to maintain high humidity, while the pH inhibits excessive bacteria growth. This type of substrate is ideal for Crested Geckos and other arboreal species that require high humidity. It also allows plants to be grown to create a natural environment.
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Eco Earth is a compressed coconut fiber that is ideal for burrowing animals.
It can be used to increase humidity in an enclosure.
Additional Information:
- Each Eco Earth brick makes 7-8 liters of substrate.
- Available in a single pack or value triple pack.
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Bioactive Substrates
Bioactive substrates are a great way to create your own bioactive set up. These soil based substrates are already packed with nutrients so plants and cleaner colonies like woodlice or springtails can be added straight into the enclosure. These are a great way to create a naturalistic enclosure.