How to Set Up a Bioactive Vivarium 🌿

🌱 What Is a Bioactive Vivarium?

A bioactive vivarium is a naturalistic enclosure designed to replicate a living ecosystem. It includes live plants, beneficial microfauna (like springtails and isopods), and layered substrates to create a setup that is both visually stunning and self-cleaning. These setups are ideal for species that thrive in high humidity or forest-style habitats—like geckos, frogs, and some tropical snakes.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

1. Enclosure

• Glass terrarium with good ventilation

• Suitable size for your species (e.g., 45x45x60cm for a crested gecko)

2. Drainage Layer

• Hydro balls or LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)

• Prevents root rot and keeps substrate from becoming waterlogged

3. Substrate Barrier

• Mesh screen or hydro fleece

• Placed between the drainage and soil layers to prevent mixing

4. Substrate Layer

Use a mix that supports plant growth and microfauna, such as:

• Coco fibre

• Orchid bark

• Leaf litter

Or purchase a pre-made bioactive substrate mix designed for your animal’s habitat type.

5. Clean-Up Crew

• Springtails: tiny detritivores that eat mould and waste

• Isopods: help break down organic material These create the "bioactive" element, recycling waste and keeping the enclosure fresh.

6. Live Plants

Choose species that suit your pet’s lighting and humidity:

• Low-light tropicals (pothos, snake plant, philodendron)

• Arid plants (succulents, jade, aloe) for dry setups

Use non-toxic plants only and ensure they’re pesticide-free.

7. Décor & Hides

• Cork bark, vines, driftwood, leaf litter

• Backgrounds, mosses, and climbing branches Helps your pet feel secure and encourages natural behaviour.

8. Lighting & Heating

• UVB lighting for reptiles that require it (e.g. chameleons, day geckos)

• Full-spectrum plant light (if no UVB)

• Heat lamp or ceramic heater depending on species

💧 Water & Humidity

• Mist daily or use a fogger/rain system for tropical setups

• Ensure proper drainage to prevent standing water

• A water dish or dripper system may be needed depending on species

🧼 Maintenance

• Spot clean any visible waste

• Top up leaf litter and substrate as needed

• Feed your clean-up crew with fish flakes, leaf litter or proprietary food

• Trim plants as they grow

Over time, the bioactive system should balance itself and require less maintenance than a sterile enclosure.

🦎 Best Reptiles & Amphibians for Bioactive Setups

• Crested Geckos

• Day Geckos

• Dart Frogs

• Tree Frogs

• Anoles

• Small tropical snakes

• Tropical skinks or small monitors

✅ Final Thoughts

A well-set-up bioactive vivarium isn’t just pretty—it promotes better animal health, natural behaviours, and makes long-term care easier. Start small, research your animal’s needs, and watch your miniature jungle thrive.