Zoo Med Tropical Bio Blend Substrate 8.8 Litre

Zoo Med’s Tropical Bioblend is the ideal substrate for creating a thriving bioactive ecosystem in your tropical terrarium.
This carefully formulated blend supports a balanced environment for your reptiles, amphibians, and plants.

What’s in it?:

• ReptiSoil™ Base: Enriched with humus, peat moss, sand, and carbon, this foundation provides essential nutrients for plant growth and creates a perfect living space for your beneficial “clean-up crew”.
• ReptiBark®: Small pieces of fir tree bark enhance drainage, aeration, and prevent soil compaction, ensuring optimal conditions for your invertebrates.
• Sphagnum Moss: Retains moisture, boosts humidity, and resists decay, contributing to a long-lasting and healthy substrate.

What is a Bioactive Terrarium?
A bioactive terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem where beneficial invertebrates (the “clean-up crew”) break down waste into nutrients for plants. This natural cycle reduces maintenance and enhances the overall health and appearance of your terrarium. Tropical Bio Blend provides the ideal foundation for this balanced environment.

Key Benefits:

• Supports a thriving bioactive ecosystem
• Enhances plant growth and health
• Provides optimal living conditions for the “clean-up crew”
• Improves drainage and aeration
• Maintains humidity levels
• Reduces terrarium maintenance

Instructions:

1. Prepare your terrarium by adding a drainage layer.
2. Fill the terrarium with Tropical Bio Blend, leaving enough space for decorations and plants.
3. Introduce your "Clean-Up Crew" and plants.
4. Maintain appropriate humidity and temperature levels for your chosen inhabitants.

“Clean-Up-Crew”
Sometimes abbreviated as CUC, a clean-up-crew consists of any invertebrates and microorganisms that work together to convert waste from your pet into usable nutrients for vivarium plants.
Some of the most common members of a Clean-Up-Crew include:


Mealworms


Worms


Slater Beetle

Qualities of good Bioactive Substrate:
The right substrate mix is critical to a successful bioactive habitat as it will be where your “Clean-Up Crew” will do their part to convert waste.

• Moisture retention: Moisture plays a critical role in a bioactive terrarium for a number of different reasons. Clean up crew members rely on moisture to live. Isopods are crustaceans and must have moisture in order to breathe, worms and springtails may desiccate and abandon substrate that is too dry. Beneficial bacteria and other microbes need a moist environment to break down waste. Plants are also an important component of a Bioactive terrarium and will require some amount of water in order to live.
• Resisting compaction: In a substrate that has become tightly packed, plant roots may not be able to develop, and detritivores may not wish to burrow. Utilizing components such as New Zealand Sphagnum moss and ReptiBark can help the substrate layer resist compaction and aid in the development of these other critical components.

Note: For optimal results, monitor your terrarium regularly and adjust conditions as needed.

8.8Litre - Part No. TBB-8