Drainage

Bioactive enclosures generally have a drainage layer at the bottom in the form of hydro balls, draingage mesh or substrate. This prevents plants from becoming water logged as the drainage layer keeps any logged water away from the substrate and plant roots. It is important to drain the water from the bottom of the tank so that the drainage layer can work correctly and to prevent build up of mould or toxins. You can do this with a tube to syphen the water out.

Trimming

Live plants, if cared for correctly, can grow very fast. Due to the lighting in bio-active enclosures, along with consistent good conditions, plants thrive and this means they can grow very tall or long and may start to over take the enclosure. It is important to trim your plants, not only to care for them but to allow your pet to have access the UVB and Heat that it needs. You can use a pair of scissors to trim your plants and cut them back as required.

Watering

It is important to water live plants, and equally ensure that they are not over watered. A drainage layer should be installed as one of the first parts of putting your bioactive tank together. Plants should be watered when the substrate starts to dry, you can spray them regularly along with a good watering as required. A good way to know if your plants need watering is by looking at the enclosure as a whole, if it appears dry with little humidity then your plants will need watering.

Additions

Concentrated Live Microbe Culture- helps you to get the most out of your plants

This Culture will keep soils Fresh and healthy. Can also be added waterfalls when using false bottoms in the terrarium

Cleaning

Some people choose to have a part aquatic system for small fish to be kept in, or just a place for your pet to have a splash. You can use a siphon to clean this, in the same way you would use it to empty water from the tank if you accidentally over water plants

Automation

Using an automatic misting or rain system allows you automatically water your tank and offer a drink to your pet.

This can be timed at intervals. Bio-tope can be added to your mister or sprayer.