Exo Terra Bioactive Volcanic Substrate 4kg, PT3184

£20.93

RRP: £26.79
SAVE £5.86

Out of stock

Exo Terra Bioactive Volcanic Substrate 4kg, PT3184

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
Weight 4.022 kg
Dimensions 265 × 70 × 385 mm
Suitability

Bio Active, Rainforest

Exo Terra Bioactive Volcanic Substrate 4kg, PT3184

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.

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.

Only use tap water treated with Aquatize (PT1979) in bioactive planted terrariums to remove heavy metals, chlorine, and chloramines.

The regular use of Turtle Clean (PT1998 or PT1999) to add extra beneficial organisms to the terrarium water will support the biological filtration capabilities.

Ingredients: Natural Volcanic Soil (Andisol), Active Carbon, Live beneficial bacteria (Bacillus)


You may also need

ProRep Cork Oak Branch 80-100cm

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Chinese Money Plant Medium

in Stock

ProRep plant Large Leaf Creeping Fig ‘Variegated’ Large

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Fittonia mix (Medium)

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant. Mother-in-law's Tongue (Large)

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Echeveria Purple Perle (Medium)

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Polka Dot plant (Medium)

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Jade Plant mix Medium

in Stock

ProRep Airplant Medium Bulbosa

in Stock

ProRep Live plant: Day Gecko Collection (3 Plants)

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant: Epipremnum pinnatum (Moss pole)

in Stock

Lucky Reptile Premium Grapevine Show DLP-S

in Stock

Lucky Reptile Tronchos Branches 60-90cm, DLT-S

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant. Wax Plant 'Tricolour' Large

in Stock

ProRep Cork Bark Small Tube, Short

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Peace Lily (Large)

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant: Chameleon Collection (3 Plants)

in Stock

ProRep Airplant Large Juncea

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant. Harworthis limefolia (Medium)

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant: Crested Gecko Collection (3 Plants)

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant. Weeping Fig 'Variegated' (Large)

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant Mini Arid Collection (6 assorted)

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant. Pink Quill Bromeliad (Small)

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Fittonia mix medium x5

in Stock

ProRep Java Reptile Branch, Small

in Stock

ProRep Airplant Large Baileyi

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Haworthia margaritafera(Medium)

in Stock

ProRep Cork Bark, Small Tubes, 5 Kg Pk

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Guzmania (Small)

in Stock

ProRep Cork Bark Large Tube. Short

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Selaginella sp. Large

in Stock

ProRep Java Reptile Branch, Extra-Large

in Stock

ProRep Java Reptile Branch, Large

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant: Tree Frog Collection (3 Plants)

in Stock

ProRep Cork Bark Small Tube, Long

in Stock

Lucky Reptile Premium Grapevine X-Large DLP-XL

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant. Bromeliad Collection (20 PLANTS)

in Stock

ProRep Airplant Large Butzii

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant Mini Jungle Collection (6 assorted)

in Stock

Lucky Reptile Premium Grapevine Medium, DLP-M

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Paddle Plant ‘Red Lips’ (Small)

in Stock

ProRep Bamboo Root Jungle Gym Regular

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Trumpet Pitcher Fiona Medium

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Bell Succulent Small

in Stock

Lucky Reptile Sand-blasted Grapevine X-Large DLR-XL

in Stock

ProRep Java Reptile Branch, Medium

in Stock

ProRep Live Plant. Zebra Plant (Medium)

in Stock

ProRep Live plant. Cryptanthus Sp. (Small)

in Stock

Lucky Reptile Dark Grapevine Small, DLD-K

in Stock

ProRep Natural Liana Vine , 120cm

in Stock