Bioactive Vivarium Pros and Cons

 A bioactive vivarium is a form of terrarium that contains living plants, populations of small invertebrates, and microbes that eat and decompose the waste products of the main species. It can accommodate one or more terrestrial animal species. The inclusion of living plants in a bioactive vivarium provides cover for the animals residing in the enclosure, is aesthetically pleasing in a display habitat, and can aid in the absorption of nitrogenous wastes that would otherwise accumulate. In a bioactive vivarium, microfauna like springtails and isopods play an important role as inhabitants because they remove waste.

Every terrarium can be converted into a bioactive vivarium by adding the proper substrate, plants, and detritivores. Display terrariums comprised of PVC, wood, glass, and/or acrylic are frequently used to house bioactive enclosures. To prevent microfauna from escaping the container, it is essential to take preventative measures. The most secure scenario is to simply think about a bioactive dry arrangement inside of a vivarium tank, where the tank is still largely sealed with ventilation holes and/or fans to control humidity.

Pros

A bioactive vivarium has numerous benefits. First of all, it gives the animals living there a more natural and pleasant atmosphere, which might aid in keeping them comfortable. Secondly, the inclusion of real plants in a bioactive vivarium offers protection for the animals living in the enclosure and contributes to the habitat's visual appeal. Thirdly, this ecosystem manages waste disposal and recycling, prevents pathogen growth, and boosts beneficial elements like oxygen concentration. Fourthly, by selecting local plants and fungi, bioactive terrariums can be tailored to the animal's needs. Lastly, they can offer certain inhabitants with a good supper if they are captured.

Cons

A bioactive vivarium has certain disadvantages. Initially, commercial bioactive substrates might be costly and have varied usability. The second issue is that building a bioactive vivarium might take time and demands careful planning. Thirdly, maintenance is necessary, including cleaning the glass and checking humidity levels. Fourthly, when employing commercial bioactive substrates, it might be challenging to find the right combination, particularly for desert species. And last, developing healthy flora and bacteria in potted plants might be difficult.

FAQ's

What is the difference between Bioactive terrarium vs vivarium?

People often use the words "bioactive terrarium" and "vivarium" interchangeably, but there is a small difference between the two. A terrarium is made primarily to grow plants, whereas a vivarium is made to house animals. The objective of building a bioactive terrarium or vivarium is to give the animals kept within a more organic and lifelike environment while also fostering their longevity and general well-being.

How to make a bioactive terrarium for a crested gecko?

Following these steps will allow you to create a bioactive terrarium for a crested gecko:

• Clean up and make ready the enclosure.
• Build a layer of drainage at the enclosure's base.
• Put a layer of the bulky substrate above the drainage layer.
• Leaf litter should be added to the substrate.
• You can incorporate living plants into the substrate by either planting them directly into the substrate or putting them on wood or the background.
• To aid in the decomposition of trash and to preserve the health of the soil, increase populations of tiny invertebrates like springtails and isopods.
• To make sure that the lizard and the plants have enough water, mist the enclosure every day.
• While establishing a bioactive terrarium for crested geckos, it is vital to investigate their particular requirements, such as humidity and temperature levels, suitable species of plants, and safe populations of invertebrates.

How to maintain a bioactive vivarium?

There are various steps involved in maintaining a bioactive vivarium. The first step is to use a thermostat to maintain the terrarium's humidity and temperature as steadily as possible. Second, routine cleaning is required to preserve the well-being of the creatures and plants residing in the enclosure. The cage should be restocked with biodegradable materials every six months. Fourthly, it's critical to keep an eye on the development of plant colonies and invertebrate colonies to make sure they are flourishing and not overloading the enclosure. Last but not least, it's critical to investigate the precise demands of each species residing in the vivarium to make sure that their requirements are being met.