Lecture on Bioactive Enclosures

Introduction

• Bioactive enclosures are popular because they are self-cleaning and require minimal maintenance.

Five Reasons to Have a Bioactive Enclosure

1. Self-Sustainable
   • Minimal cleaning required.
   • Maintain water and humidity levels only.
2. Stock with Cleanup Crew
   • Use isopods, springtails, etc.
   • They clean the substrate and eat waste.

Making a Bioactive Enclosure

Substrate

• Use a mix of peat moss and reptile soil with dried leaves.
• Provides food for isopods and prevents them from eating live plants.

Feeding the Cleanup Crew

• Pre-feed with fruits and vegetables (strawberries, lettuce, carrots).
• Ensure compatibility with your specific species.

Recommended Species for Cleanup Crew

1. Isopods
   • Recommended: Dairy cow isopods (good for beginners, low maintenance).
2. Springtails
   • Eat mold and waste, recommended to keep with isopods to prevent mold.

Live Plants in a Bioactive Enclosure

• Depends on the animal type (arboreal vs. terrestrial).
• Arboreal reptiles: Need sturdy, high plants (e.g., Bmad).
• Terrestrial creatures: Sturdy, low plants for cover.
• Amphibians: Plants that tolerate high humidity (like pathos).

Additional Tips

• Ensure perfect humidity, a good substrate, and a cleanup crew.
• Avoid the animal eating expensive species of cleanup crew.
• Naturalistic backgrounds are optional but enhance the enclosure.

Conclusion

• Bioactive enclosures are beneficial and aesthetically pleasing.
• Future videos will cover more on crested geckos and other reptiles.