How to create your bioactive Vivarium

Here’s a basic checklist of what you will need:

• Tank or terrarium: A PLANTCUBE is of course the only option here 
• Light source: UVB lighting for reptiles or full-spectrum plant lights for plants.
• Heat source: A heat mat or lamp to regulate temperature.
• Thermometer and hygrometer: To monitor temperature and humidity.
• Water source: A misting system, spray bottle, or automated fogger.

Make sure the enclosure has good ventilation but retains enough moisture for the plants and animals that require higher humidity.

Drainage Layer
The drainage layer prevents water from sitting in the substrate and causing root rot in plants which could kill them. Common materials for the drainage layer include:

• Hydroballs (expanded clay balls)
• Lava rock
• Gravel 

Place a barrier (such as fleece, a fine mesh or landscape fabric) on top of the drainage layer to prevent the substrate from mixing into it.

Substrate Layer
The next layer is a nutrient-rich, plant-friendly substrate where your plants will grow their roots in. You can use:

• A mix of organic soil and coco fiber
• Specially formulated bioactive substrate mixes
• Usually plant stores offer matching substrates for your plants
• Add some charcoal in your soil which helps microbes to colonize it

The substrate should be deep enough for plant roots to anchor and for burrowing animals to dig. We recommend to use at least 10-15cm of substrate.

You can also keep the soil flatter at the front and let it rise towards the back. This also creates a more natural look and adds depth to the vivarium. You will also want to plant larger plants, which often have deeper roots, at the back so that you have a clear view at the front.

Leaf Litter and Moss
A top layer of leaf litter mimics a forest floor and helps retain moisture. It also serves as food for the cleanup crew. We recommend you to do this after you have added all plants. You can use:

• Dried leaves as Oak or magnolia leaves (pesticide-free)
• Sphagnum moss, Java moss or pillow moss usually do quite well

For high humidity setups:

• Tropical plants like ferns, pothos, bromeliads, or orchids
• Colourful Fittonias or Begonias are an eye-catcher
• Mosses such as Java moss or sphagnum moss

For drier, desert vivariums:

• Succulents like aloe vera, haworthia, or jade plants
• Drought-resistant grasses or cacti

Plant your selections into the substrate, arranging them in clusters for a natural look. Taller plants or climbing plants should go toward the back, while shorter ground cover plants can go in the front.

Tip: Adding epiphytes (air plants) that can be mounted on driftwood or rocks creates vertical interest without taking up much floor space.

Springtails: Tiny insects that break down mold and organic waste.

Isopods (e.g., dwarf white, powder blue): These pill-bug-like creatures feed on decomposing matter.

Earthworms: In larger vivariums, worms can help aerate the soil and break down waste.

You can purchase these on the internet and introduce them into the vivarium after the plants are established. The cleanup crew will help maintain a balanced ecosystem by converting waste into nutrients for the plants. They also look kind of cute.

Lighting: If you have reptiles that require UVB, a UVB bulb is essential. If your main focus is on plant growth, choose a full-spectrum light for plant health.

Heating: Use heat lamps, ceramic heaters, or heating mats to provide the right temperature gradient for your animal.

Humidity: Different setups require different humidity levels. For a tropical vivarium, maintain a higher humidity by misting regularly or using an automatic fogger. For drier environments, be careful not to over-mist.

Make sure you have a thermometer and hygrometer to regularly check that everything is within the appropriate range for both the plants and the animals.

For reptiles, create hides using pieces of bark, hollow logs, or small caves. For amphibians, ensure there are moist areas like small water dishes or areas covered in moss where they can burrow or stay cool.

Monitor the environment during this period to ensure that temperatures, humidity, and overall conditions are stable. Once everything is balanced, your pet can be safely introduced to their new home.

Spot clean waste: While the cleanup crew will handle most of the waste, large droppings or uneaten food should be removed.

Prune plants: Trim back overgrown plants as needed.

Monitor humidity and temperature: Adjust misting and heating as necessary based on your environment.

Feed the cleanup crew: Occasionally add leaf litter or small amounts of food like fish flakes to keep the cleanup crew healthy.

With proper care, your planted bioactive vivarium will flourish and provide a beautiful, natural environment for both your pet and the ecosystem within.