TakoNigiri
Member
The reptile carpet I use now certainly works, but it's a hassle to clean and Serena doesn't seem to enjoy the texture, she's always on her hides, ledges or rocks except during feeding. I have a spare bag of eco earth that I plan to use for a dig box, but I would also like to make a bioactive enclosure. We already cultivate earthworms for composting and have plenty of wild springtails and isopods in the area (I know that wild-caught insects aren't a great idea for feeding, but they should be okay for a cleaning crew, right?) I've read, however, that eco earth isn't great for beardies due to the risk of impaction and how dusty it is, though I've used it for years with tortoises and have had no problem with it other than it sometimes getting my floor dirty. Aside from that, I've heard that peat and topsoil mix is a good option for bioactive enclosures, and even a sand and topsoil mix can be used safely provided the sand is fine and sterile.
I think a bioactive enclosure would be better for both of us, being more aesthetic and easier to clean on my part and more enriching and sanitary for her. The substrate is my only real problem, since I have decomposers and safe plants for the enclosure, but I'm conflicted on what substrate would be the best for her. I already feed her in a dish surrounded by slate so she doesn't get stains on the carpet, and she's pretty good at not getting food everywhere. Additionally, I've heard that you should only use particulate substrate on mature beardies. Just want to hear recommendations and maybe see some bioactive enclosures for an example.
I think a bioactive enclosure would be better for both of us, being more aesthetic and easier to clean on my part and more enriching and sanitary for her. The substrate is my only real problem, since I have decomposers and safe plants for the enclosure, but I'm conflicted on what substrate would be the best for her. I already feed her in a dish surrounded by slate so she doesn't get stains on the carpet, and she's pretty good at not getting food everywhere. Additionally, I've heard that you should only use particulate substrate on mature beardies. Just want to hear recommendations and maybe see some bioactive enclosures for an example.