Stratified Soil System for Tropical Vivariums

Stratified Soil System for Tropical Vivariums

Leaf Litter: Leaves prevent your animals from becoming covered with substrate, help to hold in soil moisture, act as a foraging ground for reptiles and amphibians for microfauna, slowly break down over time adding nutrients to the soils, act as food for isopods, and create a feeding ground and egg laying site for some species of springtails. A vivarium is never complete without leaf litter!

ABG Substrate: ABG Substrate has been a staple for serious tropical vivarium hobbyists for years. Lasting for 3-4 years, ABG slowly breaks down over time releasing nutrients for plant growth.

Tropical Substrate: HF Premium Tropical Substrate is a Live substrate inoculated with beneficial fungi and microbes for a rapidly established vivarium. This substrate has excellent drainage, but will retain more moisture than traditional ABG, allowing the soil moisture to stabilize quickly. This substrate will last 3-4 years versus most commercial substrates, which will need to be changed frequently. Notice more vigorous plant and microfaunal growth over traditional substrates with HF Premium Tropical Substrate.

Calcined Clay: This calcareous clay has been a staple in the bonsai tree hobby for years. Not only does this layer act as a secondary drainage layer, but it also absorbs and releases water back to the upper strata, helping to stabilize soil moisture. This layer also acts as a calcium source for Isopods, which need calcium for exoskeletal growth.

Substrate Divider: This durable, permeable layer prevents the upper strata from spilling into the drainage layer.

Hydroballs: Comprise the Drainage Layer, where excess water drains to prevent the soils from being water logged. These hydroballs are made in Germany from expanded, high-fired clay. They are inert, all natural, and will last the lifetime of the vivarium. Hydroballs absorb water and can wick this water to the upper strata if the soils become too dry, helping to stabilize soil moisture.

     This Stratified Soil System, Developed by an Environmental Scientist and the founder of Houston Frogs, is a more naturalistic approach to recreating the true soil conditions of tropical rainforests in a micro-environment (vivariums). With no additional maintenance other than the addition of new leaf litter once per year and a thin layer of additional substrate every 3-4 year, enjoy your vivarium more with less maintenance and less expense. This system creates a rapidly established vivarium that will last for many years to come.