Josh's Frogs BioBedding Tropical Bioactive Substrate (10 quarts)

I am in the process of setting up a vivarium for my grandson. I was planning on collecting some lowly critters from around our area of Southeast Alaska for my grandson to observe. I mixed Josh’s Frogs Biobedding and ABG substrates. I placed them over Josh’s false bottom with a barrier. There is nothing else in there but a flat rock which I washed and baked in the oven. This morning I found a miniature snail making its way across the rock. It is not even 1mm and as cute as a button. Its shell is iridescent and is flat like a tire. As you can tell I am not upset about the snail. I even placed some fish flakes on the rock and spritzed the tank for it. I am worried that there maybe other live critters that came in the substrate which I may not be very excited about. The substrates themselves seem to be good quality mixes. I gave Josh’s Frogs substrates 5 stars because I am happy with them even with the snail. I realize many other peoples objectives are different than mine and would be horrified by the stowaway. I wrote this review because I thought others would like to know of the possibility of a stray hitchhiker. First Update: Along with some natural decorations, we now have some local plants, isopods, and a darkling beetle. Our snail has grown to be about 3mm. It has a very dark body. Doing some research, I think it is a type of glass snail. It doesn’t seem like it will get very big. Anyway, everything is thriving in our vivarium using Josh’s substrates. 7/13 update: It has been about 6 months since we set up our vivarium. The numerous isopods had dug multiple tunnels throughout the substrate and shifted it into uneven highs and lows. That became a problem as the taller decor’s footing became unstable. So I decided it would be a good idea to turn the soil and smooth the surface some. Another surprise! Now I know why Josh’s Frogs calls it BioBedding. Besides the original garlic glass snail which I now count nine, I found young earthworms and small millipedes. From researching, they all seem to be healthy additions to my intended clean up crew of isopods and springtails. As of this update I have bought more Josh’s Frogs BioBedding to set up another vivarium.

Great natural soil for terrariums that I use for my pet snake terranium

My curly haired tarantula loves it. He's so busy tunneling I can barely find him

I like this substrate. It doesnt have an excess of organic material- it can stay wet without getting "rotten", it does dry out as it should, it contains things like charcoal which are keeping it fresh and add some texture and keeps it from packing hard. Its only been in there a short time, and I haver it in my emerald tree boa enclosure - obviously if you have ANY chance of having something like mites- this is not the substrate for you. If your animal is long term established and will NOT be risking introduction of anything like that to your cage, this would be good- butt otherwise stick with things like amphibians - so many people go bioactive for snakes without considering that and its a huge pitfall.

I'll be leaving this review on all the products I bought. Above and beyond happy. Bought the plants with the 10 qt substrate and the false bottom layer. Amazing quality on the substrate. You could see it before I even pulled it out of the box how good it was going to be! Plants are beautiful. One plant had a tiny brown on an inside of one leaf. Nothing a few days help won't fix! They smell great! And we're packaged very nicely. There was barely any soil that spilled inside their packages. This is for my 6 month old gecko who finally gets his big boy home. I have. 4 year old that I went with a live plant set up about two years ago through Petsmart and a local nursery. Between the false bottom, substrate and searching forever through a nursery for 4 different plants. I literally spent half the amount of money with you guys!! And I worked for Petsmart at the time so the includes the employee discount. I almost want another reptile so I can buy more from you! So glad I found you guys! And it's not like I had to wait. It took technically just over a day for the layers. Plants were suppose to be about 10 days. They came two days early! Thanks again! Word will be speed for sure!

Arrived bone dry. Has to be re-moistened with dechlorinated water before use. I Used two bags to create a 5” layer in a terrarium with a 18x24” footprint. I’ve planted a variety of tropical plants, will update if they grow well or die. Soil seems to drain well but also maintain a good amount of moisture. I do personally like to add extra horticultural charcoal and worm castings to all my bioactive terrariums, so keep that in mind if using my review for reference.

Good, well draining soil

this substrate is amazing! i used it in one of my 18.18.24 tanks for my crested gecko and it worked perfectly for the plants isopods and her! it's really not much i could only fit it in one out of 6 tanks so i'd recommend getting more backs cus you most likely won't have enough. you do have to mix it though it's a great price though!