Bio-active substrates are designed to allow the maintenance of living ecosystems inside the terrarium. ProRep Bio Life substrate is carefully blended from a mixture of ingredients to provide the optimum combination of structure, PH and nutrient content for plants from arid environments.

When used in a planted terrarium, a living ecosystem can be created where the terrarium occupants co-exist with the plants and microorganisms to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The microorganisms digest waste material, which is in turn taken up by the plants for growth, locking away harmful nitrogen while creating a living, natural habitat.

Because an arid environment set up is dry, with low humidity, then it can be more difficult to maintain than forest set ups. With the proper design however, it is possible to recreate a moist zone in the base of the terrarium to mimic the moisture commonly found underground in deserts. This moist zone provides a reservoir of water which plants and microorganisms can access, while the surface of the substrate remains dry.

Desert planted terrariums are best suited to small occupants that do not damage the plants. Large species such as Bearded Dragons or Monitors will quickly damage or uproot plants before they can establish and are unsuitable for housing in planted terrarium.

Directions:
If used as a bio-active substrate in a planted terrarium, then the terrarium should he made from a water resistant material such as glass or plastic, as wooden vivariums may be damaged by the moisture.

It is important that the desert substrate is not kept damp. If this happens then the humidity will get too high and this can be detrimental to many desert species. Growing plants can be watered and damp areas created to provide local humid areas, such as under hides, but the should not be kept damp all over.

To create the moisture zone essential for a bio-active desert terrarium it is necessary to use an inert, open layer in the base to act as the water reservoir. ProRep Bio Life Drainage Medium is ideal for this as it is lightweight but retains an open structure.

Place a layer of drainage medium 3-5cm deep in the bottom of the terrarium and cover with a permeable membrane. This allows water and oxygen to pass freely. but prevents the substrate above from being washed into the drainage layer. You may want to place a rigid plastic pipe vertically in the drainage medium, with its top above the level of the final substrate. This can be used to pour water into the drainage medium without making the substrate above too wet.

Next arrange ProRep Bio Life Desert to the depth required, depending on the terrarium occupants and the effect required. Rocks or wood can be used to form a series of banks or terraces to give structure and variation. Living plants may be planted directly into the substrate, with taller types nearer the back and low creeping species at the front. Planting in small groups can create a more natural look to the design. In time the plant roots will grow downwards to access the water held in the drainage medium but whilst they establish it will be necessary to water them.

The substrate should be spot cleaned daily, removing faeces along with the substrate around it and replacing it with a small amount of fresh substrate.

It is possible to simply use Bio Life Desert Substrate as a general substrate for many species originating from arid areas and it should be used in the same way as ProRep Beardie Life. Simply spread over the base of the vivarium to the required depth, using rocks or wood to create an interesting landscape and different depths of substrate. If you are using living plants in this type of set-up then it is best to keep the plants in their pots and conceal the pots using decor.

Cut Off Time

Order by 2pm for same day dispatch - Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank Holidays)

Please Note: Direct/Palletised Delivery items may take longer.

Orders Under £49

Standard Delivery (2-3 working days) - £3.99
Express Delivery (1-2 working days) - £5.99.

Orders Over £49

Standard Delivery (2-3 working days) - FREE!
Express Delivery (1-2 working days) - £2.99.

Timeframes are for standard mainland UK addresses only excluding NI, Scottish Highlands & Islands.

Palletised Deliveries

Some large oversize products, typically items weighing more than 30kg, may require delivery via pallet and as such will arrive as a kerbside delivery only. The drivers in these instances are unfortunately not permitted to assist with the pallet beyond the drop off, and cannot aid in bringing packages into the property.

Pond Planet will contact you to book in delivery on a suitable working day. Delivery will generally take place between 9am and 5pm. To ensure there are no delays with delivery, please include a contact number when placing the order.

Pond Plant Deliveries & Surcharge

Pond plants are subject to a £5.00 delivery surcharge. Pond plants are sent directly from our supplier to make sure the plants you receive are fresh and in great condition. There is no limit on how many you can order for a single delivery charge. This charge is in addition to any other carriage costs for items sent directly from Pond Planet. Please allow 5 -10 working days for delivery.

Returns

If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase from Pond Planet, you may return the product(s) to us within 14 days of the purchase date for a refund or exchange.

Goods must be returned in perfect and unused condition, in their original packaging. The buyer must ensures that the goods are securely and adequately packed to avoid damage and the purchaser pays all postage costs. We recommend that products are returned by recorded delivery or by a carrier that requires a signature. Pond Planet accepts no responsibility for goods returned to us unless signed proof can be provided.