Vivarium substrates demystified: Part 4 in the DIY Vivarium BEAST build

Today in part 4 of our BEAST build Vivarium we discuss Substrates.
Have you ever been confused as to the differences between peat moss, sphagnum moss, coco peat? the different soil amendments we can add to a mix and their benefits. We discuss their pro's and cons of each.
The myriad of options for medias available, sifting through all the options to make a nice mix suitable for our tropical rain forrest display but also bearing in mind that it also needs to support all the BIOACTIVE Microfauna we will be incorporating into it.
Thank you for watching, Enjoy!

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[MarcusRefusius]

I use Azomite and my homemade Earthworm Castings. I also throw in a dash of Mycorrhiza. Thanks for the Video. Cheers.

[notsure]

That was super helpful, thank you 🙂 I'm getting ready to turn some of my old tanks into outdoor vivariums. We have tons of blue belly lizards and humming birds that visit our yard.

[jamesgreen]

Thanks for the education!

My knowledge of this subject is limited, and the options seem vast. I’d love to try a vivarium in the future.

Jim

[Baffi_]

Careful with the exo terra blocks of moss. They should be rinsed and sterilized before used, and heavily rinsed. They are from a terrestrial forest moss, and are usually contaminated with oxalis and cyanobacteria. Every time I’ve used it, it ends up turning bluey green, and sprouting oxalis out of it. Even had some weird ferns start popping out of one brick.
It usually still contains some dirt too, and without rinsing it may leach into the water and raise TDS negatively impacting orchids and other aroids and epiphytes

[mk_cichlids]

Great video! I'm just learning about bio active setups. Without a dedicated 'pet' animal in there creating waste, will you be target feeding the clean up crew, or will they have enough natural things to feed on?

[k.thomas]

What brand topsoil is that? Also, it says sanitized and fertilized right on the bag. How can you tell what fertilizers are safe and what is dangerous

[toddratson]

Hey Chris, does the expanded coir have a salt problem too or is it just the compressed stuff? I just picked up a pair of decent size used vivariums from a local pet store that is closing. Sad about losing my best lfs but looking forward to building the vivariums with my kids. I paid $20CAD each for them. We are going to put fish in the bottom of them and plants in the top. They look to hold about 15g of water and 30g of air. I can't wait to see you finish your vivarium! Thanks for sharing.

[JaemzTR]

Hey, Chris - What is the brand of soil that you're using??? I'm having a hell of time trying to find it... Thanks!!!