Bioactive Bearded Dragon Setup!

Best Bearded Dragon Bioactive steup ive ever done! This is a step by step guide to show how to setup a bearded dragon bioactive enclosure!
This is the enclosure I use in the video
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[@natalifernandez3272]

I’ve watched all your videos and finally just got my baby beardie! At first they didn’t want to eat but now they’re thriving and exploring their large space :) thank u so much for your help.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help! Congratulations 🎉

[@shravansureshkumar5573]

They? U got multiple beardies?

[@Messy_Simer]

@@shravansureshkumar5573 the person prob didn't sex it yet

[@kyriokudan3300]

Its normal they dont eat the first days due to stress but then after 1 week max they should be fine

[@endeavor1664]

@@shravansureshkumar5573they might not know the sex yet

[@curvingfyre6810]

Your choice of substrate mix is surprising. Especially with the peat moss, its an extremely wet bedding, almost tropical. Makes me happier with moisture in the enclosure, feels like there's good wiggle room for my upcoming project using more potting soil.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah it really helps with the bioactive stuff. I also use the mix in my tropical enclosures as well. It’s my go to substrate for arid and tropical substrates. Almost a universal substrate. With arid the temps will dry it out and it kind of stays moist underground good for plants. For tropical it stays moist pretty much all over with tropical temps.

[@fruitsandfourpaws]

that second big log looks like a mantis ☺️ great video!!! thank you!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It does!

[@BenjaminWilson-gk9ve]

2:24 the stick looks like a zombie hand😂. Love this channel, thanks for the help❤. I’m planning on going bioactive.

[@trinrage]

That setup looks awesome! Im sure Creed will love it :D

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you so much!

[@UFCNERD]

I just want to thank you for all your content. I just took in a bearded dragon from a coworker who states they were moving or something of that sort. I thought he had a great set up, and seemed healthy. After watching your videos and researching I realized everything was just wrong with what they had. No UVB, just the typical two domed combo light. Coconut shell substrate that hasn’t been changed in who knows how long. They never cleaned it and just said you only need to change it once a year. He’s a very moody boy so even though they tried to feed him so much food, he pretty much only seem to care about eating when he wakes up, and then about 10 minutes at night after I shut off the lights he gets excited and wants to hunt for worms or crickets ( I place 3-4 in the inclosure at night and he tends to get them all relatively quickly. ) I’m still learning so much but I’m glad I’m turning everything they had set up around and providing a proper set up from the lighting to the substrate and everything in between.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help! I would change the coco substrate because it gets insanely dusty when dry like really bad. Also try feeding him in the mornings. It’s not the best to feed them after lights out. Congrats on your new beardie!

[@le_epic_shit4119]

this is exactly what i needed. Definitely using this as inspiration. Many, many thanks bro!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help!

[@shadow-leprechaun8624]

I love your videos. I recently have been thinking about getting a bearded dragon. Your videos have been very helpful in teaching me what I need before I adopt. Trying to do all the research I can before I get the little guy. I have many animals, goats, horses, chickens, parakeets, bunnies, dogs, cats, fish but reptiles are the only thing I haven’t kept. I was going to make a tank like the one you made with the wood, I’m very interested in doing a tank like this. Just wondering if I need to have isopods in there or are they optional?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Isopods are completely optional. Thank you for the kind words!

[@glorias.2930]

Great video! So informative-as always! Can you please do a video on femoral pore care and nail care? What kind of rough surfaces can I add to my enclosure? Newbie here.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

That’s a great idea will start working on it very soon! Surfaces that’s good for that is wood and rocks

[@glorias.2930]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Thank you! You're legit the KZbinr reptile specialist I trust the most!

[@raynnewater]

thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help

[@Treefrog1085]

Nice work! This came out really nice.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@MilQuetoastMushrooM]

Looks awesome dude!!! Bet that dragons living a good life in there!!! I had a question if you don’t mind, what’s the upkeep with the moisture content? I know you said in the video it dries out after you soak it after some time and the plants can handle dry environments and isopods can to but they do need some moisture, so how do you keep that up for them with out spiking the humidity to high for the dragon? Keep up the good work man !!!!!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes so with the rocks and leaves it seals in that humidity very good. Then every two weeks or once a month I’ll drench 1 gallon of water into it. Humidity will stay low in the air but the soil will be humid very nice balance

[@MilQuetoastMushrooM]

Oh ok thanks for the help dude! Im researching getting a dragon and I TODALY love bioacrive enclosures , thanks !!

[@Toothless_the_Bearded_Dragon]

By any chance do you have a video on your substrate mixture?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Not yet trying to get it out soon.

[@reveredryan6233]

Awesome video!! You should add a little ambient music while you make the scape

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you will do!

[@kursti3lizabeth72]

The isopods dont mind the heat? Can you also add spring tails to this kind of enclosure?

[@sawdustwhisper9397]

They sell arid spring tails and arid isopods

[@danagarner7798]

Can we start our new beardie in this type of enclosure? We're looking at a baby/juvenile. Also as its bioactive how do you clean or is it "self cleaning". Love all your videos, its helped us tremendously

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

This type is self cleaning. You may have to spot clean it every now and then but you can start a baby in this right away

[@Wobu27]

Hello, how often do you mist down the bio enclosure?

[@gertnel8897]

Hy man, I have a 9 year old beardy that have been in more or less the same terrarium for her entire life. I am thinking of turning her terrarium into a bioactive one. Do you think she is to old for a big change like that, or do you think she will adapt well to it?

[@scottduffy3008]

Can i ask what stops the isopods getting out the tank? Surely they're small enough to escape from the vents and the doors when they're open. I would love a bioactive tank but this is my biggest worry. I couldn't imagine my wife being happy with these things roaming the house. Also could i ask if bioactive tanks smell compared to ones with repti-sand etc? I spot clean as soon as possible and have never had a smell from mine.

[@jackhall1392]

Hey Chief! I've found that one of the hardest things to find is an affordable table that has the right dimensions to place a 4x2x2 enclosure on top of. Got any suggestions on that?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I’m with you on that one! I also have been looking for years on one so I just had to build one. I may build another and make a video on it. It only cost me $60

[@jackhall1392]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse heck yeah I’d be very interested in that

[@ABurghouts]

Really nice! How much maintenance will it give you over the week? Does the cleanup crew clean up all waste? Or do you still need to find it and take it out by hand? how's the smell? lol. Sorry lot of questions?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No worries at all. So now it’s done I really don’t have to do anything the clean up crew takes care of all waste besides urates. They don’t like to eat the white part of poop. So I do have to grab that out. Other than that just have to water it a couple times a month. Maybe even once a month honestly also no smell at all

[@ABurghouts]

@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you! Next year as soon as the temperature rises I'm planning to set up my first Brearded Dragon enclosure. I'm still on the fence though. Can't decide if want to make a replica aussie Dragon environment with excavator clay, beige limestone and driftwood, or go bioactive like in this video. I like them both so much.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@ABurghouts whatever you decide I know your gonna have fun. It’s always fun making these

[@SavageDad330]

I’ve been watching many of your videos getting everything ready for my first beardie. I know you sprayed this when you first put it together but do you spray it again later or just let it cycle on its own afterwards?

[@user-cv6gv4sv2y]

How do you feel about play sand and fine coconut shaving as a substrate? Im not bioactive yet or want to until i move to 120g but i figured id ask. Some of the middle is mixed but you really cant see any sand on top its a whole under layer. My beardie seems fine with it but i heard it can give them respiratory infections

[@rasjay93]

R.i. caused by humidity nah substrate

[@user-cv6gv4sv2y]

@@rasjay93 humidity is always under 40

[@user-cv6gv4sv2y]

@@rasjay93 closer to 30% on hot side, as long as hes not digging too much for now it seems okay. Gonna go with a recommended blend when i move him to 120gallon

[@EmbraceTheChakra]

this video is damn amazing, you are the best

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@crystalquillen2161]

The video mentions the snake plant, but what is the other grass looking plant? Closed captioning was confusing.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Sorry about that. The grass looking one is fescue grass.

[@erinmallach5998]

I love your videos so much. I have a bearded dragon enclosure but due to lack of research its completely wooden, with bulb lights wired to the roof... Im gonna replace and re-wire them.... But before i do that, do you think i could or should waterproof it??? Is this even possible? I feel waterproofing plastic wont be good enough and am 80% sure waterproofing paint is a no go. Its a pricey enclosure, i want to make the best of it

[@erinmallach5998]

I'm wanting to use this substrate that's why I'm worried about the wood rotting

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You can get pond armor and it will water proof the parts of the wood that will have the substrate amzn.to/3Arvw4W

[@user-hz6jq7sr9d]

Would really like to see your full mix of soil. If you could make a video about that, I'm trying to set up a bioactive tank for my bearded

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes will be out in April

[@user-hz6jq7sr9d]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank u very much

[@FastPawz]

We’re getting our baby this weekend after we set up our 4x2x2 Dubia enclosure. I’ve seen conflicting opinions on babies not doing well in bioactive to start …what do you think?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I’ve done it no problem. As long as you have proper temps and uvb you should be great! Lots of times people get sick dragons and then think it’s the setup they had when they just got sold a already sick dragon

[@AlexAllenKale]

Nice ima try this with my bearded dragon

[@AlexAllenKale]

I think he’ll like it

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

They do enjoy it I will say

[@TibbyyyOG]

Are there other plants you'd recommend putting in their enclosure? I've seen some folks using prickly cactus and aloe

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I also use aloe in another enclosure. Aloe works, spineless cactus’s, Carex grass, spider plants, pothos, hawthornia, baby tears, red rooster grass, cilantro, parsley.

[@TibbyyyOG]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you so much!!

[@erictheswedenfull]

Can i put my baby dragon in a bioactive tank? Or Should you make it bioactive later on? Thanks

[@user-ls2rw9bk6k]

Hi thank you for your video. May I ask how to prevent beardie burrow around and affect the tree. Thanks a mil

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Hmm that’s a good question. I like when my beardie burrows so I’ve never wanted to keep him from burrowing. But maybe just put low amount of substrate in. Like 2 inches then he can’t

[@TheFallenCobra]

hey, can i get the exact ratios for your substrate for the 15 gallons you used? like exactly what you used to make the 15 gallons needed lol

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

So I use some peat moss about 40% then topsoil about 20% exo terra stone desert 20% and play sand 20%

[@TheFallenCobra]

awesome! thanks for the info! @@ChiefSweetsUniverse

[@taradennis8758]

Question ⁉️ I'm planning to go bioactive nd am in the process of collecting everything needed including an even bigger enclosure (4'x2'x4' do you think that's too big or great as long as set up properly with temps nd enough climbing opportunities?), new decor, substrate, CUC, a jungle dawn led nd whatever else. I'm going to be using the biodudes bioactive kit to get started. I mainly am wondering do I have to put the pants nd clean up crew in right away ? Or can I just do the lose substrate set up her Decor nd what not introduce her to it nd then start adding plants to as I want ? I definitely want to do live plants nd a clean up crew but I'm completely new to this nd definitely not a green thumb so that part is worrying me a bit. Also I read that it has to "cycle" for a month before I can introduce my dragon to it.. is that true ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

As long as you can achieve correct temps then it’s good but if you cannot then definitely go with a 4x2x2. Dong have to let it cycle. You can also just do it a piece at a time as you wanted. There’s no problem doing it that way either

[@dustymorris3268]

I really like your videos!! keep up the good work. where is a good place to get isopodes

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you! I do have it linked on my storefront in the description. But joshes frogs is another one

[@HangryMama2411]

How do you clean the wood before putting it in the tank?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I usually wash it off with super hot water.

[@khristinamarie9837]

Just bought my son a 6 month old bearded dragon and he is very excited. He came with a 20 gallon tank and inhave not seen you talk much about that size. Do you have a video or advice on how to set up a 20 gallon tank? She told me he is 6 months old. Would love the help with lighting for 20 gallon tank.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I do have a few talking about tank size like my bearded dragon setup guide. I will say you will have to get a 120 gallon. They are fairly cheap online than stores. You can get one on amazon here. amzn.to/416xm4F

[@rammsteinfan1984]

I have a Dubia enclosure, would I need to do anything to the bottom of the enclosure before adding substrate? Do I need a plastic down or silicone the bottom edges? Do you need to wait a certain amount of time before adding the dragon after you get everything in it?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes you do need to seal it with silicone or lay a plastic liner down for the dubia

[@GemmaBenton]

@ChiefSweets did you silicone before you started?

[@jazmineyoung7023]

Hello! I’ve been following along for a while to figure out how to go bioactive for my beardie and I was wondering how long you let the sealant cure for in this tank? I recently got the same tank and this is my first time, thank you! 😊

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Hello! I let it cure until the vinegar smell is gone completely that’s usually two days. Depends on the temps. The colder the longer it takes

[@breannaweilacker2099]

I saw on a different bio active video you had used Exo Terra stone desert on top of the substrate. Do you recommend the stone dessert or the leaf litter more for bearded dragons?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I love the stone desert but it’s just hard to find now. So I use leaves to cover the top

[@heathersalas5901]

This looks amazing! Where did you find those large branches?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I found them outside!

[@heathersalas5901]

Those are great finds! I need to go hunting for some now. How do you sanitize them?

[@rasjay93]

Bake at 200 ​@@heathersalas5901

[@glennlucken6066]

Is this substrate same as the video u made like 9 month ago with the peat moss, timberland topsoil, and playsand? Like a 50-60% peatmoss 15-25% top soil and add sand as needed?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes this one but with a little more clay based stuff and some exo terra stone desert

[@kinglouie5954]

@chiefsweetuniverse do you have a link to the branches you used?

[@justinwilliams6644]

what do the isopods do and what will happen if the lizard eats them

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

He eats them nothing will happen. It would be like eating crickets. The isopods eat the poop

[@ThoseOneGuysBrah]

What is your substrate mixture I want to run this setup for my beardie

[@josenaranjo4195]

I think you can just use repti soil

[@duckieeeeeeee1234]

Do you have to wait a months cycle before putting your bearded dragon back in and any suggestions if only have one tank.? Btw I have that same enclosure and I love it going from a 40 gallon. Also can I just use th organic fertilizer free top soil and play sand as the mix or do I need to add anything else to keep it somewhat moist to the isopods don't die off ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I do add some peat moss as a third overall option that way it holds moisture better for the isopods. I don’t let mine cycle I just add everything in right away

[@duckieeeeeeee1234]

Do I need to moist the substrate every now and then or the one spray u did in the video and that's it?

[@roadrunner6840]

do you do anything to treat the wood you get from outside? or just cut it and put it in there?

[@benisichigo]

bake it in the oven for like 30 mins or hour

[@petramatkovic4122]

How much of this did you take from outside? Do you sterilize somehow before putting in the enclosure?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Everything besides the substrate and cork bark. I just washed off the wood and rocks and didn’t sterilize the leaves as that usually kills nutrients for the isopods.

[@RetroPyroP71]

Dam, how do you get all this stuff? There's no way i can get those branches, rocks, or plants you know how expensive large pieces of cork bark are, not to mention the price of isopods and springtails, this is crazy!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I get the plants at Home Depot they rang between $5 a piece. Rocks from outside. Branches off a tree. Outside. Cork bark I buy pieces on Pangea reptile. You can get large flats that are 14 inches long for $13. Isopods I got outside. Springtails I bought on Josh’s frogs.

[@RetroPyroP71]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Dam i guess its not that bad after all just gotta be resourceful.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@RetroPyroP71 exactly!

[@jamesbeitia1353]

​@@ChiefSweetsUniversewhen you bring in isipods from outside. Do you ever bring in unwanted parasites?

[@void5894]

hey man, i have a 4x2x2 tank and eventually will get a baby. when he grows up a bit should i do a third of his tank loose substrate?? dont wanna do it full because of their pores and risk of him eating it

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No worries of pores and eating it. Usually them eating it is insanely rare. But if you want to you can

[@BryceWhitefoot]

Can you put cacti in the enclosure?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes you can just be careful with the spikes. Lots of people use spineless cactus

[@user-ce5in6rt8p]

I got topsoil, Play sand, and petemoss. What kind of clay are you using?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Excavator clay

[@bloodstream807]

How does one acquire isopods without parasites

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Buy some online

[@DiviDLTU]

Hello, I just wanted to as: is there specific reason that you did not use drainage layer?

[@LennyGzzz]

you don’t really need it in an arid setup just don’t spray too much

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Not really needed at all. As long as you don’t overwater you will not have any problems

[@leahlynch754]

How often do you have to change or should I say clean the tank?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You could clean the poop out when you see it. Usually the isopods will come and eat most of it. However there may be some left. Other than that. That’s it. Just clean the poop every now and then when you see it

[@iswhatitis_ayy]

Can you put your dragon in their tank right after adding the substrate or should you wait?

[@iswhatitis_ayy]

Like if I were to just use soil and sand, would he have to wait a week to be put back in there?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Nope it’s ok to put it in right away

[@iswhatitis_ayy]

With isopods and springtails as well? I'll be switching to substrate before I receive the critters so I just want to be extra cautious lol

[@giovannicruz327]

Which topsoil do you use the one I use has more sticks rather than like dirt

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Sometimes that does happen. I use timberline. But Scott’s sometimes will do that

[@roadrunner6840]

do you buy the isopods {rolly polly} from a store or outside?

[@rasjay93]

Store never outside

[@TibbyyyOG]

So I definitely bought other brands, but got an organic top soil, and a natural play sand, put my isopods in and a few days later I'm seeing a lot of dead isopods... did I do something wrong?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Is it too dry? If there’s no moisture they will die off

[@TibbyyyOG]

@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you!! I'll try that!! You're the best

[@reneej.3580]

New follower and a new BD momma 😊 this looks great

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you so much!

[@TibbyyyOG]

I might have missed this part, but where do you get the leaf litter?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I have it linked in my Amazon store front but you can also get it from outside

[@jamesbeitia1353]

​@@ChiefSweetsUniverseI have all the leaf litter I want. Is there any danger of bringing in any parasites?

[@sommaluv]

Please help!! My baby won't eat. Can I message you and show you my set up?? I promise I have good lighting!!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes shoot me a dm on Instagram!

[@evinsjoseph9629]

How many isopad and springtail do you use for a 4x2x2?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I use a good amount of springtails like 40-50. And like 25 isopods

[@evinsjoseph9629]

Thank you

[@dustymorris9191]

how often do you wanter the plants?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Once a month

[@brittnibates2227]

What kind of wood did you use

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oak

[@natalifernandez3272]

How come you don’t need a plant grow light ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Because the led daylight works the exact same way. Plant grow lights are made with extra colors for growers that want certain things from their plants like cannabis growers. If you just want plant growth then a regular led will work for you

[@WyattHall-mx8ir]

RIP Brian Barczyk

[@JoeSimmons-fv2le]

So can I just use crumbled leaves from outside?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that’s what I use

[@JoeSimmons-fv2le]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse do I need to do anything to clean them?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@JoeSimmons-fv2le I make sure there’s no bugs on them other than that I don’t do anything

[@JoeSimmons-fv2le]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse same thing for sticks from live trees?

[@discoweezy4521]

Link to the enclosure I would like to upgrade my enclosure

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Just dropped it in the description but also here’s the link 😁 amzn.to/3G5WMp1

[@joshiii7873]

Will fake grass work? I mean like the ones you put on your front lawn. I used it for my ball python and there was no issue.

[@NazariaM84]

I would love to know creed’s story

[@user-mz9yj1gf9h]

Yes please. BTW I love the new tank.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Will definitely make that video!

[@thelegenddeuce]

First 😁

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Heyo gang! 🥇

[@glowiefrost]

second😄

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Heyooo gang! 🥈

[@glowiefrost]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Heyoo!!

[@calicocriterisopod]

third ;o

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Heyoo gang! 🥉

[@Neardarkphotography]

Your scraping needs work putting that grass slap bang in the middle is really jarring to look at. Should have gone either side at the back.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

100% this was my first real go at it. I’m still very new to scaping always trying to get better

[@Neardarkphotography]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse it looks good but honestly if you look into some photography composition tips for landscape photography it'll help you massively!

[@nightmarezero8465]

What's your opinion on this enclosure vs a dubia enclosure

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I like this one better but you can stack the dubia enclosures so they have pro and cons

[@addypookiefart]

is paper towels a good substrate?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It can work for quarantine but not long term