How to Build a Bioactive Terrarium WITHOUT Plants + DIY Background

Hi guys, welcome to another bioactive build video! I've done TONS of builds for our new showroom display tanks, so you'll be seeing more videos like this one coming your way! (And you should come check them out at the store.) Today's enclosure is a plant-less, arid scape for my breeding group of Viper geckos, also known as Carrot-tail geckos. These micro geckos come from the rocky steppes of Pakistan and India. Because we've been keeping and breeding this unique species, you can find Dude-bred Viper gecko babies on Morph Market. As with all of our Morph Market animals, we test parents for common diseases and quarantine to uphold the highest health standards. These guys have been loving climbing the branches and rocks in this habitat, and they've been laying some eggs for us exactly where intended. For more information about these adorable critters, see the caresheet on The Dude's Blog: www.thebiodude...
-THE DUDE ABIDES👍🏻🐍
Website: www.thebiodude...
Dude-bred critters on Morph Market: www.morphmarke...
Facebook: / thatbiodude
KZbin: / @thebiodudejoshhalter
Instagram: / thebiodude
TikTok: / thebiodude
Location: The Bio Dude Inc. Houston 15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4 Webster, TX 77598
Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
PRODUCTS INCLUDED IN THIS VIDEO
.:: Kages 2x2x2 custom PVC enclosure: reptilekages.com/
SOIL & INOCULANTS
.:: Terra Sahara: www.thebiodude...
.:: Bioshot: www.thebiodude...
.:: Banana Leaves: www.thebiodude...
.:: Sphagnum Moss: www.thebiodude...
.:: Colombian Cacao Leaf Litter: www.thebiodude...
.:: Clean Up Crew: www.thebiodude...
BACKGROUND:
.:: Kitty Litter I used: Dollar General
.:: Cedar Heights Art Clay
WOOD & DECOR:
.:: Flagstone Rocks: www.thebiodude...
.:: Colored River Pebbles: www.thebiodude...
.:: Sabertooth Skull: www.thebiodude...
.:: Manzanita: www.thebiodude...
LIGHTING
.:: The Bio Dude Solar Grow: www.thebiodude...
.:: The Bio Dude Solar Fixture for UVB replacement bulbs: www.thebiodude...
.:: Arcadia 34" T5 Deser 12% UVB Bulb: www.thebiodude...
.:: Arcadia Halogen Heat Bulb 50w: www.thebiodude...
STEAL HIS LOOK
.:: www.thebiodude...
#reptiles #vipergecko #carrottailgecko #gecko #bioactivevivarium #bioactiveterrarium #aridterrarium #aridvivarium #vivarium #captivebred #newvideo #howto #reptilecare #bioactivesetup

[@johjnHERNANDEZ]

what a great video show and tell thank you

[@Corvus31]

Without plants, how are you avoiding the buildup of nitrogen compounds over time?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Great question, plants are generally the most effective means for processing that nitrogen after it's broken down (denitrification). However, a bioactive setup without plants can still process nitrogen effectively as long as it has a diverse microbial community. There are still denitrifying bacteria in the soil from the BioShot.

[@MadMeeper]

Also interested in hearing about the clay formula! This video comes at a good time since I want to have bioactive substrate for my tristis monitor, but am afraid he'll just tear most plants apart.

[@엄도현-l8t]

beautiful enclosure

[@Nv73101]

🔥🔥

[@kuluro1]

Thankyou for the awesome content!

[@frankdughtank8327]

Awesome Stuff!

[@Nv73101]

When it comes to this setup are you still using a thermostat? Or is it not needed in this specific setup the way it’s built, just curious

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

In our case, the Dude Crew does builds for the same species so often that we have the formula down as far as factors that influence temp/humidity like tank size, bulb wattage, automated misting system. Additionally, team members are in and out of the tanks every day, so it's easy to tell if something's off. We will use a temperature gun too. For keepers at home a thermostat and hydrometer is recommended because the situation is usually different than the parameters we deal with here at the store.

[@FellsApprentice]

Can you be a little more specific about what kind of kitty litter you're using if I replicate this I don't want to put anything in there that would be harmful to either my animal or the environment and I might use this technique in other sorts of habitats. And I would absolutely love your clay recipe.

[@josephperea-naranjo6299]

I’d assume it’s some type of organic kitty litter with larger granules for more texture and grip. But as long as it is organic I think that any brand is okay to use

[@kuluro1]

Organic clay cat litter. Any clay cat litter that does not contain additives.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

organic clay kitty litter from Dollar General.