How to create a Chameleon Bioactive Terrarium

In this video the Dude discusses how to setup a bioactive enclosure utilizing different methods to provide your chameleons with a 100% natural enclosure. The deep Terra Firma will allow you to plant full trees in their enclosure, while getting all of the benefits of Bioactive. One thing not mentioned in this video is that the Firma is excellent in retaining all tunnels and burrows, and is great for gravid female chameleons. Be sure to always dust your feeder insects with the appropriate calcium and vitamin sources such as Rep Cal. Seeded with Isopods and the Dude's BioShot. Springtails will come.
www.thebiodude...
www.thebiodude...
As mentioned in the video I would highly recommend using some sort of barrier to protect the longevity of your screen cage. Any tub or plastic wrap will work perfectly and give you the barrier/height that you need. I hope to have my own line of chameleon cages and trays one day.
We now carry Chameleon Pouches! www.thebiodude...
- Website: www.theBioDude.com
- Facebook: / thatbiodude
- KZbin: / @thebiodudejoshhalter
- Instagram: @TheBioDude
- TheBioDude Location: The Bio Dude Inc Houston 15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
-The Dude Abides

[@thomasmilburn199]

Oh just got to the end, your the actual dude!! Awesome!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes I am The Dude! And The Dude abides!! :)

[@titus4166]

He makes my knees weak when he wears his glasses. So freaking cute!

[@lenny8911]

You should a video on how to setup the mistking fully

[@Jo-cv5kb]

Your video gave me and amazing idea to sew a “sake” together to hug my chameleons cage to keep the warms and humidity in during the winter because my house gets so cold at night. Gives my little guy the privacy he needs

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@RenoLaringo]

Oh one just need to toss some dirt in there, sling some trees inside, throw one our two chameleons, not forgetting to always give a good shake before use and ............. TAdaaaa ! Dude that was brutal hehehe !!! Lmao. On a more serious note, very informative video which will definitively inspire me when making the next terra ready for my chameleon. Thank you dude! Please....less coffee next time !

[@willgornell9716]

Texas is great, I live in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We love it ; )

[@kristarenee5860]

Yes

[@laneibbotson244]

Awesome video. Definitely using this when I size up my chameleons enclosure next month!

[@thomasmilburn199]

Thanks for the video! You really know your stuff!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks for watching! And thank you for the kind words!! The Dude abides!

[@NATUREBOYP]

I love your videos so much I'm glad your ok too for the hurricane❤️

[@ashleyaston3043]

Please do an updated crested gecko video, I have your crested gecko kit in my shopping cart but I would like to watch an updated video before committing. Thanks!!!

[@ChuckHorneTheLizardRoom]

Awesome tutorial! I'm going to try this with my knight anoles!

[@yvancoel1280]

@ chuck horne I can across an awesome collection of videos that should help you at Chameleon hasty hacks

[@svedan308]

Jeez dude, chill out, you gonna die from stress, just saying

[@josephperea-naranjo6299]

For real

[@18nakedcowboys3]

He’s determined not stressed

[@reemaalmedlej9517]

Stfu

[@austinburton9247]

Great video! Is it okay for you to ship from Texas due to the hurricane? Also could you please do a video on your fire skink vivarium????

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I am 100% back to normal with shipping

[@Monstah_JayD]

How often and how long do you run the mist king?

[@alejandrodesidoro6972]

hey great video im gonna try it out and when you make the new video can you talk more aboout jacksons as well :)

[@lenny8911]

you should make a Blue Bar Ambilobe Panther Chameleon setup

[@victorgroenen9066]

As far as I know, colours don't make a difference for care.

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Excellent!!! Yeah,I love these setup and informative videos!!!

[@kickscubes7462]

great video keep up the great work

[@ryanpennfields3276]

I'm about to start building my veiled a mansion so I'll definitely be on your site..

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Excellent, let us know if we can help you!

[@EdwarAnimation]

Would an enclosure this size be suitable for an adult jacksons? just wondering because they're fairly smaller compared to other breeds.

[@ewieeinfach1000]

amazing video!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks!

[@sabriamrani9186]

I went S&S reptiles and saw your stuff

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

They need a refill : )

[@wa5780]

Great video 👍🏼 love these setup videos!

[@matthewgedon2513]

Hey I had a moss vine and he kept eating it? Can that harm him

[@austinjordan1293]

This is an amazing video, my only concern is going to be the draining aspect.. doesn't the water drain out ?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Austin. It will leak if it's overwatered. The Terra Firma substrate is designed to drain to the bottom and evaporate from the middle. The tree pouch is very breathable and will allow excess moisture to evaporate from the bottom and sides. With these products combined you get the perfect amount of water held for optimal plant growth. Plus your tree will drink a lot of the water you provide.

[@LiquoriceRizz]

No drainage layer?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey hey! because chameleons do best in the screen enclosures we use the chameleon pouches to hold everything in, the substrate layers will hold all the moisture inside the pouch as it is designed to retain water, this also helps keep the substrate inside the enclosure and offers a deeper opportunity for the plants and root growth. Hope this helps! let us know if you have any further questions! The Dude Abides!

[@TheGamingPro5555]

What is best humidity of a Veiled Chameleon; is it not very high, and is that why you are using Firma?

[@diz096]

Interesting setup i hate all screen cages for chameleons (most people i know end up covering all 3 sides). Holding in humidity when winter is way to hard in Canada with heating and keeping the mist inside is a problem. I been using glass vivs for a long time not fish tanks but vented exo terra vivs with chimney effect similar to how chris anderson does his setups for my babys. Problem is height so i use Large Dragon Strand breeder cages 21.5″ W x 16″ D x 44.5″ H for adults which have pvc sides and ledges that make hanging heavy plants easy, creates humidly pockets with proper plant placement and you can use the foam method for backgrounds. For basking bulbs you really don't need anything special household 25-75w incandescent bulb for a dollar or two a pack will work perfectly (i like soft glass ones more) for basking bulbs depending on season and your room temps. I really dislike those deep domes they create a thin intense beam no matter the bulb while a bigger 8inch fixture dome gives a bigger gradient that every hardware store carries. No lights needed at night, a temp drop is fine unless its below 50f. I use LED's for plants they are great but the ones i use are all white led's no red or purple ones (Jungle Dawn 40W Spot LED). Leds also put out very little heat which is good if you got babys because they can be sensitive to temps and will start gaping. T5 UVB bulbs are nice but honestly little intense i'd be hanging them even if its a 5.0 or 6% from arcadia they put out alot more uvb than the t8 bulbs even if its the same spec. The coiled UVB bulbs did have problems years ago but that was fixed long ago still good bulbs for small enclosures for baby's they ain't gonna blind your chameleons which happened years ago. Chamelons have a pineal gland that allows them to see UVB and they can see short wavelength in the ultra violet range (being able to see UV wavelengths in vision). I know some use mercury vapor bulbs honestly if you do i'd get a solar meter to make sure your getting a good level of uvb not to much and you'll def have to hang it they put out a absurd amount of heat and use of electricity compared to a low watt incandescent and low watt t8/5.

[@kezz1050]

Excellent as usual! i would like to ask something though about chameleons though. I dont understand the mesh viv thing. I am from the UK and can tell you for certain that mesh just does not work for humidity or heat. Also, Plants by definition, create Oxygen, and anyone who has been in a chameleons natural environment would know how stuffy and dense the air is.....so why are people so obsessed with mesh vivs when glass has far better qualities??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I agree with you 100% It is something here in the USA that is slowly catching on. SO many people give their critters fungal infections since chams are so susceptible to them - Ill be doing a new cham video soon and touching on them as well.

[@nikitazamora18]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter SO you DO recommend glass enclosures? I am currently building one and bought mesh. I live in Ohio and it gets real cold here so I have also been concerned about my Cham being warm enough during the winter.

[@chapstick0487]

Great vid 👍👌

[@aidenpatterson5169]

Thanks this vid was awesome

[@essexhognose1808]

Can this theory of biodegradable so be adapted for snakes kept in tubs and racks?

[@MultiSocks69]

What isopods are using?

[@Uknowthisman05]

Have you thought about putting a root poach inside the setup to keep the soil inside the cage so it doesn't slip out also allows you to let the air flow through the soil inside the air pockets. Just a suggestion.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is an excellent idea. Do you have a picture of what you think would work? I would love to see it : D

[@Uknowthisman05]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter Certainly. rootpouch.com/products/shrub-pouch .Heres a link to one I think would work.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is genius. Absolutely genius!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I emailed them about custom sizes. If they can do that I will place a huge order and carry them on the website!

[@Uknowthisman05]

Hey Josh did you ever hear back from them in regards to the custom sizes? Just curios is all.

[@KyleLennonxx]

I received the Terra Fauna Bioactive Kit 29 gallon this past Saturday from you is the isopod already in the Terra Flora or do I need to get that or not ?

[@Ziggyzoo-wl8ug]

you should get a green iguana, and make a video on making it a bio active cage, and possibly a video of building its cage if u were to build it one.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I do not have the space to properly take care of an Iguana. I am glad to answer questions though.

[@Ziggyzoo-wl8ug]

darn, i feel like that would be an awesome video. i want to make my iguanas cages bio active but i'll likely going to wait until i move into my own place and they have their adult setups.

[@lisawells1064]

Can Veiled Chameleons eat sweet potatoes leaves? I have a growing potato that is getting lush, and I wondered about putting in it Karmi's cage?! Thank you for teaching us!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is an excellent question. Since they are AM opportunistic veggie eaters I do not foresee that being an issue, but i am not 100% sure.

[@KyleLennonxx]

I got the terra fauna bag do I just pour it inside like you did or wet it also what about water leaking

[@12funnywacher12]

I think I missed it what kinda of isopods was he using?

[@joshw9785]

Can I put wax worms in my bioactive setup

[@jamiegoodson3491]

What kind of Isopods and Springtails do you use for veiled chameleon?

[@hualani6785]

Nope, you need the bag liner like is in the Jacksons set up. But if someone uses this Id love to see it 5 years later.

[@sgbreezy5596]

Would this be a good setup for a veiled chameleon

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi SG Baker. It absolutely would! You view my Veiled Chameleon kits here: www.thebiodude.com/collections/chameleon-bioactive-kit/products/veiled-chameleon-bioactive-kit

[@bettywhiti2025]

how much is a bag of leaves. ,,boooooooyy we can do some business I have rows of oak trees .50plus year old trees at that .I burn them

[@lifeofpicaso]

Great Video!!

[@Ziggyzoo-wl8ug]

mega ray uvb bulbs r great too.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes they are! I hope to carry them soon.

[@jessieforsyth4814]

I would buy from you but you don’t ship to Canada sad

[@michaelcabe8103]

How about Flex Seal rubber spray as a barrier?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Michael. I've never used that. As long as it's non toxic to animals you should be ok.

[@fe1liott.civicsi]

😂

[@reptileescape3619]

What kit should I buy from your website? The terra firma kit or? Thanks in advanced

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi there, so sorry for the delay, this is what I would recommend: www.thebiodude.com/collections/terra-firma-bioactive-kit the screen cage option : )

[@reptileescape3619]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter I won’t need anything else, besides lighting, etc. Like Isopods?

[@meowpurrr]

For a 24x24x48" screen set-up what tree would you reccomend that would be good foliage and have climbing area.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I love using, Schlefflera, Ficus, Hibiscus, Bella Palms, Dracaneas

[@toddpedersen6694]

Would the young isopods be small enough to make it through the screen cage walls?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Depending on the species, yes. I will be doing an updated video with m y new Chameleon Pouches.

[@moniquemiller4178]

Hi, Thanks for your response... I have the largest reptibreeze enclosure 2ft x 2ft by 4ft and want to set it up using your soil products...how much will I need ? Also having issues finding a proper soil holder. I would appreciate any ideas. Just found out that my veiled chameleon is a female getting large fast. I need to provide her with soil to dig in. Looking forward to your response. Thanks 😁

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Monique. I recommend using our Terra Firma Screen cage kit or our Vieled Chameleon kit. you can view them here: www.thebiodude.com/collections/terra-firma-bioactive-kit/products/24-x-24-screen-cage-base-terra-firma-bioactive-kit www.thebiodude.com/collections/chameleon-bioactive-kit/products/veiled-chameleon-bioactive-kit

[@mafiaboydq9890]

Can you do a Madagascar Giant Day Gecko Setup ?

[@Mannyinthehood]

Can you also use this setup with tree with the crested gecko???? 20g high

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would not recommend screen for frogs. It can tear up their sensitive skin and are they much more sucesible to rust etc.

[@Mannyinthehood]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter no for crested gecko

[@elijahseyes7312]

Did you say dried orange + bio shot?

[@sarabreitwieser9262]

What about Panthers? If I have a mister, How often should I set it, and for how long? In what situations would you want a drainage layer?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey Sara. It would depend on your home environment. Some geographic locations are very different from each other, so there's not a one size fits all. I would start off with 3 times a day for 30 seconds or so. If you notice your humidity goes too fast, I recommend more frequency, less duration. For example 5 times per day 15 seconds. If you are using the Terra Firma, it does not need a drainage layer, juts make sure it doesn't get overwatered.

[@sarabreitwieser9262]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter I'm really struggling with my Vivarium since I got my new panther. I need to water enough to keep the humidity up and the plants alive, but the bottom is getting waterlogged and stagnant . Unfortunately I dont remember which soil I got now.

[@jakeswanson4442]

I’m building a huge cage that I want to plant small trees and have it deep enough for the female the cage will be divided a 3ft by 10ft ish basically 3ft from wall to ceiling and the length of the wall for a custom building would it be best to use like a clear painters plastic to line it an waterproof the base

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey Jake. I find that pond liner works great for those types of builds.

[@rbd_heitmannyt3558]

Also can a chameleon live in a glass tank

[@ilovemycat7757]

My dogs name is Stella...

[@moniquemiller4178]

No water drip system? Do you feel that your mist machine does enough?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You can always add a dripper for sure! I have the MK going off regularly so I am confident he will be just fine ; )

[@rbd_heitmannyt3558]

I know this is weird but can you make a green anole setup

[@srunlimited5744]

I thought veiled chameleons didn't need a substrate?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Females defiantly do, especially when it comes time to lay eggs.

[@cade75]

Would powder blue and dwarf purple isopods be fine for a Cham bioactive?And what type of springtails would you recommend if I did use a barrier

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi CadelsTaken, I would recommend using just the powder blues. In using a screen enclosure the springtails might be able to get out of the tiny holes.

[@cade75]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter yeah I’m saying if I used a barrier to prevent the springtails from getting out, what kind of springtails would you recommend

[@julianscribner3360]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter where would you recommend getting isopods and springtails from since they're not available on your site.

[@shanecorson2366]

A lot of what I’ve researched mentions substrate in chameleon enclosures may cause impaction when ingested by your chameleon. Would like to do a bio active setup, but everything I see tells me don’t do it. How has your luck been? I’m looking at buying a juvenile Ambilobe Panther and would appreciate your feedback. Thanks

[@shanecorson2366]

Ps your setups are awesome! not a troll! Lol

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Shane, Excellent question. I have been keeping Chams bio for over 13 years, there is no other way to keep them in my opinion. It plays a huge role with your old world females + helps with air moisture while providing the needed ventilation. Typically, impaction is caused from their immune system being suppressed. Typically, most reptiles will easily pass dirt and other debris as it is a common nuisance for them in the wild. However, if their bodies are not functioning properly they may not be able to pass something that they typically would not have issues passing In the first place.

[@Lonewolf-xt4ml]

great vid was only wondering where you got the biodegradables and the substrate from

[@foleydvm]

What do you do about drainage at the bottom of the terrarium?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey Dem Apples. The Terra Firma is designed to drain most of the excess water to the bottom of the substrate. The Tree pouch is very breathable which allows for adequate evaporation to prevent your soil from getting water logged. You would have to water way too much for it to leak.

[@danielgarcia7135]

Can you do a "how to set up an iguana cage" the bio dude

[@siraverik]

Can i use this for a jacksons chameleon as well? It looks perfect

[@rbd_heitmannyt3558]

Nathan Ridenour I know it will be ok

[@siraverik]

Kaden Heitmann do you know this for certain? I dont see why it would hurt any chameleon in particular except for possibly low humidity chameleons like trioceros quadricornis or different types of desert chameleons

[@rbd_heitmannyt3558]

Nathan Ridenour well yeah but theses are both more of a sub forest area so it won't be bad for the species

[@alejandrodesidoro6972]

i have a jackson chameleon and ill soon be trying this. i believe it wont be bad for them at all due to jackson being from tropical regions and need the high humidity and the set up seems like that wont be a problem at all

[@Jimmy-kt7mu]

lol what about the leaking from the meshnot a great choice of cage for in the UK inside use an exo terra viv

[@ashleywexelberg2547]

How do you deal with drainage on a set up like this

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey Ashley, we generally do not use any sort of drainage layer with our chameleon setups as the substrate creates a stratified system itself. The Terra Firma substrate used does not need a drainage layer as it is designed to hold onto water moreso than our Terra Fauna or Terra Flora. eventually you will end up with a tap root layer on the bottom where most of your water is sequestered, which is where your flora's root systems will be deriving water. The middle layer will retain some moisture and help hold in the humidity, while your topmost layer will stay relatively dry. All of this is contained within our chameleon tree pouches that ease the worry of having your substrate fall out of a screen enclosure. If you are using a drip system I would suggest utilizing a bowl of some sort to catch the excess water if you are worried about over-saturating your soil.I hope this information was helpful.

[@bellawhite8386]

Do you have any knowledge on building a bioactive habitat for a Chinese Water dragon?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Bella, I sure do! Reach out to us - [e-mail]

[@KainoaBlackeagle]

You should use a microphone clip on your shirt when you're speaking to drown out the sound of the air conditioners and Ambient sound.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It was clipped to my shirt!

[@jamesarchuleta4806]

This was a great video. It would be great if so talked a little slower and posted links to your web page.

[@jacoblennerton3689]

Biodude how often do you need to replace due to poop

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey Jacob. The beauty of bioactivity is that your microfauna do the cleaning for you!

[@jacoblennerton3689]

And would it be good for a panther chameleon

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

This set up would be a great set up for your Panther Chameleon!

[@susie322]

What light gives out UVB and heat?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Susey. The all in ones are going to be a mercury vapor bulbs like power suns, solarglo, etc.

[@xxpowwowbluexx]

Mycorrhizal is pronounced my-cor-RHI-zal or my-co-RHI-zal. “Mycor-RHI-zal fungi.”

[@KyleLennonxx]

Will you do more videos about chameleon?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes! I will be doing a whole video on them. I will cover glass tanks vs screen as well.

[@KyleLennonxx]

thanks it will be helpful also I'm gonna buy terra fauna from you I email you last year :) I do have a question I have a auto mister does it matter if I have the tubes just tied down on top of the cage instead of making a whole in my air screen cage I tested and it seems working fine

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

If it's working fine I would say go for it man!

[@KyleLennonxx]

thanks

[@deletingsoon.3790]

Would a biopod work well with your products.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I am carrying all of them. Still waiting for them to get here. I will be doing a video when they arrive.

[@deletingsoon.3790]

Can't wait they look like they would work great with what you have.

[@longdongwong580]

It’sWednesday my dude

[@tammyzarnowiecki2158]

Setup the monitor kit

[@HUNTENMASTA1337]

you ever have problems with fungus gnats dude?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

i have before. Yes. They are a big pain in the ass. Here is something that should help you: www.thebiodude.com/blogs/how-do-i-create-a-bioactive-vivarium/tank-hitchhikers

[@HUNTENMASTA1337]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter thanks. I tried drying out my tank for a week to allow the springtails and isopods to out compete the gnats. But im gonna try a carnivorous plant now as i still got a few.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Henry, they do just fine. Josh

[@HUNTENMASTA1337]

yeah make sure your acrylic enclosure is sealed though. Im picking up some flat packed acrylic enclosures from REPTILE EDGE, ill need to seal mine before i make them bioactive. just a heads up

[@jasjas4356]

Do you have video or can you make one on keeping veilds hydrated?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Jaslinn. I do not have one, but that's a great idea, thank you!

[@lane8932]

Glad your ok Dude . Ive got a question do you have an email I can talk with you about my tank ? I'm building a custom tank for a pair of sand boas . Beautiful job on this tank . I love what you do and I'm sure the animals thank you too !

[@dannydevito5312]

Rusty Irons I would create two different tanks. It's never a good idea to keep a pair together. Give your female a break from the male. Only put them together during breeding season

[@lane8932]

Brett Bauer my idea is a splitter that allows the bugs to move in between sides but not the snakes . I bred Burmese and red tail boas years ago and my curiosity is getting the best of me . I may only allow them to breed once or twice but I want to see how being raised close together in a bioactive set up will effect breeding as opposed to racks . These guys will be pets . And i guess a science experiment lol . Each side will be pretty much a 20gal long may be a bit shorter in height because I'm in NY and not Florida anymore . My living room drops to the 60s on the coldest nights so I need to make sure heating is #1 priority . I'm in the process of building the tank now . I'm also recording everything and will be making a channel exclusively for these two . From building the tank to as long as I'm alive will be uploaded with the obvious shutouts to the breeder king of DIY for help with tank plans and to biodude and his awesome kits . So as the snakes age the tank will and everything will be out there honest and open . So far i havnt found anyone even think about testing this with a pair .

[@PilotJirons]

Good to see another Irons interested in reptiles haha

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Feel free to email me here at [e-mail]

[@fruittymonstah]

Do you ship to Mexico?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi fruitymonsta. We do not ship internationally at this time. It will be coming soon!

[@stevenday9044]

Hurry up and ship to the uk 😊

[@cactusjake22]

Hey man, do you ship to PO boxes?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Jake. We cannot. Our carriers won't deliver to a PO box.

[@thelsgarage5500]

Do you own a store in Houston ?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

A big warehouse

[@thelsgarage5500]

Address?

[@carloramirez47]

crested gecko set up

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It's coming soon.

[@arizonaherpsandinvertibret5407]

+Henry Campover He uses the Terra Firma.

[@agroragarcia6468]

i want a chameleon but that can wait i havr a cat

[@deepdoubts]

Junkie Chameleon !!! BadAss !!!

[@frankie1525]

This dude needs to chill out with the sudden movements all the time like he’s about to snap or something