How to setup a BioActive Bearded Dragon Terrarium

[@jollyscarecrow]

Good job on the little "rant" at the beginning. A lot of people are so overly sensitive when it comes to the care and get completely warped perceptions from their over baring mind set. "You cant do this" "You should only do that" "Paper towel only substrate". They don't run around on paper in the bloody wild.

[@rellewilson7814]

Your so right i was so proud of him for standing his ground. I hated the idea of papertowels, i only used it for my beardie when she was a baby and there was a huge difference in her behavior during her first walk on dirt

[@thedalto124]

Relle Wilson I only use paper towel for quarantine, and if they are just little, little babies, also since I’m saving up to buy some stuff from TheBioDude.

[@rellewilson7814]

@@thedalto124 eah when my girl was a baby i found recycled shop towel tough papertowels with cool designs and it was cheap in bulk. Pretty cute.

[@thedalto124]

Relle Wilson oh

[@cjlumsden107]

Please ship to the uk soon i understand shipping cost will be high but am more then happy to pay it to support you dude

[@fabiobmv]

Charles Lumsden same

[@mrsricerocket5871]

Same! Would love the bio pod

[@sambphillips959]

Same I need this substrate

[@chelseaditchfield2833]

Same here, my beardie is feeling left out 😂

[@jamesgreig9983]

Check out Bioactive herps. :)

[@cassalamon]

4:53 middle in the moist and bottom

[@fabiobmv]

Lol

[@ambertembreull9649]

I am super excited that I came across your info online. We just got an adult bearded dragon from a co-worker who couldn't take her when he moves. It is the most boring tank set up with sand as a substrate which I do not like. LOVE your setups & am excited to see someone so passionate build a business on it! I will be buying my setup tomorrow once I can talk to someone at your business to help answer a few questions & help me order. And I will be sure to give a shout out to my other reptile loving friends :)

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you so much! It makes a HUGE difference with your animals.

[@Newstolenyoutube]

You do not get the attention you deserve, I've been researching beardie care and these are the most impressive set ups I've come across!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hopefully one day I will. Thank you for the support.

[@preacher1776]

Thanks for these videos. My son is starting to build out a habitat for his first lizard; a bearded dragon. This helps us understand what needs to happen to help it thrive. Actually saw you at the Houston show this past summer and was intrigued. I'm learning a lot through these videos.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Excellent - Thank you so much!!!

[@nathankress4491]

I'm planing on getting a whole setup for a beardie pretty soon and I already love the idea of a bioactive tank.

[@pixidustbunnie]

I got my 75 gallon bearded dragon tank set up a few days ago with your Terra Sahara kit, and I love it! My dragon has been more active and alert since we switched. I planted it with beardie safe herbs and not only does it look nice, it smells awesome too. 👍

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Feel free to add pictures onto the Dude's facebook my clients love to see stuff like that!

[@zzzarkka]

What’s the update on it?

[@enriquesexotics9095]

zzzarkka new update ????

[@monkeydsnts4232]

Just got my set up today for both my Bearded Dragons and it looks awesome, they both do enjoy the set up and can definitely tell a quick difference in there attitude towards their habitat. I did send 2 emails to customer support in regards to missing items hopefully they get back to me soon.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Joel. I'm so happy your dragons are digging their new environments! I sincerely apologize for your missing items. I trust that Amber took good care of you?

[@caewalker9276]

Great setup. I get baby bearded dragons in my mango trees around November every year.

[@BrokenZen311]

you keep a male with a female at all times? Or are you talking about outside in nature?

[@Wild_Cannon]

"Dry on top, and middle in the moist and bottom." Haha! Hey Josh. Been following your vids for over a year now. I just bought your Terra Sahara for my bearded dragon. I have built him a new tank and look forward to sharing a vid about it soon. I've completely changed up my channel and so I currently only have an intro vid, but more to come so stay tuned. Also, I want to add that I am a HUGE supporter of the work you do and I am looking forward to seeing more videos from you. Take care. -Wild Man

[@douglaswhi6980]

Dude, I dig the facial hair!!! Lol. Impressed that u take the same veiw as zoo's and other professionals in the setup of reptiles. There are some strange thoughts on the husbandry of reptiles, I like u prefer natures way. If it's worked so far, no point in changing it! Grt tutorial again. How about a vid on a large setup, such as for a Nile, or a Black throat.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks! Ill be doing a large video for my Ackies monitors.

[@douglaswhi6980]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter. awesome, really into that. Iv followed ur advice on all my setups and there thriving, I've not long started working with an Ornate nile I was given as a rescue. Looking forward to u supplying the UK with ur products.

[@shroomslut9817]

Finally someone who doesn’t use sand

[@jurassicparkreptiles1816]

I know

[@michaelharris8267]

What you got

[@rileysherman3497]

When you water it like that once a week, do you need to stir up the dirt as well? Or will it slowly absorb?

[@Frank1joker]

Really cool setup. Good job!

[@PondGuardianRacing]

Very cool! Need an green iguana kit

[@CRSTLMRNN]

Would love to see how Hercules' tank looks now!

[@jjhill001]

I know there is sand in the soil mixes. Have you ever considered using colored sand to allow people to have a tint to mimic certain biomes? Red sand for Australian outback, white for a lighter color to the substrate, etc?

[@hamsack981]

jjhill001 that would actually be really cool.

[@rellewilson7814]

Dido

[@hamsack981]

I just got a corn snake and got it set up then hear about this dude.....god damn it... Looks like I gotta save some money.

[@rachaelrorrer6565]

I planted seeds of clantio into my bearded dragons tank with your bio dirt in it and it is growing and looking good also a good smell

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Fabulous! love to hear it!

[@dylansvids14]

Awesome, im looking to get a bearded dragon soon and i will definitely be using this. Im not a fan of putting them on tile, newspaper or paper towels because it dosent mimic their habitat!! This is way more realistic. Love it.

[@ScalyFloof]

I do hope you will start shipping to France too. I really want to try out your stuff !

[@mrsricerocket5871]

I really appreciate all your videos sharing your knowledge , much better set up that stupid newspaper and a rock!! Fantastic, here in UK i shall try to replicate what i can using your video guidance, again thank you !!!!

[@GlorifiedGremlin]

Just did this myself. That bioshot STANK 😂

[@NvyDecals]

Thanks

[@Push_push]

Can i still have a heating pad under the tank bottom ? Ordered the 75 gallon kit and can’t wait to set it up !

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Nicci, you can surely put it on the bottom or the side. Belly heat is a myth and as long as it has surface area it will help raise the ambient heat of the substrate.

[@Lucidesmond]

Great video I absolutely love your products! Do you plan on doing any setups for skinks in the future?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you! Absolutely. I will be doing a Biopod Grand video for my Emeralds...They will be getting an upgrade ; )

[@gremgob]

this looks interesting and fun, i might consider doing this once i get a beardie :)

[@kristarenee5860]

Really interesting video but what are the crickets for in your isopod culture?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I breed CRX as well for my animals and have Isos in there to help with the soil.

[@lawrencewalker9823]

Great video. What brand is the tank you're using.

[@erictaylor6611]

it's an exo terra

[@howarddont6886]

Please deliver to the UK! I need your stuff!

[@Hurricane_Kitty1]

Just ordered

[@LisaSmithtm]

Do you maybe have a video on lighting for plants? I keep a lot of house plants on my windowsill, but I would like to learn more what they require in a terrarium like this. Is the LED enough, or do I need an UVB? Thanks!

[@snd28081]

How about no leaf litter or a small amount. How big of a difference would it be?

[@keithh6215]

Great video! I am new and been doing research and watching a lot of your work. I will be getting my first beardie and I will be using your products. During research I have come across the possible need for ceramic heater to maintain the heat temp during lights out cycle. What is your viewpoint on them? Do you remove your LED and replace with the ceramic heater? Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I love ceramic heaters. I use them frequently, especially with my Pancake tortoise during the Texas Winters. You need to make sure that you use a wire dome with them. If you are using live plants I would highly recommend using the LED or if you are not satisfied with the amount of light the UVB is putting out. Its very important to use normal nighttime and day time bulbs in some way that they know there is a photoperiod.

[@domishere4313]

Am I able to use coconut husk or fibre as a substitute substrate? Or do I need the stuff you’re using

[@domishere4313]

@UCYLJXipqYTLv1fNb8POcQPQ honestly I just want a safe and natural look, so far newspaper and reptile carpet, and tiles are the safest options. But They really look unnatural. Is there something I can use?

[@anastasiadepounti3734]

I saw a vid during my research that they mixed play sand and top soil it looks more natural then carpet or newspaper. The play sand is usually bought at Lowes. You can buy the topsoil from there to. Hope this helps!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I don’t recommend coco fiber, as it molds and needs to be replaced. I have DIY mixes that are safe and effective on my blog, which you can access from thebiodude.com.

[@anastasiadepounti3734]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter I know its mostly used for topical species like hermit crabs crested geckos etc. If you don't want to do a bio then you can choose either of our recommendations what ever works for you:) I would do the bio dude just cause I don't own a bearded dragon I just saw it while looking at reviews for an enclosure.

[@domishere4313]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter thanks

[@jordanhooper3615]

Hey would you be able to do a video on keeping the humidity right for a bioactive bearded dragon enclosure. Thanks

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Ill add that to the list. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@ryanfishydays]

Hello I have one question before ordering a bag, do you need to add all that water onto the substrate if I'm not planning on using live plants? Thanks in advance.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! it is best to add a bit of water so that there is a start of humidity but yes you are correct! if no plants, not that much water! i would keep an eye on humidity and use a hygrometer! - recommend this one here! - www.thebiodude.com/products/vivarium-electronics-digital-thermometer-hygrometer Hope this helps! let us know if we can answer any other questions!

[@Chad_Sandridge75]

How soon can you introduce your dragon to this after its set up?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

immediately ! you could set it up and have it running on its own for as long as youd like before adding your dragon.

[@Chad_Sandridge75]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Are meal worms and beetles adequate cuc? After all the other expense and work slowing down we really can't order bugs and there are no local stores selling any.

[@qrtzl5350]

Hey bio i was told to wash off the roots to a plant before i put it in, whats your opinion

[@FatRolls4Life]

Hydee Kerrigan although I’m not the bio dude I would suggest washing the roots

[@filip3486]

Hey, ordered the 40 gallon terraria kit off your website, filled all of my expectations! Was wondering, I've seen a lot of other videos regarding how to setup a bioactive terrarium, most of them include a bottom layer consisting of small rocks to drain out excess water. I noticed that your kits don't come with that. Is this layer necessary? If not, why is it included in other videos?

[@anthonyperisteris131]

can you make a bioactive anole setup

[@rbd_heitmannyt3558]

anthony Peristeris yes plz

[@johnbagley1315]

Another good video, i always research any animals months before i get it, i was wondering if its possible to have other animals such as turtles in with a beardy and make the 55 gallon bio on one side and sand with a water source on the other, i have my eye on a beardy that is at a pet store here ,lets just say they either dont know anything nor care anything about taking care of it, could u please let me know what u think of set up and whats the best sand to use

[@deletingsoon.3790]

Are you gonna do a bioactive video with the biopods?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

yes. I will be doing an extensive video for each model and how they work with my substrates.

[@jonathansukanto6799]

6:05 add what??. Bios shop??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It's called BioShot: www.thebiodude.com/products/bio-shot-per-6-qt-bag The BioShot is the BioDude's unique new microbial supplement and organic fertilizer for bioactive vivariums, and works well with all BioDude soil products.

[@blizzard1442]

👏👏👏 well said about the substrate

[@nathancunningham3929]

Where did you get the light holder

[@kaylinj1]

I love this!

[@emmacorry9302]

Springtails and isopods are soldout on the website... when do you think they will be available again?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Maybe end of next week.

[@kingstaffmlg3438]

Do u deliver to uk

[@ElvisIsMyKing2389]

Do you have a list of ok plants to put in a tank w. A beardie?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

www.thebiodude.com/products/bearded-dragon-starter-plant-pack

[@nicolenorman5789]

Does your substrate prevent fungus gnats or mites?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Fungus gnats and mites can occasionally appear in terrariums, even with proper substrate and habitat management. They can be introduced through various means, such as plants, organic matter, or even from the environment. It's worth noting that prevention and early intervention are key when dealing with pest infestations such as, rinsing your plant roots thoroughly before introducing them within your enclosure.

[@RaceSpiro]

First...BD rocks! Love your vids. Have a question on this set-up. Will the clean-up crew escape via the ventilation holes on the Exo Terra? Last thing I need is a Springtail colony infesting the house. Is there a way to keep them contained...or can i just use Isopods (no springtails). Thanks in advance. Keep up the AWESOME work!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Race, springtails and isopods will generally not be seen on or near the surface of your setup. They tend to stay within the substrate and are temperature and humidity sensitive. So if they are not meeting their required temps or humidity range they will perish, so no need to worry about a possible infestation.

[@adamludwig159]

What are your thoughts on eco earth? could it be used in a similar fashion?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Not a fan. It holds way too much water close to the point of stagnation, and often creates environments that are too humid, especially for desert creatures. It's void of nutrients so it doesn't help with plant growth. It's also really dusty when it's dry.

[@Moodiekat69]

Does this substrate today ever need to be changed?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

If you maintain it correctly, no.

[@mistic808]

I’m planning on getting a bearded dragon soon I’d love to do this set up I want to get a baby tho and was wondering if I should wait to add the bugs til the baby matures to add them

[@tokec8471]

How often should I spray in a bioactive corn snakes terrarium if I have isopods? And how often should I spray in a bioactive ball python terrarium with isopods?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I mist mine twice daily for 45 seconds a clip.

[@zackontakis7250]

Can you do a video about a bioactive blue tongue skink enclosure

[@1943ralf]

Would you recommend a bioactive substrate for a juvenile dragon?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes, I kept Herc on bio since he was 45 days old.

[@Firetalon-1121]

My Elephant bush got destroyed so easily i have to put it out and plant it again. I love that plant and won't let my dragon trash it 😂

[@MrBlonde5k1]

I did a quick price check on this stuff from your site and it looked like the substrate, bioshot, and janitor species was gonna be over $300. Did I figure incorrectly?

[@gypsyeyes337]

What's your feeding schedule for your beardie?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey gets fed fairly often. Greens every few days, crickets, roaches, worms every few days. If we have extra scraps we will treat him as well as his cage is in our dining room as our display.

[@bencorrea8166]

Hi! I really like your videos and I'm definitely gonna buy some of your products and make a bioactive terrarium at some point. I'm just a little nervous tho b/c I don't know for sure if my beardie is healthy enough that he won't impact any of the soil. Is there a way to know whether or not he is healthy enough for bioactive or am i being overly cautious? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

[@mariahmoosymoose470]

Maybe I’ll have to consider this

[@strykeraz3955]

How heavy is the tank when done? I am concerned moving it from upstairs when it is full.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Steve. I would have some help getting it up the stairs. It would depend on how many bags of substrate you will be using each bag of Terra Sahara weighs about 40 lbs.

[@VioletMassacre]

Where did you get this terrarium? I'm trying to shop for ones for my adult beardie!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Tesla GRiMM. This is an Exo Terra 36x18x18 enclosure. You should be able to find them at a reptile shop, petco, or petsmart. If you are unable to find one, we have them available for shipping on TheBioDude.com

[@VioletMassacre]

Do you know where to buy the one that's 48x18x21? It's a 75 gallon

[@JessicaEDM89]

silly question do you turn the lights off at night?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We do. 12 on, 12 off the best we can for a good photoperiod.

[@nikkilund4782]

How come you decided not to put springtails in there?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Nikki. Great question! In this video I opted to showcase The Bioshot to show that they bugs are not a necessity if you do not have access to them.

[@nickshooks930]

I know it has been a while but I was wondering if this 36 by 18 by 18 tank is big enough for a full adult bearded dragon

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would recommend something larger, that is too small.

[@andrestarkes5240]

Can I add more substrate to this setup? And if so how much?

[@catmast3rjoshua910]

Alright so with this light would I need any other light? Since it’s pretty much all in one? Don’t give me any heat I’m making research so I can adopt a dragon

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

The LED's are for optimal plant growth for a bearded dragon I would also have a Desert series UVB light.

[@cynthiastack8874]

If you have a set up that has edible plants for a bearded dragon do you still feed them salad or can you still?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Cynthia, I would still feed your bearded dragon their salad mix dusted with calcium and/or vitamins. Having the live edible plants in their enclosure is great enrichment for them and you.

[@blainedessormeau9471]

You should do a big Chinese water dragon enclosure. Like 4 ft high 4 ft long and 2 ft deep or something big like that.

[@truesatellite104]

What terrarium is that? I cant find one with sliding doors like that.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It's a Tetra Fauna 75g tank. You should be able to find a distributor near you on Tetrafauna.com

[@truesatellite104]

O ok thank you I thought that was the name of your bio setup not the tank its self thank you.

[@tdotgirlsammygirlcomeup9329]

So do you ship to Canada?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I do not, sorry.

[@dxb.chris8]

What's the humidity level in this set up?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Chris. It fluctuates between 45-55%.

[@lane8932]

Can I buy the bioshot separate? I already have a bio set up ?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You sure can on the website.

[@imperialdrone6261]

I'm coming to houston next week to get the stuff to make my ball pythons tank bioactive.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Imperial. I look forward to helping you become bioactive!

[@isaacbracegirdle9809]

Hey bio dude, I live in NZ and I really want to set up a bioactive terrarium for a bearded dragon, i obviously cant buy your products due to living in a different country, do you have any tips or advice to help me to create an awesome terrarium.

[@joep6stuijt]

Can you do a vid on a terrarium for stick insects? Mine just got their eggs hatched and im thinking about giving them a bioactive home (If thats possible).

[@dysfunctionalthor4719]

The insects come with the kit correct?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

They do not!

[@jonathanyoon8835]

Please update Hercule's tank! Really want to see what it looks like after a couple of months of abuse by the monster.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is coming very soon!

[@vickiforrester4970]

Do you deliver to South Australia Australia

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Vivki. We do not ship internationally at this time, but we are working very hard on it!

[@mindsracingrc3320]

Does biodude ship to Canada

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Chad. We do not yet, but it's coming soon!

[@mindsracingrc3320]

awesome looking forward to it!

[@toucangr3at134]

How would that work out for a silky Bearded Dragon? Plz get bacc to me thxs

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I dont see why not? What makes them different besides the lack of elevated spikes?

[@zachthelover]

Can you just use the TerraSahara substrate by itself

[@lamluong4930]

does this setup also work for uromastyx, or do uromastyx need a different setup?

[@rashidstrife5207]

I’m scared of my beardie eating the leaf litter. Also will it be ok if my beardie accidentally eats the isopodes ? I’m trying to feed him roaches instead of worms will he have a problem eating them in the bioactive tank?

[@minkiedinks]

Isopods are very small, so beardies generally don't have any interest in them. Even if your beardie eats them, it shouldn't cause any problems! :) Beardies are also omnivorous, so leaflitter won't hurt your beardie too much if you're providing good food.

[@rashidstrife5207]

mink thank you so much. I’ve had my beardie for about a yr now and he’s doing well in his tank. I ordered him a new one and just waiting for it to come but he hasn’t eaten the leaf litter and eats his greens finally.

[@dxb.chris8]

How often does the substrate needs to misted?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Chris. Every household environment is different. Here in Texas I mist once a day and water the plants once a weeks. Depending on your environment your schedule may be different. I recommend giving this video a watch for a better understanding of how this substrate is designed to work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6C3lpJ8jL6lr9U

[@jesjes2500]

I set mine up and then months later got centipedes...it was my fault because i did not treat a wood that i got from outside..they killed all the springtails but my isopods are doing fine...do i have to take everything down and re-do it or should is there a way to kill them off?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You can try putting some food in there and manually pulling them out - However, they can be a pain to get rid of. I actually have a few centipedes in some of my terrariums with no issues, but it is one of those things that you can always try CO2, it will kill all the bugs but your organic processes may be untouched.

[@mikedee4123]

You should do a indonesian blue tongue skink. They need a large enclosure and also the humidity has to be high it is a ground dwelling tropical species

[@zubinshirodkar4681]

what do you do in a bioactive setup if there is a mite infestation

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That depends on the mites - Usually have to start over depending on the mite or parasite.

[@mick3y_mouse494]

What about a hide ?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey hey! as the plants grow and take over they will be utilized as coverage for hiding, as well this size enclosure is recommended for a smaller beardie so they would offer coverage as well. hope that helps!

[@mick3y_mouse494]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter ohh ok thank

[@coltonjones9914]

How high should the humidity be for an adult dragon

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I keep his under

[@luannesailors1333]

Is this enclosure suitable for an adult bearded dragon? I have been doing much research, and I'd like to purchase the correct enclosure for the long run, so I don't have to upgrade multiple times.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It could be, honestly though, you want to get at least a 75 or larger for them.

[@luannesailors1333]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Thank you!

[@taylahacker]

So if I have the bioshot I dont need the springtails and isopods?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Tayla. The BioShot can replace the bugs if you want. I like having both, but the bugs are not a necessity to be bioactive if you are utilizing the BioShot.

[@lifesatrip7760]

What's in the Terra Sahara

[@hannajurs790]

can i keep an adult bearded dragon in and 120 gallon tank

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Absolutely! lots of room! - the dude abides

[@alexandrebossu710]

Yesterday, I binged watch quite a few of your setup videos and they are great. But, if I may give you a piece of advise, I always heard from community manager and all of those people, you souldn't release to much content at once but space it out a bit, to hit a bigger audience and have more people hooked on regular content. So, maybe, when you have 3 videos, like today, you should release them over a week or so. I don't know if it's useful nor needed but it could get you few more views and/ or sales. PS: Do you consider having Bio Dude Europe? We seem to lack your products around here.

[@callmebertbread277]

Would 16 qaurts work for a 40 gallon breeder cuz the 36 qaurt is 50 bucks