How to setup a California Kingsnake BioActive Terrarium. Self-cleaning, self-maintaining

In this video the Dude discusses how to setup a BioDude California Kingsnake BioActive terrarium kit. In this video I briefly discuss their basic husbandry with how to assemble your Terra Firma Bioactive Terrarium kit. With these BioDude kits your terrariums become self-cleaning, self-maintaining and provide better husbandry and enrichment for your herps! Subscribe, follow the Dude on facebook and check out www.thebiodude.com
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Kingsnakes, in general are found in almost every state in the USA. These beautiful snakes are a great beginner species to work with and have some of the most vibrant colors of north american snake species commonly available. Maintain their temperature around 75-78 degrees F with a hot spot of around 85 degrees F. Maintain ambient humidity between 40-55% with a spike at some point during the day. Maintain day/night cycles with the BioDude LED. Always provide fresh water and mist they tank daily. These snakes are found in the temperate forests of Northern California, Oregon and Washington State.
The Dude would like to thank Jordan for letting me use Samantha for this presentation.
- Website: www.theBioDude.com
- 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]

[@steezyengineers313]

Just visited the store and bought the kit for my Mexican black king, I can’t wait to set it up! I’m so happy that I found people that are level-headed and informed!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! glad it we could be helpful! please let us know if you have any questions!

[@steezyengineers313]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter what are the best type of isopods for my enclosure? I’ve been told different Kind by everyone

[@steezyengineers313]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter I sadly soon came to find out I was oversold on quite a bit of accessories that have zero benefits or cons to the enclosure, big waste.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

@@steezyengineers313 We wont oversell nor recommend products that are not necessary or good for your animal. That is not us nor would we have grown to be the success we are today if that was the case. You can always bring back unopened product and return it. For the isopods I would recommend Powder Blue or Orange. More of an Arid species.

[@steezyengineers313]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter I was oversold on light fixtures to only find out a heat lamp nor uvb are needed for the snake. I understand where you are coming from and don’t mean to “hate”, but only inform you of my experience. I did pick out some powder oranges last week. Thank you

[@CmdrPewpeez]

I bought this for my Cali King and man does she love her tank. The plants are awesome, the substrate, all of it. Its awesome to have and i'd highly recommend this guys products for your reptiles.

[@itzag8408]

They need people like this at petco lol

[@dirge44]

Bruh this bot is everywhere to the point it's anoyying

[@organsmarket]

Yh I feel like autism should be a requirement for those jobs XD

[@__tadpole__8195]

I’m getting a 48x24x18 inch terrarium for my California King in a couple of months and I’m definitely getting my Bioactive supplies from you. This look amazing and I can’t wait to build :)

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is awesome! We would love to help you get that set up! please reach out to [e-mail] when ready!

[@odincarry231]

Shutouts to the dude. Making it so much easier to work with getting my first snake

[@riskydom7420]

I have the bio dude set up for my MBK and he is so happy! I highly recommend these dudes for all you reptile/amphibian enclosure needs (:

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@falcolf]

I kept a leopard gecko for 23 years and didn't know that you were supposed to dechlorinate their water. 😅 Thank you for teaching me! This video was brilliant, especially the moist hide construction. ❤

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Happy to help, thanks for your comment! 👍🏻

[@johnpalermo2422]

def goin to your site asap this is incredibly practical

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!

[@sergeantcrow]

This is excellent... Thank you...

[@sergeantcrow]

Thank you for your help and advice K R .

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Awesome!!you create thee setups with ease,I just Love it my dude!!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Vee-Sent-Daey's -EnDZ thank you

[@shashankpawar9997]

The dude abides

[@_faye.]

this is incredible, thanks for the info!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You're welcome dude!

[@erictully7231]

very informed about"superior" bioactive terrariums, for kingsnakes.

[@rubenbentancourt1593]

Awesome i have 4 king snakes!

[@reptiles4u210]

It is Wednesday my dude. Love the new videos

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Reptiles4u thank you

[@damona361]

is it necessary to use a heating pad and a heating light as well or will the heating pad alone be enough for the snake? I want to make a bio active vivarium but am a little confused about the heating and lighting for the animal and plants.

[@Keagie]

I was looking for a video like this and clicked on it by accident

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Welcome in to the dudes channel!

[@tobiasthomsen1981]

Do a corn snake vid please

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Tobias. We are working on new videos very soon!

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

What kind of 40 gallon tank you used in this setup???? This tank with that lid is just awesomeness I got to know. And by the way your products are top notch!!!

[@aaaa-oe5iz]

Its zilla's 40g breeder for reptiles

[@rayfuller8517]

This is such a good video

[@danielvalencia7797]

But what type of isopods and spring tails

[@deibergarcia7573]

Do you use a heat lamp for this set up? I have it already but I’m not sure if I should use a heat lamp or if the heat mat is enough (within the burrow)

[@joshualui3452]

He does have a good product.. Double preception or whatever he calls them. And maybe something and things do need to be found out about..

[@nady0_0]

Does it work for mexican kingsnake too??

[@rogerstenstromk5mow715]

Great video

[@some_dude1596]

Hey dude, do you have a similar video on seeing up a bio habitat for corn snakes?

[@ponyboy5.0coyotewild63]

And it’s not what I want. It’s what beneficial for the snake !!!!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Bobby. We typically have about 5" of substrate at the most. Our kits come with enough substrate for a 3" depth. The wild does not provide belly heat. Infrared heat comes from the sun, not the ground. They may find a rock that has been basking in the sun all day to lay on, that would provide belly heat, but that's not a constant in their environment. The physiology of reptiles does not dictate that the heat should be on their bellies. It dictates that they need external heat for proper body function such as an active metabolism, digestion, growth, etc. Belly heat a myth and a fad. It's not a wrong way of doing things, but it's not the ONLY way. As long as a heated area is being provided in the proper temperature range, your snake should thrive.

[@Eggsnbacon88]

Does this work for florida kingsnakes as well?

[@rayrondon7298]

Hey dude I just got a pet Florida king snake I was just wondering if you can hook me up with that electronic for that keeps track of the humidity for the snake and where do you get those flat heating things that I can stick on the side of the tank?

[@LSilly1234]

Can you do one for a milk snake?

[@niabanks5895]

LaurenK milk snakes are a type of kingsnake

[@thomaswallis326]

So cool!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks!

[@duanehodges1512]

Water bowl? Didn't see it might have missed it

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Each of the enclosures that needs one has one, it might not be part of the initial set up video but theyre in the store on display in the enclosures.

[@christiancruz3914]

You guys are currently sold out on MBK bioactive kits, is there an estimate on availability?

[@slipdeath6662]

Would it be safe to put in a milipede or two as well or no?

[@OmarValenzuela1975]

Would this work for a Grey Banded Kingsnake? What would you recommend for modifications, if any? I loved this video. Great info! Thanks, and have a wonderful and blessed day! 😊👍🙏

[@bruhmingo]

Terra Sahara kit or MBK kit would probably work

[@CarowindsRoblox]

Does. The king snake kit include all that supplies in the video

[@Buionpo]

Do you have one for red tail boas?

[@jillt5732]

Brand new snake caregiver. What does "spot cleaning" nitrates look like? What does one look for as to not disrupt the whole eco system? Thanks

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Jill. What you will want to look for are the white clumps that are called urates which is compressed urine and any fecal matter that may linger for a couple of days. After a few weeks, your microfauna should started breaking it down for you.

[@richardrichar4272]

I was planning on getting a Baby Albino California Kingsnake and I like how this kinda set up is great for beginners and I was wondering how to set this up for babies and when I should upgrade tanks let alone how I change tanks when they grow out of it I mean do I just throw it out and have to buy it again or do I put it in the new tank?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You would upgrade the terrarium as the snake grows, but you can use the substrate etc to jumpstart the new terrarium, just add more soil.

[@richardrichar4272]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter thank you

[@jdogghoe]

I wish someone would have told me in the beginning to "do it big, and do it right". You spend SO MUCH money gradually upgrading habitat size. You can DEFINITELY start a juvenile king in a 40breeder tank. Just provide proper hides, plenty of over all cover, proper temps, humidity, etc. They will THRIVE. My second and 3rd kings went directly into 40's and they are all bio setups with The Bio Dude products.

[@chasecraig5670]

i’m looking for a bio active cali king snake set and i don’t see one on the site i did email though

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey hey! here ya go - www.thebiodude.com/products/king-snake-bioactive-kit

[@michaeldimitroulakos1307]

are the spring tails part of the kit? awesome video/info

[@StealingSunsets]

very cool kits though!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you : )

[@EphixiHD]

Will a Terrarium 80x48x40 be big enough for a kingsnake? Got this piece of furniture i want to build a terrarium on top of. Reptiles recently got legalized in Norway as pets, so i'm preparing for 15th of august. (which is when the new law that allows us to hold reptiles is set in action)

[@jdogghoe]

The bigger the better. Just make sure your husbandry is on point. Meaning proper hides, adequate cover, proper temps, etc.

[@jdogghoe]

Your king will use ALL the space you give it. As long as husbandry is good

[@terrencesinclair3238]

I just bought a new 40 gallon tank for my Cali King and am extremely interested in buying one of your bioactive kits! On the Bio Dude website, which kit contains the items (plants, substrate, moss, leaves, bugs, plants) seen in this video?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there, go ahead and send an email to the [e-mail] so we can get you set up!

[@THEE.apples]

Do you have any for uromastyx? When I get my ornate I want him in a bioactive setup.

[@JEREMIELEE]

👍

[@SamiiInsane]

So im doing research on cali kings because ive wanted one for years and i wanna make sure im prepared to take the responsibility for one but i have a major question. in other videos or research i found , i saw that cali kings dont like alot of humidity..... but the way you set up the tank with all the misting and the misting king device wouldnt that be too much for them? i thought they liked drier enclosures?

[@jdogghoe]

Kings live in variety of climates. They can live in dry or humid environments. That is my Cal King in the video. She is THRIVING in the bioactive setup. Dont hesitate. Go bioactive.

[@jdogghoe]

I have 3 kings, all in bio setups.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Could This setup could be applied to corn snakes as well?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

yes, with the Firma. If you visit my website I do have corn snake kits.

[@2is_Gaticuh]

So do I need the stuff from your website or can I just go to a reptile store and buy their moss and whatever type of substrate they have that’s the same just not the same brand? Also I’ve heard these bugs you put in there help with mite preventing , true or false?

[@jordanhill15]

Can I set up a large tank right from the start with a baby snake? Or should I start small and upgrade as it grows?...also, do you ship to Canada?

[@joshuaking8917]

Hi bio dude. Today at herps New Orleans I bought a 40 gallon breeder tank had Amber build it for me she said that I shouldn't need or use a under tank heater due to the amount of substrate. I did get a hundred watt ceramic heat emmiter set to a t stat btw should that be enough for the hot side and or Baskin spot? Or should I used both on that side? Btw my creature of choice is my ball python mojo

[@bean2324]

would I put on mite spray

[@e.nichols5380]

Better lighting for the videos please and thanks.

[@tokec8471]

If I get living plants. Is there a chance that there are mites with the plant. What should i do with that?

[@adamschneider1950]

Would this work for a Florida king snake?

[@jdogghoe]

Absolutely

[@chiefchick]

Josh, what size is this tank you are using in this vid? I just got a Florida Albino Kingsnake and looking for a bigger enclosure for her. Thanks! I love all your vids!

[@jdogghoe]

This was a zilla 40breeder that i got at petco. Im currently saving money to move all my kings into larger enclosures. 40 breeders are technically ok for kings. But kings will use ALL the space you give them. They are quite active (if husbandry is on point) if you can afford a nice tank thats larger than a 40 breeder, do it. That is my Cal King in the video and she was upgraded gradually to a 40. I wish someone would have told me in the beginning to "do it big, and do it right". After that, i started all my other kings in 40's, even juvenile kings. They will do great if you provide proper hides, cover, temps, etc

[@ReptilesandResearch]

would this be appropriate for a mexican black kingsnake? It was my understanding that they were from desert habitats? or am i wrong?

[@ArmednotTriggered]

Terra Sahara should be better

[@ReptilesandResearch]

@@ArmednotTriggered what's that

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It's The BioDude's desert substrate. You can find it here: www.thebiodude.com/collections/snake-bioactive-kit/products/mexican-black-kingsnake-bioactive-kit

[@MicroChronic]

I hope you see this and answer it but do your cali kingsnake bio active kit come with the springtails and isopods or do I have to get them else where I’m just trying to make sure lmao I know this sounds dumb but I had to ask

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there, no they do not come included as they are weather dependant for shipping. send an email to [e-mail] or give the store a call directly for a quote on shipping.

[@spacenerd6391]

Will this work with rosy boas since they live in similar regions -I think- as Californian king snakes????

[@stevewilson8146]

I need you to come do my tank seriously

[@lasagnadinner1946]

Loved the video and I subscribed!!! could this be used for corn snakes?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Absolutely.

[@lasagnadinner1946]

okay thanks!!!!!

[@acutiff7125]

What do you need to spot clean? Urates? What is that?

[@801Hellfire]

How many spring tails, orange isopods, death-feigning beetles should you buy for a 40 gallon tank?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey hey! starting out you want a smaller colony so not to over crowd it. They will reproduce and make the colonies needed among themselves. i will link you a CUC pack we recommend, it will be listed as out of stock online as you need to contact the care team to get them ordered and shipped - contact them here, hope that helps! [e-mail] www.thebiodude.com/collections/bioactive-terrarium-bugs-for-reptiles/products/ball-python-clean-up-crew-pack-includes-overnight-shipping

[@sweetea808]

Where is the website for the merchandise in this video please ?

[@ladybugphytoprotection5727]

Any updates on how this tank turned out? It's been 7 years. I am speaking to people on some terrarium FB groups and most people are saying this size tank is too small for a kingsnake and real bio-active is not viable for a snake unless unless the tank is way bigger than this. Urates accumulation in the long term and health issues for the snake. I just set up a 36x18x18 for a baby MBK following your recommendations in the videos and I am now told this is not viable in the long term and I will never achieve a real balanced healthy environment. Would really like some updates on this tank! Thanks!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi there, this video is somewhat outdated. Please see our care sheet on cali kingsnakes: www.thebiodude.com/blogs/reptile-and-amphibian-caresheets-with-cited-veterinary-and-herpetology-sources/california-kingsnake-care-sheet-and-bioactive-terrarium-maintenance

[@Eggsnbacon88]

Is it a bad idea to use a front open enclosure for a bioactive setup like this? I don't want bugs getting out of the tank and all over the house

[@ladybugphytoprotection5727]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter I guess it will do for a couple of years and I will upgrade when the snake reaches adult size. She is about 18-20 inches long at this time so the tank is still huge for her. Thanks!

[@ladybugphytoprotection5727]

@@Eggsnbacon88 I have two side by side with springtails, stratiolaelaps scimitus (predatory soil mites) and pill bugs and I see no bugs outside of the enclosures.

[@Silveraxis18]

Will this setup work for a Brooks kingsnake?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi rdiaz, it sure would!

[@corrie9762]

Fun

[@victorg7036]

Would this be the same for a corn snake?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Victor. It is similar. We have a corn snake kit available here: www.thebiodude.com/collections/snake-bioactive-kit/products/corn-snake-bioactive-kit

[@victorg7036]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter is there any online store in Canada that I can buy your product from?

[@jasonirvin6782]

BioDude You are incredible! Is there a way I can message you to come up with a package that will best suit my Corn Snake? Thanks for your vids!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Feel free! Thank you! Email through website

[@zintus67]

What would you recommend for a Florida Brookes King?

[@georgeyaknowthegeorgeyeathatme]

I would do thoughs expandable dirt discs as substrate

[@georgeyaknowthegeorgeyeathatme]

And jsut ad other plants native to florida

[@Dylankwame]

What kind of plants are good for cal king snake??

[@angelicasanjuan-caro7704]

Are the isopods sold separately? i’ve seen your website and am unsure if this comes with the package.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

separately, and weather dependent. its best to call the store directly.

[@jacquithornett1162]

Can you do a boa setup

[@Lucy-mq4zq]

Which kit would you recommend for an African egg eating snake?

[@darisrafiify]

Is it oke for Corn snake, if i would create bio active? If i am not mistaken, the isopod needs more humidity. In the other hand, corn snake love to burry their body into the ground. I am afraid it will affect my CS and make it scale rot...

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Daris, you can utilize bugs that require a drier biome -

[@randomhandle]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Such as? Oreo isos and tropical springtails?

[@Wowchukk]

Would this same set up work for a Mexican black kingsnake? Just sub the terra firma for terra Sahara?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes, id do a mix of both to be honest!

[@blizzard1442]

Hey man I️ was wondering if this would work for my Arizona desert kingsnake

[@jdogghoe]

Absolutely. My Splendida (desert king) is set up in the Biodudes Tera Sahara

[@paulrun111]

Where does the heat Matt go

[@tycoonzayy9848]

Bro what kind of lid is that

[@hammadraws]

Will this work for a baby kingsnake

[@ethanfortner7522]

Why would Sahara be better for mexican black kingsnakes? Are they not found in the same places?

[@elliotmoose1234]

no, mexican black kings come from more arid places, hence less humidity

[@mafiaboydq9890]

Can you do a Madagascar Giant Day Gecko Setup ?

[@chriscaligaris2194]

Do you have a rainforest boa set up bio active vivarium

[@elmuncheros3333]

Could you make a video for a corn snake bioactive setup

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Freddy, I do have one, but I will be doing update videos here shortly. Thanks for following and commenting!

[@elmuncheros3333]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter welcome love the videos hope to one day have all my reptiles in a bioactive environment

[@Wowchukk]

Man I wish you shipped to Canada :(

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Whorkin' on it!

[@Name-vu5nj]

will this work for milk snakes

[@eliberdinner4808]

Do you use a thermostat to control the heating pad?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

yes of course, always

[@eliberdinner4808]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter I assumed you probably did, but wasn't sure because of the heating pad on the side of the tank. I've seen that done for inverts and amphibians before but never reptiles. Makes sense though.

[@cleatus4109]

So, the cultures aren't included, but will the tank still be self-maintained?

[@sasharettren9174]

No .

[@brentsacolin]

Is this setup okay for a corn snake as well?

[@brentsacolin]

Nvm. He said he had a corn snake set up just like this one at 7:15

[@furyano1251]

It’s nice on the tank. But I can’t find a video that just tells exactly what is needed for a kingsnake habitat. 🤷🏻‍♂️ talking more than just getting to the list of things needed

[@adplays7261]

Same here, if you have a local reptile store or something I recommend going there and asking what the essentials are. If I find any ill come back to make a list 👍

[@furyano1251]

I love the way you set up this tank. I want my king snake to be comfortable and feel safe as possible. I like to spoil my animals. I believe she is the same exact king snake. But mine looks like it may have some aberrant California king snake. It is only 12” in length. I’m very curious to the uva and uvb lights. I only have a red and blue bulb. Can I buy a set up from you directly? If so how do I do this? She is a striped California king.

[@officialfre3]

Do the bugs not attack the snake or crawl out ?

[@jordannew3803]

Anthony Daley springtails are detrivores and prefer damp conditions so will rarely venture out of their comfort zone, i.e the waterbowl and or the damper substrate. The woodlice are pretty much the same with damper conditions with them being crustaceans

[@Spiritwingz56]

Where's the water dish?

[@NoxieNation]

Do you not provide a water source for the snake?

[@mokana713]

NoxieNation He said he left an area for a water dish in the center.

[@flemminganderson7121]

What kind of terrarium is that?

[@Zhrue]

What about uvb?

[@lilmisstrouble85]

Will this set up work for a corn?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi, Terra Firma works great for Corn Snakes!

[@brey5121]

Will this work for a Mexican black kingsnake as well?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

brey I would actually recommend going with the Terra Sahara for them.

[@brey5121]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter okay thank you

[@shaemcgill1829]

Hey dude real quick...do you sell all the stuff in thr video and if you do...how do I gey in contact with you to buy some!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Shea. We sure do! You can visit us on Facebook and at TheBiodude.com. Also, feel free to reach out to us on our customer care line [phone].

[@shaemcgill1829]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter do yall ship to Canada?

[@jalenrussell5799]

Can I put the same bugs with lizards to

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes I think I am understanding your question.

[@jalenrussell5799]

Ok

[@christianz344]

40 gallon big enough for an adult male or should I go bigger.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Christian. I recommend at least a 75g tank for an adult. They are very active and will utilize every inch of space you give them.

[@christianz344]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter Ok thanks man, I was thinking something like a 75. One guy recommend a 20 I'm like no way that's right

[@jdogghoe]

Definitely bigger. The bigger the better. I want to take all mine out of 40's and into 100's or bigger. The Dude is correct, they will use every inch of space you give them.