How to setup a Western Hognose BioActive Terrarium. Self-Cleaning. Self- Maintaining.

In this video the Dude discusses how to setup a BioDude Western Hognose BioActive terrarium kit. In this video I discuss how to assemble your Terra Sahara Bioactive Terrarium kit and what tricks to utilize when assembling yours for your Western Hognose. 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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- 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]

[@MaleficentHipster]

Oh my god I cannot BELIEVE all the comments flipping out about humidity. Did any of these people actually watch the video?? He SAYS - _AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE VIDEO_ - that it maintains 20-35% and even lower. 00:26 Josh if you see this I just want to let you know there’s at least one person out here who watches all your videos and actually pays attention! Sorry you have to deal with so many people being all arrogant about the humidity, and I admire your diplomatic responses. :) I would be so annoyed having to answer over and over, when people clearly didn’t pay attention to the video in the first place.

[@spaznetwork6982]

@Jennifer yes because in nature they live in only aspen bedding...lol

[@ojinga]

Jennifer “idiot” I have kept my hognose on aspen, and in a bioactive setup, she is is now in the bioactive enclosure and lives an enriching life.

[@sophist_]

Would love to see an updated Hognose setup!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That's a great idea, I will add it to our list of future videos!

[@emiaward9933]

anyone else seeing the dog soak up affection in the reflection of the glass :o

[@emiaward9933]

or cat?

[@Hotchocolaterabbit]

flip ndipity was going to ask if anyone else had seen xD

[@Beth_Amphetamine]

my eyes played tricks on me for a second when I noticed it. I thought someone was rubbing his crotch... 0.0

[@Barakon]

It’s a doggy with a black head and a white snout uwu

[@CatAleah]

Awesomeeee! You are so good at this. Love buying your products at shows. :)

[@happygilmoreadventures2370]

You should do a update on how the tank is doing

[@slaayerr1]

The snake probably got a respiratory infection from all that humidity lmao. All joking aside, hognose do prefer a bit more dry of an environment than the more popular types of snakes so it did seem like he went a bit overboard on the humidity

[@esmeevogels1990]

so much aggression putting things in the tank XD. I like this video :). film a little closer next time.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Will do. Thank you!

[@joshuatrejo2384]

4:30 “ A light mist “

[@denyceson8419]

Two shots of vodka energy

[@incredibly_exhausted]

Just found this video, and it answered every question I had! Not only did you give suggestions but also explained why you suggested each one. I love this video a lot. Thanks for the information!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Slightly Exhausted Artist. Thanks for the support. I'm so glad you liked the video!

[@Lucas-ct8kg]

this is amazing, thank you!

[@lauralee9440]

Very informative, Dude! Thank u! 🐍

[@Ibaneddie76]

Great video you really know your stuff when it comes to bioactive setups. The only thing I would add is a thermostat for the heat pad, a little less humidity and no light for the hognose. They don't like bright lights and tend to really thrive in smaller, dryer enclosures. Still this was a very informative video and it makes me want to set up a bioactive enclosure for some dart frogs, with a waterfall and jungle plants. Keep up the good work.

[@QuincyGatz]

You should do a hog nose update. Also a Red tail boa video. But love the videos i cant stop watching them i wish i lived in texas so i could visit your store.

[@redricochet1531]

Keep up the awesome work man great video

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!

[@nicoled7020]

I love this! I want to get a Western Hognose in a couple of years, so this is super helpful!

[@juliealexander7948]

I am so sad that you don't deliver overseas xD Your products are great and I love watching your video's ^^

[@wincarian]

Ok cool thank you

[@lemonbread5762]

Definitely going to give this one a buy when I decide to get my hognose.

[@eriquita3027]

I just ordered everything I need for my hoggie's new bioactive set up! I plan to let everything settle for about a month before transitioning him in but I'm so excited to get started! Do you have an update on this setup that I possibly missed? I'd love to see how they're doing now! And thank you for the great informative video!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there, it was removed as part of a channel revamp, the enclosure is still doing great inside the store!

[@eriquita3027]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Awe shoot well I'm sorry I missed it! 😔 Did all of the plants take off? Have you had to replace any? Any new decor you added? Also, does yours come out on top more with the extra lighting on top or does he still enjoy his privacy for the most part? 😉 😄 I've watched every setup video and read every article I can but very few update months or years later. I just want to do everything right 😊

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Awesome!!!Just when I was going to ask which substrate is best for a hognose snake,cause I considering on buying one,wow amazing!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you very much!

[@kennymckay5925]

Aspen chips.. idk what the fuck this shit is for a hognose.. but i have a super artic superconda n use nothing but Aspen chips

[@thetoothedcrayon4204]

0:54 look at the cameraman rubbing the dog in the tank reflection😂

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

He was a happy pug

[@dorkolicious525]

I'm getting a hypo hog island boa, which one should I use?

[@OEDODRAGON]

0:44 Aw! That cute doggy getting attention! =3

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

May he RIP

[@conlon4332]

That looks like it will be very humid. Maybe it depends on where you live but my house tends to hover around 30-40% as a baseline, with all that misting everyday the enclosure would be very humid.

[@Barakon]

Are water dechlorinators safe for human consumption (as in can I drink the resulting dechlorinated water?)

[@dbanner2804]

Hi, i am interested in getting myself a hognose and i have been told that as well as using a primary heat source (i have a heat lamp like the one in this video), i also need a ceramic light and a thermostat.. Is this true or will the heat lamp along with a digital thermometer be ok? Thanks.

[@lisalynn1]

How does Terra Sahara compare to Reptile prime or are they the same? I'm trying to figure out how to make the best home for a hognose snake pet. Not for breeding. I live in MI a humid summer but cold winter fall and spring for the most.

[@charles-griffin]

Does this kit come with the tank?

[@charlotteandreanoff3044]

Do you ship your products to the UK? Can't find anything like it over here

[@serenapudelski3958]

So how do I prevent overwatering if I have plants in my bearded dragon house❤ I was misting daily, but the humidity hasn’t gone down. So I have switched to every other day.

[@addzl6149]

would this be fine for an adult hognose

[@sirbaconlot2735]

This is a good set up but for the little bark pieces you said a little bit more you put 3/4 of the bag in there

[@Xiporah]

Completely off topic, and unrelated to the video, but I have the same spider tattoo as you have on your arm. Mine is smaller and on my neck, but it's the same design! That's pretty cool.

[@CarpyChronicles]

do you deliver to uk?

[@juliesheldon5671]

Love your product and I will only use your stuff, glad I can use bio on my Hoagies I don't like using just normal standards that's not how they are in the wild I use your bio stuff for my chameleons and my turtles do you have anything for spiders tarantulas especially thanks man love your products keep up the good work

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there Julie! Thank you for the support! Wonderful to hear you want to go Bioactive. We do have tarantula products, I will link them here for you - www.thebiodude.com/collections/terra-aranea-bioactive-substrate-kits

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Do you have to use specific springtails for dry desert setups???Or can I use the same ones I use in my crested geckos setup,the ones that breed on charcoal????

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would recommend a drier springtail, such as large silvers.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I do not.

[@DcN1212]

can you use under or side heating with this set up like the ones used in rack systems?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes absolutely. I have many clients utilizing my setups with their Animal Plastics racks. Just be sure to always check your heat etc to be sure the proper husbandry is being applied.

[@milothegriffin556]

I'm thinking of getting a hognose, but I was wondering how often and how to clean the tank with the set-up shown

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You set it up once. That is it. Spot clean occasionally with regular misting or weekly light watering for soil/microfauna maintenance.

[@Xiporah]

5:18 Wow. Completely unrelated to the video, but you and I have the exact same tattoo design. Mine is on the back of my neck.

[@kurosinferno1762]

you guys should do a updated video with the list that you have up on your page

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Noted, thank you for the feedback and idea!

[@kurosinferno1762]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter it would really help lol I’m following your list and a video would 100% make it easier since it would show a good placement or lights, cables, and just the process all together. Thank you for replying! It helps alottt

[@jaxlpic7609]

Camera is too far

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Working with what I have....Just wait till I get my nice camera ;)

[@happygilmoreadventures2370]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter Do a update on the tank

[@chipsrgood4741]

Just asking I am thinking of getting a western hognose and thinking about using this method has anyone tried this and your reptile get impacted. P.s I am new to this I am not trying to be rude just asking

[@benp4621]

Hot noses don’t need any moisture they live in a dry environment and the soil will cause the to get scale rot to get aspen shavings cause it’s dry

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi The Anonymous BP. You are correct. They do not do well in a damp environment. The Terra Sahara is designed to be an arid substrate. It usually has a humidity value of 20%. To better understand the science behind this soil, I recommend taking a look at this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6C3lpJ8jL6lr9U

[@JMemski]

they need around 45% humidity, they live all across western America, as far up as Canada and as far down as Mexico... the humity range is huge, they're built to handle a spike or dip as long as it's not too extreme. these substrates are designed to keep humity low and in fact sometimes even with substrates for bioactivity you can find the humidity getting too low.

[@nono3623]

The thing about aspen is that it's dry because you need to keep it that way. If aspen shavings get wet they mold very quickly and get real nasty. For a vivarium a bit of humidity is necessary, at least in the bottom layer, for spring-tails and isopods to thrive and break down waste products. This is why keeping a hognose in a vivarium is tricky but there are ways to do it and this guy seems to have found one.

[@shainiacarrillo5849]

Do you know where I can get small amounts of prairie grass seeds and/or sprouts? I can only find them in bulk and I would love to incorporate it into my Hognose's take

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

www.tortoisesupply.com/SeedMixes

[@shainiacarrillo5849]

Thank you so much!

[@truthda6186]

Do u happen to know what kind of environment suits for alligator lizards? I’m looking to get a bio active set up for my alligator lizard, I was wondering if I can use this set up for him. Thanks.

[@6strings735]

Yes, this setup will work. Alligator lizards are not generally basking in direct Sun, but rather sun-warmed crevices and under sun-warmed debris. A non-light emitting overhead source such as a deep heat projector will work very well. Alligator lizards are secretive and like to hide under flat or semi-flat objects. Cork bark works really well. Leaf litter is fine too. Don't need branches.

[@duckilyart7429]

How do you get your snake out without disturbing his environment and upsetting bim?

[@deanjones8365]

If you are using eco earth for a western hognose dose it have to be dry or can you use it damp

[@nyx6625]

Dry

[@nyx6625]

The humidty would be to high

[@orcrist7847]

You didnt show the watering of the layers

[@rachaelstromberg7348]

How often should you add more leaf litter??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That will depend on how often the clean up crew eats all of them, kinda just adding them every so often. hope that helps!

[@hellahomo3307]

You say it's self cleaning and I just want to clarify that you don't have to clean up the snakes poop or anything? I don't have a snake yet so I'm in the process of learning is there anything else about cage set up that is key to it?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That's right! One of our employees has a rather large snake and say the poop is broken down overnight. The keys to a thriving Biome is maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and plenty of biodegradables.

[@nele9838]

You just need enough isopods and its gone in some hours xD

[@keyriluxemescobar220]

Can you set up bioactive tubs?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes you can. It takes a little work and some balancing, making sure your gradients are right.

[@wincarian]

Won't the humidity affect the hognose.??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Wincarian. The way the Terra Sahara is designed your humidity will not be high. It will stay around 20%-25%. To better understand the way this substrate is designed to work, I recommend watching this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6C3lpJ8jL6lr9U

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

Can we get an update on how this snake's respiratory infection developed since being in this enclosure? :)

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

@thecasualtrollingpuma ??

[@joshuahalter2373]

He is an adult, still doing fine without one. you're welcome to come visit him, in store, in person for yourself. 15116 TX-3 #4, Webster, TX 77598

[@juiceglock1794]

How to I buy the products showed

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

watch the video lol. www.thebiodude.com

[@msanderson890]

You dont mix the chemical.before you spray?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi msanderson. Great question! You can swirl around the water if you want, but once the Reptisafe touches the water is goes to work cleaning it.

[@snowyrain]

Isn't this too much humidity for the hognose snake since they live in more arid and dry places? And do I NEED to use isopods and springtails?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Kim, sorry for our delay in getting with you. Nope, the ambient stays around 15% and goes to about 35% in the humid hide section of the terrarium,. With my setups, all you need is the Bio Shot to achieve full bioactivity, but you can surely go with bugs in addition to give you a little boost : )

[@snowyrain]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter thank you, but one more thing. If you buy a baby hognose, do you recommend everything you've displayed in this video for it? Or something different?

[@tiffyspetlife2500]

Kim Namjoon is personally recommend this, but on a smaller scale. Also, you may want to wait a few weeks for them to grow to at least a sub-adult to avoid any issues.

[@Evolutional]

Feel like I just found the Linus of bioactive setups

[@tobyvickers5074]

Water is lost through diffusion in respiration

[@michaelmehaffy7367]

I don’t get it. There’s wayyyy too much humidity to have a hognose in there. So what is this for?

[@vanessajensen9156]

IF YOU LOOK AT THE REFLECTION ON THE TERRARIUM AHAHHAHHAAHAHAHAH DOGGGOOOOOOO.. I THOUGHT IT WAS HIM SCRATCHING HIS CROTCH AREA TF IS WRONG WITH MEHHHHH XD

[@staryole1]

i cant find terra sahara where i am! :(

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Where are you located? We do ship from our online website!

[@staryole1]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter canada

[@staryole1]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter i retried but it only has the us as an option

[@AidanMC1995]

video editing is a thing that exists. Your video is impressive for a one take, but I recommend trying to film in small chunks and edit

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Aidan. Thanks for the feedback. I'm still learning and working on my editing skills.

[@AidanMC1995]

Editing is super hard, honestly I suck at it! But I take alot of inspiration from other youtubers. My favorite and in my opinion most talented content editing producer is Alec Steel. Check out his immaculate production!!!

[@guyncali2]

You've got me hooked. But it took quite a long time to find you. I understand this is the internet and I'm arm chair quarterbacking, but if I could make a suggestion, get a mic to wear and create a location specifically for filming your videos with a background that doesn't detract from what you are presenting. Also, find a way to get your notes closer to the lens of the camera so you don't keep looking off to the side. KZbin can be a great advertising medium and I believe this would help increase the number of followers that you have. You could also look into collaborating with other famous KZbinrs with similar businesses that have a high subscription count. Why not visit Brian Barczyk for example. I love your enthusiasm and I do not want what you have to offer to disappear. Thanks!!

[@sambphillips959]

I wish I could buy your substrates, but I live in the UK so that's a shame

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I am working on it! Keep an eye on the facebook for updates.

[@jasonvickery8393]

Hi Toby reptiles breeding business snake please mate

[@Celeriies]

I had to rewatch the first 2 mins like 30 times because I kept missing what he said. All I saw was a pug being pet and dangling baby feet...

[@ryannations317]

Yea haha the guys petting a dog

[@stadzh]

Aren’t hognose snakes dry snakes? Why spray them?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I offer the spray for the plants and the soil, the humidity stays under 20%

[@Nefite]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!!

[@kevinchiem4516]

“Western Hognose require 20-30% humidity” proceeds to spray tank aggressively with way too much water. And then says “recommend to spray each morning” LOL. You literally created the exact opposite the environment thy need to thrive. The humidity in that cage is 80+. I guarantee respiratory infection

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You should see the update video of the adult that is doing great with its enclosure that maintains humidity right around 35%

[@kimmie400]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter where can I find the update?

[@eriquita3027]

@@kimmie400 Up above they commented that they used to have one up but then deleted it.. Did not respond on if they're going to do another one.

[@iosgamers6989]

Surely it will be to humid for the Western Hognose snakes therefore too much water can damage the snake...

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi iOS Gamers. You are correct. Western Hognose do not do well in a high humidity environment. The Terra Sahara is my desert substrate that is designed to have an ambient humidity of 20-25%. To better understand the science behind this soil, please take a look at this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6C3lpJ8jL6lr9U

[@efraing5266]

Tortise bioactive

[@srt9883]

Have you guys ever heard of Jesus Christ our Lord and savior he took all of your wrongs and and the great things He did He credited them to us so that we might become the righteous of God

[@MAYHEMSCO]

The tank looks cool sure. But that's a terrible setup for a hognose snake...SMDH. humidity is going to be WAY too high

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Michael, thanks for your comment. To better understand the science behind the Terra Sahara substrate and how to maintain it with proper humidity levels for desert dwellers I recommend this video here (specifically around 3:30) : kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6C3lpJ8jL6lr9U

[@Handles_AreStupid]

classic clickbait for the sake of selling a 'totaly awesome and you totaly need this' kind of product. it is pretty much sand and dirt in a bag...

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Oh, it's so much more than that but alrighty : )

[@RepTalez]

4:20 All you need is one drop of Reptisafe in a 32 oz spray bottle? One drop will do nothing in that amount of water. He says 1 drop for a half gallon to a gallon, it's 2 drops per 8 oz of water so that bottle needs 8 drops. He claim to be an expert but can't even read a label on how to use a product. I don't believe he is the expert that he acts like he is. He's like a used car salesman, only he is suckering people into paying high prices for dirt from his back yard.

[@StyrofoamCancer]

Nice ad?

[@C4rL72]

Tanks far too small and humidity is far too high. Plus the addition of the substrate and (pointless log) you might as well keep him/her in a shoe box.I bet the hoggie is stressed to f**k