Should you go Bioactive with Reptiles and Amphibians?

Bioactive enclosures are increasingly popular! Should you hop on the live plant and insect cultures-train and try it out for yourself? Let's talk about what I think on bioactive reptile and amphibian setups.
BIOACTIVE BALL PYTHON KIT: kit.co/GoHerping/bio-active-b...
MY REPTILE SUPPLIES & GEAR: bit.ly/GoHerping_Kit
------------------------------
10% OFF FEEDER INSECTS - bit.ly/GoHerping_FEEDERS
------------------------------
FOLLOW ↴
bit.ly/GoHerping_INSTAGRAM
bit.ly/GoHerping_TWITTER
bit.ly/GoHerping_TWITCH
------------------------------
DISCORD - goherping.com/discord
------------------------------
WEBSITE - goherping.com
------------------------------
DISCLAIMER ↴
I receive commissions on some links in description. Opinions are ALWAYS my own on any product or service and always will be.

[@waterbottle8692]

I just want to throw this out there. If you have a bioactive setup for one of your animals and they somehow acquire mites, it's not the end of the world and you don't need to tear down the tank. You can add predatory mites to the tank which will eat the harmful mites but not feed on your animal. They also will feed on some of the springtails but they won't be significant enough to seriously lower the population. They will however completely get rid of the harmful mites.

[@chomperthebadger9866]

This has been my biggest worry in a bioactive setup. Food for thought! Thanks!

[@littlesaresare]

But then how do you get rid of the predatory mites?

[@waterbottle8692]

littlesaresare You don’t need to get rid of the predatory mites. They are beneficial and completely harmless to your animals

[@TheEtienneDavis]

And I guess you can just go out and pick up these “predatory mites” up at your nearest Walmart... from the cashier? Gross. Spritz her with hand sanitizer first. And take latex gloves to retrieve the ziploc bag of mites she just pulled from between her sweaty breast and bra. Take the ziploc and just toss it in the tank. Don’t even open the ziploc, the mites will chew right through it, just like they chewed right through Wanda the Walmart cashier’s grandma panties she shoplifted while on her cig break

[@unknownanonymous7253]

Just want to ask but will the "Roly Poly" / "Pill Bug" kill mites and ive baked the soil , But ive got a 90cm / 25 gallon tank, I've got "Sweet Asylums" Ummm im just wondering would the pill bug eat the plants and I don't know how to make the plants completely sterile aswell as have no harmful bugs on the plant while putting the plant in to the tank... My main focus is to have a completely natural and free bio-active setup , Ive been researching extensively. I'd really like some awnsers and please help me out👍👍

[@HoosierHerpvertebrate]

Some isopods are really colorful and ad to the aesthetic nature of the tank.

[@Shaggy-lu6dz]

The biggest pro for me with wanting to setup a bio active enclosure is that iv read studies where snakes have been shown to be better thinkers and problem solvers when provided with more environmental enrichment as opposed to snakes under basic rack conditions. Science has told me more about snakes than most breeders and anyone in the hobby has its incredible the depth of knowledge there is on these animals if you look hard enough in scientific journals

[@ryanbyrd2246]

Shaggy420 source?

[@TuberoseKisser]

@lazer tag yeah my snakes are idiots.

[@katelillo1932]

That article is really interesting! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@katelillo1932]

That article is really interesting! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@HaasioArt]

Heck I've got a lot of homework today... time to get it done *goherping posts* SCREW IT PHYSICS CAN WAIT

[@christinareid6593]

Sahel duuuuude physics is easy, get it done lol

[@HaasioArt]

XD Physics is easy, but my teacher likes doing like 30 tedious problems per night :>

[@christinareid6593]

Sahel oh yeah that always sucks. Geometry is easy but I get too much fucking work. Like bitch stop. I'm drowning.

[@jayc.landgraf6828]

If you are in school then why are you cussing.

[@christinareid6593]

Jay C. Landgraf you can be a school student and cuss? Tf?

[@whileyouwerereadingmynamei8801]

There are many pros and cons, but I think that a bioactive vivarium is great, you just gotta quarantine your animal before introducing it to the enclosure.

[@tiffanyafinderskeeper8720]

WhileyouwerereadingmynameIstoleyoursandwich why do you need to quarantine?

[@whileyouwerereadingmynamei8801]

A Finder's Keeper Tiffany Ward Probably doesnt happen often, but if your snake has mites and the mites infest the vivarium, then you gotta replace everything.

[@tiffanyafinderskeeper8720]

WhileyouwerereadingmynameIstoleyoursandwich gotcha. If the snake is infected and you have them in a tub, then it is easier to clean. Makes sense. Thanks!

[@whileyouwerereadingmynamei8801]

A Finder's Keeper Tiffany Ward no problem!

[@ryanbyrd2246]

WhileyouwerereadingmynameIstoleyoursandwich ... Its so easy to tell if they have mites tho, like 5 seconds lmao

[@Nugrat1]

I went bioactive for my rosy boa and boa constrictor and they absolutely love it

[@carlyharp2024]

I loved the bioactive look for my corn snake, however due to the fact that he was so used to burrowing into the shaved aspen, he tried to dig into the eco earth and ended up clogging his nostrils with dirt and got a mild respatory infection. Through trial and error I've found that the reptile shredded aspen with some plants and his water dish does just fine for him! Happy and healthy 8 years old now. Every animal has their preference!

[@nicomcgill4619]

I do Bioactive for all my reptiles and Amphibians, I love how they look!

[@m.j.7703]

Nina Mcgill same. I'm planing on doing a new Floridian vivarium for a group of anoles.

[@youngbaphament438]

What should you do if u get mold

[@xaviertheprettyboy]

I don’t think they work to well for dragons

[@grandadoboman1995]

@@xaviertheprettyboy Do a grassland setup. Central Bearded Dragons live in that kind of environment anyways. Down side is, grass can take a while to carpet the enclosure.

[@lucasdelaere2634]

Can u tell me how you can set up a bioactive tank for a cornsnake ?How can you keep your clean up crew alive and at the same time the humidity not getting to high?

[@arkeim4564]

Personally, I would go for the leopard gecko. I don't know, but I feel like it would feel the most happy in a bioactive enclosure.

[@blueyeen3747]

I've gone bioactive for my mice lol it works really well for small mammals too! (Though you do have to take extra care of what type of plants you use and prepare to replace regularly, they WILL destroy & shred them!) :)

[@sturmfrei5853]

That sounds nice! I've always looked for a more natural way to keep mice but I was always concerned about molds etc.

[@helga4791]

I am going to vote for your cornsnake to get the upgrade. Setting up all of that natural decor in shades of tan, brown, green and grey and then BAM! Some orange snake slithers right through it all...total contrast, totally awesome.

[@thekiofki216]

Please do a bioactive for your corn snake. I would really appreciate it. Its what I was searching for when this popped up. I saw the ones for you ball python and turtle. Great decorating skills. Thank you.

[@Fedstrix]

This is awesome. I'm super into plants and snakes and I've been planning on having a snake tank and a terrarium, but this way I could do both and have a miniature ecosystem. It's wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@danielleconsolvo399]

really helpful! love your videos, i'm planning on getting a bearded dragon, so i'm trying to educate myself a lot before i go and buy anything. thank you!!

[@audrawheeler1615]

Did you ever end up doing a video for a bioactive corn snake setup? Id LOVE to see that as im about to do the same and get my first cornsnake :)

[@scalesos.6452]

Really needed this vid thank go herping

[@xeniahaberditz5472]

Your bioactive enclosure look so cool! Once I'll move in 2y to a bigger place, I'll for sure want to make one for my BP, and if it works well then continue for the other reptiles I'll buy.

[@ssjordan34]

Great videos my man. Thanks for the info!

[@holladolla3047]

Thx dude, making my crested gecko a bioactive Viv and this helped a lot! Go goherping!

[@VanLifePays]

Never mind I found it here! Thumbs up for being thorough and insightful!

[@prankbroz1851]

I have a grey banded king snake and a bearded dragon and you have inspired me to get more reptiles and amphibians

[@george420pm9]

nobody asked

[@maddies1720]

I got my first reptile today due to your vids! Thank you so much!

[@scalesos.6452]

Clay Dude wat did u get have fun with ur new friend

[@marilynteichman3060]

One of your best videos. Very interested in the self-sustaining housing.

[@swegbruh199]

Do a video on how to clean a bio active enclosure!

[@RadiantReptilia]

Awesome. Still hoping on doing one of these for Ash.

[@ihhssaann]

If you're wanting to get into plant keeping this is a great way to start- especially if you're not the best at keeping plants. I think marrying it with your reptile upkeep will motivate you to be more attentive and try harder, plus most of the plants you'll keep in the tank will be plants that thrive in that specific environment so some of the work is done for you.

[@azrasamonichi3637]

Hi, Alex! Just found your channel and am really enjoying “binge”watching all your videos. I know what I want (a Western Hognose) and am getting everything ready before I actually get it. My main 2 problems are: 1. Where to get it...so. Many places and so many bad reviews... and 2. I have had a hard time finding Isopods and Springtails at a reasonable cost. The “bugs” and shipping is $65 at one place and actually the only place I have really been able to find them that I would more then likely trust. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated! Thank you and keep up the most excellent work, you’re a pleasure to watch! 🤗

[@kaylahhew8787]

Can you make a video on quarantining a new ball python or any reptile for that matter

[@mikeb.1674]

I really love the setup. Do you have your lights programmed?

[@jackiealzate9997]

love your videos i hope you get the chance to do a bioactive for the cornsnake i would like to follow that and try it out

[@ivan_money_bags5295]

Great vid thx for info because I'm getting a ball python

[@akylahtaylor1817]

Your channel is pretty cool I like all the information videos you have. :) Also I'm going to a pet expo in 10 days to get a bearded dragon hatchling I'm so excited

[@GoHerping]

Thanks, and nice :D

[@ShelledReptiles]

Hello, I was wandering what kind of camera and editing software you use? Thanks!

[@shainiacarrillo5849]

I put my hognose on bioactive and he loooves it. He is always moving around instead of just sitting in his hide for days on end in his old enclosure. I can understand how it could not be for everyone/every species but if you can do it I would definitely give it a try! It provides so much enrichment for the animal and is also aesthetically pleasing! It looks like his own tiny grassland with grass, a spineless prickly pair, and another succulent.

[@christianaranibar610]

i am also using the led uvb

[@mhebert350]

DO A BIOACTIVE SETUP FOR YOUR NEW BOA !!!!!!! Doin one of my own and will someday be posting a video of the construction. Eventually X)

[@lane8932]

Lol that sticker sticks out like a pimple on a runway model.

[@GoHerping]

I 👏like👏my👏sticker👏

[@lane8932]

GoHerping lol great job on the tank man . I'm learning all I can for a sand boa set up . Found canyon isopods , darkling beatles, and blue death feigning beatles that seem like they would do the job with out dieing in the low humidity.

[@sageoblouk6782]

We have the same container for springtails.

[@misscasualty]

I plan to put my snek in a bioactive setup once it goes from a 10 to 20 long. It is more money up front but when you factor in that you are not continuously buying and throwing out substrate I think it pays for itself after a while.

[@zamaniego16]

Hey bud! What kind of lid would this enclosure need? I'm going to give this a shot in the spring!

[@tokec8471]

How often should I spray the ground with water? If I had a bioactive setup with springtails and isopods? I had one to my ball python and my corn snake.

[@Evan345gdf]

TokeDenOP it needs to be damp, but isopods easily drown so you have to be careful to not puddle it

[@feetusbeater1245]

Cool! im totaly gonna switch to bio active. but i have to learn to care for plants first because ive never done that before

[@mamaj4734]

Very nice tank. Always enjoy your videos. Very informative. Where can I find long sticks like you have in enclosure?

[@snek5898]

mama j outside

[@Charlie-tw3ef]

@@snek5898 lol

[@joeweyman5288]

I have a bio active set up for my Vietnamese moss frogs

[@rhaenysgames8115]

Could you leave a list of some of the items we would need to create a bioactive inclosure such as the plants that are safe for ball pythons and easier to keep alive and the best soil for a bioactive in closure. Love this video and the enclosure is so pretty!! ☺️

[@galanthius8924]

He has a link to it in this vid description--I would copy paste it here but I know he puts any comment with a link into spam lol

[@sillyminicat]

You should resell the frank turtle pins

[@skyocean4878]

Big fan of your channel I have learned a lot could you by chance do a bearded dragon video? I'm stuck between getting a dragon or a ball python trying to see what would be easier and a better pet

[@fishboy9715]

When you said to try focusing less on the animal but more on the area they're living in, it got me curious if you were ever interested in the fish keeping hobby for those reasons, planted aquariums or native biotope aquariums are really fun to build and design with the goal of the tank being to sustain itself almost completely. Love the videos! stumbled upon you recently, had my leopard geckos some time now but you sparked the want for a snake again haha :)

[@metaknight115]

Get a snake. They’re so fun. How’s owning the fish themselves. I’ve never been very interested in them since they’re only display animals, and I don’t get a pet just to look at it in a glass tank.

[@TheFlamingWeasel]

I'm about to get a leopard gecko and while I'm just going to focus of caring for the animal at first, I would love to look into creating a dessert vivarium down the line.

[@jimiwilliams7176]

Do the corn snake because they love climbing and being out and about thats how i always keep mine in vivariums that looked like a little bit of their natural homes did that for years

[@elizabethgrey6040]

I think it's important to stress that an enclosure doesn't have to be bioactive to be enriching. Obviously real plants make an environment more similar to the wild, and springtails and isopods are generally useful for making it somewhat self sustaining, but a large amount of fake plants, things to climb on, naturalistic hides, sticks, and a good substrate can be almost as fulfilling in my opinion. I can't do bioactive because don't feel comfortable with springtails and isopods running free and suck at keeping plants alive. But my crested gecko's tank is absolutely covered in hanging leaves, leaf litter, climbing vines, hiding spots, coconut fibre and even though there's only one real plant in the tank, it still looks like a jungle that even I wouldn't mind living in lol. I guess all I'm saying is that there is a middle ground between bioactive and a simplistic rack system.

[@taranturtle1842]

I add just isopods to most of my animals tanks i have them in my box turtle and fowler toads enclosure because my turtle poops a lot and buries her food so yeah.... My toad just eats them

[@hannahthefallenangel788]

Can you do that with ball pythons

[@Jc-uh5zj]

How often do you clean your bioactive tank and more importantly how do you clean it ???

[@FluffyJellyfish]

I'd love to see you do a bioactive Leopard Gecko enclosure!

[@catina_rn]

Question... what do you do as far as a warm side vs cool side of tank with a bioactive? I currently dont have bioactive but want to switch my ball python over but I currently use an U.T.H. heat pad.

[@marandamarquez6218]

please do a bioactive for your corn snake

[@giannibreton891]

Any decent websites you suggest for buying live plants for my ball python setup?

[@jasonrumfelt2990]

When you have layers of substrate like that, and are using live plants, how often do you change the substrate? Or do you just scoop the poop?

[@rollapoid]

im considering live viv. was really concerned about parasites and mold but i can always ask my vet what is safest for my snake son

[@connerjones9572]

What website do you use to order stuff

[@rynguyn7469]

You need to do another reptile room

[@sabzillagorilla]

Do you think a bioactive setup would work for a Kenny??? I just ordered some plants for my corn, but was wondering about how much they would affect humidity... I'll find out once I set em up in mah corn's tank...

[@sabr7413]

Do i really need to put isopods and springtails on the bioactive setup?

[@abigailnaomiblocker4217]

Do bioactive for Goldie the leopard gecko 🦎

[@mattr2238]

Do Boston Ferns work well in these sorts of enclosures?

[@ScarletCandlelight]

Did them for my crested geckos, and about to do one for my Lepord Gecko.

[@mcwolfgang3866]

I'm getting a blue Tounge skink, do you think because I'm using a plastic tub as an enclosure the plastic will melt because of the heat pad?

[@Avocetexotics]

I just set up an arid bioactive tank for my bearded dragon.

[@javilim9252]

Should i go bioactive for arachnids?

[@jacquelynbritz5062]

Do a leopard gecko bioactive please what substrate is safest

[@beth.writes]

Look up the bio dude, he has a bioactive leopard gecko kit :)

[@Amanda-mu2jy]

Did you use a drainage layer? Or just forest floor and eco earth?

[@musiclover101531]

Pleaseee make a video on olives tank if you make it bioactive

[@jasonc3028]

If you can do crested gecko bioactive tank that be dope

[@jimiwilliams7176]

The tank looks nice now its growing i like it but we buy vivarium in the uk and they are cheaper and easier to get a ball python viv from a big reptile company is about 90 bucks thats why we don't get the fish tanks you use till you said in a video last week its nice now

[@youngbaphament438]

What will happen if you get mold?

[@tiffanyafinderskeeper8720]

Thank you for all of the great information! You certainly produce interesting content! What about humidity? I have heard that it is difficult to keep any humidity in glass tanks. Thanks!

[@tiffanyafinderskeeper8720]

Steve Gee thank you!

[@GoHerping]

Thanks! People to this day "attack" me for using glass enclosures. It's super easy in the bioactive enclosure (I hadn't sprayed this enclosure in like a week and you can see it still says 59% on the hydrometer), and I have had no troubles with my others. Of course, it will vary depending on the climate you're living it, but my house gets down to 30% in the dry months and it's still easy to maintain.

[@tiffanyafinderskeeper8720]

GoHerping you are a fine young man. Don't ever let the naysayers get you down! If you have proven that it works, then it works. Thanks again!

[@Shaggy-lu6dz]

Would assume bio active in a glass enclosure would increase humidity as opposed to a sterile glass enclosure setup. I will say glass is absolute shit in Canada at least where I am. Iv had all 3 of my snakes in glass and all of them got stuck sheds. Now i use large R.U.B.s for the time being and eventually I want to get some large bio active cabinets for the rainbow boas and try going back to a glass enclosure with my ball but try it bio active

[@IAMGiftbearer]

It's silly that people get so whacked out about this and think so negatively. It looks like the snake loves it and is healthy. That's what really matters. That was really cute when he peeked his head out from under the green plant and then pulled it back in. These snakes probably love the plants better than traditional hides. My female never used her hide made of plastic, but she loves soft things she can nestle into like towels and blankets.

[@MarleyPeifer]

I think I might do a 40 gallon bioactive setup for a ball python I want to adopt.

[@Drock8003]

Marley Peifer would like to see Video updates On anyone’s bio active ball python setup

[@seatman]

So I recently got a garter snake and I have heard many people say that should eat insects like crickets or grass hoppers and other people have said that they need to eat pinkie mice and I don't know what I should feed it

[@snek5898]

SeatMan start with the crickets and grass hoppers, then when it gets larger feed it pinkies

[@dandroiddoes3531]

I heard that spring tails and Isopoda eat snake mite eggs and when the adult mites die their aren't any eggs left to replace the adults

[@jpxm6460]

How would a heating mat work through all the substrate

[@SkyeJin]

You can either stick it to the side or back of the enclosure instead of underneath, or you can tweak the heat output on the thermostat until the top of the substrate is the desired temperature. However, if you have a bioactive terrarium without a proper drainage layer and a lot of moisture and water build up at the bottom of the tank, a heatpad underneath it can cause the glass to crack.

[@kevinbassist5214]

I'm interested in a bioactive bearded dragon setup (please dont get nasty, I'm open to learning). Is it possible to achieve? Or is the risk of impaction top high?

[@jessicadunkin7820]

I'm so sorry if you have talked about this in one of your videos (if so just let me know what one and I'll watch it haha) BUT what plants (live and fake) are safe for a ball python? I have been binge watching your videos this weekend trying to get all the information I can before I bring one home! Thank you!!

[@gabeeesitooo7831]

Jessica Wolford all fakes are great and ferns can be used but you have to get rid of fertalizers

[@brownieboy8405]

I am looking to get a ball python after keeping fish for several years. I have a spare 36 inch broad spectrum LED light from my planted fish tank, and wondered if that's good lighting for a python? i want to have a heating pad for warmth, because the LED doesn't give off much. will it be good for my python? :)

[@PoisonIvy1990]

I’m going bioactive for my ball python it’s so much fun. Right now I’m growing grass in the terrarium 😁

[@PYROTOAD]

Hey Alex I have a major question, I did a bioactive for my crested gecko and a few months later there was slugs in it and some really small bugs I can't tell what they are. I added isopods but it seemed like they all died any suggestions? Thanks😀

[@oggdosdisownedaccount250]

PYRO TOAD What substrate did you use?Eco Earth?

[@PYROTOAD]

BananacornKate I used hydro balls and eco earth

[@oggdosdisownedaccount250]

PYRO TOAD Hmm, try taking out all the substrate and replacing it, that might work, if it doesn't, check out a channel called Snake Discovery, they might have some info

[@superalex126]

Do olives next!

[@LiverInAJar]

I just went bioactive with my Merauke BTS and I will never go back. The benefits are substantial - my animal is healthier and happier than ever.

[@jasonc3028]

I'm wondering if the bugs will crawl out?

[@tylerkaplan4798]

You should try some live moss in there

[@GoHerping]

I have a little on the sides but it could use more :D

[@leesouthworth1789]

Hi

[@sahanak5041]

I was under the impression that a bioactive set up meant you did not have to clean the cage. Do you still have to go through and clean the feces? Can you do a video about bioactive maintenance because this video showed me there is a lot more than just the initial set up

[@sammylvr7912]

Sahana K You still do, just not as often. I think about once a month you should make sure the springtails and isopods are cleaning everything.

[@moehrengruen1196]

"I have some ball python kits ....*thinks* Not including the ball python" 😂😂👍🏻

[@Quantumanticz]

#hypoaspismites (incase they do have mites). They're quite a bit more expensive lol. Just spent well over 700$ on my chameleons bioactive vivarium. So so worth it.

[@StainedBrain]

3:48 That's what I'm worried about.. if I can keep the plants alive. I'm better with leafy plants, so I'm sure I can. But I've killed over dozen succulents/cacti in the past 2 years.

[@dannydevito5312]

What about a bearded dragon bioactive? How do you feel on that?

[@GoHerping]

I think beardie bioactives are great

[@thegreatbatsgy7018]

I know this video is so old and im just watching it...but i vote for Rosie!! I loooooove rosie.

[@ashtoncavan1690]

I know this video is 4 years old but spring tail ear mites like crazy if it gets them just wipe the snake down every other day with mite spray

[@aimee977]

Is 2 years good enough

[@hamsack981]

I put my bioactive together for cheaps. I think the most expensive part was the LED light but I'm a sucker for finnex lights. I think my bag of soil was 8bucks, I got like 4plants for 3.99 each. I got leaves from my yard and pillbugs from my yard. It's expensive when you buy those "kits" diy is the way to go. You get ripped off buying dirt and plants from those kits.

[@katelillo1932]

This is a neat concept; I think you could still use some of the major components from this without committing fully to a bioactive enclosure - adding different textures and elements to your non-bioactive cages will still offer that stimulation to your animal.