Keeping a Vivarium
A vivarium is an environment or enclosure that is designed to mimic the habitat of an animal. A bioactive vivarium involves live plants and a “cleanup crew” of isopods and springtails that work with the reptile to create a miniature ecosystem, one that requires less effort on the caregiver to maintain and can be very rewarding and beautiful.
Note, that a cleanup crew is not mandatory to have live plants in a vivarium. Without them, routine maintenance will fall more on the caregiver and the tank will not be considered “bioactive.”
Benefits of Live plants and Cleanup Crews:
Live plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This enhanced aeration keeps the air fresh and prevents mould and the buildup of toxins.
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Live plants tend to create more hiding spot options, allowing your reptile to more confidently move about the tank knowing they have a safe retreat nearby.
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Live plants break down fecal matter in the enclosure.
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Springtails consume mould, fungi, and bacteria, while isopods break down larger waste like animal fecal matter, dead plant matter, and leftover food.
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Cleanup crews can serve as an additional food source, depending on the reptile.
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Planting live plants and introducing a cleanup crew means not having to fully replace the substrate, which ends up being a cost saver in the long run.
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You are creating a natural environment, which in turn nurtures the natural instincts and behaviors which make these animals so fascinating to begin with.
Types of Live Plants
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Air plants, succulents, and cacti can live in desert biomes, making them a suitable option for a variety of vivariums. Air plants can be attached to vines by using flourish glue, which can then be strung across the enclosure.
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Broad-leaf plants (i.e. pothos) are excellent for vivariums with reptiles that will jump or quickly move around the enclosure, as the leaves will not get damaged.
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Potted plants can be planted on the ground level or in affixed cork bark rounds (attached to the vivarium by using aquarium sealant, which is pet safe).
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Climbing vine plants will need something to climb, such as grapevine wood.
Types of Bugs in Your Cleanup Crew
Dwarf White isopods are excellent for humid vivariums and reproduce quickly.
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Cubaris isopods, such as Panda Kings, are excellent for humid vivariums.
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Powder Blue/Orange isopods are adaptable to living in both humid and arid vivariums.
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Porcellio species of isopods, such as Scabers and Dairy Cows, are hardy and aggressive eaters.
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Springtails are recommended to include with isopods in the cleanup crew, and have similar needs and behaviours. They focus on consuming mould, fungi, and bacteria.
To get the most out of your vivarium, Petland recommends the following accessories. They are listed as your live plant and cleanup crew’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When you meet these needs, your hobby will be an enjoyable one!
ENVIRONMENTAL & BEHAVIOURAL
Lighting – All plants require light to grow, but sunlight shining through the window can cause problems in the vivarium. Heat from the window may cause temperature fluctuations. Incandescent lights are not recommended for live plants, as they are either not bright enough or produce too much heat. Fluorescent or LED lighting are both suitable for growing live plants.
Substrate for Humid Enclosures – The substrate has 3 layers. As this will not be replaced, it is best to consider longevity with the initial set up:
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Hydroballs – The bottom layer is the drainage layer. This layer catches water that flows through the substrate and it keeps the substrate layer from becoming saturated, which extends the long-term use of the substrate. Keep the depth at 2.5-3 inches.
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Mesh – The middle layer allows air and water to flow through, but will block the substrate from mixing with the drainage layer. Note that if you are introducing springtails and isopods to the vivarium as a cleanup crew, your springtails will thrive better with access to the drainage layer.
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Substrate Blend – The top layer should be a blend called ABG (Atlanta Botanical Gardens). This blend includes 2 parts coconut husk, 2 parts jungle mix, forest bark, or jungle earth, 1 part sphagnum moss, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part activated charcoal (found in the fish or bird departments).
Substrate for Arid Enclosures – Blend 2 parts desert blend sand, 1 part coconut husk, and 1/2 part activated charcoal (found in the fish or bird departments). Optionally add excavator clay to help hold burrows for some reptile species, and a small amount of sphagnum moss for moisture retention to support the cleanup crew without affecting humidity levels.
Leaf Litter – A beneficial addition is to place leaf litter on top of the substrate as ground cover. This offers a more realistic look, more natural hiding spots, serves as a habitat and food source for the cleanup crew, and over time the leaves will break down and provide nutrients to the plants. It will therefore need to be replaced occasionally. Moss can be included amongst the leaves. This layer is typically 1-2 inches deep.
NUTRITIONAL
Isopod Food Sources – Although isopods will primarily eat fecal and plant matter, supplementing with veggie scraps and calcium (like cuttlebone) on occasion will ensure they don’t eat live plants if food becomes scarce. Offering food may also encourage reproductive behaviours, which may be desirable if your reptile eats isopods as a supplemental food source.
Watering – Plants can come from many different biomes with various levels of humidity. Air plants, succulents, and cacti require minimal watering. Tropical plants enjoy being sprayed directly with a misting bottle. Some vivariums may be equipped with a fogger or automatic mister to maintain higher humidity levels. The enclosure should always have good ventilation. Refer to your reptile’s Care Sheet for exact humidity requirements.
MAINTENANCE
Plant Trimmers – Like household plants, vivarium plants (especially tropical plants) require trimming. As plants grow, they can become dense and block light from reaching lower plants. Aquatic plant trimmers have extended handles, allowing you to easily reach into your vivarium and prune plants.
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets must be kept in a clean environment to avoid the spread of dirt and contaminants to yourself and others. Always keep your pet’s home clean, and wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning their home.
CHECKLIST
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Live plants
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(Optional) "Cleanup Crew" (isopods and springtails)
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Fluorescent or LED light
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Substrate for humid enclosure
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Hydroballs
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Mesh
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Substrate blend
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Substrate for arid enclosure
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Substrate blend
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(Optional) Excavator clay
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(Optional) Sphagnum moss
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Leaf litter
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Isopod food sources
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Watering source
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Plant trimmers
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(Optional) Flourish glue
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(Optional) Aquarium sealant
Please ask your pet counsellor what other items pertain to your pet’s needs.