Bioactive substrate mix

[BenjiTheCham]

Hello,
I will be setting up a bioactive tank for my chameleon soon and I had some questions about the substrate.

I know about all the layers and stuff and have done a bit of research on the soil. I was wondering if the Zilla Jungle Mix is good. I Am trying to find good deals and not spend too much money and there is a good deal on josh’s frogs for 15 dollars for 24 quarts. This would be cheaper than mixing my own.

he reason why I am wondering about the Zilla mix is because it says that is a mixture of sphagnum moss and orchid bark, which based on what I have researched is not a good mixture. if I can not use just this soil mix, could I mix in some soil and sand, which would make the mixture complete(?)
Thanks, also if anyone has any other advice or links to cheap mixtures / ingredients, that would help a lot.

here is a link to the mix
https://www.joshsfrogs.com/zilla-jungle-mix-24-quart.html

 

[CJ's Exotics]

I believe @frankpayne32 uses a mixture of one part peat moss to one part sand. Or maybe just a bit less sand. It makes a healthy substrate, and I am using that in a tank build right now.

 

[Reptofreak]

I mix sphagnum moss, Ecoearth, play sand, orchid bark, and a layer of hardwood lump charcoal.

 

[Mrjamwin]

I mix sphagnum moss, Ecoearth, play sand, orchid bark, and a layer of hardwood lump charcoal.

why the lump charcoal? Thanks

 

[Highway61]

why the lump charcoal? Thanks

charcoal is good for the clean up crew (isos and springtails) in bio-active enironment.

 

[Mrjamwin]

charcoal is good for the clean up crew (isos and springtails) in bio-active enironment.

Gotcha! I guess I'll be going to my reptile store and get some. Thank you!

 

[CJ's Exotics]

From what I've heard, charcoal can also help filter. Make sure it isn't exposed, to prevent impaction.

 

[BenjiTheCham]

I mix sphagnum moss, Ecoearth, play sand, orchid bark, and a layer of hardwood lump charcoal.

Which pack of the eco earth do you think would be good for a 36” x 18” x 24” exo terra terrarium? I am planning on making about 4” of substrate not including drainage layer.

 

[Mrjamwin]

From what I've heard, charcoal can also help filter. Make sure it isn't exposed, to prevent impaction.

Just for clarification I should bury it? Thanks

 

[CJ's Exotics]

I like to have charcoal as a lower layer if I use it, like right on top of the substrate barrier.

 

[Mrjamwin]

I like to have charcoal as a lower layer if I use it, like right on top of the substrate barrier.

Thank you. I appreciate the insight.

 

[cyberlocc]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/intro-to-bio-activity.2429/