hey friends, looking to make a tropical (syngonium, fittonia, peperomia, etc) mostly closed terrarium with isopods, does this substrate mix sound okay? will i need to add anything else? i’m buying it from an online store so i’m not sure what the ratio is

it contains orchid bark, perlite, horticultural charcoal, worm castings, coco chunks and coco fibre

the standard ABG mix is very hard to come by where i live so i have to wing it lmao, thanks a bunch!

Fairly new to this but enjoying the process. What else should I add?

Hey,

I’ve always been interested in building a massive, bioactive jungle tank, and I’m finally in a position to make it happen hopefully. I want to create a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem that houses a range of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. With lush vegetation, water features, climbing structures, and a variety of species coexisting in a natural environment.

So, I’m reaching out to all of you reptile lovers to get some guidance on how to make this project hopefully possible. I’m aiming for something on the scale of a large vivarium or a miniature jungle – think 6ft x 2ft x 7ft. (800) Here's the rough scale, but I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions:

1. The Theme and Layout:

Jungle vibes – I’m thinking of a tropical or subtropical environment, something dense with foliage, vines, and water features. The tank will be tall with plenty of vertical space for climbing.

Substrate – What’s the best substrate for a jungle ecosystem, for a dense, plant-filled bioactive setup? I want something that supports live plants, good drainage, and holds moisture well.

Water features – I’m planning on having a waterfall that connects to a fairly large pound. It’ll be crucial for the humidity and creating a naturalistic environment, but I want to make sure it’s not too much maintenance.

2. The Critters:

This is where I’m really looking for help. I want to include a mix of species that thrive in a bioactive setup, with plenty of variety. Here’s what I’m considering so far:

Reptiles: For a jungle environment, I really have no clue what types of reptiles and animals we should keep in here, so I am gonna need a lot of help on this section.

Insects:

I’m thinking of adding some insects like crickets, isopods, and springtails to help maintain the ecosystem. Also looking at some larger beetles (One of the most things I need help with). Plants:

I want the tank to have a large number of plants, but not too many that it is filled to the brim. I’m looking for recommendations on which species to use for ground cover, mid-level foliage, and tall canopy-like plants.

3. Maintenance and Challenges:

I know a project like this is going to be a long-term commitment, but I’m prepared for it. What are the major challenges I should expect when keeping such a complex tank? I’d love to hear from people who’ve tackled big, bioactive vivariums or jungle tanks before—what do you wish you’d known going in?

4. Miscellaneous Ideas:

I’m open to any other suggestions, whether it’s cool design, ideas, ways to make the setup even more natural, or just general tips for keeping the tank thriving. Any products or brands you love, or things you wish you knew about before you started (Please Help)

Hey everyone, so I began a terrarium and i have it for some time, only.issue was that it seemed sterile. No stringtails, no nothing. So when I was watering a potted plant today, I noticed a few tiny white bugs running around on the soil. I assumed they were good so I tool a spoonfuls of the soil and put it into my terrarium. Now I'm wondering if I ruined my terrarium or if they are harmless? Any advice?

Its very expressive where i live, is there anything else that can replace it like Perlite or Vermiculite.. etc

Found these in my terrarium and are not sure if theyre beneficial or harmful...are they parasitic to snails?

Hi, I would like to build my first terrarium, initially I only was thinking about get a first "exotic" pet, a millipede, then I realised I need a correct habitat and got fascinated about terrarium world, I would like a terrarium that can be a good habitat for a giant millipede, as I understand I need high humidity and 24C°, so I'm looking for a closed cube and a heater for terrarium, for the humidity guess I'll just spray daily, now that I explained the idea ill make a list of questions, and you are welcome to suggest me everything.

1)What size. I was thinking about put it on my desk, so something like 30x30x30 would be perfect but I'm not sure. 2) what plant you suggest, something easy maintenance. 3)Can I use distilled water? 4)What small biodiversity creature should i put in? 5)I would like to add on the future a jumping spider and/or a carnivorous plant, would that be possible?

I love plants. My son loves bugs. I don't know anything about terrariums though but I know it would be an amazing Christmas gift for him. He is on the autism spectrum and bugs have always been a huge point of interest for him. I read on a blog that some bugs do really well in terrariums, but I want to be... As humane to the bugs as possible? I know they're bugs but I don't want to A: Immediately kill them B: traumatize my child by immediately killing them. I read that isopods are perfect and rollypollies are his favorite. <3 can this sub confirm for me?

Also, I love plants and wanted to look into some more affordable options (in case the plants don't survive) for plant options? I have a pothos I can use for vines maybe but idk how well those do? What are some pretty and low maintenance plants that don't cost a ton?

LASTLY :) I was thinking this will be a... Medium sized terrarium? Like a 10 gallon fish tank size? Would that be too ambitious for a beginner? I'm also trying to keep low budget so any advice for that would be nice.

Thanks!

Any suggestions ?

I set up a bioactive terrarium with centipedes, isopods, springtails, centipedes, millipedes , earwigs and worms. It's been almost 4 months and I can see the creatures breeding. Are there any plant/insect species you would recommend I add?

I am in search for a terrarium jar that is around 30x30x45 (dimensions can vary), I would prefer if it was round and completely see through an every side (this is optional) have you got any suggestions????

Love how the cryptanthus pop against the greens

Do you do to a nursery? Or do you get them online? What’s the best options in your opinion thank you :)

Hello all,

I picked up a few glass pieces from Goodwill ($3/ea) wanting to add some greenery to my room. The room doesn't have a window. Maybe some mint, basil, mixed in with other plants; idk. Small plants. Maybe a vine? I've designed and will be 3D printing grow lights for the glass. I have a 12v strip of grow-type LED from a previous herb project many years ago.

I was thinking 8 LEDs per glass would suffice? But I wouldn't know. I will be sharing the 3D model later if it works out. If you want it sooner feel free to DM me.

https://preview.redd.it/vbo2i6fb9h1e1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd896a920eb45c617ae28425b63bca4fcd06465c

https://preview.redd.it/noqumnhc9h1e1.png?width=982&format=png&auto=webp&s=71a0b40e2f7cde076cc087179615a26b942b9948

https://preview.redd.it/2w423l5d9h1e1.png?width=899&format=png&auto=webp&s=3eb386a3dc74dc1ab5194922fbeb79545d4e5aea

Rocks from the pathway in the park, homemade compost, strawberry clover from the sidewalk, moss from the rocks by the A/C, and a sprig of boston fern from my fiancé's house plant.

Not sure about any of it but we'll see and it was free.99 so if it fails whatever!