Description
Cycled Bioactive Substrate (10kg) – Built for Dart Frog Vivariums
If you’ve ever bought “bioactive substrate” that turned out to be basically inert soil with a fancy label, this is the opposite of that.
Our 7kg Cycled Bioactive Substrate is a living, ecosystem-driven blend that has been developed over 3–6 months using our own aged substrate batches, then gradually enriched with beneficial components to support plants, microfauna, and humidity stability in real, working vivariums.
It’s formulated specifically for dart frog enclosures (and works brilliantly in other vivariums too), where stable moisture, healthy roots, and an active clean-up crew make the difference between a tank that thrives… and one that constantly needs fixing.
What makes this substrate different?
- Truly cycled & aged: developed over months, not mixed and bagged the same week.
- Microfauna included: a living blend containing grindle worms, springtails and tropical white isopods.
- Moisture-smart structure: includes sphagnum moss for moisture retention and stability (without turning into swampy mush).
- Mineral + clay support: enhanced with clays and calcium to support microfauna activity and long-term substrate health.
- Not an “all-purpose” soil: intentionally designed for humid vivariums where frogs and microfauna need a stable, safe environment.
What’s included (and why it matters)
- Grindle worms: help break down waste and organic matter and support the bioactive food web.
- Springtails: essential for mould management and keeping the system clean.
- Tropical white isopods: active clean-up crew for humid setups (great for ongoing waste processing).
- Clays + calcium: supports microfauna, helps buffer the system, and contributes to a more resilient substrate.
- Organics: structured nutrition for the ecosystem (not just “dirt”).
- Sphagnum moss: helps maintain moisture consistency and protects against rapid drying in ventilated builds.
Best uses
- New dart frog vivarium builds: start with a living substrate that’s already biologically active.
- Upgrading an existing bioactive tank: refresh tired substrate and boost clean-up crew performance.
- Microfauna “boost” layer: especially effective when used above a foam drainage layer to keep humidity stable and give microfauna a protected zone to thrive.
- Planted rainforest terrariums: supports strong root growth and consistent moisture.
How to use it (quick setup guide)
- Drainage layer: add your drainage layer (LECA / hydro balls / or our preference- 25PPI foam drainage layer) and separate with mesh.
- Add the substrate: spread your cycled substrate evenly (depth depends on planting plan).
- Hardscape + planting: plant into the substrate and water lightly to settle.
- Leaf litter: top with leaf litter to feed microfauna and stabilise humidity at the surface.
- Let it run: allow a short settling period and monitor moisture; bioactive systems improve as they mature.
Pro tip: supercharge your springtail population
If you want an extra fast microfauna explosion (especially in brand new builds), pair this with a dedicated springtail feed.
Recommended add-on:
Springtail Supermix (Live Springtail Culture Food)
– ideal for boosting springtail numbers, supporting clean-up crew activity, and keeping your vivarium ecosystem running smoothly.
What we’ve seen in our own vivariums
This substrate was developed and refined inside our own planted vivariums over a period of months. In our testing, we’ve consistently seen:
- More stable microfauna activity (especially after initial setup)
- Improved substrate resilience in humid, high-bioload environments
- Healthier plant performance in established tanks
- A more “self-maintaining” system once leaf litter and microfauna populations balance out
Note: Every vivarium is different (ventilation, misting, lighting, planting, and feeding all matter). This substrate is designed to provide a strong biological foundation, but long-term success still depends on good husbandry and correct setup.
Important notes
- Live product: contains living microfauna. Store at room temperature and avoid extremes of heat/cold.
- Do not freeze or bake: this will kill the beneficial organisms.
- Biosecurity: only use in suitable vivarium environments; avoid contamination from pesticides, chemical cleaners, or treated woods.
Ready to build a proper bioactive vivarium? Add the 7kg Cycled Bioactive Substrate to your basket and give your frogs, plants, and clean-up crew the ecosystem they deserve.
