The way in which we house many exotic pets has changed dramatically over the years. Whilst many may still keep pets in traditional vivariums, other keepers have opted for a bioactive set-up. These are incredibly unique and offer a substantially more ‘natural’ environment for exotic animals for them to feel right at home. Plus, they make a brilliant focal point in the home, filled with live plants and points of interest. 

Bioactive enclosures may seem daunting but can be easier than you think to set up, whilst also being surprisingly low maintenance.  

So, let’s delve into what bioactive enclosures actually are, how to create one, and how they could benefit your exotic pet. 

What is a bioactive enclosure? 

A bioactive enclosure is a self-contained environment that functions very much like a natural habitat. They are made up of different ‘zones’, often including a drainage layer, substrate, a clean-up crew, and live plants. However, this can change depending on the animal that is living within it. 

Bioactive enclosures, once initially created, require little maintenance thanks to the way in which they are set up. These enclosures are better suited for tropical environments and suit many reptiles and amphibians. Arid environments can be more difficult to maintain as a bioactive enclosure, but many have been created successfully. 

What animals can be kept in a bioactive enclosure? 

There are a whole heap of exotic pets that can benefit from being housed in a bioactive enclosure. Reptiles and amphibians do particularly well in bioactive environments. Whilst it is not totally true that small mammals can be housed in a pure ‘bioactive’ enclosure, they can fall into this category due to the planning and design of a unique habitat. 

Animals that do well in bioactive environments include: 

Reptiles: 

  • Crested geckos 
  • Bearded dragons 
  • Leopard geckos 
  • Corn snakes 
  • Anoles 
  • Skinks 
  • Boas  
  • Pythons 

Amphibians:  

  • Poison dart frogs 
  • Tomato frogs 
  • Fire bellied toads 
  • Newts 
  • Tree frogs 
  • Pacman frogs 

Invertebrates: 

  • Tarantulas  
  • Beetles 
  • Stick insects 
  • Scorpions 
  • Isopods 
  • Snails 
  • Millipedes 
  • Crabs 

Small mammals (will require more maintenance): 

  • African pygmy hedgehogs  
  • Hamsters 
  • Gerbils 
  • Mice 

Bioactive enclosures help to mimic an animal’s natural environment as much as possible, whilst also offering opportunistic hunting and even weather cycles when heating and automatic misting systems are included. This can have a huge positive impact on an animal’s overall wellbeing, keeping them both mentally and physically stimulated. 

What type of enclosure can be used? 

The type of housing depends on the kind of animal that will be living in it. The good news is that bioactive enclosures can be used for both terrestrial and arboreal animals. 

Tropical  

Glass vivariums and brilliant as they retain humidity, with front opening enclosures offering great accessibility. PVC vivariums are also good alternatives, along with mesh enclosures for species requiring good ventilation, such as chameleons. 

Arid  

Wooden vivariums are good due to the insulation, keeping heat enclosed within the environment. Alternatively, open topped ‘tortoise tables’ work well for non-climbers. 

Small mammals  

Large glass tanks offer brilliant visibility whilst having adequate room for burrowing. Wooden style vivariums can work well, but the main priority with small mammals is security to ensure that there are no opportunities for escape! 

How are bioactive enclosures set-up?  

Bioactive enclosures can come in an array of shapes and sizes, but the fun part is creating the world in which your pet will live within. Wave goodbye to old style vivariums and fake plants – this will be a self-contained eco system that very often blooms and thrives. Once you have established the basics, the world truly is your oyster in what you can create. 

Many keepers design elaborate enclosures with waterfalls, rock faces, and even ponds filled with life. However, you can easily construct a bioactive enclosure without including all the bells and whistles. 

Drainage layer  

The drainage layer sits at the bottom of the enclosure and helps to prevent stagnant and excessive water accumulating within the substrate. This can be created with different materials, including LECA, gravel or plastic egg crate. 

The drainage layer helps to collect water at the base of the enclosure that filters through the substrate. The water is very often absorbed back into the substrate once it becomes dry, and roots from plants make their way into the reservoir.  

Once your drainage medium is in place, a barrier should be placed on top to ensure that the soil medium does not mix with the water, as this can turn the water stagnant. Hydro matting works perfectly. 

For arid or small mammal enclosures, a drainage layer is usually not required. 

Substrate  

The substrate can vary depending on the type of environment you’re creating. This will all depend on where your pet originates from, such as an arid or tropical habitat. Regardless, the substrate should be deep enough to allow for natural behaviours such as digging and burrowing. 

  • Tropical: For tropical enclosures, we need a substrate which holds onto moisture well and will allow both flora and the clean-up crew to thrive. A mixture of 40% organic topsoil, 30% orchid bark, 20% sphagnum moss and 10% horticultural charcoal works well as a combination, helping to keep the substrate moisture retentive and aerated.  
  • Arid: An arid substrate should be well draining, so not remain wet or sodden. A suggested mix includes 50% organic topsoil, 30% sand, and 20% clay soil. This mixture helps with tunneling or creating burrows whilst holding its shape. 
  • Small mammal: Hamsters, mice and gerbils require a deep substrate, so paper-based bedding, aspen, or hemp is perfect. The bedding can be combined with leaf litter, cardboard, and hay. In some areas of the enclosure, a deep layer of organic topsoil can be added. 

Flora  

Live plants offer a natural looking environment whilst also helping with humidity levels for tropical enclosures. Plants should be carefully selected for the environment for both tropical and arid environments. For small mammals, it’s best to avoid them due to being either ingested or uprooted from burrowing. 

Clean-up crew 

The clean-up crew is what keeps the environment alive, functioning, and healthy. This consists of small organisms including springtails and isopods that help to break down faeces, decaying plants and mould. They are an essential part of recycling nutrients and placing them back into the substrate. A bioactive enclosure would not function correctly without them! 

Again, these are generally avoided in small mammal enclosures, so spot cleaning will still be required. 

What plants and decorations can be used? 

Once the basic layers have been added to the enclosure, you can really go to town on the design of the environment. The design again is reliant on the type of environment your pet originates from. 

Plants are a brilliant way to bring an enclosure to life. Common plants include:

Tropical: 

  • Pothos 
  • Spider plants 
  • Bromeliads 
  • Calatheas 
  • Ferns 
  • Tradescantia 
  • Peperomia 
  • Creeping fig 

Arid: 

  • Aloe 
  • Snake plants 
  • Grasses 
  • Echeveria 
  • Sedums 
  • Cacti 

Plants should always be sourced from a specialist pet supplier and thoroughly checked for pests. 

Hardscaping in the environment can consist of branches, twigs, leaf litter, rocks, and cork bark. The background of the enclosure can often be interplanted between the hardscaping with a variety of plants. 

For small mammals, cork bark tunnels, hides, leaf litter, digging boxes, branches and platforms offer opportunities for climbing, hiding, and exploring. For burrowing small mammals, it is great to prioritise hiding and digging opportunities over climbing. 

Although live plants can be problematic for small mammals, dried versions work super well whilst also encouraging foraging behaviours. Common dried plants include: 

  • Dandelion  
  • Chamomile  
  • Plantain 
  • Rose petals 
  • Nettles 
  • Oat grass 
  • Barley 
  • Calendula 

Is a bioactive enclosure right for every pet? 

No, not all pets are suited for a bioactive enclosure. A successful enclosure needs to replicate an animal’s natural environment. Before creating a bioactive enclosure, consider your pet’s individual needs such as heating, lighting, humidity, and behavioural enrichment and decide whether this is achievable or suitable within a bioactive environment. 

There is nothing wrong with a traditional set-up commonly used for many exotic pets that aren’t bioactive. Bioactive set-ups are incredibly rewarding, but they do come with their own set of problems. It’s important to mention that they aren’t a substitute for good husbandry, as they still require regular monitoring and adjustments. 

Is a bioactive enclosure right for every pet? 

No, not all pets are suited for a bioactive enclosure. A successful enclosure needs to replicate an animal’s natural environment. Before creating a bioactive enclosure, consider your pet’s individual needs such as heating, lighting, humidity, and behavioural enrichment and decide whether this is achievable or suitable within a bioactive environment. 

There is nothing wrong with a traditional set-up commonly used for many exotic pets that aren’t bioactive. Bioactive set-ups are incredibly rewarding, but they do come with their own set of problems. It’s important to mention that they aren’t a substitute for good husbandry, as they still require regular monitoring and adjustments.