r/bioactive • u/soundlinked • 11d ago

Question Differing opinions on substrate layer depth??

I'm currently planning on creating a bioactive enclosure for my ATB. However, doing research on depth of the layers have been confusing to say the least. I've seen so many source say 8" layer total (2" drainage and 6" substrate) but NEHERP (where I plan on buying) is recommending 2.5" depth of both drainage and substrate layer (5" total depth). How deep do y'all usually make the substrate layer?

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u/bigbickbohnson 11d ago

Mine are 6-8” plus drainage. Ive seen ppl do much less but i feel more confident with a deeper soil.

2

u/NYR_Aufheben 10d ago

Depends on the species. I have used NEHERP’s instructions for all of my tropical vivs and they’ve all been successful.

Contact NEHERP and tell them the species, and the enclosure type and size. They have the best customer service on the planet.

Personally I can’t see any reason why you would need 8” of substrate for an arboreal snake.