Sub Stratum 4 kg

Bioactive Volcanic Substrate

 

The Exo Terra Sub Stratum is collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the Aso Volcano in Japan. The natural volcanic soil, formed from andesitic and rhyolitic tephra, is very nutrient rich, ideal for lush plant growth in bioactive planted terrariums.  The porous surface allows for excellent drainage and aeration, supporting strong root growth. The Sub Stratum’s friable, low density structure promotes a flourishing population of beneficial, nitrifying bacteria, creating a self-sustaining, living terrarium ecosystem. The active beneficial bacteria of the soil will decompose biological waste, keeping the terrarium clean and healthy.

Sub Stratum 4 kg

Bioactive Volcanic Substrate

Bioactive Volcanic Substrate

  • Natural bioactive soil
  • With live beneficial bacteria
  • Keeps the terrarium clean & healthy
  • Eliminates ammonia & odours
  • Great drainage capabilities
  • Ideal for bioactive planted terrariums
SKU: PT3184 Categories: ,

3 Ways to use Sub Stratum
As a sole substrate
As a drainage layer
Mixed in with other substrates

Sole Substrate
When Exo Terra's Sub Stratum is used as the sole substrate, add a layer of 1-2" (2,5 - 5 cm) to the terrarium. The live bacteria will activate when the substrate comes in contact with water or waste. The organic matter such as left over food and animal waste will decompose over time. The absorbing properties of volcanic ash will eliminate odours by trapping the decomposed materials. Rinse the Sub Stratum and replace partly every 12 months.

Drainage Layer
Add a top layer of biological substrate to the Exo Terra's Sub Stratum layer for optimal bioactivity and drainage. Plants can be secured in the top layer (eg. Exo Terra's Plantation Soil) while their roots will thrive in the sub layer of Sub Stratum - resulting in optimal growth.

Additionally, an inorganic layer can be added first for even better drainage (Exo Terra's BioDrain) to allow excess water to flow through the substrate to avoid saturation and anaerobic bacteria to outcompete the beneficial bacteria in the Sub Stratum substrate. Use the BioDrain Mesh to separate the BioDrain layer from organic matter to penetrate the underlying layer.

Use a top layer of leaf litter to provide dry areas, shelter and dwelling surfaces for all organisms in the terrarium. In the meantime it will prevent evaporation of the underlying layers.

Mixed-in
The secret to growing healthy plants begins with the soil. Naturally, healthy soil contains living microorganisms — from bacteria to fungi, protozoa and arthropods. Together they form a choreographed exchange from the recycling of nutrients to the decomposition of organic materials.

By mixing the Sub Stratum with other organic substrates, you enrich any substrate with the required minerals like calcium, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. It also aids in the water retention capacity and provide adequate air supply to the roots.

Only use tap water treated with Aquatize (PT1979) in bioactive planted terrariums to remove heavy metals, chlorine, and chloramines.

The regular use of Turtle Clean (PT1998 or PT1999) to add extra beneficial organisms to the terrarium water will support the biological filtration capabilities.

Ingredients: Natural Volcanic Soil (Andisol), Active Carbon, Live beneficial bacteria (Bacillus)

"Nothing is lost, everything is transformed" - Antoine de Lavoisier

Made in Japan

PT3183 – Sub Stratum – Bioactive Volcanic Substrate – 2 kg / 4.4 lb
PT3184 – Sub Stratum – Bioactive Volcanic Substrate – 4 kg / 8.8 lb

Also available:
PT3115 - Bio Drain Substrate - Terrarium Draining Substrate- a natural, non-organic substrate that allows excellent drainage of the terrarium.
PT3132 - Bio Drain Mesh Small - Non-toxic mesh to keep the underlying draining substrate separated from the decorative terrarium top-layer substrate
PT1979 - Aquatize - Terrarium Water Conditioner - Makes tap water safe, for healthier terrarium water conditions
PT1998 - Turtle Clean - Biological Turtle Habitat Cleaner - Establishes a right beneficial biological flora to ensure significant organic waste breakdown

Additional information

Item#:

PT3184

Format:

4 kg, 8.8 lb

UPC code:

015561231848

FEATURES

The Exo Terra Sub Stratum is collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the Aso Volcano in Japan. The natural volcanic soil, formed from andesitic and rhyolitic tephra, is very nutrient rich, ideal for lush plant growth in bioactive planted terrariums.  The porous surface allows for excellent drainage and aeration, supporting strong root growth. The Sub Stratum’s friable, low density structure promotes a flourishing population of beneficial, nitrifying bacteria, creating a self-sustaining, living terrarium ecosystem. The active beneficial bacteria of the soil will decompose biological waste, keeping the terrarium clean and healthy. 

Bioactive Soil

Natural bioactive soil

Live Bacteria

With live beneficial bacteria

Clean & Healthy

Keeps the terrarium clean & healthy

Eliminate Odors

Eliminates ammonia & odours

PT3183_Features_06

Ideal for bioactive planted terrariums

bioactive

Bioactive

PT3183_Features_07

Stimulates strong plant growth

PT3183_Features_08

Great drainage capabilities

Three ways to use Sub Stratum

As a Sole Substrate
When Exo Terra’s Sub Stratum is used as the sole substrate, add a layer of 1-2″ (2,5 – 5 cm) to the terrarium. The live bacteria will activate when the substrate comes in contact with water or waste. The organic matter such as left over food and animal waste will decompose over time.  The absorbing properties of volcanic ash will eliminate odours by trapping the decomposed materials. Rinse the Sub Stratum and replace partly every 12 months. 

As a Drainage Layer
Add a top layer of biological substrate to the Exo Terra’s Sub Stratum layer for optimal bioactivity and drainage. Plants can be secured in the top layer (eg. Exo Terra’s Plantation Soil) while their roots will thrive in the sub layer of Sub Stratum – resulting in optimal growth.

Additionally, an inorganic layer can be added first for even better drainage (Exo Terra’s BioDrain) to allow excess water to flow through the substrate to avoid saturation and anaerobic bacteria to outcompete the beneficial bacteria in the Sub Stratum substrate. Use the BioDrain Mesh to separate the BioDrain layer from organic matter to penetrate the underlying layer.

Use a top layer of leaf litter to provide dry areas, shelter and dwelling surfaces for all organisms in the terrarium. In the meantime it will prevent evaporation of the underlying layers.

Mixed-in with other substrates
The secret to growing healthy plants begins with the soil. Naturally, healthy soil contains  living microorganisms — from bacteria to fungi, protozoa and arthropods. Together they form a choreographed exchange from the recycling of nutrients to the decomposition of organic materials.

By mixing the Sub Stratum with other organic substrates, you enrich any substrate with the required minerals like calcium, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. It also aids in the water retention capacity and provide adequate air supply to the roots. 

Suitable for

agalychnis-callidryas

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Agalychnis callidryas

Dendrobates auratus

Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobates auratus

Ranoidea caerulea (Litoria caerulea)

White’s Tree Frog

Ranoidea caerulea (Litoria caerulea)

Trachycephalus resinifictrix

Amazon Milk Frog

Trachycephalus resinifictrix

agalychnis-callidryas

Fire-Bellied Toad

Bombina orientalis

Dendrobates leucomelas

Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobates leucomelas

Oophaga pumilio

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog

Oophaga pumilio

Ceratrophys ornata

Ornate Horned Frog

Ceratophrys ornata

Dendrobates tinctorius

Dyeing Poison Dart Frog

Dendrobates tinctorius

Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis

Tiger-Legged Monkey Frog

Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis

Cruziohyla sylviae

Sylvia’s Tree Frog

Cruziohyla sylviae

Hyla cinerea

American Green Tree Frog

Hyla cinerea

Phyllomedusa sauvagii

Waxy Monkey Tree Frog

Phyllomedusa sauvagii