The importance of the right soil for your terrarium animals

One of the essential aspects when setting up a terrarium is choosing the right soil. For our beloved terrarium animals, the soil plays a crucial role in their living environment. It is not only an aesthetic choice, but also affects their well-being and health. In this blog we take a closer look at the importance of the right soil for your terrarium friends and we give tips for choosing the perfect soil.

Why is the soil important?

The soil in a terrarium has several functions and influences the living conditions of your animals:

1. Natural habitat: In nature, many terrarium animals have a specific substrate in which they live. Mimicking this natural environment is essential to promote their behavior and well-being.

2. Moisture regulation: The soil plays a role in retaining or draining moisture. Some animals need moist soil, while others prefer drier conditions.

3. Digging Opportunities: Many terrarium animals enjoy digging and creating burrows. A suitable bottom can provide these digging opportunities, making your animals feel safe and comfortable.

4. Plant Growth: If you have plants in your terrarium, the soil will affect their growth. The right soil can promote root development and retain nutrients.

Which soil suits your terrarium animals?

Choosing the right substrate depends on the type of terrarium animal you keep and their specific needs. Some common soil types are:

1. Substrate for desert animals: For animals from drier environments, such as desert animals, sand and soil are suitable soil types. Make sure the substrate is not too moist, as this does not reflect their natural habitat.

2. Substrate for rainforest animals: For animals from humid rainforests, a mixture of soil, moss and leaves is ideal. This provides them with a moist and dense surface for digging and shelter.

3. Hydro pellets or bio-active soil: For some terrarium animals, a bio-active soil with plants and living organisms may be most suitable. This creates a natural ecosystem and offers additional benefits such as recycling waste.

Tips for soil maintenance

To maintain a healthy environment for your terrarium animals, it is important to regularly maintain the bottom substrate:

1. Cleaning: Regularly remove feces and food debris to prevent bacterial growth.

2. Humidity: Check the soil moisture and adjust it depending on the needs of your animals.

3. Replacement: Replace the soil substrate if necessary, especially if it is too moist or contaminated.

Let Terrafile help you choose the right soil

At Terrafile, we want to make sure that your terrarium animals have the best possible environment. Our community of serious hobbyists is happy to share their experiences and knowledge about soils and other aspects of keeping terrarium animals. Discover our growing platform and use our valuable resources to furnish your terrarium with the perfect soil.

Keep your terrarium animals healthy and happy by starting with the basics - the right soil choice. At Terrafile we are always ready to help you!