Bioactive Enclosures

There are two types of terrarium enclosures I have seen: bioactive (also called a vivarium) and  nonbioactive. These can be used with reptiles other than just ball pythons.They each have their pros and cons to them.

Bioactive

This terrarium is a mini ecosystem that includes:

• Live plants
• Microorganisms
• Different types of soils and substrates mixed together

The goal of a bioactive vivarium is to have the enclosure become self cleaning and almost totally independent with the exception of low maintenance cleaning (wiping the fogged glass, replacing water, etc.) and maintaining the critter's water and food.

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
• Provides more naturalistic environment for the inhabitant
• Provides more enrichment
• Ecologically efficient

Cons

• Initially more expensive
• Maintenance of plants- not just the critter in it

I am choosing to make my terrarium bioactive because of its aesthetics, low maintenance cost over time, and its going to be enriching to my snake. 

I am going to be using The Bio Dude's Ball Python Snake Bioactive Kit. It'll include tropical plants, cork flats, LED, Terra Firma™ (his substrate), sphagnum moss, leaf litter, and BioShot ™ (plant nutrients). I think I'll have to buy the microorganism separately but I am not sure. It was recommended to me by a multitude of experienced reptile owners so I'll keep you updated on that.