Arid/Temperate: various succulents including
Sedum spp., Pigface, Echevria spp. and Crassula
spp.; Tillandsia spp.; small arid/native grasses such
as Festuca spp., Lomandra spp.; Weeping Fig
(Ficus benjamina).
Paludarium (half water/half land): Cryptocoryne
spp., Anubias spp., Java Fern, Hydrocotyle spp., as
well as many of the species suited to a tropical
enclosure.
Plants must be carefully positioned inside the
enclosure to ensure there is plenty of room for the
animal(s) to move around. Remember, plants will
also offer areas of cover for the inhabitants to
retreat to as well as a natural variation in microcli-
mate. Timber branches for climbing as well as
hollow logs and rocks can also be incorporated into
the enclosure design to provide the perfect habitat
for the resident species of reptiles or amphibians.
Maintenance.
Once established, a bioactive system should thrive,
but regular maintenance is required to keep the
enclosure looking at its best. Plants will need
ongoing moisture and should be watered according
to the requirements of the particular species. Again,
avoid over-watering, as this can cause a breakdown
of the entire system. Automatic misting and fogging
systems can be set up in the enclosure and many
have built-in timers that can be set to spray the
system at designated intervals throughout the day.
Plants will also need to be pruned and trimmed from
time to time to ensure they don’t grow out of control,
or that one species begins to take over. Pruning
leaves and branches will also encourage new
growth in the system. Fungi may also begin to grow
in the enclosure as a result of spores in the soil. In
most cases there is no need to be concerned about
fungal growth as it is a natural part of any living
system, however it can be removed if it begins to
spread.
Soil custodians will need to be provided with fresh
nutrients and food periodically. Adding new leaf litter
to the surface of the substrate as it decomposes, as
well as custodian pelleted food products, will ensure
that invertebrate cultures remain plentiful. When
feeding insect-eating reptiles, it is best to either tong
-feed the animal, or remove it completely and offer
feeder insects in a separate tub. Excess feeder in-
sects such as crickets and woodies can easily hide
in the enclosure and may begin to breed and feed
on plants and foliage and can be difficult to remove
once established in the system.
Animal Species.
We are fortunate in Australia to have such a wide