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Exo Terra
Exo Terra BioDrain Terrarium Substrate – 2 kg
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12 in stock, ready to ship
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Each, for the whole order. Change the quantity below and the total follows.
A mineral drainage layer for the bottom of tropical terrariums, planted vivariums, and paludariums. Extra water drains down into it and away from the soil above, so plant roots and the planting layer do not stay soaked.
Natural inorganic mineral, will not rot
Porous surface for beneficial bacteria
Use with drainage mesh, sold separately
2 kg (4.4 lb) bag
Part number PT3115
Description
On this page
- 2 kg (4.4 lb)
- Inorganic
- Drainage layer
- Bioactive
Misted, humid terrariums collect water in the substrate. BioDrain sits under the soil and gives that water somewhere to go. Because it is mineral, it does not break down like organic drainage materials, and its porous surface gives nitrifying bacteria a place to settle as the terrarium matures.
At a glance
- Material
- Natural inorganic mineral
- Format
- Loose, in a bag
- Size
- 2 kg (4.4 lb)
- Use with
- Drainage mesh, sold separately
How the drainage layer works
Drains the soil: excess water moves down out of the planting layer, which keeps air around the roots and cuts odours from constantly wet soil.
Lasts: it is mineral, so it will not rot or decompose.
Hosts bacteria: the porous surfaces give beneficial bacteria a place to grow, which helps with biological filtration. It does not replace regular maintenance.
Setting it up
Start with a clean enclosure with a waterproof bottom.
Rinse the BioDrain well to remove dust.
Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Lay drainage mesh over it to keep the soil out.
Add your tropical or bioactive planting substrate over the mesh.
Add plants, moss, branches, and décor.
Finish with leaf litter.
Layer | Material | What it does |
|---|---|---|
Bottom | Exo Terra BioDrain | Collects excess water |
Separator | Drainage mesh | Keeps soil out of the drainage layer |
Planting layer | Tropical or bioactive substrate | Supports plants and soil animals |
Surface | Leaf litter, moss, and décor | Cover and a natural look |
Exo Terra Plantation Soil is one option for the planting layer. How deep to make the drainage layer depends on the enclosure size, how often you mist, and the design.
Questions
Do I need drainage mesh?
We recommend it. Mesh keeps soil and debris from filling the drainage layer. Exo Terra BioDrain mesh is sold separately.
Can I use it for dart frogs?
Yes, under the planting substrate in a suitable tropical vivarium.
Can I use it without soil?
It is made as a drainage layer, so it is normally covered with mesh and a planting substrate.
Is it the same as Sub Stratum?
No. BioDrain is an inorganic drainage material. Sub Stratum is a volcanic soil with live bacteria.
How many bags will I need?
It depends on the floor area and how deep you want the layer. Larger enclosures and deeper layers need more.
| Part number | PT3115 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Exo Terra |
| Shipping weight | 5 lb |
| Shipping box | 12 x 8 x 4 in |
Box size and weight are the packed carton, for shipping only, not the size of the item itself.
Shipping
Parcels across Canada and the US are priced at checkout from the packed boxes. Pallets and freight we price by hand, usually within one business day, and you pay nothing until you have seen the total. Pickup in Calgary is free.
Returns
14 day returns on eligible unused stock items, return shipping paid by the customer. Built-to-order goods are covered by the construction warranty rather than by returns. Restocking Fees Apply for returns
Warranty
One year warranty on the construction of anything we build.
Questions
Ask about it
Anything this page does not answer. We will get back to you as soon as we can, and good answers go up here for the next person.