Exo Terra Equatorial Forest Substrate 4.4 Litres

100% natural multi-layer substrate Looks like natural forest soil Keeps the soil soft and moist Provides your pets a hiding place Nutrition for live plants Ideal for natural terrarium environments Odour absorbent and heat treated Made from sustainable materials Can be safely composted The Exo Terra equatorial forest soil is a multi-layer substrate that allows you to recreate the forest as in natural woods. The forest floor is one of the features of an equator forest ecosystem and is usually made up of two layers: the top layer consists mainly of fresh leaf litter. The base layer is rich in organic material – usually rotting leaves & wood. The top layer consists of sun-dried, decorative ardisia leaves from a sustainable source. With this decorative top layer, you can recreate the soft flooring in natural equatorial forests. The Ardisia leaves offer animals a soft layer in which they can dig and hide their secret hideaways. Most reptiles and amphibians are looking for food and water on the forest floor. The top layer covers the actual substrate to facilitate moisture retention and to prevent the substrate from drying out. The biodegradable Ardisia leaves are free from any chemicals and can be safely composted in your garden. The base layer is rich in organic materials made from sustainable, ground fibres of the coconut shell. This substrate is 100% natural, ecological, biodegradable and has excellent hygroscopic properties. The base layer forms the ideal substrate in naturally planted terrariums for moisture-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Its water storage capacity, natural root hormones and anti-fungal properties promote plant growth in your terrarium. The unique coconut fibre mark used for the Exo Terra equator forest substrate consists of a blend of short fibres and coconut grit, which goes from coarse granules to fine lumps, which ensures a good drain in the substrate and a healthy ventilation of the plant roots. The top layer of the Ardisia leaves always keeps the floor layer a little moist and facilitates maintenance as it serves as a natural ecosystem in which beneficial organisms can break down waste products and therefore reduce odours. The Exo Terra Equator Forest is heat treated to prevent bacterial contamination. Instructions for use: spread a 5-10 cm thick base layer on the terrarium floor. Moisture the substrate as needed to achieve the required level of moisture. Set up your terrarium with your decorative items. Then cover the floor with the top layer of the decorative ardisia leaves. Use an Exo Terra Hygrometer to control moisture levels. To increase the humidity in well-ventilated terrariums or in terrariums where very high humidity is required, an Exo Terra substrate heating should be installed under the terrarium. Remove heavily soiled substrate on a spot daily. Replace the substrate completely as needed.