Bio Dude Bioactive Bearded Dragon Terrarium UPDATE and UPGRADE. Self Cleaning and Self Maintaining
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- Hey everyone! Please excuse my tiredness, I have been recovering from the Flu these last few days. This video the Bio Dude gives an update on his Bioactive bearded dragon terrarium that has been up and running since May 1st 2017. Featuring the Dude's one of a kind Terra Sahara. This self cleaning and self maintaining ecosystem is doing great with no problems. Utilizing the Dude's proprietary bioshot, earwigs, springtails, darkling beetles and isopods this is a fully self cleaning and self maintaining ecosystem.
With his upgrade, I was very lucky to have the owner of reptilekages.com, Zach reach out to me and offer me a free 4' x 2' x 2' PVC enclosure in which I will be throughly testing and maintaining to see how well the bioactivity holds up, how well the terrarium holds up and of course how much Hercules' loves it!
I show how I set it up and as go over the pros and cons of the cage thus far. Some of the PROS- Space, Easy to build, manage and incorporate lighting. Looks very nice and can be stacked and changed to your specific husbandry needs. As you can see, I really did not use much AAA Spag due to the humidity retention with less airflow this type of caging offers. I immediately had to downgrade his Powersun UVB as it was getting way to hot, currently I am rocking a 50 watt spot which is providing a hotspot of 110 with a cool end of 81 during the day,
Not necessarily CONS, but things you must account for - Holds much more humidity, less misting, less water to start off with, smaller wattage bulbs being an enclosed environment and you are not able to see the substrate layer to ensure that your humidity levels throughout the substrate are healthy. So it takes a little more work on your end to ensure you are providing proper husbandry.
I will be sure to update this video and thread with how well the ecosystem has established, grown and of course gauge Hercules' interest overall. I am very happy to be able to test these cages and if everything works out, hopefully offer them on my website with FREE SHIPPING. It feels great to continually update and prove that my products not only work, but are THE BEST when it comes to reptile husbandry and expertise. Lately, there have been some "mimics" that will try to replicate, but NEVER will compare!
The very first video: • How to setup a BioActi...
The Update: • UPDATE Hercules 75 gal...
www.thebiodude...
- Website: www.theBioDude.com
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- CZcams: / @thebiodudejoshhalter
- Instagram: @TheBioDude
- TheBioDude Location: The Bio Dude Inc Houston 15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: (717) 305-0684 Email: CustomerCare@theBioDude.com
-The Dude Abides
Can you do a set up for bearded dragon but go into detail on how to care for their habitat and dragon for beginners? Thank you.I love what you do its very inspiring!
I can't wait to do a similar build for my bearded dragon. I really want it to be bioactive. This is the video I've been looking for. Thank you!
Of course, I'm glad you found it helpful!👍🏻
Hercules: *sits there doing nothing the entire video*
Me: what an icon 😍
Lol
Hey Josh, another great video. Thanks. I love my wild Bearded Dragons. I've been watching them from my kitchen window for 15 years. Last year I couldn't mow my back lawn for baby Bearded Dragons.
Wow, because of the sides not being glass and being black the Kage enclosure looked smaller than your vivarium until you introduced Hercules to the new enclosure... it looks really nice, Thank you for sharing!
Really cool enclosure, but I like it even more after you use all those plants! Bioactive is life
Thank you!
I love what you do, and the information you provide. That being said, I think you can do much better in terms of space for these beautiful reptiles. You’re so educated on ecology and husbandry, yet you limit their habitat! Bearded Dragons need much more vertical space despite the accepted dogma found online. Give them more dimensions and they will thrive! I’d like to see bigger setups. Your bio substrate reduces vertical dimensions quite substantially. Also, if you’re in Houston, (I’m in Austin) you don’t need night time heat lights unless your enclosure isn’t in a climate controlled space. Those wavelengths of light are disruptive to their diurnal sleep needs. These are just some suggestions. I believe we can all do better! You’ve taught me so much in regards to your expertise, and I wish you well! I’ll stay tuned.
AGREED!!
Ryan H. They don’t move that much
@@nathansexoticfish849 they literally lay there all day especially when they become adults lmao
totlly agree...200x100x100 cm should be the MINIMUM for ONE of that Dragons...and if someone tells me...they dont move that much...has never seen them hunting in a bigger enclosure...
My bearded dragon is an adult and isn’t lazy. The only time my BD gets extremely lazy is when he is sick with parasites.
He is very active and loves running around the house.
I agree that the bigger the enclosure the better.
I don’t have a bio active enclosure for my BD and wouldn’t have one because I prefer to be able to monitor their poo for signs of poor health, but I recently got a 6 by 3 foot by 3 foot enclosure for my BD, and once he recognises it as his territory he will be very active in it
The interesting thing is that zoos are changing over to this method. That tells you it’s a healthy way to keep your herps.
These videos help so much, thank you :) I’m very worried I’ll take care of his enclosure incorrectly, but I’d like to move my beardie into a bioactive terrarium soon!
Hey hey! check out the dudes blog! there are quite a few informational blogs on maintaining bioactive enclosures, with a LOT of other excess information that may be helpfull as well. www.thebiodude.com/blogs/how-do-i-create-a-bioactive-vivarium/how-do-i-create-a-terra-sahara-bioactive-vivarium & www.thebiodude.com/blogs/how-do-i-create-a-bioactive-vivarium hope this helps!
I understand it might be a lot to ask, but speaking of iguanas, I'd absolutely love to see your version of a bioactive setup for the green in particular. All the research I've done so far - not that many people are doing it, of course - has made me worry that herbivorous animals, especially the larger ones, would be extremely difficult to keep in an enclosure with live plants. Perhaps there are ways around this, like using foliage that isn't appetizing but still isn't poisonous or harmful if ingested? Awesome work as usual, by the way! It's good to see you back and flourishing.
I have an adult water dragon, Im ready to go bioactive for his cage. He only goes the bathroom in one spot and I have a 7ft tall custom enclosure so I could put some nice trees in there.
Hey Misty Moonstorm. I would be happy to help with an iguana build. Plant selection will be important depending on the size of the Iggy. Also, plants that are safe is munched on is important like Ficus trees. You're welcome to reach out to me at Customercare@thebiodude.com or give us a call (717)305-0684.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Thank you so much, I appreciate the reply. As of right now all my research is theoretical (though I am going to be upgrading my currently little boa's setup to a bioactive one hopefully soon, so exciting!) although there are several 'dream animals' on my list for the future and the iguana is one of them. I was intensely curious if it would even be possible at all, because it's something I'd very much like to do in the future. I intend to create something that will house it for its entire life, as a setup this large will be expensive (I've had my eye on a very massive enclosure, one of the custom pvc ones although I'll need to ask them to make some tweaks to the design, namely the shallow substrate tray) and it would just be more stress for the little one to constantly have to be changing his enclosure as he grows. Either way, thank you once again for indulging me, I apologize for wasting your time as I'm certain you're a busy man. If you'd be alright with it considering it would just be me asking questions and not shopping, I might contact you via email to discuss some things that are a little fuzzy in my mind still, but of course if you don't have the time I'd be more than happy to continue solo research. Have a great day!
I love it josh it’s so true you almost never see cages the perfect size for our larger reptiles.
So true!
The Dude abides!
“His cage is gonna be much open” - The Bio Dude. I loved that part to be honest, and I mean that as a compliment
Bahahha - I make stupid sentence structures at times - I'm only human after all, don't put the blame on me.
The terra sahara is easily the best arid vivarium kit around, I absolutely love it. My beardie digs around in the substrate and forages on the plants (which are thriving) all the time. He's happy so I'm happy! Thanks Bio Dude!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Getting move around, pushed around, repositioned, water being rinsed over his feet, yet his bearded dragon shows no reaction at all and is like: “Yeah, whatever....”
10/10 for being the most inanimate, living animal! Solely a rock’s able to top this!
I just found your channel today and am subbed already and loving it! I've learned so much from you already. When I have the money, I'm gonna order from you so my ornate box turtle can have a bioactive enclosure. I cant wait! Hes gonna be stoked. Thanks for all the cool stuff you do. You're young but really driven and killin it!
Stoked for the new cages/tanks and can’t wait to see what’s next! Keep it up biodude!!!
Thank you! I am as well : )
Sweet set up! We've spent SO much money on all the things our juvenile beardie needs and still don't think we have it all. Very controversial reptile..lol
Awesome! Looking forward to your research. Hercules is gorgeous.
Thank you Lorraine!
As always keep up the great work!
great video, and i like the new Kage cages from Zach.
Thats fantastic! He will do well with those enclosures.
I love these videos you do! They are so much more helpful than other videos I’ve watched.
THIS IS SO EXCITING!!! I want to do this entire upgrade for my dragon Freddy Mercury!!
He was the KILLERQUEEN!
I like how calm he is in this vid
The fact that the doors are fixed in the cabinet is a deal breaker for me. Im sure a lot of people can agree. I have had a concept in my head for many years and this may be the kick i needed to make it a reality.
Hey man I just stumbled across you today! What you are doing is really fascinating. I love the idea of getting a fully bioactive setup for my beardie! Maybe I will get one once I get a bigger tank. Keep up the good work
Awesome, thank you!
Josh, this is so exciting!! I am very curious to see how this works out.
I am as well, thank you for following, Jennifer!
Adorable little elephants foot!
Bioactive really works!
It's the only way you should keep your reptiles!
Nice cat
The French!
Can’t wait for the kage line 👍
We are excited! More info is coming soon.
This is dope you always give me new ideas
Rock on~!
Love your vids, you will be my go to guy when I start my 2 tanks
The dude is back😎
also...LOVE THE KITTY IN THE BACKGROUND!!! LOL
That was French : )
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter seemed to be having fun!!!
11:35 the cat 🐱😆😆😆😆
Love your artistic hand 💗🦎
I love that kage. I'm gonna need some of those for sure
We wil keep you updated, Jared. How are your Bio Dude setups doing for your kids in your class?
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter they are doing great man. The cool thing to see is how almost all of the animals burrow. Our geckos, dragons, toads, everything! All you need is plenty of soil for them to dig into!
I love your on going continuing videos lol thank you. You've helped me alot
Glad you like them!
Nice, Im going to be upgrading soon
Herc is such a character! And lovin' his upgrades, too!! Would setups like these work with Clown agamas?
He's the best! And yes, it would be a somewhat similar arid setup.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Thanks once again, dude! This really helps me out in making a huge decision once and for all that I wanna share on my channel one day!
I Want that substrate but I live in the Philippines...
Babel Feliciano Use adobo powder
Order some?
Can't wait to see how that tank does
Hi, regarding your night time bulb as beardies are obviously diurnal so if a bulb comes on at night it will disturb them and confuse their sleep pattern. You would be better installing a ceramic heat emitter bulb into the middle of the viv which emits heat instead of light so won't disturb him. They only need extra heat at night if your home drops below 16 degrees Celsius at night. The ceramic heat emitter should be controlled by a pulse thermostat
You are amazing I have made 3 orders from the bio dude and all were amazing
Ok ?
Hey Bio Dude. Love these video's! Keep up the great work. I would love to see you do a Bio Setup for a Northern Blue Tongue Skink.
It is coming! #2 on the list ;)
I know this is crazy but I built my own cage it’s 55in length, by 24in wide by 36in tall (not including the built on stand) it’s giant and my beardy loves it! I’m wanting to convert it to bio active now thanks for the video.
That is awesome, I hope the video helps! If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to my customer care team. They would be happy to further assist you! (customercare@thebiodude.com)
Really cool videos man.
Glad you like them!
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter I adopted a beardie in bad shape. Working with vets to rehabilitate him. Once he’s past his antibiotics stage and the open wounds heal, I’ll have his set up ready to go. Being in Canada I had to substitute a lot of the products I couldn’t find from bio dude but, all your videos put me on the right track and gave me a TON of information. Thanks for all of these.
Im excited to see how this goes. Will most likely get some if it works out well enough that you introduce it to your shop. I think the air flow might work better uf it was on the sides as well, or instead of the back. That way if you needed you could add a fan, or even aim a desk fan at an opening. Could do so with a drill if need be. Cant wait to see the results of this
For a bioactive setup you will want additional venting. We have an option on our site to add more vents to your enclosure.
I need to check out these cages, I need something big for my gold tegu.
It looks real good.
Kages seem pretty cool, but they're expensive as hell imo. I found a site selling some pretty good 4'x2'x2' for a little over $200 while these were over 500. They do have bigger one's available, but they're over 1000 when you could honestly make a better one custom for under $500 yourself. Then you could make it completely perfect for what you want.
You pay for what you get, trust me. I’ll take an expensive handmade and cut USA cage over a China cheap plastic cage. To each their own though my dude!
Really don't like the fact that the slide doors won't come out... How can you properly clean them (the part where they overlap especially)? Other than that, the cage (or Kage^^) looks great and as always, so does the setup you made of it ;)
So much great information!! Subbed and Checking out your website next. I'm looking to go bioactive for my son's bearded dragon.
Thank you so much!
Wow
yay!
He seems to be digging it. hasn't moved Lol. Nice setup tho.
I thought of an idea to help with air flow and that would probably add a small fan inside
Why the lights built into the enclosure? Your friend might get burnt if he jumps up on it or touches it for some strange reason. Them lights should of been installed as a flush mount on the top cover with some wire cover for the lights so he can't ever touch them.
Well, looks like you've got room for another one.
That is exactly what I told my wife. She said "Do we really have any more room for another cage." I am assuming you can only imagine my response >.> haha!
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter the one thing i am concerned with is how well the tank will lock up. Snakes are more my thing, and as you know well, the more active species are excellent escape artists. Also, venomous species will require locks as well.
I felt the same way. I emailed Zach about that, I believe he offers locks for the doors that are very similar to the Vision Cage locks - I told him for snakes and most lizards that locks for the doors would be imperative. With Herc being lazy - I was not too concerned.@@FellsApprentice
My mother just purchased a tiny bearded dragon. She got a 40 gallon tank and she has no idea on what to use for the bottom. Shes conflicted with sand or the rug. We looked into it and came across your CZcams channel. We were told that the little guy didnt need humidity, that he needed dry climate because hes a dessert animal. She is wondering how often would she have to change the tank if she did the bio active tank with your products? And since they told her that he didn't need humidity she worries if any humidity is going to be bad for him.
Congrats on your little baby! It is a one and done deal! If you want some help, reach out to us, customercare@thebiodude.com and we can get you all setup!
It’s there a screen version of this enclosure with a solid bottom for a bioactive setup that work for chameleon
We do have a taller version of this enclosure, it's not all screened, it's black with sliding doors in the front.
I hope an update on the new “Kage” is coming out soon? I just started becoming interested in potentially getting a bearded dragon as well as using a bioactive terrarium. Ive been doing alot of research on it to find the best and most cost effective way to start one.
Ill be doing the video this week!
If you don't mind me asking, why earwigs? I've only seen them used in your beardies enclosure, whats theyre part in the cleanup crew?
Josh, could you please do a diet and supplement video for bearded dragons from juvenile to adult? I'm finding so many contradicting articles on juvenile bearded dragon diets. We just got a juvenile beardie (from PetSmart) back in March and they didn't have any small crickets so they said meal worms would work. Then I read that juveniles shouldn't even be eating meal worms, crickets only. Then read somewhere else that they can have trouble digesting crickets.
We had a bearded dragon a few years ago but he unfortunately didn't make it past juvenile (also got him from PetSmart). We were told at that time that they are perfect beginner pets and low maintenance. But we were given terrible advice from people that worked there and never bothered to do any real research for ourselves. They told us it was ok to use the pellet/freeze dried meal worm mix (which ultimately killed him).
I just really want to do right for this beardie. I've been doing a lot more research and watching your videos. Which have helped tremendously!! We have him in a 10 gallon tank at the moment with carpet because that's what the kit came with. We will be upgrading in the next couple of weeks because he is already starting to go through a growth spurt. We are looking at getting a 40 gallon. Is that big enough? Or will we have to upgrade again later? We definitely be shopping from your store as well because I want him to have a set up like Hercules.
Sorry for the really long comment.. I really love your passion for what you do. If you read this far, I really appreciate it and thank you!!♥️
hello! just wondering how is he
Love your videos! Can you do a set up for Chinese water dragon? We are new pet owners and really need some directions to go bioactive for our Chinese water dragon. A complete set up kit would be great.
Said it stays moisture in the middle and bottom .. it's looking super dry to me🤔
Love your passion:-)
Appreciate that : )
Im late to the video. But I thought the uvb was only supposed to cover 1/3 of the tank. No lights at night?
Isnt this way too small for such a big animal? I dont know anything and trying to get into geckos etc but is this the actual correct size of a terrarium?
Too much space CAN be an issue, along with to little space. As long as they can move and be active, its fine! this enclosure is doing great, with the beardie doing great as well. enclosure size depends on alot of things.
@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter thanks a lot :)
I’m concerned with the open lights. I assume some snakes would try to wrap in and around the bulbs which could be problematic. Also, don’t like the closed off look of these. I think my beardie enjoys seeing out the sides of her cage instead of just a black wall. Though I could just be assuming...
Yes, snakes would likely wrap around the exposed bulbs. We recommend either placing light cages in the enclosure or getting one with LED lights. We have enclosures specifically for snakes, they feature an LED light strip near the top and a recess on the underside of the enclosure for a heat pad for belly heat.
I have one question I neeeed someone to answer that has this set up. Do any of the bugs crawl on the bearded dragon? Like occasionally or at all, B/c I can’t imagine my baby in a tank with a whole bunch of other insects. I rather self clean out of my fear of bugs. I can only give her the insects I feed her
Josh I really hope that you will reply to this and I’d love to know if you can send a link or what type of cage is the first cage that Hercules was in
Hey there! It is an awesome Kage from reptilekages.com, this is the link here- reptilekages.com/collections/premium-reptile-enclosures/products/48x24x18-48x24x18-premium-pvc-reptile-enclosure Hope this helps! The dude abides!
Easy peasy
?? Hi Josh. I just picked up a 75 gallon tank. It has a screen top. Could. I do a set up similar to yours? I can't tell what type of top you have.
I have a question why did you use new substrate instead of reusing the substrate that you already had?
Would it be possible to drill holes towards the top of the side panels to help with the airflow issue?
Absolutely, I am going to be receiving other cages here soon, they will have 3 more vents total. Two on the sides and one on the top. Ill be updating soon.
How can you let the water bowl look like that
Hes huge
Looks like the tank I just built. For half the cost and way better access.
Looove it
Thank you : )
Your set up are awesome I truly hope mine comes out that good. Thanx heeps for sharing the knowledge. I really hope you can sort something about shipping to England. May be if you got enough interest?? Paula England
Bioactive terrariums like this are recommended for bearded dragons in what stage of their life? Childhood, adulthood, when?
Lucas Graeff All stages. They don’t get born on paper towels in the wild. Only time to avoid bioactive and go sterile is for quarantine and sick animals. Makes monitoring much easier.
My teacher got stuff from you :)
Love the vid so I tried sand half Coco fiber and mixture of dirt I think one got impacted the other is fine so I'm scared to put the substrate back in any suggestions
Besides the fact I believe this enclosure to be TOO SMALL for an adult bearded - I would like to know what you suggest is a good product for glass cleaning. I have a semi-aquatic paludarium for my tree frogs and its hard to keep the glass clean. Is there something on the market or that could be DIY made to help clean glass while keeping frog's safe. I have 3 Whites, 3 Firebellies, a Columbian Tree, a reg green, an American toad and a leopard frog.
I use a 10% BLUE DAWN soap and RO h20 mix for all my glass enclosures. You can also use 10% APPLE CIDER VINEGAR and RO h20 mix to clean the glass.
Can I put dry spagnum moss in with my substrate even though I’m live in a humid area? For humidity pockets
I bet it wouldn't be to hard to convert the doors to swing open similarly to the exo terra.
Can you make a tegu bio active set up. I want to do one for my tegu. Please love your stuff.
I am fairly early lol
Wondering if you could do another video on veiled chameleons. Getting one very soon and want a nice bioactive set up for him/her.
It is coming!
I have a uvb light, I have some nice led lamps that I wanna use instead the uva light , do you think I could do that ?
Would be fine!
looking forward to your follow up on this. a computer fan could be added to the top to increase aereation. My beardie is currently in a 75 gal aquarium w/ sahara bioactive substrate and I LOVE it! hardly ever any smell, if i do notice a little i just fluff up the substrate and thats it. i water plants as needed and been adding water to substrate once every 2 weeks. is that enough? im worried for my CUC. Will you go back to selling CUC?
Really soon! The moment it warms up around the USA
I had a bioactive Corn setup but someone broke into my house and tore all the plans out and stole my snake. They stole other things from my house too, but I cried about my snake.... RIP noodle... I will never forget you. 🙏✌️
That is awful, so sorry to hear : (
Oh my word that's awful I'm so sorry about your corn snake shame it didn't bite them. Flipping callus idiots.
@@theroyalgiantgamer5586 I was really upset. I had it since it was an egg and I loved it like one of my dogs. It wasn't just a pet to me it was like a child. That hurt more than them taking my stuff. I loved and cared for that snek deeply. My butter noodle.... 🙏
I totally understand what your saying I would feel the same about my corn coco had her from birth too and my 2 ball pythons honey and macaroni. Beyond Devastating I can't even imagine it. Something you never get over I'm truly sorry that happened to you 😢
Why is the water green?
Hi Josh, wonderful video, im just wondering, seen as you have a green thumb, i thought you would look into using biodegradable packaging to reduce waste and impact on the enviroment?
I am looking, actually. The next step in packaging is printed bags, not stickered bags. Most likely by the 2nd quarter of 2020.
cant find isopods or spring tails but i can get weevils and earwigs as for bioshot well this is india you cant get very good organic compost or cow dung manure really cheap
I wud love to set up one like that for my mali Uramastic , just not sure where I can find those plants for him to eat lol
This setup looks good for easy maintenance , what about the poop ? Do you let it in it ? And does is it smell?