{"product_id":"exo-terra-bio-drain-substrate","title":"Exo Terra Bio Drain Substrate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe free-draining base layer every bioactive build needs.\u003c\/strong\u003e Exo Terra Bio Drain Substrate is an inert, non-decomposing drainage layer that sits beneath your main substrate, letting excess water drain away from plant roots and soil so a planted, misted or bioactive terrarium doesn't turn swampy. It comes in a 2 kg bag, enough to form the drainage base of a small to medium bioactive enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCreates a proper drainage layer\u003c\/strong\u003e — sits under your soil and substrate, giving excess water somewhere to go.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrevents waterlogging and root rot\u003c\/strong\u003e — keeps plant roots out of standing water in humid, heavily misted builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-decomposing and inert\u003c\/strong\u003e — a natural, porous bedrock material that doesn't break down or rot over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports a self-sustaining ecosystem\u003c\/strong\u003e — the porous structure gives beneficial bacteria somewhere to colonise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePairs with Bio Drain Mesh\u003c\/strong\u003e — the mesh keeps soil out of the drainage zone above this layer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePack size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 kg (SKU RP543)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural, inorganic, non-decomposing bedrock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFunction\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTerrarium drainage base layer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat's included \/ what you'll still need\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bag contains the drainage substrate only. To complete a bioactive base layer you'll also need a Bio Drain Mesh sized to your terrarium, to keep your soil separated from the drainage layer above, plus your chosen soil or substrate on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuited to planted, humid and bioactive terrarium builds — dart frog vivariums, tropical gecko and snake enclosures, and any misted setup that needs somewhere for excess water to go. Not a substrate to keep animals on directly; it's a hidden base layer, always covered by a mesh and your main substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCare and maintenance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinse before use to settle dust. Being inert and non-decomposing, it doesn't need replacing as part of a routine bioactive clean-out — only the mesh and soil layers above it typically need attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCovered by your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Ships standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExo Terra Bio Drain Terrarium Draining Mesh, sized to your terrarium footprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA planted substrate or soil mix for the layer above\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive plants or moss for a bioactive top layer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow deep should the drainage layer be?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost bioactive builds use a layer around 3–5 cm deep, though this varies with enclosure size and how much water your misting or watering routine adds. Check your enclosure's footprint against the 2 kg pack size before ordering more than one bag for larger builds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDo I need the mesh as well?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, for a standard bioactive build. The mesh sits directly on top of this substrate to stop soil migrating down into the drainage layer and clogging it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDoes it need rinsing before use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eRinsing settles any dust from packaging and transport, though it isn't strictly required for the substrate to function.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWill it break down over time like an organic substrate?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo — it's an inert, non-decomposing material, so it doesn't rot or need periodic replacement the way an organic substrate layer can.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ExoTerra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54774126739747,"sku":"RP543","price":25.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/exo-terra-bio-drain-substrat-10135189881123-1-dq.webp?v=1790372752","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/exo-terra-bio-drain-substrate","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}