Bioactive
A living, self-cleaning enclosure with real plants and a clean-up crew that break down waste.
A bioactive setup pairs a deep, living substrate and plants with a "clean-up crew" of small invertebrates (isopods and springtails) that consume waste, mould and shed skin, so the enclosure largely maintains itself and holds humidity well.
Done right it is enriching and low-maintenance, but it is not a shortcut around good husbandry, the temperatures, UVB, diet and species-correct conditions still have to be right. It suits humid, planted species far better than arid ones.
Related terms
baskr turns the fundamentals into practice, log temperature, humidity and weight and it scores each animal against species ideal ranges, flagging problems early.
Start freeMore basics in the glossary, or jump to the health reference and care guides.
General husbandry guidance, not veterinary advice. Always confirm details for your species with an up-to-date care sheet, an experienced keeper or an exotics vet.