A question about a substrate I found out about.

[InquisitorXIII]

What is everyone's thoughts on bioactive soil I feel it doesn't do anything for them and can put them at risk for bacterial infections but curious on what you everyone thinks?

[CloudtheBoa]

Seems to be a very low-maintenance (once set up), enriching bedding. Doesn't really seem to be a big risk for bacterial infections, though, especially if everything is running smoothly. pH, nitrate, etc. levels are all monitored closely.

I've talked with several people, and they say their snakes (not just BPs) showed increased basking behavior - not necessarily elevated activity, they would just come out and bask under UVB light, when they wouldn't do the same with a regular light bulb. Increased skin health, etc. It also seems kinda nice to not have to pick up after them other than a particularly big poop, and if live plants and real wood is used to make naturalistic set ups they look very nice, too.

[InquisitorXIII]

My big issue is with releasing the Isopods and Springtails (with some medical knowledge background and some of the Springtails species may cause itching and/or itching dermatitis in humans) and Springtails thrive everywhere. >.<

[InquisitorXIII]

And just to add I see nothing wrong with people wanting to use this method to each their own.

[threezero]

My big issue is with releasing the Isopods and Springtails (with some medical knowledge background and some of the Springtails species may cause itching and/or itching dermatitis in humans) and Springtails thrive everywhere. >.<

thanks for pointing this out, didn't know they could be a problem. I have been considering setting up a bioactive terrarium recently and now will have to reconsider as both me and my partner have very sensitive skins...

[jclaiborne]

I cant think of a single negative, never had any issues, and will never switch back to anything else.

[InquisitorXIII]

I cant think of a single negative, never had any issues, and will never switch back to anything else.

I'm not trying to deter anyone but Springtails can be an issue as medical researchers have found that some people who are always itching also have an infestation of springtails in their homes that's what I'm pointing out

[InquisitorXIII]

As for myself, I'm staying clear of this stuff as I make custom mats for my ball pythons made with an anti-microbial fabric and they are super easy to clean.

[jclaiborne]

Your original post was to gain opinions on the substrate. While it is not as openly accepted in the snake community yet, it is widely used in the large lizard community. I don't have any input on springtails causing people to itch as I really haven't researched it, mainly because it isn't an issue at my house. What I can say is that my opinion is that using Bio-Active has had a very positive impact on my animals, and the statement about putting the animals at risk of bacterial infection has no backing what so ever. You essentially create a biome in which the environment maintains itself. There is no increase in risk of infection vs using woodchips or matting. Some even argue that matting or woodchips harbor more bacteria because it absorbs waste, and if not cleaned frequently the bacteria builds up, as there is nothing neutralizing it.

[InquisitorXIII]

Your original post was to gain opinions on the substrate. While it is not as openly accepted in the snake community yet, it is widely used in the large lizard community. I don't have any input on springtails causing people to itch as I really haven't researched it, mainly because it isn't an issue at my house. What I can say is that my opinion is that using Bio-Active has had a very positive impact on my animals, and the statement about putting the animals at risk of bacterial infection has no backing what so ever. You essentially create a biome in which the environment maintains itself. There is no increase in risk of infection vs using woodchips or matting. Some even argue that matting or woodchips harbor more bacteria because it absorbs waste, and if not cleaned frequently the bacteria builds up, as there is nothing neutralizing it.

Well, I formed my opinion after doing a lot of research on the topic and doing research on the insects you but into the soil, I just don't like the idea as one of my kids already has sensitive skin and has had problems with getting rashes and so on. I could say they same with the soil because neither one of the insects I have seen isopods and springtails don't clean out microbials or mites (found on many forums people saying their bioactive soil didn't keep them away or stop them), but I will say they are really good at clean up the drops and such. The amount of money that is wasted just kinda hurts if someone were to get a mite infestation. Oh and some species of Isopods people use actually can cause wood damage and most houses are made in some way, shape, or form of wood. I really like they way they look and all because they are beautiful but Risk vs reward.

Springtails as skin irritants or skin parasites deserve much more scientific scrutiny. Given that the psychotic variant of such infestation has received a lot more scientific interest than the actual infestation itself, risks are that some infestations are too easily categorized as delusional. The main reason is obvious: nothing or very little is known about irritating, allergic or parasitic Springtails that cause contact dermatitis. Only a few cases are actually documented and therefore money for further scientific research is wanting.



Collembola, also known as springtails, are primitive organisms defined as hexapods, but they are often mistaken for mites. As inhabitants of fertile soil, they are considered to be the most abundant macroscopic organisms on earth. In recent years, much evidence has surfaced that springtails could be the culprit behind mysterious itching and crawling sensations experienced by victims of Delusional Parasitosis.

• Researchers at the Oklahoma State Department of Health took skin samples from 20 patients diagnosed with Delusional Parasitosis and found Collembola in 18 of the 20 patients.

• In an unrelated investigation conducted in Sweden, Dr. Frans Janssens and his colleague, Dr. Kenneth A. Christiansen, collected scores of reports regarding human springtail infestation from homeowners, doctors and pest control operators around the world, including many regions of the United States. Within the gray areas between casual testimony and medical documentation, a startling picture emerged. Springtails are everywhere, and it’s not impossible for them to latch onto people.

• Professor MJ Dumanov, an internationally recognized medical mycologist who inspects homes and public facilities to analyze environmental contaminants, states that collembola found in homes with fungal mold identified on human skin is often misdiagnosed as Delusional Parasitosis. Dumanov actively encourages physicians and psychiatrists to consider mold infestations when questioning patients who suffer from mysterious itching and crawling sensations.

Luckily they do not carry anything harmful and can not transmit anything. I feel like if the reptile community is going to start promoting it people need to tell that the insects aren't exactly harmless. I get that people want to replicate a natural environment for their reptiles but at the same time, I feel there has to be a better way then possibly releasing something in their enclosure that has the potential to cause problems for humans.