blue tongue skink, live ecosystem

[karmak]

Hey guys! its been a while since ive posted due to the fact i dont have any more snakes. I have recently found a new love for blue tongue skinks.
She is such a little garbage disposal its crazy!
But i was wondering if anyone has live ecosystems for any of their critters? I have her on eco earth and moss, looking to add some top soil in the next few days, have a few live plants and isopods and springtails! I was also thinking about adding some earth worms even though i have heard they eat those buggers pretty quick!
Any ideas to add would be awesome! thanks guys!

and id also love to see pics of your blueys!!

[distaff]

I not sure how arid the climate is that these animals come from. You might like the book, Natural Terrariums, by Philip Purser. It is a bit dated, but I have it and find it useful for his suggestions for various reptiles/amphibians, based on environment: woodland, savannah, desert, jungle, etc...

I have found some useful experienced based info around the net re. beardies and other lizards. IMO, Even dry habitat vivs benefit from a separate rocky drainage layer at the bottom (the bugs will need a place with some extra moisture). I think natural can work for any animal as long as the essential parameters are correct for it, and the keeper understands that cleaning is still necessary. These are not turn key - they will require continued monitoring and adjustment (and maybe the occasional complete overhaul). I think they are very much worth it, but then for many of us, a vibrant, living viv is the main attraction to the hobby.

[jclaiborne]

Is your BTS a Northern or Indo species? I have my IJs in a bioactive setup and it works great, but they like a higher humidity.