Bioactive Garter Snake Substrate

[Regius_049]

Hello, I'm hoping to set up a bioactive vivarium for my new Checkered Garter Snake.

What is a good substrate mixture that can support populations of isopods, look good, and be essential to the snake's health?

Help would be greatly appreciated, thanks! 😄🐍

I personally use mixtures from NEherp. They have two versions, one with that is designed for high humidity and one that is slightly lower. They also stock ABG mix which is an extremely popular and well tested version. Most bioactive substrates are some variation of this mixture. Use 2-3" of hydroballs or another drainage layer, a screen separator, then 3-4" of substrate. As long as you keep the humidity reasonably high isopods and springtails will do well.