Quote Originally Posted by Malum Argenteum View Post
How do nutrients get exported? Is there a drain to remove waste water with organic breakdown products and pathogens? I wouldn't think that would work with soil and coco fiber, but I'd be interested to know more.
Bioactive setup relies on the plants for uptake (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus) from the soil. Then a Cleanup Crew of isopods and springtails live in the soil to break down decomposed matter into soil nutrients. Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria help the process in a balanced setup. It takes a while for bacteria to develop in the system so I used BioShot (from the Bio Dude) to start it off.

There is no need for a drainage layer as a ball python setup doesn’t produce much waste water. The soil absorbs waste as the CUCs feed on them. But, I did add a layer of hydroton to the bottom of my setup in case we over water plants.