Bioactive Volcanic Substrate

The Exo Terra Sub Stratum is collected from the mineral-rich foothills of the Aso Volcano in Japan. The natural volcanic soil, formed from andesitic and rhyolitic tephra, is very nutrient rich, ideal for lush plant growth in bioactive planted terrariums. The porous surface allows for excellent drainage and aeration, supporting strong root growth. The Sub Stratum?s friable, low density structure promotes a flourishing population of beneficial, nitrifying bacteria, creating a self-sustaining, living terrarium ecosystem. The active beneficial bacteria of the soil will decompose biological waste, keeping the terrarium clean and healthy.

Bioactive Volcanic Substrate

• Natural bioactive soil
• With live beneficial bacteria
• Keeps the terrarium clean & healthy
• Eliminates ammonia & odours
• Great drainage capabilities
• Ideal for bioactive planted terrariums

3 Ways to use Sub Stratum

1. As a sole substrate
2. As a drainage layer
3. Mixed in with other substrates

Sole Substrate
When Exo Terra's Sub Stratum is used as the sole substrate, add a layer of 1-2" (2,5 - 5 cm) to the terrarium. The live bacteria will activate when the substrate comes in contact with water or waste. The organic matter such as left over food and animal waste will decompose over time. The absorbing properties of volcanic ash will eliminate odours by trapping the decomposed materials. Rinse the Sub Stratum and replace it partly every 12 months.

Drainage Layer
Add a top layer of biological substrate to the Exo Terra's Sub Stratum layer for optimal bioactivity and drainage. Plants can be secured in the top layer (eg. Exo Terra's Plantation Soil) while their roots will thrive in the sub layer of Sub Stratum - resulting in optimal growth.

Additionally, an inorganic layer can be added first for even better drainage (Exo Terra's BioDrain) to allow excess water to flow through the substrate to avoid saturation and anaerobic bacteria to outcompete the beneficial bacteria in the Sub Stratum substrate. Use the BioDrain Mesh to separate the BioDrain layer from organic matter to penetrate the underlying layer.

Use a top layer of leaf litter to provide dry areas, shelter and dwelling surfaces for all organisms in the terrarium. In the meantime it will prevent evaporation of the underlying layers.

Mixed-in
The secret to growing healthy plants begins with the soil. Naturally, healthy soil contains living microorganisms ? from bacteria to fungi, protozoa and arthropods. Together they form a choreographed exchange from the recycling of nutrients to the decomposition of organic materials.

By mixing the Sub Stratum with other organic substrates, you enrich any substrate with the required minerals like calcium, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. It also aids in the water retention capacity and provide adequate air supply to the roots.

Ingredients: Natural Volcanic Soil (Andisol), Active Carbon, Live beneficial bacteria (Bacillus)

Delivery Information

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Delivery cost is calculated at the checkout and is dependent upon your basket contents and postcode.

We group products together so you get a reduced price.

When you checkout the total delivery price is shown.

Orders over £99 qualify for FREE delivery.

Dispatch Information

Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.

Orders placed before 12pm will be dispatched that day

Orders placed after 12pm are not guaranteed to be dispatched that day.

Frozen food will not be dispatched on a Friday unless Saturday delivery is specified.

Dispatch emails & tracking information are sent throughout the day.

Who Will Deliver My Order?

Depending on the weight/ size of your order and your postcode, you will be presented with appropriate delivery options at the checkout.

Royal Mail

Royal Mail 24 - 1st class service that aims to deliver within 1 day of dispatch (not guaranteed).

Royal Mail 24 Tracked - 1st class service that aims to deliver within 1 day of dispatch (not guaranteed).

APC

Mainland UK - next-day courier with pre-12pm or pre-4pm delivery services (excluding some Scottish postal codes).

Saturday - aims to delivery before 12pm Saturday to mainland UK if the order is placed before 12pm Friday(excluding some Scottish postal codes).

DX

Mainland UK - next day courier with pre-1pm or pre-6pm delivery services (excludes some Scottish postal codes).

Saturday - delivers Saturday to mainland UK if order placed before 12pm Friday (excluding some Scottish postal codes).

Kings/ Tuffnell's

Some heavy items may need to be moved from your selected delivery service to a palletised delivery service with a delivery time of 1-2 working days.

Offshore/ Remote UK Delivery:

Orders via Royal Mail are unaffected. Orders that need to be delivered via a courier may (but not always) incur additional delivery charges if you live in one of the following post codes; AB30-56, IV, HS, KA27-28, KW, PA20-49, PA60-78, PH17-26, PH30-50, ZE, IM, BT & TR21-25.

Please place your order as normal and we will contact you before dispatching your order if necessary.

Offshore Non-UK Delivery:

We are not currently accepting orders from outside of the UK.

Gift Cards:

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