Terrarium Supplies

<- Back to Terrariums

Terrariums are composed of a wide variety of different components. Branches, Seed Pods, and Leaf Litter contribute to the construction of each terrarium build but also provide a natural looking aesthetic to the overall terrarium. As well, a naturally inspired design with the use of real supplies provides lots of familiar hiding spots and enrichment for the terrarium inhabitants.

Seed and Nut Pods

Seed and Nut pods come in all unique shapes textures and sizes and not only add a naturalistic feel and aesthetic to any terrarium or vivarium but offer a multitude of key benefits in any enclosure. They can be used as unique accent pieces, some frogs will use them to deposit tads, microfauna like isopods and springtails not only utilize them as a source of nutrients but also as a place to hide and breed in. Frogs and micro geckos enjoy exploring throughout the forest floor so it also aids in enrichment.

  • Dried Tripod litter ( ½ “- 1”)
  • Magnolia seed pods ( total length ranges from aprox 3”-7”)
  • Lotus head pods (Mini Lotus pods: aprox 1”-2” Reg. aprox 3”-4” in diameter)
  • Monkey pods (approx. 1.5-4” in diameter)
  • Bell cups ( can vary from ½ “-2” in diameter)
  • Small nut pods (vary from 3”-6” in diameter)
  • Velvet pods (1”-3” in diameter)
  • Trumpet pods ( ¾ “- 2” in diameter and 3”-5” in length)
  • Giant acorn caps (1”-2.5” in diameter)
  • Elephant ear seed pods (approx. 3”-6” in length)
  • Tingui seed pods (2”-5”)
  • Urchin seed pod (2”-5” in length and about ½ -2” in width)
  • Mayan seed pod (2”5” in diameter in diameter)
  • King seed pod (3”-6” in diameter)

Leaf Litter

Leaf litter not only provides a natural appearance in your habitat, but the leaves also offer hiding spots for animals in both terrariums and aquariums. As leaves decompose microfauna such as isopods and springtails will also utilize them as a food source. We recommend you keep your leaf litter bed several inches thick with varying sizes, shapes, and thicknesses of leaves. We also recommend you routinely add leaves as you see them decompose. Also a great addition to any betta tank to promote enrichment.

  • Southern Magnolia (leaves are about 4”-8” in length)
  • Live Oak (2”-4” long and about ½ -2” in width
  • Sea Grapes (4”-10” in diameter) Longest lasting and some frogs may even lay on them
  • Indian Almond/ Peruvian Almond Leaves (approx. 4”-8” in length and 3”-5” in width)
  • Mango (5-4” in length and about ½ -1” in width)
  • Marupa (3”-5” in length and about ½ “- 1” in width)
  • Guaba ( 5”-7” in length and about ½ “ in width)
  • Cow Ears (2.5”-5” in length and ¼ “- ½ “ in width)
  • Casho Leaf Litter ( 3”-8” in length and about 1”-3.5” in width)
  • Araza (2”-4” in length and about ½ “ in width)
  • Vinohuayo Leaf Litter (3”-8” in length and about 1”-3” in width)
  • Topa Leaf litter (4”-8’ in length and about 2”-5” in width)

Hygrolon

A mesh-like material imported from Sweden created to mimic the bark of trees, can store, wick and transport large amounts of water. Comes in a variety of sizes like a 19×19 sheet or attached on pieces of foam which can vary from about 4” to hygrolon vines that can reach about 12” in length)

Epiweb

Only available intermittently in the United States, imported from Sweden used to replace tree fern fiber. Ideal for plant roots to take a hold and due to the fact that it does not degrade over time does great in vivariums. Has the ability to keep itself moist and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes that range from Small to medium pots which are approx. 3.5-8.5” in diameter. Branches that vary in shape are approx. 9.5” in length and also Epiweb Vines that range from 15-18” in length

Coconut Halves, Huts and swings

Coconut huts, halves and swings can all be use in a variety of ways from adding a unique décor touch to your vivarium to being used as hiding spots water dishes or an area to dump dusted insects to prevent killing sensitive plants from getting covered in calcium. Some frogs will even utilize them as breeding sites. Made from real natural coconut shells they are durable and resilient to the effects of high moisture environments.

Hydroballs

Hydroballs are used as a drainage layer and are the first step to any vivarium. They are expanded clay balls that help aid and prevent root rot, and anaerobic bacteria from forming to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Come in bags of about 1/2 gallon bags or approx. 2 L

Hydroballs

Substrate Barriers

Substrate Barriers are placed between a false bottom in a vivarium to prevent the substrate from being pushed down into the false bottom while allowing substrate to drain properly. Prevents root rot and anaerobic bacteria from forming. Can be easily be cut with scissors to desired shape and size fro any terrarium. Substrate barriers come in 12”x”36 sheets or 24”x36” sheets

Substrate Barrier

Tree Fern Fiber

Popularly used as an orchid medium, resistant to decay and helps with aeriation of soil mixes. Holds up well under moist, and humid conditions. Adds a great natural touch and aesthetic to any terrarium and can also be made into small pots for plants. Comes in approx. ½ gallon bags or about 2L

Tree Fern Fiber

Horticultural Grade Charcoal

High-quality charcoal makes an excellent substrate to grow either tropical or temperate springtails. Comes in about ½ lb bags which is perfect to start a small culture!

Horticultural Charcoal

Live and Decorative mosses

Moss is not only essential in a vivarium/ terrarium setting but also add a natural and unique touch to any décor. Come in a variety of species, textures and colors. Helps maintain proper humidity levels and promotes healthy sheds!

Mood moss

Most popular with its bright colors and soft appearance. Very slow growing rate and prefers good airflow and bright lighting. If not will grow slowly for several months before perishing to abuse from animals and insects. Helps aid and maintain appropriate humidity levels to promote an adequate environment and healthy shedding. Should be soaked in water before placing in terrarium for best results.

Mood Moss

Sphagnum Moss

Can be used as a stand alone media to germinate seeds and is a preferred medium to grow carnivorous plants in. May also be used as an additive to many substrate mixes to help retail appropriate humidity levels and promote a healthy shed! Should be soaked in water before placing in terrarium for best results.

Sheet moss: Another very popular moss in the hobby, very slow growing but can tolerate more abuse than most mosses. Beautiful emerald green in color which adds a unique and natural aesthetic to any terrarium/ vivarium. Helps aid and maintain appropriate humidity levels to promote an adequate environment and healthy shedding. Should be soaked in water before placing in terrarium for best results.

Moss spores/ Moss mix

Moss spores/ Moss mix, also known as dusk moss mix, is a product imported sparingly from Europe. Come in approx. 12.5g bags. Coverage will depend on how you spread it and the surface you are applying it to. Comes with instructions on how to create the perfect mix to yield the best moss growth. Contains several types of mosses like fern spores, gesneriad seeds and sphagnum moss. Adds a unique and natural appearance to any terrarium/ vivarium and also helps to aid and retain appropriate humidity levels.

 

Aquarium Adventure Chicago