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Vivarium Substrates (All)

The best bioactive terrarium substrates available!

About Our Substrates Hide Substrate Info Show Substrate Calc. Hide Substrate Calc. Show Item List Hide Item List

About Our Bioactive Vivarium Substrates

NEHERP Vivarium Substrate Base Kits

Our company's reputation was partially formed around our absolute top-quality bioactive vivarium substrates & inexpensive bioactive base kits. Our bioactive substrates last long term, grow plants beautifully, foster healthy mycorrhizal fungi, and support populations of beneficial microfauna. The topics of drainage, pH balance, resistance to compaction, and the mix's ability to support the necessary living organisms were carefully considered when we first designed our substrate back in 2009. Every blend of live vivarium substrate we offer is of the absolute highest quality, and has been proven for years to be long-lasting, dependable solutions. We're proud to say that our substrate is used by zoos, museums, breeders, and enthusiasts all over the USA, and we're confident that it's the highest quality & best performing pre-mixed vivarium substrate on the market. We also carry the necessary leaf litter, screen separator, and drainage layer media necessary to create truly complete live vivarium ecosystems. We do our best to ensure our products stand out, and hope you'll give each one's description a read to see what makes our lineup special. We love this stuff, and we hope we can help you create your dream bioactive environment.

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Definition of Width X Depth X Height Vivarium

Vivarium Substrate Calculator

Instantly figure out how much substrate you'll need!

Use our substrate calculator to instantly determine exactly how much substrate you'll need to build a vivarium in any rectangular enclosure. The minimum suggested amount of substrate & drainage media is 2.5" (each), but we've also included a spot to add your own custom height, if you'd like to calculate a different substrate depth. Enter your dimensions, and the results will display instantly.

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Oops... Our substrate calculator is available for larger devices only!
We've got a downloadable substrate depth chart which might help in the meantime. Tap to view!

NEHERP Bioactive Substrate Kits

A discounted 1-click solution for creating bioactive base layers

NEHERP Vivarium Substrate Base Kits
▾ Show Kit Description ▾
Our NEHERP base kits include all the high quality supplies you'll need to start a live vivarium off right! These are the same high quality NEHERP vivarium Substrates we offer individually, at a package-discounted price. Simply select the type + size terrarium you are working with, and choose your preferred substrate & drainage layer media. (Differences of each explained on our Vivarium Substrates page) Enough substrate & drainage media is included for an appropriate (2.4-2.6in deep) layer of each. We include a pre-cut screen separator, and enough of our high quality screened leaf litter (assorted) to create a perfectly realistic vivarium. Matching plant kits are available in our plant packages section.
View Our Bioactive Base Kits
▴ Hide Kit Description ▴

NEHERP LDL: Lightweight Drainage Layer Substrate

Our lightest and least expensive drainage layer media

NEHERP LDL Bag Substrate NEHERP LDL Bag Substrate
▾ Show Description ▾
A New England Herpetoculture Product:
The original is back & better than ever! Our updated lightweight drainage layer media features a neutral pH, light weight, and more natural appearance. This product is made from completely natural fired clay, and is guaranteed to hold-up long term. At only around 2.4lbs per gallon, the manufacturer we work with offers an especially light product which offers about a 50% weight savings over other brand-name drainage layer medias. (Up to 15% lighter than a competing brand of clay aggregate!) This product has plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria & microbes, a perfect amount of capillary action for plant growth, and an especially low weight to keep your terrarium as light as possible. This product ships at our standard low rates!
$7.49/ea Gallon
★ Compare & Save ★
NEHERP LDL Is Only: $1.97/Liter | $1.90/Quart
Only $6.49/Gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
* Weights/Volumes May Vary +/-5%
Only $6.49/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On sale for $5.99/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On Sale Now!
15% Off!
$6.36/ea Gallon

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NEHERP Leaf Litter

Natural consumable bedding for vivariums with Isopods and/or Springtails

Live Oak Leaf Litter For Bioactive Terrariums Magnolia Leaf Litter For Bioactive Terrariums
Live Oak
Magnolia
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
Leaf litter plays an important role in a properly built live vivarium environment. To put it simply, this is a consumable product which will be fragmented broken up by agitation, chewing and/or digestion) by the Springtails & Isopods within the substrate layer. Leaf litter will help sustain healthy microfauna populations as well as provide micro nutrients for the plants & beneficial mycorrhizal fungi within the enclosure. Our leaf litter is hand collected & sorted by our long-term contractors for a debris-free product. In addition, we put our leaf litter through an aggressive deep freeze process (-14°f for 48hrs) as an added quality control procedure above the norm. Live Oak leaf litter is probably the most commonly used leaf litter today, since the perfectly sized small leaves resist breaking down while looking great. Magnolia is most commonly used with larger species like Geckos. Either option provides a long lasting, reliable, and well proven option as a "top layer" over any of our Live Vivarium Substrates. View processing instructions.
A Note On Processing Leaf Litter:
While our leaf litter is hand picked, free of most natural debris, and deep-freeze processed, it's still a worthwhile practice to process leaf litter before using it in a live environment. The added peace of mind is worth the 5 minute procedure, so please be sure to process leaf litter before use. The process will also make the leaves easier for the Springtails & Isopods to digest!
How To Process Leaf Litter:
1) Thoroughly rinse the leaves in a pot of water
2) Drain & refill the pot with fresh clean water
3) Bring the pot to a boil for about 2-3 minutes
4) Allow to cool, then strain leaves before use!
Live Oak Magnolia
$10.99/ea Gallon Live Oak Only $8.99 in our Substrate Base Kits!
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10% Off!
$9.89/ea Gallon Live Oak Always discounted in our Substrate Base Kits!
This option sold out

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Live Oak Magnolia
$10.99/ea Gallon Magnolia Only $8.99/Gallon in Substrate Base Kits!
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$9.89/ea Gallon Magnolia Always discounted in our Substrate Base Kits!
This option has sold out!

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Limit 3 per order. (Limit does not apply to Bioactive Substrate Base Kits!)

NEHERP Vivarium Substrate: Original

The original high performance store brand bioactive substrate mix

NEHERP Vivarium Substrate NEHERP V1 Vivarium Substrate  NEHERP V1 Vivarium Substrate
NEHERP Vivarium Substrate NEHERP V1 Vivarium Substrate
▾ Show Description ▾
A New England Herpetoculture Product:

Our carefully proportioned substrate was designed to be the ideal blend for tropical live vivarium ecosystems ranging from 75-99% R/H. Having been in production since 2009, ours is the longest-running & most proven store brand substrate mix available for bio-active enclosures. Our substrate is packed with an appropriate quantity of aggregate ingredients which help it to to resist over-saturation and compaction, while remaining nice & airy long term. During product development, our goal was for NEHERP Substrate to support flourishing plant life, and foster healthy populations of microfauna, mycorrhizal fungi, and beneficial microbes. Each of these trophic layers of biological activity are necessary for the enclosed environment to function as desired once the primary inhabitant is introduced. We're proud to say that our substrate is used by zoos, museums, breeders, and enthusiasts all over the USA, and we're confident that it's the highest quality & best performing pre-mixed vivarium substrate on the market. Read more...

We're open & honest about what's in our substrate for a reason. Our ingredients are absolutely top of the line, and we don't skimp on any of the important stuff. We work directly with one of the last tree fern importers in the USA, and even mill our own from time to time to help keep up with demand. Our coconut fiber is sourced directly from a mainstream pet supply brand - not from a horticultural supplier whose less expensive product may have higher salinity. Same goes for the fir bark, which is specifically marked for use with Reptiles & Amphibians. Even the Sphagnum Moss is the same brand we carry separately, which is AAA-Grade New Zealand sourced product. The organic charcoal ingredient is a fine-milled natural hardwood product sourced from an American-based manufacturer. If you can think of a way to use higher quality ingredients, we'd sure love to hear how. :-)

$9.49/ea Gallon
Only $8.49/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On sale for $7.99/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$8.54/ea Gallon

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NEHERP Vivarium Substrate: Version 2

A Bioactive Substrate designed for a wider variety of environments

NEHERP Vivarium Substrate NEHERP V2 Vivarium Substrate  NEHERP V2 Vivarium Substrate
NEHERP Vivarium Substrate NEHERP V2 Vivarium Substrate
▾ Show Description ▾
A New England Herpetoculture Product:

Our NEHERP V2 Vivarium Substrate Blend was specially designed for a wider humidity range than our tropical V1 mix. Thanks to a tweak in the (equally high quality) ingredients list, we're able to recommend this blend for live vivarium ecosystems ranging from 55-90% relative humidity. The wider range of acceptable conditions makes this our most versatile blend, and we've had success using it with everything ranging from Dart Frogs to Geckos. Having been tested & used consistently since 2012, this blend has been universally well received by a wide variety of enthusiast communities, and has even passed out our original substrate in popularity! When used as described in our VC101 & VC102 articles, this substrate will support plant life, as well as populations of microfauna, mycorrhizal fungi, and beneficial microbes with ease. We're proud to say that this blend is used by zoos, museums, nature centers, breeders, and hobbyists all over the USA! Read more...

Like all of our NEHERP substrates, this mix includes only the absolute highest-grade ingredients available. The coconut fiber, cypress mulch, and fir bark ingredients are all sourced from a mainstream pet supply brand which specifically manufacturers each for Reptile & Amphibian use. The Sphagnum is AAA-Grade New Zealand sourced product, and both the calcined clay & fine grade charcoal are sourced from a trusted US-based manufacturer. We're really proud of this mix, and we're confident you'll absolutely love it.

$9.49/ea Gallon
Only $8.49/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On sale for $7.99/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$8.54/ea Gallon

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NEHERP Vivarium Substrate: ABG Mix

A mixture pioneered by the experts at Atlanta Botanical Gardens

ABG Substrate NEHERP ABG Vivarium Substrate  NEHERP Atlanta Botanical Gardens Vivarium Substrate
ABG Substrate NEHERP ABG Vivarium Substrate
▾ Show Description ▾
We use the original ABG recipe: 2 Parts Tree Fern Fiber, 1 Part Peat Moss, 1 Part Charcoal, 1 Part Sphagnum Moss, 2 Parts Fir Bark
NEHERP Staff Description:

Authentic ABG mix is often regarded as "industry standard" by enthusiasts, and has been a proven solution for vivarium substrate since long before NEHERP opened for business. In our experience, this blend is best for enclosures which will range from 75%-99% relative humidity. To ensure the best quality product for our customers, we use only the highest quality ingredients available in our ABG mix. Our Sphagnum moss is AAA grade from New Zealand, our peat moss is OMRI listed from Canada, and both our Fir Bark & Coconut Fiber ingredients are sourced from a pet supply brand. Tree fern is increasingly difficult to find nowadays, but we've secured a source & even periodically mill our own tree fern fiber out of raw tree fern in-house. Because it contains peat moss (which is hydrophobic), we strongly recommend pre-moistening this substrate by mixing water into it before using it in a vivarium. Read more...

Not all ABG Mix is the same. We stick closely to the original recipe (posted above), but it seems that the overwhelming majority of commercially available ABG Mix follows a different set of ingredients. Even with identical ratios, our ABG Mix is designed to stand out thanks to it's higher-grade of ingredients (described above). If you are shopping around for prices, please be sure to compare both ingredients and the grades of ingredients. We're proud to offer the best ABG mix available, and that's not a gimmick. In New Englander terms, "It's wicked good substrate!". :-) With that said, both types of NEHERP Vivarium Substrate are actually higher in micronutrient contents, lower in acidity, and are also not hydrophobic. (Authentic ABG mix is awesome, but we like the performance of our NEHERP brand stuff even more!)

$9.49/ea Gallon
Only $8.49/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On sale for $7.99/gallon in our Substrate Base Kits!
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$8.54/ea Gallon

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NEHERP Vivarium Substrate Clay Aggregate Mix-in

An optional clay mix-in thought to increase substrate drainage & longevity

NEHERP Clay Vivarium Substrate
▾ Show Description ▾
An easy & inexpensive way to get a type of clay substrate blended into a proven substrate mixture. Some vivarium enthusiasts mix clay & other aggregates into substrates, with the goal being to increase drainage and longevity, and maximize microfauna proliferation in the mix. This material is arcillite; a calcined clay product that's commonly used as a potting soil add-in, and even in egg laying media! Each gallon bag of substrate receives one full cup (8oz) of clay mixture with each purchased amount. This will not break down over time. This product will be mixed-in to the Vivarium Substrate in your purchase before being packaged. Available with NEHERP/ABG substrate purchase only.
$1.25/ea 8oz Mix-in
(Match this product's quantity to the amount of substrate you'll be purchasing)

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NEHERP Screen Separator

The perfect screen separator for use between substrate & drainage layers

NEHERP Screen Separator
▾ Show Description & Prices ▾
The same ideal-size screen separator mesh we include in all of our Bioactive Substrate Base Kits! Ours are carefully cut, and are guaranteed to fit the dimensions selected below. Our screen separators prevent substrate from passing through, but allows water to flow freely from substrate layer down to the drainage layer, without any of the water pooling issues sometimes experienced with weedblock or fabric style material. If you'd like a custom, large, or uncommon size, please select the "custom" option on the right side, and simply select the corresponding square inch size. These are shipped rolled, so it's easier to lay out & use immediately compared to folded liners. We often give a little extra just to be sure clients have enough, as they are very easily cut with scissors if necessary.
Select Your Enclosure Type:
Select Your Enclosure Type:
Prices Range $2.99-$3.99
Select Your Enclosure Type:
Prices Range $2.99-$18.49
Select Your Enclosure Type:
Prices Range $1.99-$7.99
Select Your Enclosure Type:
Prices Range $2.99-$24.99
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Sphagnum Moss

AAA-Grade New Zealand Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum Moss
▾ Show Price & Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the same ultra-high grade Sphagnum we've always been known for offering and using in-house. Sustainably harvested in New Zealand, and hand-packed by NEHERP staff. Each bag contains at least 0.15lbs of Sphagnum, as an economical option for those looking for a reasonable amount of top quality Sphagnum Moss without paying the premium price.
$7.99/ea Gallon Bag
(Approximately 0.15lb)
On Sale Now!
14% Off!
$6.87/ea Gallon Bag
(Approximately 0.15lb)

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Gallon Bag 0.15lb+

Sphagnum Moss

AAA Grade New Zealand Sphagnum Moss

Sphagnum Moss Sphagnum Moss
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the same brand of ultra high quality Sphagnum moss we use in-house. A perfect product for anyone looking for the absolute best Sphagnum around.
Manufacturer Description:
Our sustainably harvested, AAA-Grade Sphagnum moss has dozens of uses with thousands of different types of plants. Sphagnum moss is a versatile, long-lasting product renowned for its water holding capacity. Most commonly used by commercial growers and hobbyists for cultivating various orchid species, assisting with the growth of young plants, as a soil additive, and as a decorative enhancement and as a liner for hanging baskets.
100G 150G 500G
1000G 3000G 15000G
$18.49/ea 100 Gram
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$16.64/ea 100 Gram
This option sold out, others may be available

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100 Gram Compressed Brick
Expands to 2 gallons when hydrated
100G 150G 500G
1000G 3000G 15000G
$24.99/ea 150 Gram
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10% Off!
$22.49/ea 150 Gram
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150 Gram
Expands to 3.17 gallons when hydrated
100G 150G 500G
1000G 3000G 15000G
$54.99/ea 500 Gram
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9% Off!
$49.99/ea 500 Gram
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500 Gram
Expands to 10.57 gallons when hydrated
100G 150G 500G
1000G 3000G 15000G
UNAVAILABLE
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
UNAVAILABLE
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1000 Gram
Expands to 21.13 gallons when hydrated
100G 150G 500G
1000G 3000G 15000G
$199.99/ea 3000 Gram
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10% Off!
$179.99/ea 3000 Gram
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3000 Gram
Expands to 63.40 gallons when hydrated
100G 150G 500G
1000G 3000G 15000G
$679.99/ea 15000 Gram
On Sale Now!
5% Off!
$645.99/ea 15000 Gram
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15000 Gram Compressed Bale
Expands to 317 gallons when hydrated

Water Feature / Paludarium Substrate

Fluval Plant Stratum: An aquatic substrate ideal for water features

Fluval Plant Stratum
▾ Show Description ▾
NEHERP Staff Description:
A great natural substrate for water features in bioactive vivariums, as well as larger water areas in paludariums. It helps to effectively support marginal & aquatic plant life with ease, and lasts long term.
Manufacturer Description:
Fluval Plant Stratum is the ideal substrate for stimulating the growth of aquatic plants in freshwater environments. The substrate's light, non-compacting, porous structure is highly beneficial to nitrifying bacteria, which rapidly colonize the vast porous surface, providing optimal water quality for plants. Plant roots easily penetrate and spread throughout the substrate, allowing plants to obtain a variety of key nutrients that will make them flourish. Fluval Plant Stratum's inherent properties will help support a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideal for most plant species and species of tropical fish normally kept in planted aquariums. This highly attractive substrate will not discolor water and helps control organic discoloration usually present when natural driftwood is used.
4.4lbs 8.8lbs
$16.99/ea 4.4lbs
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10% Off!
$15.29/ea 4.4lbs
This option sold out, the other may be available

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4.4lbs 8.8lbs
$24.99/ea 8.8lbs
On Sale Now!
10% Off!
$22.49/ea 8.8lbs
This option has sold out!

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