The litter layer as well as providing security, aids in maintaining atmospheric and substrate moisture/humidity levels and most importantly it will provide the environment in which beneficial bacteria, fungi, and custodian insects such as springtails and wood lice will thrive and play their important role in your bioactive enclosure. In the ‘litter layer’ Bio Life Leaf litter will break down and be consumed providing much needed food to your plant life.
The litter layer within your enclosure should be at least 3-4cm deep but can be much deeper should you want to. The litter layer found in the natural habitat of many of the animals we keep will be 24-30cm at least. To create your starter litter layer, break up the leaf litter in your hands and scatter the fine pieces on top of a suitable substrate such as ProRep Bio Life Forest substrate to at least a 1cm depth. Give this a good spray to keep the layer in place. After this a layer of unbroken leaf litter can then be added. The fine layer will be broken down quicker and provide a layer for the custodians to hide, preventing them being quickly eaten by terrestrial inhabitants such as dart frogs. The unbroken layer will then provide cover and hiding places for your animals. A new layer of leaf litter should be added as the litter breaks down and is consumed at least every 4-6 months or when necessary. Ideally your ‘litter layer’ should be started at least 3-4 weeks before introducing your chosen species, but it is still possible to carry out this process with them already in the enclosure. Remember your custodians may require some extra feeding to keep them healthy and happy. ProRep Springtail food is the perfect accompaniment to ProRep Bio Life Leaf Litter.
ProRep Bio Life Leaf Litter contains a mix of leaves from appropriate trees such as, Poplar, Maple and Birch. Gathered from sustainable sources. ProRep Bio Life Leaf Litter is a natural product and may contain stalks and twigs.