Arcadia Earth Mix - Arid 10l

Arcadia EarthMix-Arid is a natural bioactive substrate designed for all desert species of reptiles and amphibians from arid regions. The mix is based on the same organic foundation as EarthMix Original, but additionally contains 30% volcanic lava, which ensures better water drainage and a higher, full-spectrum mineral content. The substrate was developed by leading reptile care experts.

EarthMix-Arid is ready for immediate bioactive use – you can introduce invertebrate helpers on day one, and they will quickly settle into the substrate and start to thrive.

Which species is EarthMix-Arid suitable for?

The substrate is optimised for desert species from arid regions, for example:

• bearded dragons
• uromastyx
• lizards of the genus Phrynosoma (horned lizards)
• steppe racers
• EarthMix-Arid is also suitable for other species from arid environments that require a well-draining substrate with a dry surface.

Key features

• Bioactive from day one – invertebrate helpers can be introduced immediately.
• 30% volcanic lava – increases the substrate’s drainage and mineral content.
• Supports the growth of live plants that require well-draining soil.
• Adjustable humidity – misting can increase the humidity of the entire substrate or just one area.
• Supports natural behaviour – digging, tunnelling and burrowing, natural movement.
• No unnatural particles – contains no particles that, when used correctly in line with modern husbandry standards, could lead to impaction of the digestive tract.
• Natural composition – no added fertilisers.
• Made in the UK.

What does EarthMix-Arid contain?

The mix contains organic components supplemented with 30% volcanic lava. The balanced ratio of mineral and organic components supports invertebrate helpers in bioactive systems. Volcanic lava ensures good water drainage while naturally maintaining a moisture gradient beneath the dry surface – so the substrate appears dry on the surface but retains moisture at depth. EarthMix-Arid contains no added fertilisers – it is designed exclusively as a substrate for animals.

Natural behaviour and environmental enrichment

EarthMix-Arid provides a range of minerals that reptiles take in while feeding and digging in the soil in the wild – a natural process known as geophagy. When ingested in small amounts, as naturally occurs, the substrate can provide full-spectrum minerals and vitamins. With sufficient hydration, the substrate allows for tunnelling and burrowing, can serve as an egg-laying site, and provides natural resistance for the feet and limbs during movement – just like real soil in the wild.

Adjustable humidity

EarthMix-Arid can be misted regularly for species requiring slightly higher humidity, or misting can be limited to just one area of the vivarium, creating a small humid zone that the animal can seek out as needed.

Practical information

CustodianFuel food can be used to further support invertebrate decomposers. Arcadia recommends adding three pots of springtails on day one to a vivarium 60–120 cm wide, and then one pot per month thereafter. Choose larger invertebrates – woodlice, millipedes and earthworms – according to the specific species and type of environment.

Live plants are beneficial in a bioactive vivarium – they help maintain humid spots for the animals, provide shelter for invertebrates, create natural environmental enrichment and improve overall water drainage. EarthMix-Arid supports the long-term growth of drought-tolerant plants that require well-draining soil. For optimal plant growth, Arcadia recommends JungleDawn LED lighting.

Warning: Sick or very old animals should not be kept in bioactive systems without first consulting a vet.

Arcadia EarthMix-Arid is a product from the Arcadia Reptile brand, designed as a natural bioactive substrate for desert reptile and amphibian species from arid regions, which, thanks to its 30% volcanic lava content, ensures good water drainage, a high mineral content and support for natural behaviour.