Arcadia Earth Mix - Prairie 10l

Arcadia EarthMix-Prairie is a natural bioactive substrate designed for reptiles and amphibians from open grassland and scrubland habitats. The blend of organic components, clays and minerals faithfully mimics the naturally varied soils of these regions around the world, and was developed by reptile care experts at Arcadia Reptile.

EarthMix-Prairie 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-Prairie suitable for?

The substrate is intended for all species of reptiles and amphibians from open grassland and scrubland habitats, in all types of vivarium. Many commonly kept species come from precisely these habitats, and a substrate tailored to their natural environment contributes to better behaviour and wellbeing in the animals.

Key features

• Bioactive from day one – invertebrate helpers can be introduced immediately.
• Supports the growth of live plants that require well-draining soil.
• Good water drainage – a natural moisture gradient beneath the dry surface.
• 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.
• Volcanic minerals and amino acids – a natural source of nutrients from volcanic rock.
• Natural composition – no added fertilisers.
• Made in the UK.

What does EarthMix-Prairie contain?

The mix contains organic components, clays and minerals in balanced proportions. It includes minerals and amino acids from volcanic rock, which naturally retain moisture beneath the dry surface of the substrate while also ensuring good drainage of excess water. EarthMix-Prairie contains no added fertilisers – it is designed exclusively as a substrate for animals.

Natural behaviour and environmental enrichment

EarthMix-Prairie was designed to replicate as closely as possible the natural habitats that the kept species come from. 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. Adding a layer of leaf litter, live plants and grasses further increases environmental enrichment.

Mineral intake from the soil

In the wild, reptiles naturally take in minerals while feeding and digging in the soil. EarthMix-Prairie supports this natural process thanks to its content of minerals from volcanic rock.

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.

Live plants are beneficial in a bioactive vivarium – they help maintain humid spots for the animals, provide shelter for invertebrates and create natural environmental enrichment. For optimal plant growth, Arcadia recommends JungleDawn LED lighting.

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

Arcadia EarthMix-Prairie is a product from the Arcadia Reptile brand, designed as a natural bioactive substrate for reptile and amphibian species from grassland and scrubland habitats, which supports natural behaviour, the growth of live plants and healthy colonies of invertebrate helpers.