The Exo Terra BioDrain Mesh is a non-toxic mesh sheet that sits between the drainage layer at the bottom of a terrarium and the substrate above it.

Why a Bioactive Terrarium Needs This

A planted or bioactive terrarium is built in layers. At the bottom sits a drainage layer of clay balls or draining substrate, which collects excess water so the soil above never becomes waterlogged. On top sits the planting substrate — soil, coconut fibre, moss.

Without a barrier between them, the two mix. Soil washes down into the drainage layer, fills the gaps, and the reservoir stops draining. Within months you have a stagnant, sour layer of mud at the base of an enclosure you cannot easily dismantle, and root rot in the plants above it.

The mesh prevents that. Water passes through freely; substrate particles do not. It is a small component that determines whether a bioactive build lasts years or fails in a season.

Key Features

• Non-toxic and safe for all terrarium inhabitants
• Separates the drainage layer from the decorative substrate above
• Drains water efficiently while blocking substrate particles
• Keeps drainage water clean, so it can be recirculated
• Works with the BioDrain Terrarium Draining Substrate
• 45 x 45 cm, easily cut to fit

Building the Layers

1. Lay a drainage layer across the terrarium base.
2. Cut the BioDrain Mesh to the footprint and lay it over the top.
3. Add your substrate — Plantation Soil, Forest Bark, Bamboo Forest Floor or Forest Moss.
4. Plant, decorate and add a clean-up crew if you are running bioactive.

Water Features

Because it keeps the collected water free of substrate, the drainage reservoir can feed a waterfall or an Exo Terra Rain System without the pump clogging. Bio Clean speeds up biological filtration in the reservoir.

Maintenance

• Check the drainage layer periodically and draw off excess water — a reservoir left permanently full goes anaerobic and will smell.
• A terrarium with a built-in drain and tap valve makes this considerably easier.