Image 1 of 3
Image 2 of 3
Image 3 of 3
Island Biome™ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Island Biome™ soil?
Island Biome™ is a habitat soil engineered to replicate coastal and island forest floors—lightweight, moisture-managed, biologically active, and ideal for tropical reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates.
What animals is Island Biome™ best for?
Island Biome™ is ideal for:
Day geckos, crested geckos, anoles
Tree frogs, dart frogs, and other amphibians
Hermit crabs and land crabs
Isopods, springtails, and bioactive clean-up crews
Small tropical mammals (with surface reinforcement)
Is Island Biome™ safe for bioactive enclosures?
Yes. Island Biome™ is fully bioactive-ready and designed to support beneficial microbes, decomposers, live plants, and clean-up crews without becoming muddy or compacted.
Does Island Biome™ hold moisture?
Yes—without waterlogging.
The blend balances moisture retention and drainage to maintain stable humidity while preventing anaerobic conditions common in standard topsoil or sand mixes.
Does it compact over time?
No. Island Biome™ resists compaction due to its fibrous structure, varied particle size, and organic framework—unlike bagged topsoil or coconut husk alone.
Can I plant live plants directly into Island Biome™?
Yes. Island Biome™ supports tropical plants such as:
Pothos
Philodendron
Ferns
Bromeliads
Mosses
No additional planting layer is required.
Is Island Biome™ fertilizer-free?
Yes. It contains no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or salts, making it safe for sensitive species and long-term enclosure use.
Does this soil need to be “cooked” or prepped?
No. Island Biome™ arrives ready to use. Simply hydrate lightly if needed and install directly into the enclosure.
How often does it need to be replaced?
In bioactive systems, Island Biome™ can last years with proper clean-up crews and spot maintenance. Partial refreshes are typically sufficient instead of full replacement.
Can Island Biome™ be mixed with other substrates?
Yes. It can be blended with:
Leaf litter (for surface realism)
Sand (for added drainage)
Bark or wood chunks (for larger reptiles)
Is Island Biome™ safe if accidentally ingested?
While no substrate should be eaten intentionally, Island Biome™ contains no sharp mineral grit or harmful additives and is safer than pure sand or gravel substrates.
Where is Island Biome™ made?
Island Biome™ is blended in Virginia using regionally sourced materials and APSU Soil™ biome replication standards.
Why choose Island Biome™ over generic reptile soil?
Because Island Biome™ is:
Engineered, not generic
Moisture-balanced, not muddy
Biologically active, not sterile
Long-lasting, not disposable
It functions as a living habitat system, not just dirt.
Can this soil be reused?
Yes. Island Biome™ supports APSU’s system philosophy:
Repair, Recharge, Reuse.
