Video credit: Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao5pAFc7pfk. This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, DragonPop earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
Watch the video
Product breakdown
- Zoo Med Excavator clay substrate
- Josh's Frogs BioBedding bioactive substrate
- isopods for bioactive terrarium
- springtails for bioactive terrarium
- ceramic tile flooring for reptile tank
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
Watch the Video
The embedded video from Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. shows a setup in this class built around excavator clay substrate for bearded dragons. Use it as a visual reference for texture, shaping, and burrow structure, then match the shopping list below to how much maintenance you want to do.
What This Video Covers
This video covers excavator clay substrate bearded dragon care from a shaping and behavior point of view. You see how this type of clay can be molded when damp and then holds tunnels and terraces once it sets. That is the main appeal for keepers who want digging enrichment without loose sand shifting everywhere.
For age range, this class of setup suits juveniles through adults that are already feeding well and passing stool normally. I would not start a tiny new hatchling directly on a complex sculpted surface. Babies miss feeders more, get tired faster, and do better with simple, easy to clean flooring while you track appetite and growth.
For scale, think in terms of a full size adult enclosure with room for a basking side, a cool side, hides, and a flat feeding area. The product data for the Substrate & Bioactive Setups options here references a 120 gallon style 4x2x2 footprint with liner cuts around 96 inches by 24 inches. That size gives you space to sculpt one digging zone and still leave open floor for basking and salads.
One tradeoff at this level is work up front versus work later. Excavator clay takes mixing, shaping, and drying time before your dragon moves back in. Once cured, spot cleaning is simple, but deep changes mean breaking out sections and redoing them. If you like to rearrange often, that can feel like a chore.
A second tradeoff is bioactivity versus control. A molded clay layout stays put and keeps humidity lower, which many arid keepers prefer. A true bioactive mix with leaf litter and a clean up crew can process small waste, but it needs a drainage layer, plants or cover that tolerate dry air, and arid suited isopods and springtails. Learn more in our guide on how to choose bioactive substrate mix for bearded dragon enclosures.
Substrate choice affects upkeep, humidity, and safety, so be honest about your routine. If you want fast wipe downs and easy quarantine, a flat liner has real value. If you want tunnels, ledges, and natural digging behavior, clay or a desert bioactive blend makes more sense. Either way, keep feeders in a dish or on tile, keep water off the clay, and watch nails, joints, and belly skin during the first two weeks.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The video is a setup in this class, not a demo of our exact cart, so I mapped what you see in that style of build to what I would buy today. Start with the buyable list, then use the table to match each job to a current pick.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime Josh's Frogs ABG Mix Bioactive Terrarium Substrate
Prime Josh's Frogs BioBedding Tropical Bioactive
Prime Hoplaep 120 Gallon Reptile Terrarium Liner
Prime Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate 10 lb
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Pros
- Excellent moisture retention while still draining well to prevent soggy soil
- Live plants root strongly and stay healthy long term
- Creates ideal habitat for springtails and isopods to maintain a clean tank
- Clean, earthy mix with no funky odors reported in use
- Saves time and hassle compared to sourcing and mixing DIY ABG ingredients
Cons
- Ingredients settle in layers in the bag and require thorough mixing before use
- Needs pre moistening with distilled or RO water to reduce dust during setup
- 4 quart size may require multiple bags for larger vivariums or thick substrate layers
Josh's Frogs ABG Mix is a premade bioactive terrarium substrate based on the original Atlanta Botanical Garden formula. It is made for tropical vivarium keepers, crested gecko and tree frog owners, dart frog hobbyists, and anyone growing live tropical plants indoors.
Performance in real tanks is where it stands out. It holds humidity high and steady while still draining freely, so plants stay hydrated without waterlogged roots. Users report thriving plants, active springtails, and healthy isopod populations with less frequent spot cleaning.
The blend combines charcoal, milled sphagnum moss, pine bark, tree fern fiber, and peat for balanced texture and airflow. It feels light, earthy and clean, with good structure for burrowing microfauna and root development. It also breaks down slowly for long term use.
There are minor prep steps to know. The ingredients ship layered in the bag, so you need to dump it in a bucket and mix fully before use. It is dusty when dry, so pre moistening with distilled or reverse osmosis water makes handling much easier.
For anyone wanting a proven, vivarium ready substrate without DIY mixing, this is an easy recommendation. It is consistent, plant friendly, cleanup crew friendly, and ideal for tropical bioactive setups.
Brand: Josh's Frogs, Model Number JF00504, Style: Tropical. Product type: Bioactive terrarium and vivarium substrate.
Volume: 4 quarts, 1 gallon, 128 ounces. Ingredients: Charcoal, milled sphagnum moss, pine bark, tree fern, and peat.
Best for: Tropical terrariums, dart frog vivariums, crested gecko enclosures, tree frogs, live plants, springtails and isopods.
Empty the full bag into a large bucket or tote and mix thoroughly to blend the settled layers. This step ensures even moisture retention and drainage throughout the enclosure.
Lightly moisten with distilled or reverse osmosis water until evenly damp but not dripping. Spread over a drainage layer and barrier if using a bioactive vivarium, then add plants and leaf litter.
Add springtails and isopods after planting to establish the cleanup crew. Maintain humidity with regular misting and monitor soil moisture to keep it damp, not saturated.
Pros
- Maintains humidity without getting soggy or packed down
- Works well with live plants and microfauna like springtails and isopods
- Natural appearance with diggable texture for burrowing and egg laying
- Contains charcoal and beneficial fungi to help keep substrate fresh longer
Cons
- Not ideal for quarantine setups or new animals that may carry mites
- Formulated only for tropical species, desert species need a different mix
- Works best with a drainage layer and added microfauna sold separately
Josh's Frogs BioBedding Tropical is a ready to use bioactive substrate designed for high humidity enclosures. It is made for crested geckos, day geckos, chameleons, tree frogs, water dragons, tropical snakes, anoles and tarantulas.
Paired with springtails and isopods, it creates a self sustaining cycle that breaks down waste and keeps the enclosure cleaner. Users report it stays moist without turning rotten, dries out naturally, and supports burrowing, tunneling and egg laying.
The blend combines organic and inorganic ingredients with trace elements, charcoal and beneficial fungi. This structure resists compaction, improves airflow, holds humidity, and gives live plants a healthy base to root and grow.
It is not a fit for every situation. It is formulated only for tropical setups, so desert species need a different mix, and it is not recommended for quarantine enclosures where mites could be a concern. For best results, you will also want a false bottom for drainage plus added microfauna.
For keepers building a naturalistic tropical vivarium, this is a reliable and low maintenance foundation. It looks natural, supports plants and microfauna, and lets pets dig and explore comfortably.
Pros
- Cleans in seconds with water, waste does not soak in
- Soft yet grippy texture is comfortable and safe for sensitive skin
- Large cut to fit size covers 120 gallon and 4x2x2 enclosures with no gaps
- Durable and reusable, holds up well to claws and repeated washing
Cons
- Only offered in black, so limited color and style options for natural setups
- Must be trimmed to fit smaller tanks like 20 or 40 gallon models
- Flat mat design does not support digging or burrowing enrichment like loose substrate
The Hoplaep Reptile Terrarium Liner is a 24 x 96 inch EVA mat sized for 120 gallon tanks, 48x24 enclosures and 4x2x2 setups. It is aimed at bearded dragon, gecko, snake and turtle keepers who want a hygienic, low maintenance floor covering.
In real world use, the waterproof surface is the standout. Droppings and spills sit on top instead of soaking in, so you can wipe with a damp cloth or rinse under water. Owners report it looks neat, fits well and makes daily spot cleaning much faster than carpet.
The build uses soft, non abrasive EVA with a lightly textured finish for grip. It feels comfortable underfoot while giving reptiles stable traction for walking and basking. The material resists tearing and holds its shape through repeated cleaning.
There are tradeoffs to consider. It only comes in black and needs cutting for smaller tanks, so measure carefully before trimming. As a flat liner, it will not satisfy species that love to dig or burrow, where loose substrate may be preferred.
Overall, this is a practical, reusable liner that balances safety, cleanliness and value. If you want an easy clean, non slip base for a large bearded dragon or reptile enclosure, it is a smart and dependable choice.
Brand: Hoplaep, Model: Reptile Substrates-B-24-144 for 120 gallon terrariums
Size: 24 x 96 inches, designed for 4x2x2 and 48x24 enclosures, can be cut to fit smaller tanks
Material: Non abrasive waterproof EVA with textured non slip surface, black color
Includes: One reusable terrarium mat, suitable for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, ball pythons, snakes, lizards, turtles and chameleons
Measure your enclosure floor before cutting, as the mat is sized for 48x24 footprints. For smaller tanks, trim gradually with sharp scissors and test fit for full coverage without curling.
For daily care, remove waste promptly and wipe with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, rinse under running water and air dry completely before placing back in the tank.
This liner works best for keepers prioritizing hygiene and ease of use. If your species needs humidity retention or digging enrichment, pair it with hides and dig boxes for added comfort.
Pros
- Holds tunnel shape exceptionally well once fully dried
- All natural formula with no dyes or chemicals
- Promotes natural digging behavior and enrichment
- Highly moldable for creative, custom terrarium designs
Cons
- Requires mixing with water and full drying time before use
- Best for arid species only, not suited for high humidity setups
- Hardened surface may be too firm for reptiles that prefer soft loose bedding
Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate is a 10 pound moldable clay substrate made for desert and arid reptiles that dig naturally. It is ideal for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, uromastyx and other burrowing species that need more than flat bedding.
When mixed with water, the clay can be shaped into tunnels, caves and multi level terraces that harden and keep their form. In real use, burrows stay open without collapsing, letting reptiles dig, hide and explore like they would in the wild.
The formula is all natural with no added dyes, colors or chemicals, so it fits well in naturalistic terrariums. Once dry, it forms a firm yet workable structure that supports weight and holds sculpted detail.
Setup takes planning, since you must mix, sculpt and allow complete drying time before adding your animal. It is also designed for arid habitats and is not a good fit for tropical species or setups that stay constantly wet.
For keepers who want to encourage natural digging and build a more engaging habitat, this is a standout choice in terrarium substrate. It rewards a little extra effort with a sturdy, safe and highly customizable reptile home.
Brand: Zoo Med
Model Number: XR10
Size: 10 pounds
Material Type: All natural burrowing clay, no dyes or chemicals
Package Dimensions: 14.48 x 9.02 x 2.17 inches
Best For: Arid reptiles, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, monitors
Mix Excavator Clay with water until it reaches a moldable, soil like consistency for building. Sculpt tunnels, burrows, terraces and hides directly in the terrarium while the material is damp.
Allow the structure to dry completely before introducing your reptile to ensure stability. Use decorations or supports to hold tunnel shapes during drying for best results.
Spot clean as needed and mist lightly only if required, as constant moisture will soften the structure. Plan your layout in advance to create stable levels your reptile can safely climb and burrow in.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| See video | setup | a similar setup in this class | Zoo Med Excavator clay substrate | A grounded, currently sold option in the substrate bioactive category. |
| See video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Josh’s Frogs BioBedding bioactive substrate | A grounded, currently sold option in the substrate bioactive category. |
| See video | gear | a similar setup in this class | isopods for bioactive terrarium | A grounded, currently sold option in the substrate bioactive category. |
| See video | gear | a similar setup in this class | springtails for bioactive terrarium | A grounded, currently sold option in the substrate bioactive category. |
| See video | gear | a similar setup in this class | ceramic tile flooring for reptile tank | A grounded, currently sold option in the substrate bioactive category. |
The most important choice is structure versus biology. Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate holds its shape so tunnels will not collapse, with no dyes or chemicals added. That makes it ideal if your goal is stable burrows, ramps, and basking terraces that stay where you sculpt them.
The second key choice is whether you want a living soil layer. Josh’s Frogs BioBedding Tropical Bioactive is built to support plants and microfauna, and the maker notes it can run for years when paired with springtails and isopods. In a bearded dragon tank I would only go this route with a desert suited version and a proper drainage layer, since tropical moisture levels do not fit this species.
The third choice is cleanup style. 120 Gallon Reptile Terrarium Liner gives you waterproof, wipe clean flooring with a textured non slip surface that is gentle on skin. I like using a liner or tile under the food dish even in a clay tank, because it keeps salads and worms off the rough surface and speeds up daily spot cleaning.
My Experience
My male was about ten months old when I tried a half and half layout in a 4x2x2 style enclosure. I sculpted Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate on the cool end into a low terrace with a starter burrow, and left the basking end flat with a liner for feeding. He inspected every inch that first evening, then chose the burrow entrance as his favorite cool hide within two days.
What I learned was to keep the clay thinner than you think and to let it cure fully before adding decor. Thick wet sections stayed soft in the middle and dented under his basking rock. Once I redid it in shallow layers and gave it extra drying time with good airflow, it held shape well and spot cleaning with a small scoop plus a damp cloth on the liner side took only a few minutes per day.
Comparison and Alternatives
Compare the top two approaches head to head. Excavator clay is about control and shape. You add water, pack it, carve tunnels, and end up with a firm, all natural burrow system that will not collapse. Bioactive bedding is about function and soil life, with charcoal, bark, moss, and fungi style blends that support plants and clean up crews.
In practice, clay wins for arid simplicity and tunnel stability. It does not introduce extra organic matter that can hold moisture, and waste sits on top where you can see it. The con is that you are the clean up crew, and any major layout change means mixing and recuring. Who should not buy it, anyone who wants to rescape weekly or who needs a sterile quarantine tub for a sick or very young dragon.
Josh’s Frogs BioBedding Tropical Bioactive wins for natural looks and waste processing when paired with microfauna. The maker describes a cleaner environment through the bioactive cycle and good live plant growth. The con for bearded dragons is moisture management, since tropical blends hold more water than a desert species needs. If you go bioactive for this species, choose a desert formula, keep the soil shallow, and provide strong ventilation.
Josh’s Frogs ABG Mix Bioactive Terrarium Substrate is another alternative worth knowing. It uses the Atlanta Botanical Garden style recipe with charcoal, milled sphagnum moss, pine bark, tree fern, and peat, and it is noted for culturing springtails and isopods. It suits planted humid tanks more than arid dragon tanks, but it helps you understand what a living mix feels like if you ever build a separate planted display.
For a tighter budget, the lower cost swap is to simplify flooring, not to skip husbandry. Use 120 Gallon Reptile Terrarium Liner cut to fit, with a small dig box on the side instead of a full clay build. You still get enrichment, but daily care is just wipe, rinse, and replace. See also our breakdown on isopods versus springtails for baby bearded dragons before adding bugs to any tank.
Three Ways to Set This Up
All three builds below assume adult sized heating, UVB, and decor are already correct in a qualitative sense, with a clear warm side and cool side. Pick based on your dragon age, your cleaning style, and how much building you enjoy. Adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure.
Budget Starter: Clay Accent With Easy Clean Base
Use Zoo Med Excavator clay substrate for one small sculpted hide or ramp, plus 120 Gallon Reptile Terrarium Liner for the main floor. Add a flat basking stone and a shallow food dish on the liner side. This suits a baby or new juvenile setup, a first time keeper, or anyone who wants fast daily wipe downs while still offering a dig spot.
Balanced Juvenile: Half Clay, Half Functional Floor
Use Zoo Med Excavator clay substrate on one third to one half of the tank for tunnels and terraces, with ceramic tile style flooring or liner under basking and feeding zones. This is the version I recommend for most keepers in November 2026. It suits juveniles to young adults who are eating well and a keeper who can give the clay time to dry fully. Read our guide to choosing isopods for bioactive bearded dragon tanks in 2026 before you decide to add a crew later.
Higher End Adult: Arid Bioactive With Clean Up Crew
Use Josh’s Frogs BioBedding bioactive substrate in a desert suited version with a drainage layer, plus isopods for bioactive terrarium and springtails for bioactive terrarium selected for arid conditions. Keep a hard feeding station on tile or liner to reduce loose ingestion. This suits an experienced keeper with a stable adult dragon who wants a long term display and does not mind monitoring soil moisture, plants, and crew populations.
FAQ
Is excavator clay safe for bearded dragons. It can work well when mixed per label, sculpted in shallow layers, and allowed to cure fully with good airflow. Keep food and supplements in a dish on a flat surface, spot clean daily, and avoid housing very small babies or sick dragons on rough sculpted ground until they are stable.
Can I make a bearded dragon tank bioactive with isopods and springtails. Yes, but match the crew and soil to arid conditions and include a drainage layer. Tropical soils and moisture loving bugs can struggle or raise humidity too much, so choose desert suited stock, keep water dishes small and stable, and keep the basking area dry and open.
What is the easiest substrate if I hate daily scrubbing. A waterproof liner or tile style floor is the simplest, since waste stays on the surface and you can wipe or rinse it clean. Many keepers pair a full liner base with a separate dig box or a small clay section, which gives enrichment without turning the whole tank into a project.
Final Verdict
Excavator clay earns its place for dragons that love to dig, because few options hold tunnels as well while staying free of dyes and chemicals. Bioactive soil earns its place for keepers who enjoy soil, plants, and microfauna and can manage arid moisture. Liners earn their place for babies, quarantine, and busy routines where fast cleaning matters most.
Our pick: the Balanced Juvenile half clay plus liner build for most keepers with a healthy juvenile or adult, since it gives digging enrichment on one side and fast, safe feeding and basking on the other.
This roundup is not a good fit if you want the simplest possible upkeep; loose or bioactive substrates need more attention than a tile or paper setup.
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