Given the size of the pygmy chameleon faeces, the best approach is the creation of a bioactive substrate. The first substrate layer is for drainage and an ideal product to facilitate this is Hydroleca - small clay balls. A depth of approximately 1" is sufficient. A single layer of weed membrane should be placed on top of the Hydroleca to prevent the surface substrate from mixing into it and defuncting the purpose of a drainage layer.

Once the membrane is in place it is a good time to position any plants that are to be left in pots. Ideally, the pots should be no deeper than the depth of the surface substrate, approximately 2-3". After the plants have been positioned a layer of sterile top soil can be added upto the surface of the plant pots, or to a depth of 2-3", whichever is greater. In the case of the Exo Terra® the surface of the substrate should now be more or less level with the bottom of the venitlation strip beneath the doors.

Having a deep substrate is useful for a number of reasons:

Any plants that are to be planted directly into the substrate can now be added together with custodians. Live plants and custodians are important as they facilitate the nitrogen cycle making the substrate bioactive. The fundamental benefits of this are that any faeces from the pygmies that arenot removed from the enclosure can effectively be buried in the substrate. Here it will decompose and provide nutrients to the custodians and plants., which helps to maintain a clean environment and promote plant growth.

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