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We publish a blog post every week on Thursday. We cover a range of topics related to reptiles, fish, bio-active setups, and plants. Below you will find a wealth of information for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

Use Reflective Surfaces to Maximize Plant Lighting

Posted by Diedra Black on Aug 31st 2017

Use Reflective Surfaces to Maximize Plant Lighting

You’ve probably seen those aluminum foil sun reflectors that were popular for tanning in the 60’s, 70’s, and even the 80’s. They were a cheap way to maximize the sun’s power to tan skin, right? Right. And you can maximize lig … read more >

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indoor garden lighting

How to Help Your Reptile Shed: Soaks, Humidity, and Tips

Posted by Diedra Black on Aug 24th 2017

How to Help Your Reptile Shed: Soaks, Humidity, and Tips

Shedding is a necessary function for skin. You shed your skin, and so does your reptile. The big difference, however, is that lizards, snakes, and other reptiles shed most of their skin all at once. And that makes it a bit mo … read more >

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herps reptiles snakes lizards exotic pets

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Effective Soil Amendments

Posted by Diedra Black on Aug 17th 2017

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Effective Soil Amendments

Soil amendments are various materials mixed into the soil your plants are growing in, in order to improve plant health and growth. They’re also called soil conditioners, and they can be used in outdoor or indoor gardens. Pott … read more >

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soil pH fertilizers indoor garden

How to Get Rid of Algae in Turtle and Fish Tanks

Posted by Diedra Black on Aug 14th 2017

How to Get Rid of Algae in Turtle and Fish Tanks

Anywhere that’s wet and warm with access to sunlight is a likely home to algae growth. And that means the aquariums you keep fish and aquatic turtles in are prime targets for algae to take up residence. Although a littl … read more >

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aquariums turtle tanks fish turtles

Best Ways to Reduce Odor from Indoor Gardens

Posted by Diedra Black on Aug 3rd 2017

Best Ways to Reduce Odor from Indoor Gardens

Plants can put off a variety of aromas, and some are a bit heavy for the enclosed space of an indoor garden. Not to mention the smells emanating from water reservoirs, grow media, and fertilizers. You’ve likely got some airfl … read more >

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indoor garden hydroponics

Do Lizards Bite? What Triggers It and How to Prevent It

Posted by Diedra Black on Jul 27th 2017

Do Lizards Bite? What Triggers It and How to Prevent It

If you’re thinking about getting a pet lizard for you or your child, you may be wondering how safe they are as a pet and whether you should be concerned about bites. The truth is that lizards can bite, and the results can be … read more >

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lizards herps reptiles

6 Indoor Gardening Hacks to Save Time

Posted by Diedra Black on Jul 20th 2017

6 Indoor Gardening Hacks to Save Time

You only have so much time in the day, and even when you’d prefer to spend all day with your garden, it can’t always be so. But no matter how much time you have, you want the time you do spend growing your garden to provide t … read more >

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indoor garden hydroponics vermiponics compost

Can Reptiles Make You Sick? Salmonella and Other Risks

Posted by Diedra Black on Jul 13th 2017

Can Reptiles Make You Sick? Salmonella and Other Risks

We’ve already talked about how reptile and amphibian pets can pass salmonella to their handlers, yet this disease can be avoided with proper hygiene. But what about other diseases? Is it possible for you and your exotic pet t … read more >

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exotic pets reptiles amphibians herps

How to Make a Kitchen Countertop Compost Bin

Posted by Diedra Black on Jul 6th 2017

How to Make a Kitchen Countertop Compost Bin

When you cultivate an indoor garden, you’re likely aware of space restrictions. After all, there’s only so much room available in your home for plants. So finding a way to save space on composting only makes sense. Many pe … read more >

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indoor garden compost compost tea

Best Reptiles for Handling: 5 Species That Love It

Posted by Diedra Black on Jun 29th 2017

Best Reptiles for Handling: 5 Species That Love It

Lizards and other reptiles are not exactly known for their ability to bond. And some exotic pets get prickly about being handled at all. When it comes down to it, lizards are not the kind of pet you get for cuddling and playi … read more >

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friendliest pet lizards lizards that like being handled best pet lizards social lizards bearded dragon handling blue tongue skink pet crested gecko friendly handleable reptiles

Comparing Compost: What Goes In Your Mix?

Posted by Diedra Black on Jun 22nd 2017

Comparing Compost: What Goes In Your Mix?

Nutrients in hydroponic gardens are often supplemented with compost tea. You can buy a ready-made compost tea at most gardening stores, but another option is to make your own compost. Then you can create a customized liquid p … read more >

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compost ingredients what to compost compost tea recipe worm castings composting for beginners indoor garden compost hydroponic compost tea organic compost composting guide nutrient-rich soil

What to Do When Your Pet Snake Bites You

Posted by Diedra Black on Jun 15th 2017

What to Do When Your Pet Snake Bites You

Snakes are not domesticated. Just because an animal is kept as a pet does not mean it is accustomed to humans. They do not feel loyal to you the way a dog might; it’s simply not in their DNA. And that means that occasional … read more >

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snakes reptiles exotic pets