As the top layer of the Bio Dude terrarium kits, these packages of leaf litter, moss, and palm bark are necessary for proper microfauna, fungal, and positive bacteria development and to make your animals feel right at home in your bioactive terrarium. 

Leaf litter is essential in a naturalistic and/or bioactive terrarium. These leaves provide necessary surface area for beneficial bacterial and fungal process to take hold as well as provide a food source for your clean up crew. Many small animals such as dart frogs, snakes, and micro geckos will use it blend in or for security. In your terrarium, it is recommended to have leaves thoroughly mixed with your substrate. As your leaf litter degrades you will need to add in more leaves as your tank progresses. 

While our leaf litter and biodegradeables are clean and safe we still highly recommend to take the following steps prior to introducing into your terrarium. How to prepare your leaf litter: 

1) Preheat the oven to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and empty entire contents of the bag into a large oven-safe pan or dish and bake for about 20 minutes. 

-OR-

2) Empty entire contents of bag into a large stovetop-safe dish or pan and boil in water for 10 minutes, then drain the water out after boiling.