#181---ABG Mix - The Classic Terrarium Substrate (+ Recipe) . . . . . . by Terrarium Tribe's Dan & Rae -- May 2023
Here's the ideal substrate for African Fat-tailed geckos!
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Discover the components of the ABG mix that make it so special and effective. Plus, we’ll share the ABG mix recipe so you can make your own!
terrariumtribe.com
ABG mix has been the gold standard in the terrarium and vivarium industry for many years.
First developed by – and named after – the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, it’s a tried-and-tested option that brings a lot of benefits to the table.
I’ve personally used variations of this classic mix in a wide variety of terrariums with (mostly) great success. So, in this article, we’re going to break down the components that make this mix so special and effective.
Plus, we’ll share the ABG mix recipe so you can make your own!
Why is the ABG Mix so Good?
Table Of
Linked Contents:
- Why is the ABG Mix so Good?
- Classic ABG Mix Recipe
- ABG Mix Components
- Adapting the ABG Mix – Material Substitutes
- Over to You
For starters, substrate mixes are almost always superior to single substrate choices.
Each element of the mix plays a different role in supporting plants and facilitating a healthy terrarium ecosystem. The ABG mix is particularly effective because it balances each of those elements so well.
- Excellent drainage – In a closed system, drainage is essential to keep your plant’s roots healthy and aerated (and not drowning in a soggy substrate).
- Great water retention – Ensuring your water-loving plants are well supplied, and it also helps to boost humidity to create that tropical environment.
- Retains nutrients – Though the peat moss doesn’t add much in the way of nutrients, it’s incredibly effective at holding onto them.
- Resists compaction – With so much spongy, fibrous material in the mix, it’s able to stay well aerated and resist compaction over time.
- Long lasting – This mix can easily last years before losing functionality.
Classic ABG Mix Recipe
Surprisingly, it’s actually quite difficult to find the source citation for the ABG mix recipe.
And if you ask any expert what it was, you’re likely to receive a slightly different answer! Though based on my research,
it seems the original recipe was as follows:
- Sphagnum Moss – 1 part
- Tree Fern Fiber – 2 parts
- Orchid Bark – 2 parts
- Peat Moss – 1 part
- Charcoal – 1 part
Please click above links for the remainder of this ABG article.
