If You're Skipping Charcoal In Your Vivarium Substrate, You're Doing It Wrong...
Most substrates fail where it matters—below the surface.
Poor drainage. Trapped moisture. Weak nutrient cycling. Lingering odors.
Critter Carbon fixes it.
Engineered from clean, steam-activated walnut charcoal, it restores the foundation your substrate is missing—so your entire system works the way it should.
Stop guessing. Build your substrate the right way.
What is it and what is it for?
Made from: All-natural walnut shells.
Process: Gasification based pyrolysis for smoke-free charcoal, 100% Steam Activated (Chemical-Free).
Ideal For: Vivarium substrates that have plants and that have drainage requirements.
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Certified & Environmentally Responsible
Critter Carbon all natural substrate carbon additive is produced in Oakland, California, using locally produced walnut shells. It is a USDA Certified Biobased Product. Click here for our environmental benefits.
How to use the base layer additive:
STEP 1: Lay down 1/2"-1" of your usual base layer.
STEP 2: Add a jar of Critter Carbon Bioactive Base Layer additive and mix it into the base layer.
STEP 3: For environments with greater drainage requirements (such as rain forests and tropical environments), use two to three jars of the additive, proportional to the drainage requirements.
How to use the substrate additive:
STEP 1: Mix Critter Carbon Bioactive Substrate Charcoal with substrate materials at a ratio of 10-15% by volume.
STEP 2: Dampen the charcoal and substrate mixture with water using a spray bottle.
STEP 3: Transplant plants into the dampened substrate.
Storage, handling and disposal:
Store in a cool, dry place, avoid contact with the eyes, in case of contact with eyes rinse well and seek medical or veterinary attention, avoid ingesting, pour and mix gently to avoid raising dust, activated carbon, in its original state, is not a hazardous material or hazardous waste, follow applicable regulations for waste disposal.
Base Layer Additive
Bioactive Substrate Additive
Frequently Asked Questions about Critter Carbon
What kind of substrates benefit from the use of Critter Carbon?
Tropical and Temperate forest substrates are the natural environments where charcoal has historically been found, but desert substrates can also benefit from charcoal because of the nutrient exchange and water management qualities of the charcoal. In desert substrates, concentrate the charcoal to regions around plant roots and in areas intended for drainage.
Do I need to change or replace the base layer additive?
No: it gets better with age because the carbon becomes colonized by the soil microbiome. However, if the microbiome is unhealthy or is putrefying and stinking or fermenting, the entire substrate may need to be re-made.
Can I use more than 10-15%?
Yes. To simulate the appearance of Terra Preta, the quantity of Critter Carbon can be added and adjusted visually to darken the soil. Benefits are seen for concentrations up to 20%.