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Terrarium Builder Calculator

Calculate layer volumes, materials, and costs for your terrarium build

Substrate Needed

15.0 qt

Drainage

10.0 qt

Total Cost

$193.40

Volume

5184 cu in

Substrate Needed

15.0

quarts (ABG Mix)

Drainage

10.0 qt

Mesh

288 sq in

Decor Items

26

Total Estimated Cost$193.40

Layer Breakdown

Drainage (LECA) \u2014 2" \u2014 10.0 qt
Charcoal \u2014 0.5" \u2014 2.5 qt
Substrate \u2014 3" \u2014 15.0 qt
Leaf Litter \u2014 0.5" \u2014 2.5 qt

Volume by Layer

Substrate15.0 qt
Drainage10.0 qt
Charcoal2.5 qt
Leaf Litter2.5 qt

Substrate Mix Recipe

40% coco fiber, 25% orchid bark, 15% charcoal, 10% peat, 10% sphagnum

Example Calculations

1Standard Tropical Bioactive (24×12×18")

Inputs

ShapeRectangular
Dimensions24" × 12" × 18"
TypeTropical Bioactive
Drainage Depth2"
Substrate Depth3"
CharcoalYes
Top LayerLeaf Litter

Result

Substrate Volume14.96 qt
Drainage Volume9.97 qt
Charcoal Volume2.49 qt
Mesh Screen288 sq in
Decor Items26
Total Cost$189.44

Base area = 24 × 12 = 288 sq in. Substrate = 288 × 3 = 864 cu in / 57.75 = 14.96 qt. Drainage = 288 × 2 = 576 cu in / 57.75 = 9.97 qt. Charcoal = 288 × 0.5 = 144 cu in / 57.75 = 2.49 qt. Total volume = 5184 cu in; decor = 5184/200 = 26 items.

2Small Arid Enclosure (18×10×12")

Inputs

ShapeRectangular
Dimensions18" × 10" × 12"
TypeArid
Drainage Depth1"
Substrate Depth2"
CharcoalNo
Top LayerSand

Result

Substrate Volume6.23 qt
Drainage Volume3.12 qt
Charcoal Volume0 qt
Mesh Screen180 sq in
Decor Items11
Total Cost$85.55

Base area = 18 × 10 = 180 sq in. Substrate = 180 × 2 = 360 cu in / 57.75 = 6.23 qt. Drainage = 180 × 1 = 180 cu in / 57.75 = 3.12 qt. No charcoal for arid. Total volume = 2160 cu in; decor = 2160/200 = 11 items.

3Cylindrical Paludarium (16" diameter × 24" tall)

Inputs

ShapeCylindrical
Dimensions16" diameter × 24" tall
TypePaludarium
Drainage Depth3"
Substrate Depth4"
CharcoalYes
Top LayerMoss

Result

Substrate Volume13.93 qt
Drainage Volume10.45 qt
Charcoal Volume1.74 qt
Mesh Screen201.1 sq in
Decor Items24
Total Cost$173.90

Base area = π × 8² = 201.1 sq in. Substrate = 201.1 × 4 = 804.2 cu in / 57.75 = 13.93 qt. Drainage = 201.1 × 3 = 603.3 / 57.75 = 10.45 qt. Charcoal = 201.1 × 0.5 = 100.5 / 57.75 = 1.74 qt. Total volume = 4825 cu in; decor = 24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How deep should terrarium substrate be?

Substrate depth depends on the terrarium type. Tropical bioactive setups need 3 inches for plant roots and microfauna. Arid terrariums need only 2 inches. Paludariums require 4 inches due to the water table and deeper-rooting plants.

  • Tropical bioactive: 3" substrate minimum for isopod burrowing and plant roots
  • Arid / desert: 2" is sufficient for succulents and shallow-rooted plants
  • Temperate: 3" for mosses, ferns, and moderate root systems
  • Paludarium: 4" for land sections, aquatic soil for water sections
  • Add 1–2" extra if keeping burrowing reptiles like blue-tongue skinks
TypeDrainageSubstrateCharcoalTop Layer
Tropical2"3"YesLeaf litter
Arid1"2"NoSand
Temperate1.5"3"YesLeaf litter
Paludarium3"4"YesMoss
Q

What is ABG mix and when should I use it?

ABG (Atlanta Botanical Garden) mix is the standard bioactive substrate: 40% coco fiber, 25% orchid bark, 15% charcoal, 10% peat, and 10% sphagnum moss. Use it for tropical and temperate bioactive terrariums.

  • Coco fiber (40%): retains moisture, lightweight, sustainable
  • Orchid bark (25%): creates air pockets, prevents compaction
  • Charcoal (15%): filters toxins, controls odors, prevents mold
  • Peat moss (10%): acidifies slightly, retains moisture
  • Sphagnum moss (10%): top layer moisture retention, soft texture
  • Cost: approximately $0.80/quart when mixing your own
Q

Do I need a drainage layer in my terrarium?

Yes. A drainage layer of LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) or gravel prevents waterlogged substrate and root rot. Use 1–3 inches depending on the type: 1" for arid, 2" for tropical, and 3" for paludariums.

  • LECA (expanded clay balls): best choice, lightweight, reusable, ~$0.50/qt
  • Gravel / pea stone: heavier but cheaper, works well for bottom layer
  • Always place mesh screen between drainage and substrate layers
  • Mesh prevents substrate from falling into drainage and clogging it
  • Drainage layer should equal 10–20% of total enclosure height
Q

How much does it cost to build a terrarium?

A standard 24" × 12" × 18" tropical terrarium costs roughly $40–60 for substrate and drainage materials, plus $10–30 for decor. The enclosure itself ranges from $50–$200 depending on quality.

  • Substrate (ABG mix, 5 qt): $4–$6
  • Drainage layer (LECA, 2.5 qt): $1–$2
  • Mesh screen: $3–$5 for a 2 sq ft sheet
  • Charcoal layer: $1–$2
  • Decor (branches, hides): $15–30 for 2–3 items
  • Enclosure (glass tank): $50–$200 depending on brand and size
MaterialSmall (12×6×12)Medium (24×12×18)Large (36×18×24)
Substrate$2–$3$5–$7$12–$16
Drainage$0.50–$1$1–$2$3–$5
Decor$5–$10$15–$25$25–$40
Total Materials$10–$18$25–$40$45–$70
Q

What is the mesh screen layer for?

Mesh screen (fiberglass or stainless steel) is placed between the drainage layer and substrate to act as a barrier. It prevents substrate from sifting down into the drainage layer, which would reduce drainage effectiveness and cause waterlogging.

  • Use fiberglass or stainless steel window screen material
  • Cut to match the exact base dimensions of your terrarium
  • Some builders use landscape fabric as an alternative, but mesh is preferred
  • Cost: approximately $0.15/sq in or $2–5 for most enclosures
  • Replace if it tears or degrades after 2–3 years

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Last Updated: Mar 16, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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