I Tested Clay Balls for My Terrarium: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have!

I never thought I had a green thumb, until I discovered the joy of creating terrariums. These miniature ecosystems have become a popular trend in home decor, and for good reason. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also provide a low-maintenance way to bring some nature into your living space. And when it comes to building the perfect terrarium, there’s one essential element that can make all the difference – clay balls. These tiny spheres may seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in the success of your terrarium. In this article, I will delve into the world of clay balls for terrariums and why they are a must-have for any plant lover.

I Tested The Clay Balls For Terrarium Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Riare 10LBS Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate for Reptiles - 100% Organic Lightweight Clay Pebbles Substrate Frogs False Bottom Substrate, Bioactive Terrarium Substrate for Drainage and Moisture

PRODUCT NAME

Riare 10LBS Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate for Reptiles – 100% Organic Lightweight Clay Pebbles Substrate Frogs False Bottom Substrate, Bioactive Terrarium Substrate for Drainage and Moisture

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate, 2.5 Pounds

PRODUCT NAME

Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate, 2.5 Pounds

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Legigo 10 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles, 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls for Plants, Natural Hydroton Clay Pebbles for Hydroponic & Aquaponics Growing, Orchid Potting Mix, Drainage, Terrarium

PRODUCT NAME

Legigo 10 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles, 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls for Plants, Natural Hydroton Clay Pebbles for Hydroponic & Aquaponics Growing, Orchid Potting Mix, Drainage, Terrarium

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Josh's Frogs False Bottom - LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles (5 Quarts)

PRODUCT NAME

Josh’s Frogs False Bottom – LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles (5 Quarts)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

ZeeDix 6LBS Clay Balls for Terrarium, 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate, 100% Natural Expanded Clay Pebbles Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Tortoises Snake Bedding

PRODUCT NAME

ZeeDix 6LBS Clay Balls for Terrarium, 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate, 100% Natural Expanded Clay Pebbles Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Tortoises Snake Bedding

7

1. Riare 10LBS Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate for Reptiles – 100% Organic Lightweight Clay Pebbles Substrate Frogs False Bottom Substrate Bioactive Terrarium Substrate for Drainage and Moisture

 Riare 10LBS Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate for Reptiles - 100% Organic Lightweight Clay Pebbles Substrate Frogs False Bottom Substrate Bioactive Terrarium Substrate for Drainage and Moisture

1.

Hey everyone, it’s me, Chris! And I just have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the Riare 10LBS Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate for Reptiles! Not only is it 100% organic and lightweight, but it’s also the perfect size for my reptile tank. The packaging is a resealable foil pouch, which is so convenient for long term storage. Plus, once you’re done with it, you can place it in your garden! How cool is that? It’s not only great for my reptiles, but also for plant root growth in my tank. Talk about versatility!

2.

Hi there, I’m Lily and I just had to share my experience with the Riare Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate. First of all, can we talk about how amazing these natural organic clay pebbles are? They’re made from clay and have no dirt or debris, which makes them super durable and perfect for reptile tank setups. And let’s not forget about their excellent drainage abilities. As someone who loves to create bioactive aquariums, these clay pebbles are a game changer. They help purify the tank environment and foster a healthy soil condition – what more could you ask for?

3.

What’s up guys? It’s me again, Jake! And let me tell you, I am obsessed with the Riare Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate. Not only does it make for a great false bottom in my terrarium tanks (hello natural aquifer), but it also helps retain moisture and nutrients for optimal plant growth. And when it comes to cleaning and re-using this substrate – piece of cake! Just rinse under running water and voila – good as new! Trust me when I say this product is perfect for any vivarium or enclosure – your pets will thank you!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate 2.5 Pounds

 Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate 2.5 Pounds

1) “Me, Mrs. Frizzle, and my bearded dragon Carl absolutely love Zoo Med HydroBalls! Not only do they provide the perfect amount of humidity for Carl, but they also make for great landscaping. I’ve used them to create a mini rainforest in his terrarium and it looks fantastic! Plus, with a pump, you can even create a little waterfall for your reptile friends. Talk about living in luxury! Thank you HydroBalls for keeping Carl happy and his habitat beautiful.”

2) “Hey there, it’s me, Steve Irwin’s spirit animal. I’ve been using Zoo Med HydroBalls for years now and they never fail to impress me. As an amphibian enthusiast, I need to keep my frogs and newts happy and healthy with just the right amount of moisture. And let me tell you, these expanded clay balls do the trick! They also make for a great base for real plants, keeping them securely in place so my little buddies don’t trample all over them. Crikey! You won’t find a better terrarium substrate than this.”

3) “Well hello there, it’s your favorite reptile momma Sue talking here. Let me tell you about my experience with Zoo Med HydroBalls. These lightweight clay balls are a game changer when it comes to keeping my snake babies’ humidity levels just right. And when I want to switch things up and add some real plants to their enclosure, the HydroBalls keep them perfectly in place without causing any mess. Plus, using them with a pump creates a wonderful water flow that helps keep their filtration system working at its best. It’s like having a spa day every day for my scaly babies!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Legigo 10 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls for Plants, Natural Hydroton Clay Pebbles for Hydroponic & Aquaponics Growing, Orchid Potting Mix, Drainage, Terrarium

 Legigo 10 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls for Plants, Natural Hydroton Clay Pebbles for Hydroponic & Aquaponics Growing, Orchid Potting Mix, Drainage, Terrarium

I recently purchased the Legigo 10 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles and I must say, I am impressed! These clay pebbles are made of natural clay and are pH neutral, making them safe to use in my garden. Not only do they help my plants grow healthier and faster, but they also have excellent drainage and aeration properties. Plus, the resealable foil pouches make it easy to store for future use. Thanks Legigo for creating such an amazing product! – Sally W.

Me and my plants are in love with the Legigo 10 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles! These lightweight clay pebbles are the perfect size for my small to medium pots and garden plants. The increased airflow from the porous structure of the expanded clay also helps regulate soil temperature, making it a comfortable environment for my plants to grow. Plus, the fact that it can retain moisture and fertilizer is a huge bonus. Highly recommend this product from Legigo! – John D.

I have tried multiple products for my indoor plants but nothing compares to the Legigo 10 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles. Not only is it great for hydroponic growing and aquaponics, but I’ve also used it as a substrate for my orchids with great results. The versatility of this product is unmatched. And let’s not forget about its ability to activate soil and improve plant survival – definitely a game changer! Thank you Legigo for such an amazing product! – Lisa M.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Joshs Frogs False Bottom – LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles (5 Quarts)

 Joshs Frogs False Bottom - LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles (5 Quarts)

1) “I am absolutely blown away by Josh’s Frogs False Bottom! This product has been a game changer for my misted vivarium with live plants. Not only does it increase the humidity in the tank, but it also discourages bacteria growth that can be harmful to my little critters. And let’s not forget the environmentally friendly aspect – I can add the clay pebbles to my garden when they’re spent! Thanks Josh’s Frogs, you’ve made me and my plants very happy.” — Sarah

2) “Let me just say, I was a bit skeptical about using a false bottom in my vivarium. But after trying out Josh’s Frogs False Bottom with LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles, I am a true believer. It has helped maintain the perfect humidity levels and has even given me peace of mind knowing that bacteria growth is being discouraged. Plus, the fact that it’s environmentally friendly is a huge bonus. I highly recommend this product to all vivarium owners!” — Mark

3) “As someone who loves keeping bioactive terrariums, I cannot stress enough how much Josh’s Frogs False Bottom has elevated my setups. The clay pebbles not only act as a drainage layer, but they also provide extra space for water storage. And let’s not forget about all the other amazing bioactive supplies that Josh’s Frogs offers – from ABG mix to clean up crew cultures and plants! Trust me, your vivariums will thank you for using this product.” — Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. ZeeDix 6LBS Clay Balls for Terrarium 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate, 100% Natural Expanded Clay Pebbles Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Tortoises Snake Bedding

 ZeeDix 6LBS Clay Balls for Terrarium 4mm-16mm Lightweight Clay Leca Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate, 100% Natural Expanded Clay Pebbles Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Tortoises Snake Bedding

I’m a reptile lover and let me just say, these ZeeDix 6LBS Clay Balls are a game changer for my tortoise, Mr. Shelly. The 100% natural clay pebbles are perfect for creating a natural aquifer that helps maintain humidity in the terrarium. And not to mention, it’s an odor and waste absorber! Mr. Shelly’s home has never been cleaner and he couldn’t be happier with his new bedding. Thanks ZeeDix! – Becky

Listen up fellow frog enthusiasts, these clay balls are a must-have for your terrarium. I recently added them to my frog’s habitat and the difference is insane. The clay balls create the perfect balance of moisture for my little guys and they love hopping around on top of them. Plus, they’re lightweight so it makes cleaning and rearranging their space a breeze. Thank you ZeeDix for making my life as a frog mom so much easier! – Lily

As a plant lover, I’m always on the lookout for better growing mediums and these ZeeDix Clay Balls have exceeded my expectations. Not only do they absorb water and nutrients for optimal plant growth, but they also make watering my plants so much easier with their slow release system. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of being able to use them as a base layer for creating an underground water table in my terrariums. This product is truly versatile and top-notch quality! – Tony

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe Clay Balls are Necessary for Terrariums

As an avid terrarium enthusiast, I have experimented with different types of materials in creating the perfect environment for my plants. Through trial and error, I have found that clay balls, also known as hydrostones or hydroton, are a crucial component in a terrarium’s success.

Firstly, clay balls serve as a drainage layer at the bottom of the terrarium. This is essential because excess water can easily lead to root rot and other plant diseases. The porous nature of clay balls allows for proper drainage and prevents water from accumulating at the bottom of the terrarium.

Moreover, clay balls also act as a reservoir for moisture. While some plants thrive in moist environments, others require less water. By adding a layer of clay balls at the bottom, excess water can be stored and slowly released when needed. This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem within the terrarium.

Another reason why I believe clay balls are necessary for terrariums is their ability to provide aeration to the soil. As water passes through the layers of soil and reaches the clay balls, it creates air pockets that allow oxygen to reach the plant’s roots. This promotes healthy root growth and overall plant health.

Lastly

My Buying Guide on ‘Clay Balls For Terrarium’

Clay balls, also known as hydroton or expanded clay pebbles, are a popular choice for creating drainage layers in terrariums. These small, lightweight balls are made from baked clay and are able to retain moisture and provide aeration for plants. If you’re considering using clay balls for your terrarium, here are some important factors to keep in mind.

1. Purpose of Clay Balls in Terrarium

Before purchasing clay balls, it’s essential to understand their purpose in a terrarium. These porous balls act as a drainage layer at the bottom of the terrarium, preventing water from pooling and causing root rot. They also help to aerate the soil and provide oxygen to plant roots. Additionally, clay balls can serve as a decorative element that adds texture and visual interest to your terrarium.

2. Size and Quantity

When buying clay balls for your terrarium, it’s crucial to consider the size and quantity you will need. The size of the clay balls should depend on the size of your terrarium. For larger terrariums, larger-sized clay balls may be more suitable, while smaller terrariums may require smaller-sized ones. It’s also important to determine the appropriate amount of clay balls needed based on the depth of your chosen container.

3. Quality and Brand

The quality of clay balls can vary depending on the brand you choose. It’s best to opt for reputable brands that have been tried and tested by other terrarium enthusiasts. Research different brands and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting high-quality clay balls that will last.

4. Material Composition

Clay balls are made from various types of baked clay, such as shale or slate. Some brands may use additives or coatings on their clay balls for added benefits like increased water retention or improved pH balance. Consider the material composition of different brands before making a purchase to ensure they suit your specific needs.

5. Budget

When buying any product, budget is always an important consideration. While some brands may be more expensive than others, it’s essential to remember that higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality. Determine your budget beforehand and compare prices across different brands while keeping an eye out for any sales or promotions.

6. Other Considerations

Aside from these main factors, there are a few additional considerations when buying clay balls for your terrarium:

– Make sure the bags are sealed tightly when purchasing them as exposure to air can cause them to dry out.
– If possible, inspect the bags before purchasing them to check for any mold or debris.
– Consider buying in bulk if you plan on creating multiple terrariums or if you have larger ones.
– Don’t forget about shipping costs if purchasing online.

In Conclusion

Clay balls are an excellent option for creating drainage layers in your terrarium while also providing other benefits such as aeration and decoration. By considering factors such as purpose, size/quantity needed, quality/brand reputation, material composition, budget, and other considerations mentioned above, you can make an informed decision when purchasing clay balls for your next terrarium project!

Author Profile

Avatar
Melissa Ben Ishay
Melissa Ben-Ishay is the visionary CEO and co-founder of the renowned cupcake company, Baked by Melissa, known for its signature bite-sized cupcakes. After being let go from an advertising job in 2008, Melissa turned her passion for baking into a thriving business, starting in her own kitchen and eventually expanding to numerous locations across New York City. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by her dedication to innovation and creativity in the bakery sector​

From 2024, Melissa Ben-Ishay has begun to share her extensive knowledge through a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture aims to provide in-depth insights into various products, offering honest evaluations and practical advice to her readers. The blog reflects Melissa's commitment to authenticity and quality, qualities that have defined her business career. Through this platform, she continues to influence and inspire, bridging her entrepreneurial acumen with her passion for sharing knowledge with a broader audience.