I Tested Clay Balls for Terrariums and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Plant Lover

I have always been fascinated by the art of creating miniature landscapes within glass containers. There is something incredibly mesmerizing about the way these tiny worlds come to life, and one of the key elements in achieving this is through the use of clay balls for terrariums. These versatile little spheres may seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of a terrarium. In this article, I will delve into all things clay balls for terrariums – from their purpose and benefits, to how to properly use them in your own terrarium creations. So buckle up and get ready to discover the wonders of these small but mighty components!

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

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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

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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

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Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate, 2.5 Pounds

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Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate, 2.5 Pounds

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

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

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

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

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ZeeDix 2LBS Clay Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate, 4mm-16mm Lightweight Expanded Clay Pebbles Reptile Bedding Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Snakes Tortoises

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ZeeDix 2LBS Clay Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate, 4mm-16mm Lightweight Expanded Clay Pebbles Reptile Bedding Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Snakes Tortoises

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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. Me, as Bob the Frog, just can’t get enough of Riare’s Expanded Clay Balls Terrarium Substrate! Not only does it provide a comfy spot for me to lounge on, but it also helps with drainage and moisture control in my bioactive terrarium. And let’s not forget that it’s 100% organic and lightweight – perfect for a little guy like me to hop around on. Thanks, Riare! Keep up the good work.

2. Hi there, I’m Sarah the Snake and I have to say, Riare’s Expanded Clay Balls are a game changer for my terrarium setup. The clay pebbles not only make for a natural-looking substrate, but they also provide excellent false bottom support for my underground tunnels. Plus, they’re super easy to clean and maintain – what more could a snake ask for? Thanks to Riare for creating such an amazing product!

3. As a reptile enthusiast, I’ve tried many different substrates over the years, but none have impressed me quite like Riare’s Expanded Clay Balls. These little pebbles may seem insignificant, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to keeping my terrarium healthy and thriving. The lightweight clay allows for proper drainage while still retaining moisture – perfect for my bearded dragon who needs specific humidity levels. Kudos to Riare for creating such an innovative product!

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

 Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate 2.5 Pounds

I absolutely love using Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate for my reptile’s terrarium! These hydroballs are so lightweight and make it super easy to set up the perfect environment for my little guy. Plus, the 2.5 pound bag is the perfect size for my terrarium! The best part is that these hydroballs retain moisture, making it easier for me to maintain the humidity levels in the tank. Thank you Zoo Med for creating such an amazing product! -Samantha

Me and my little buddy, Squirt, are obsessed with Zoo Med HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate! These hydroballs are perfect for keeping Squirt’s terrarium moist while still allowing proper drainage. I also love that they don’t break down or compact over time, making it a long-lasting solution for our terrarium needs. Thanks Zoo Med, you’ve made me and Squirt one happy duo! -Timothy

Honestly, I wasn’t sure about these hydroballs at first but after using them in my bearded dragon’s terrarium, I am sold! Not only do they provide excellent drainage and moisture retention, but they also create a great drainage layer that allows excess water to flow away from the substrate. And let me tell you, cleaning up after my bearded dragon has never been easier! Thank you Zoo Med for creating such a fantastic product! -Maggie

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

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

1) “Oh my goodness, Me and my plants are absolutely obsessed with Josh’s Frogs False Bottom! Not only does it provide excellent drainage for my plants, but the LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles add a touch of whimsy to their homes. I can’t help but smile every time I see them floating around in their little pots. Thanks Josh’s Frogs for making plant care a little more fun and exciting!” – Sarah

2) “I never thought I’d be writing a review about pebbles, but here we are. Let me tell you, Josh’s Frogs False Bottom is LIFE CHANGING. As someone who struggles with overwatering plants, this product has been a game changer. No more soggy soil and root rot for me! Plus, the pebbles are lightweight and easy to work with. Thank you Josh’s Frogs for making my plant parenthood journey a little easier.” – Mark

3) “Listen up green thumbs, if you want to take your plant game to the next level, you NEED Josh’s Frogs False Bottom in your life. Not only does it keep my plants happy and healthy, but it also saves me from constantly repotting due to poor drainage. And let’s be real, the LECA pebbles just look cool. It’s like an aquarium for my plants! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this magical product.” – Lily

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4. Legigo 4 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles 4mm-16mm Light Clay Leca Balls for Plants, Natural Hydroton Clay Pebbles for Hydroponic & Aquaponics Growing, Orchid Potting Mix, Dutch Buckets, Drainage

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

1. “Me and my plants are in love with Legigo’s 4 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles! These little 4mm-16mm Light Clay Leca Balls are a game changer for my hydroponic garden. They provide excellent drainage and are the perfect size for my Dutch buckets. Plus, they’re organic, so I know I’m giving my plants the best possible growing environment. Thanks Legigo! You have a customer for life!” —Samantha

2. “I never thought I’d be writing a product review for clay pebbles, but here I am. Thanks to Legigo’s 4 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles, my orchids have never been happier! These natural Hydroton Clay Pebbles are perfect for potting mix and provide just the right amount of moisture and aeration for my delicate flowers. Plus, they look cool in my clear orchid pots. Who knew gardening could be so fun?!” —Mike

3. “Legigo’s 4 LBS Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles are like little miracles for my aquaponics system. As someone who loves growing their own food, these clay pebbles have made all the difference in the world. The 4mm-16mm size is just right for optimal plant growth and they don’t break down over time like other materials I’ve tried before. Plus, they’re super lightweight which makes maintenance a breeze. Thank you Legigo for creating such an amazing product!” —Emily

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5. ZeeDix 2LBS Clay Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate 4mm-16mm Lightweight Expanded Clay Pebbles Reptile Bedding Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Snakes Tortoises

 ZeeDix 2LBS Clay Balls Reptile Terrarium Substrate 4mm-16mm Lightweight Expanded Clay Pebbles Reptile Bedding Substrate for Frogs Bearded Dragon Snakes Tortoises

1) Me, as a proud owner of a bearded dragon, I can confidently say that ZeeDix’s Clay Balls have made my life so much easier! These lightweight expanded clay pebbles are the perfect bedding substrate for my little scaly friend. Not only do they provide a comfortable and natural environment for him to burrow in, but they also make cleaning up his tank a breeze. No more sifting through messy sand or dirt, just scoop out the clay balls and voila! Plus, the 4mm-16mm size is just right for his little feet to grip onto. Thank you ZeeDix, you’ve got a loyal customer in me!

2) Let me tell you, my tortoise has never been happier since I switched to using ZeeDix’s Clay Balls as his terrarium substrate. As soon as I put them in his tank, he couldn’t resist burying himself in them and making himself nice and cozy. And as someone who’s not exactly fond of cleaning up after pets, these clay balls have been a game changer. They’re lightweight and easy to handle, making tank maintenance a quick and painless task. I highly recommend this product to all fellow reptile owners out there!

3) Hey there, snake lovers! If you want your slithery friends to have the best possible living conditions, then look no further than ZeeDix’s Clay Balls. These 2LBS bags may seem small but trust me when I say that they go a long way – especially since they’re expandable! My snakes absolutely love burrowing in them and it gives their tanks such a natural and aesthetically pleasing look. And let’s not forget how easy they are to clean – no more digging through messy substrates or worrying about bacteria growth. Thank you ZeeDix for making my life as a snake owner so much easier!

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Why I Love Using Clay Balls For My Terrarium

As an avid terrarium enthusiast, I have experimented with various materials to create the perfect environment for my plants. One material that I have found to be essential in every terrarium is clay balls. Here are a few reasons why I believe clay balls are necessary for any terrarium:

1. Excellent Drainage: Clay balls have a porous structure that allows water to drain easily and prevent waterlogging. This is crucial in maintaining the right moisture level for plants in a closed terrarium environment.

2. Aeration: The air pockets within the clay balls also provide much-needed aeration for the soil and plant roots. This helps to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

3. Prevents Mold and Fungal Growth: Excess moisture in a terrarium can lead to mold and fungal growth, which can be harmful to plants. The use of clay balls ensures proper drainage, thus reducing the risk of mold and fungal growth.

4. Lightweight: Clay balls are lightweight and do not add unnecessary weight to the terrarium, making it easier to move around or transport if needed.

5. Aesthetically Pleasing: Apart from their practical benefits, clay balls also add aesthetic appeal to a terr

My Buying Guide on ‘Clay Balls For Terrarium’

Hello fellow terrarium enthusiasts! If you’re looking to create a beautiful and healthy terrarium, one essential item that you should definitely consider adding is clay balls. These small, lightweight balls of clay have become a staple in the world of terrariums and for good reason. They offer a range of benefits for your plants and can enhance the overall look of your terrarium. As someone who has experimented with different types of clay balls for my own terrariums, I have put together this buying guide to help you choose the best ones for your needs. Let’s dive in!

What are Clay Balls?

Clay balls are small, porous balls made from fired clay that come in different sizes. They are also known as hydroton, LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate), or simply expanded clay. These balls are used as a growing medium in various types of gardening, including hydroponics and terrariums.

Benefits of Using Clay Balls in Terrariums

There are several benefits to using clay balls in your terrarium:

  • Improved Drainage: The porous nature of clay balls allows water to easily pass through them, preventing waterlogging and root rot.
  • Aerates the Soil: Clay balls create air pockets in the soil which provide oxygen to the roots and prevent compaction.
  • Promotes Healthy Root Growth: The rough surface of clay balls provides an ideal environment for roots to cling onto and grow.
  • Pest Prevention: The hard surface of clay balls makes it difficult for pests and insects to burrow into the soil, keeping your plants safe.
  • Aesthetically Pleasing: Clay balls add texture and visual interest to your terrarium, making it look more natural and appealing.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Clay Balls

Before purchasing clay balls for your terrarium, here are some factors you should keep in mind:

  • Type of Terrarium:Certain types of terrariums such as closed or self-sustaining ones require specific types of clay balls. Make sure to choose accordingly.
  • Budget:The price of clay balls can vary depending on the brand and quantity. Decide on a budget beforehand so that you can narrow down your options.
  • Type of Plants:The type of plants you plan on using in your terrarium will determine the size and quantity of clay balls you need. Research on which plants do well with which type/size of clay ball before making a purchase.
  • Packaging Size:If you have multiple terrariums or plan on expanding your collection, consider buying a larger pack as it will save you money in the long run.
  • Sourcing:You can purchase clay balls from local garden centers or online retailers. Do some research beforehand to find reliable sources with good reviews.

Tips When Using Clay Balls in Your Terrarium

To ensure maximum benefit from using clay balls in your terrarium, here are some tips that I’ve learned through my own experience:

  • Rinse Before Use: Clean any dust or debris off the clay balls before adding them to your terrarium by rinsing them with water..


    This will prevent any dirt from clouding up the water or getting stuck on plant roots.







  • Mix with Potting Soil: Incorporate some clay balls into the potting soil layer when creating your terrarium. This will provide better drainage while still keeping moisture levels high enough for plant growth.



    Be mindful not to use too many as it may cause drainage issues.



    You can also use them as top dressing by placing a layer on top of the soil.

    ..


  • Increase Humidity: If you have an open-air terrarium or live in an arid climate, misting water over the exposed areas/clay ball layer will help maintain humidity levels.


In Conclusion

I hope this buying guide has helped you understand what to look for

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.