LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)

Terrarium Drainage Layer | False Bottom for Vivariums & Paludariums

Essential Drainage for Healthy Terrarium Systems

LECA, or Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, is a foundational component in modern terrarium, vivarium, and paludarium builds. Designed to create a reliable drainage layer, LECA prevents water from saturating your substrate while maintaining proper humidity levels within your enclosure.

By forming a false bottom, it separates excess water from your soil layer, helping to reduce the risk of root rot, stagnant conditions, and anaerobic buildup.

Build an Effective False Bottom with Ease

Creating a proper drainage system with LECA is simple and highly effective. Begin by placing a minimum of 2 inches of LECA at the base of your enclosure. This layer acts as a reservoir for excess water, keeping your upper substrate layer balanced and well-aerated.

After adding LECA, install a lightweight barrier such as fabric weed cloth or nylon window screening. This prevents your soil from settling into the drainage layer while allowing water to pass through freely. Once in place, add your terrarium substrate to complete the system.

Optimized for Water Features and Advanced Builds

For enclosures that include water features such as waterfalls or flowing streams, increasing the depth of your LECA layer is essential. A deeper drainage base ensures proper pump operation and provides additional water capacity to account for evaporation over time.

In these setups, a 4-inch drainage layer is recommended to maintain consistent performance and prevent system failure.

Sizing Guide for Common Enclosure Builds

Choosing the correct amount of LECA ensures proper drainage and long-term stability:

• 4 Quart Bag
  Provides approximately a 2-inch drainage layer in a 12 × 12 inch terrarium or vivarium floor
• 12 Quarts
  Provides approximately a 2-inch drainage layer in an 18 × 18 inch enclosure floor
• 16 Quarts
  Provides approximately a 2-inch drainage layer in an 24 × 18 inch enclosure floor
  

For builds that include pumps or water features, double the recommended amount to create a 4-inch drainage layer.

Lightweight, Durable, and Reusable

LECA is made from expanded clay that has been kiln-fired to create a porous, lightweight structure. This allows it to retain moisture while still providing excellent airflow and drainage.

It does not compact over time, making it a long-lasting solution that can be reused across multiple builds when properly cleaned.

Widely Known and Trusted Material

LECA is a generic term used across the hobby and may also be found under other names such as HydroBalls, Hydroton, or HydroCorn. Regardless of branding, the function remains the same—providing a stable and effective drainage layer for enclosed ecosystems.

Product Features

• Lightweight expanded clay aggregate
• Ideal for terrarium drainage layers and false bottoms
• Prevents waterlogging and supports healthy root systems
• Improves airflow and moisture balance
• Suitable for vivariums, paludariums, and planted tanks
• Reusable and long-lasting

Best Uses

• Terrarium and vivarium drainage layers
• Paludarium false bottoms
• Water feature support systems
• Bioactive enclosure builds
• Plant drainage and hydroponic applications

Why LECA is a Must-Have

A proper drainage layer is one of the most important elements of a successful enclosure. LECA provides a simple, effective, and reliable way to manage water levels while supporting both plant health and environmental stability.

Whether you are building a basic terrarium or a complex bioactive system with water features, LECA forms the foundation that everything else depends on.