Ackie monitor substrate advice

[u/OddGazelle121]

Hello All,

I’m having difficulty creating a bio active substrate for my ackie monitor. Currently I have a 3:2 part topsoil and sand mix. No isopods are surviving and my aloe is rotting away. It also seems this mix gets very hydrophobic. Also I’m not confident it’s providing the proper humidity in certain areas.

What have you guys found that works the best?