Reptile Sands-Calci Sand-Beech Chips-Bark-Aspen Bedding
Reptile Sand and Bedding must be one of the Reptile Worlds most discussed topics, Almost every Reptile Keeper or Breeder uses or recommends a different substrate. One issue with any substrate is if the animal inadvertently eats it. Occasionally the substrate may become lodged in the gut and cause compaction which may lead to eating and digestive disorders. Most Reptile owners will try different materials until settling on one they like, observing your animal feeding and using common sense will not let you down.
Substrates in natural vivariums have many functions and are not only there for decoration purposes. They play a very important role in the determination of the terrarium's micro-climate. Digging and burrowing reptiles and amphibians have different needs than tree dwelling species, whereas desert animals prefer yet another type of substrate. Heat conductivity is important when a substrate heater like the Heat Wave Heat Mat is used and the absorption capacity will contribute to the overall air humidity. Exo Terra developed a series of substrates for the dry, humid and aquatic terrarium, all made from natural materials.
Exo Terra Desert Vivarium Sand
Exo Terra's Desert Terrarium Sand is natural real desert sand with no added dyes or chemicals. The sand has been sifted to remove impurities and to obtain a homogeneous sand grain size.
- Natural desert sand, no added dyes or chemicals
- Creates a natural and attractive desert environment
- Excellent heat conductor
- Stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior
- Suitable as egg-laying substrate
Exo Terra Forest Moss
Exo Terra Forest Moss is real compressed moss grown in tropical Asia. This ecological substrate is ideal for increasing humidity in the vivarium and is totally safe for frogs, salamanders and burrowing or digging animals. The Exo Terra Forest Moss is extremely absorbent and is recommended in humidifying shelters such as the Exo Terra Snake Cave or Reptile Cave. It is also an ideal egg-laying or incubation medium.
- Completely natural forest moss (no dyes or chemicals)
- Ideal for amphibians and wetland environment reptiles
- Great for use in humidifying shelters
- Excellent for use as egg-laying and incubation medium
Pro Rep Beech Chips
Economical and dust-free, ProRep Beech Chips are suitable for many larger species of snakes, lizards, birds and mammals. They are produced from kiln-dried wood harvested from sustainable forests.
Directions:
Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 1-2” (2.5-5cm). Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it becomes heavily soiled or wet. If you are using an under-tank heatmat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Beech Chips as this may cause the heatmat to overheat. Please refer to the heatmat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
ProRep Orchid Bark
ProRep Orchid Bark Chips are used for all species that require a humid environment. Amphibians, forest or jungle living reptiles and invertebrates all thrive on this safe 100% natural poduct.
Directions:
Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 2” (5cm). Bark Chips can be moistened to provide extra humidity but avoid making them too wet or waterlogged. Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it becomes heavily soiled.
ProRep Aspen Bedding
ProRep Aspen Bedding is suitable for snakes, some lizards, birds and small mammals. It is soft, dust-free, odourless and highly absorbent and is made from non-toxic shredded wood sourced from sustainable forests.
Directions:
Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 1-2” (2.5-5cm). Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it becomes heavily soiled or wet.
ProRep Tortoise Life
ProRep Tortoise Life is part of the species-specific life series of substrates and has been created to meet the needs of tortoises originating from arid habitats, particularly Mediterranean and Russian tortoises. Tortoise life is a 50:50 mixture of high quality top soil and play sand with a little limestone grit added to provide some Calcium if the substrate is eaten. This mixture simulates the texture and moisture retention characteristics of the soils found in their natural habitats much more closely than other substrates. It is also suitable for many species of lizards that originate from arid habitats.
Directions:
Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 2” (5cm) for young animals and up to 6” (15cm) or more for mature animals. Russian tortoises particularly may need a deeper substrate as they burrow extensively. Spot-clean daily to remove soiled substrate and replace completely every 2 or 3 weeks. Areas of the substrate can be sprayed to provide local humidity but avoid making the substrate too wet.
ProRep Vermiculite
ProRep Vermiculite can be used as a substrate for spiders or as an incubation medium for reptile eggs. A 100% natural substrate made from exfoliated volcanic rock, it is inert and will not decay or go mouldy.
Directions:
Place the required amount of Vermiculite in a clean container. Add cold water a little at a time until the correct moisture content is reached. For use with spiders, place a 1–2” (2.5–5cm) layer of moistened Vermiculite in the bottom of the tank. This substrate is not recommended for burrowing species as it does not form burrows easily – for these species use Spider Life Substrate. Spot-clean regularly and change completely every 4 weeks, or sooner if required.
For use as an incubation medium place a thick layer of moistened Vermiculite in the incubation box. A moisture ratio of 2:1 Vermiculite to water by weight is suitable for many species but some species have different requirements.
Carefully place the eggs in the Vermiculite with the top third of the egg exposed.
When moving the eggs from the egg laying site to the Vermiculite take care to keep them the same way up. If possible ensure that the eggs do not touch each other during incubation. Please note that as incubation of reptile eggs is a complex process that varies from species to species, it is essential that you research the details for each species before eggs are laid and have a suitable incubator ready.
