DrGreatScott
New member
So I decided to change the substrate for my Leo and AFT’s respective moist hides (separate cages in case that isn’t clear) and found this at PetSmart. I’ve only seen good reviews thus far so I bought some since both of my animals are adult/subadult in size.
So far they seem to love them. I catch them spending time in their hides more, as well as finding some of the dirt dug out to make themselves more comfortable.
I spray the soil down at least once a week or until it dries out. It retains moisture really well though, so sometimes you just have to stir the layers of packed soil.
I currently use it exclusively for the moist hides, but may consider using it as substrate (possibly for the AFT only). I currently use reptile carpet for it’s easy clean.
I’ll post updates here every now and then to give an opinion on what I think after a month, half a year, year, etc.
Has anyone else given this a try and had any positive/negative experiences?
I stress the point of not using this for juveniles/babies on the off chance of impaction, but I will say it all crumbles fairly easy.
Update 1:
Okay so it's been...about a month and some change and I have to say I'm impressed. My humidity regulation has become way easier using this stuff. And I mean that for both Leos and AFTs. Used it in both enclosures and they seem to really enjoy it. They take advantage of the burrowing and dig just deep enough to reach their select UTH so they can regulate the heat to their desired temperatures.
When the soil drys out it's quite ideal for Leopard Geckos. As stated before, it really keeps the humidity just right. For the AFT I have to spray it down lightly 1, at most 2 times a week.
Also, I would recommend leaving out a calcium dish (no D3) if using this substrate. Geckos naturally search for supplementation in their own substrates if they are in need of a boost. As long as there's a dish out, they'll go there for it. You don't want the alternative of them ingesting substrate if they feel they need more than you dust.
I don't have any egg burying tests conducted yet but I'll give that a try at some point
I'm currently using a 2-3 inch layer of it in 40 gal exo terras. It took 2 bags for that height (I believe 10Qt bags), but I bought them a month apart.
One bag works just fine for a sold foundation, but if you make it deeper, I'd put some greater foundation on your caves (stacked rocks, etc.), or at least make sure they touch the floor.
Pros:
Great Humidity control
Easy clean up on fecal
Allows animal to self regulate temperatures via burrowing
Aesthetically pleasing (can put animal safe plants in if so desired)
Cons:
Should only be used for adults (impaction should always be considered)
May want a bowl to place food in (same reasoning as above)
Size of substrate can sometimes vary upon first opening, plenty of large chunks of dirt (easily broken up though)
Need to leave out a dish of Calcium (not a huge con since many people do this already)
Can be messy (you will get dirty during setup)
If you have a large tank, it can get pricey to buy all at once.
So far they seem to love them. I catch them spending time in their hides more, as well as finding some of the dirt dug out to make themselves more comfortable.
I spray the soil down at least once a week or until it dries out. It retains moisture really well though, so sometimes you just have to stir the layers of packed soil.
I currently use it exclusively for the moist hides, but may consider using it as substrate (possibly for the AFT only). I currently use reptile carpet for it’s easy clean.
I’ll post updates here every now and then to give an opinion on what I think after a month, half a year, year, etc.
Has anyone else given this a try and had any positive/negative experiences?
I stress the point of not using this for juveniles/babies on the off chance of impaction, but I will say it all crumbles fairly easy.
Update 1:
Okay so it's been...about a month and some change and I have to say I'm impressed. My humidity regulation has become way easier using this stuff. And I mean that for both Leos and AFTs. Used it in both enclosures and they seem to really enjoy it. They take advantage of the burrowing and dig just deep enough to reach their select UTH so they can regulate the heat to their desired temperatures.
When the soil drys out it's quite ideal for Leopard Geckos. As stated before, it really keeps the humidity just right. For the AFT I have to spray it down lightly 1, at most 2 times a week.
Also, I would recommend leaving out a calcium dish (no D3) if using this substrate. Geckos naturally search for supplementation in their own substrates if they are in need of a boost. As long as there's a dish out, they'll go there for it. You don't want the alternative of them ingesting substrate if they feel they need more than you dust.
I don't have any egg burying tests conducted yet but I'll give that a try at some point
I'm currently using a 2-3 inch layer of it in 40 gal exo terras. It took 2 bags for that height (I believe 10Qt bags), but I bought them a month apart.
One bag works just fine for a sold foundation, but if you make it deeper, I'd put some greater foundation on your caves (stacked rocks, etc.), or at least make sure they touch the floor.
Pros:
Great Humidity control
Easy clean up on fecal
Allows animal to self regulate temperatures via burrowing
Aesthetically pleasing (can put animal safe plants in if so desired)
Cons:
Should only be used for adults (impaction should always be considered)
May want a bowl to place food in (same reasoning as above)
Size of substrate can sometimes vary upon first opening, plenty of large chunks of dirt (easily broken up though)
Need to leave out a dish of Calcium (not a huge con since many people do this already)
Can be messy (you will get dirty during setup)
If you have a large tank, it can get pricey to buy all at once.
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