Reptile sand, soil and clay are a popular option when it comes to choosing a type of substrate.
Substrates for reptiles will vary. You want to have a substrate that your reptile is going to feel comfortable in. To choose the right substrate you really need to know what the substrate is normally used for and what it consists of. Any substrate you introduce into the terrarium should be safe for your reptile to be around. Sand and clay are for excavator reptiles. In other words the soft sand or clay will be used so that the reptile can burrow into the substrate or even bury other things in the substrate.
When you use sand and clay you should have enough in the terrarium to allow the reptile to burrow and dig tunnels. This is what your reptile would be doing in the wild. With sand and clay products you should be able to mould and create terraces out of the earth so your reptile can burrow. The clay and sand products you purchase need to be made with all natural ingredients without dyes, chemicals or colours. These products can be found on our website.
Sand and clay substrate are best suited for any reptile that naturally likes to dig through the earth.
It is important that when buying substrate you also have the right heaters and tank set up. Sand and clay are not good for under tank heaters. The substrate is too thick, which can cause heat to build up making it too hot for your pet reptile to be comfortable. When you use the sand or clay substrate it is important to also use feeding dishes. This will keep the reptiles from accidentally ingesting the sand or clay.
A type of sand is the riverbed sand sold on this site. Riverbed sand is great for amphibians and semi aquatic reptiles. They can use the riverbed sand to dig in and make a home. Frogs and salamanders also prefer having riverbed sand to the clay. Riverbed sand is just like the natural sand these reptiles will come in contact. The surface is very soft. More sensitive reptiles can find gravel or rough surface substrates to be difficult on the skin.
Riverbed sand unlike other sands and clays can be accidentally ingested. The riverbed sand sold in most stores is from the African River which has had many decades to become fine and round.
All clays and sands should be natural to create a natural environment for your reptile. It helps to stimulate natural behaviours and keep your pet happy. The products will come in a range of sizes, but the 10 pound bag is best. This allows you to fill the tank for about a month before it needs to be changed again. It also provides enough substrate in just the one bag to make the reptile’s home perfect. You can add other items to the tank and slightly bury them in the sand to make it nice for the reptile.
