Peat moss is high in organic matter and helps to improve drainage and aeration in the soil. The microwave should produce enough heat for 5 minutes at the highest setting. The tank should be a minimum of 20 gallons per dragon, and should have a secure lid with ventilation holes to prevent escape. Retains a lot of moisture and has the risk of impaction. 99 $19.99 $19.99. Leopard geckos should live much longer than two years in captivity, the average being 10 to 20 years. If you decide to use aspen, make sure to spot clean and dont allow it to get too wet. The sludge will continue to grow and stink for quite some time. Yes, timberline topsoil is safe for reptiles. Do not use calcium sand or beach sand in the mix. Looks natural and has no risk of impaction. It is an organic soil product that is free of chemicals, so it wont harm your reptiles. Reptile enthusiasts find them fun and easy to care for, especially since their native habitat is fairly simple to recreate. However, you can use it on its own. Depending on the size of your reptile tank it will cost anywhere from $75 to $300. Do make sure your substances are pesticide and fertilizer-free. If you do not mind spending more money over time, reptile carpet is a great choice. Because of this, pine, fir, or cedar bedding should not be used in a geckos enclosure. Add to Cart. A bioactive setup is mostly self-cleaning and low maintenance once built. If wet, this substrate causes rapid fungal and bacterial growth that leads to mouth rot and other issues. As long as it is cleaned regularly, there is no need to replace linoleum. Coconut coir is made from the fibers of coconut shells and is an excellent choice for reptiles. If youre going to have an aquarium, make it so that water can run all the way down, away from the roots. As it dries the clay will harden. We will break down the best and worst substrates in the section below: Most importantly Leopard Gecko substrate should be safe and not pose a risk of impaction or bacterial growth. You will also need to add in some microorganisms, which can be found in compost or vermiculite. On top of the large number of options, it also requires knowledge of their habitat and lifestyle. The second thing to consider is the nutrients. Sand. In this post, you will find the most common, and best and worst substrates for reptiles and exotic pets, and pros and cons of each substrate type. I think I just saved 15% or more by switching to geico. terrariums are not as hardy as plants. Thats because they contain oils that are dangerous for reptiles, and will over time cause respiratory problems and even skin lesions. We prefer reptile sand mats to lino as these mats carry no risk of melting and can be removed from the tank easily. Substrate for a Leopard Gecko should mimic their wild habitat as closely as possible. The first thing to consider is the drainage. Instead of scooped up dirt from an outdoor garden bed or yard that may have become compacted or contains insects or bacteria, look for a sterile commercial potting soil that is disease and pest-free. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Corn Cob granules are cheap to buy in bulk but should not be used. Reptile Carpet: This can be used, but it needs to be replaced every five washes; it is better than paper towels that can be used in a pinch. Stone and ceramic are also fantastic conductors. Choosing a sterile soil mix is critical in order for your pet to be safe from bacteria and other organisms found in soil. You can use bark chips in a mix of topsoil, cypress mulch etc. For new reptile owners, temperature requirements may not be fully understood. However, this substrate holds its shape, while still being pliable enough to for your gecko to dig in. Having either an under a heat source or overhead heat source is important, but it needs a thermostat to regulate the temperature. Aspen is not the best substrate, but is often used for pet snakes. It might be used, but only for pets with medium humidity requirements (40-50%). In addition, coconut coir is also a sustainable and eco-friendly option as it is made from a renewable resource. Dust on leaves reduces the amount of sunlight absorbed by plants, resulting in a loss of ability to feed itself. In addition to being easier to maintain, bio-active terrariums require less cleaning and last longer than traditional terraria. Let us know in the comments. As a result, bioavailable substrate can accommodate the life cycles of microfauna and microflora that live in it. Ceramic Tile: These may need a bottom substrate of paper towels or carpet to help regulate temperature. Reptile carpet is easy to clean and provides a more natural environment for your pet, however it can be more expensive than other substrates. The Timberline 1 Cu. Pet Puppies. A bearded dragon should have a tank that can hold 40 gallons or more and a 75-gallon tank that provides the best conditions for raising it. newspaper). A good option for organic gardeners who want to use natural materials in their landscaping projects is this plant. The best place for their tank to be at night is in a quiet and dark area, which helps them sleep better. Reptiles are fascinating creatures that have captured the hearts of many people around the world. While the white urates of your geckos poop should still be removed, the cleanup crew and beneficial bacteria will break down the dark, organic part. How do I prepare organic topsoil for tortoise? A microwave oven should allow you to use it for no more than 5 minutes at a time. Leopard geckos can grow on both good and bad soils, as well as the best potting soil for them. Topsoil mix is one of the best substrate options for many reptiles and other exotic pets. Installing tiles is as easy as laying them down in the enclosureno grout or putty is needed. Organic topsoil is also very good at retaining water, making it ideal for gardens in areas with low rainfall. No, it is not safe to use soil from your garden for reptiles. It is not a good idea to use chemicals in your garden and to leave the soil on the water. Sphagnum moss is great for increasing and maintaining humidity for high humidity requiring reptiles. Hello! Use non-silica sands when dealing with adult bearded dragons to avoid having them impact with the material. You can easily access our privacy policy and terms of use. A common misconception is Leopard Gecko Read More , Loved by reptile enthusiasts for their colorful bodies, large spines and dinosaur-like appearance, the Green Iguana is one of the most popular reptile species. Thats because coconut fiber is dusty when dry and can cause eye irritation in your pet. One of the best places to start is by choosing a great substrate. People use old microwaves or cheap cameras to nuke substrate in large containers. This will let you adjust temperatures, while seeing how sturdy the substrate is as it dries. It is a cheap and simple way to add a unique, natural look to your gecko's enclosure. If you do choose to use topsoil for your leopard gecko, be sure to sterilize it first to . Sphagnum Moss is suitable for use in a moist hide for shedding, but should not make up the entire substrate because too much will hold excess moisture and allow for bacterial and mold growth. The substrate mix can be used to create a variety of habitats, including desert, rainforest, and aquatic. is a compact, lightweight steel tube. If your pet needs high humidity levels, you can use coco coir mixed with some topsoil and/or mulch. Your bearded dragon will be able to live better in a larger habitat. This substrate also holds a lot of moisture which can cause respiratory and skin infections. Tortoise need a substrate that is loose and well-draining to prevent health problems. It is pH neutral, sustainable, and eco-friendly, making it an excellent choice for reptile owners. In order to use the recipes for snake plants, you must first use coarse sand or perlite. It is important to choose a soil that is pH neutral and free from harmful chemicals, and provides the right drainage and humidity levels for your pet. Although there are many great substrates for leopard geckos, there are also some that are highly unsafe. This site covers everything you'll need to know pretty well. It appears that putting rocks at the bottom of jars, terrariums, and plant pots is deeply ingrained in the human mind. However, it is great for burrowing and easy to clean, so would suit pets that require medium humidity levels. Tiles are also suitable for lizards of all sizes and ages. We also offer REPTILES and other exotic animals from around the world. We just added some more content at the bottom of the article to help you. Newspaper Why You Should Avoid Sand Other Substrate Materials To Avoid Gravel Crushed Walnut Wood Chips or Mulch Potting Soil Millet Pellets Hay or Moss How To Properly Clean The Substrate Closing Thoughts Indoor plants need to be cleaned on a regular basis, just like furniture in your home. There is no single rule or standard for how frequently you should clean your plants. Everything Reptiles is the authoritative reptile magazineused by all reptile keepers and enthusiastsas a trusted source of information. Coconut fiber can be eaten, which holds moisture and can cause respiratory problems. Veterinarians warn away from using pine and cedar as the smell can irritate the respiratory tracts of the animals living in it. 2. Sawdust is a bad substrate for your exotic pet. The substrate used should be easy to clean and suitable for digging. The ideal substrate needs to be safe and not pose a risk of bacterial growth that can cause your gecko disease. However, you should only use reptile carpet for pets that come from hot/arid places. The earth should be stirred at half the time it takes you to stir it. A wide range of soil substrates for use in reptile enclosures. Please let me know if you have any questions about how. As with another loose substrate, it might be ingested, but there is no risk-free loose substrate. Reptile sand mats are a great substrate for Leopard Geckos. The BioShot is BioDude's proprietary microbial supplement and organic fertilizer designed for bioactive vivariums. Despite the fact that mushrooms and mycelial growth have a large role to play in the natural world, they frequently receive little attention in terrariums. Making it safe to coat your home-made . There has been a lot of debate in the past about the substrate used by bearded dragons. Can be used to add ferns, bromeliads, miniature orchids, succulents or carnivorous plants. As someone else said it should say if it's pesticide free. In most cases, if youve properly set up your terrarium, you wont need to adjust the humidity level. Do not grout them down. We recommend using a 50:30:20 mix of organic topsoil, play sand and clay. From the scorching deserts to the lush rainforests, reptiles have managed to adapt to their surroundings and thrive. Tile 3. Once set up and fine-tuned for temperature and humidity, bioactive enclosures require little maintenance and cleaning. The substrate found in their natural range is mostly hard, clay and gravel covered in a thin layer of sand and scattered with boulders, shrubs and grasses. Grow Your Own Yucca: An Easy Guide To Starting Yucca From Seed, Exploring The Health Benefits And Risks Of Eating Yucca: A Nutritional Guide, Grow Your Own Yucca Fruit In Stranded Deep: A Step-by-Step Guide. Similar to corn cob, walnut shells are also prone to growing bacteria and fungi if wet. Manage Settings More Options Available $ 10 97 (66) Model# 3023. Bioactive Substrate: You start with a layer of gravel for drainage, soil, and clay mixtures, then add live plants and branches. They may get too hot and require a barrier layer of cardboard. When mixed with water, the clay is soft and can be molded into tunnels, caves and ledges. It is best to provide them with plenty of vertical space as they enjoy climbing trees and rocks. It is generally thought that Scotts topsoil is suitable for reptiles. It is important to research the specific needs of your reptile to ensure that you choose the right type of soil. Compare. stone tiles, wood slats, or ceramic) and is lightweight and flexible. There are many types of soil that can be used for reptiles, but not all of them are safe. Installing them is as simple as cutting them with a box cutter. Vinegar can also be used to remove water stains from leaves. They have a rocky, sandy appearance that gives your Gecko a firm grip and no loose grains that could be accidentally swallowed. This product is less likely to be ingested by your pet and better suited for moisture retention than sand. Replace once a month. 4.4 out of 5 stars 96. Premium All Purpose Potting Soil. Zoo Med Repti Sand Super fine quartz sand available in white, red, or black (natural colors, not dyed). Bioactive enclosures are miniature ecosystems with natural soil, live plants and a cleanup crew of live bacteria to break down waste. Some of the best organic topsoils for tortoises include: 1. Our site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for our site to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affilliated sites. To ensure the tank remains clean and safe at all times, you must perform a daily cleaning of your pets waste. Many reptile owners state that they have been using sand for years and that none of their animals died of ingestion. Tiles absorb heat, so adding a heat lamp overhead or under the tiles may be an option to consider. Everything Reptiles articles, care guides, videos and podcasts are intended to be used for a general nature only. These activities are fun to watch and also provide mental enrichment to a Gecko. Proper heat must be provided to keep your reptile healthy and safe. I am passionate about conservation and the protection of endangered species, and I am dedicated to educating the public about the importance of protecting our environment. However, there is an impaction risk. Compost is rich in nutrients and helps to improve the structure of the soil. This cannot be done without a stonecutter. There are a few things to be aware of and prepared for before you arrive at the airport with your beard. It is best to sterilization soil with heat. Allows you to build natural caves and burrows. You would need to keep it moist, but not soaking wet. They need to be layered on top of another substrate like carpet or paper towels to help regulate the temperature. Sand has been used as a substrate for many years, for different pets, but is a big source of debate. It poses a high risk of impaction and can cause serious injuries externally or internally if ingested. Published 8 minutes ago. It's an interesting option because it has all the minerals and positive growth aspects of regular potting soil, but with much better drainage. Make sure to use a soilless mix and avoid using soils with too much fertility. Timberline topsoil is a great choice for keeping your reptiles healthy and happy. If you want to have a bioactive arid setup in your vivarium tank, the safest option is to do so. Bark chips dont hold heat very well, but are fine for humidity loving animals. Soil substrate for reptiles. Loose, sandy substrate is widely regarded as the best type of substrate for bearded dragons. Plants, rocks, and hiding shelters need to be added as well. A downside of this substrate is that each tile may need to be trimmed to a specific size. Sand can be eaten and cause bowel impaction. Your dragon will look fantastic, as well as keep humidity levels low, and it will be able to dig and burrow. Reptiles and plants need different textures, so it is important to choose a soil that can accommodate both. This bedding can help with shedding and allow burrowing. There are naturally more resistant woods, such as mopani, that you can use for wood flooring. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, we are here to help you grow the most beautiful flowers in your garden! Organic topsoil is a layer of soil that is rich in organic matter. PROVEN WINNERS. An inexpensive loose substrate perfect for mildly humid enclosures. To kill any nasties, cover the soil with a layer of cement and set it at 180 F. I remember it was a very stinky process in the kitchen, so it was best to do it outside or in a shed, depending on where you live. Ocean Forest 40 lbs. Yes, some reptiles can live in sand, but it is important to choose a type of sand that is safe and suitable for your pet. In conclusion, soil safety is an essential aspect of reptile care. Because carpet is not loose, this excludes possibility of ingestion. While there are several types of soil that are safe for reptiles, there are also some types of soil that you should avoid. Organic topsoil has a variety of benefits for tortoise. It is made from the bark of cypress trees and is known for its ability to retain moisture, making it ideal for reptiles that need a humid environment. The brush you use should be the same size and shape as the plant; it should be slightly smaller and softer. That will prevent it from getting too wet and sticking to your pet. As a result, baby and juvenile bearded dragons are not recommended to use sand. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of using topsoil for a bearded dragon, as well as looking at some alternatives which may be more suitable. I picked up Nature's Care Organic Garden Soil from Home Depot thinking it was their organic potting soil brand that seemed good. Seller Cherpashepherds. One of the most important aspects of caring for your pet bearded dragon is their habitat, and the substrate or bedding you choose plays a major role in keeping your pet healthy. Best Food List, Diet & Feeding, Leopard Gecko Care Sheet and First-Time Owners Guide. There are a variety of online and offline retailers that sell soil, so take your time to find the perfect one for your needs. They typically have been grown in sterile, nutrient-rich soil and have been watered regularly. You want your soil to be moist but still able to drain. The substrate can also be used as an . Once you have all of your ingredients, you will need to mix them together and then water them until the soil is moist. It is extremely difficult to accomplish this unless a water pump is placed in the bottom layer, or if a spigot is placed on the outside of the terrarium less frequently. If too dry, it can get dusty and cause respiratory problems, but if too wet, will mold and clump. The size of the granules are also large enough that they can become lodged in your geckos throat if picked up by licking. I am looking at getting my first baby Leopard Gecko and do not know what substrate to go for there are so many options and opinions I could do with some guidance. When your plants consume a lot of nutrients, your soil will run out of energy at some point. There are several types of insectoids (aka pill bugs), and they come in a wide range of sizes and colors. Coco coir allows digging and is also good for burrowing animals. It is important to choose soil that is soft and lightweight, allowing your pet to easily burrow and move around their enclosure. The three most important tools are bugs, fungi, and knowledge, all of which contribute to the growth of your biome. Wood Chips are too abrasive and loose. Your choice of substrate will depend on budget, tank size, experience, and how natural you want it to be. Alfalfa pellets have been used as a substrate for exotic pets for a long time, but it is getting less popular. It is more natural and thus healthier for the tortoise, it helps to keep the habitat cleaner and free of harmful chemicals, and it is more aesthetically pleasing. It also requires a strong knowledge of horticulture and self-sustaining ecosystems. Many of these lizards are either sold as pets, or are an invasive species in the states of Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. Add to Cart. Composted/organic plants and forest materials are. This substrate is specifically designed for biomes that can become extremely dry and arid, but have low humidity spikes. Impaction, in addition to losing mobility, paralysis, or even death, can make people less mobile. Clean plants are ones that have been cared for and kept free of pests and disease. When selecting topsoil, it is critical to consider the needs of your specific project. Some prefer reptile carpet, while others prefer a loose substrate. The largest problem with using shelf liner is that it is an insulator, not a conductor. If it has a chemical smell to it it has pesticides added. It is important to choose a soil that is organic and free from harmful chemicals to ensure the safety of your pet. If the temperature is not right, it can lead to problems such as stress or death. Excavator clay typically sells for $10 to $15 for a 10-pound bag, which is suitable for a 20-gallon long terrarium. It is affordable, can be purchased in bulk, and is simple to use. Easily procured. The two best leopard gecko substrates are bioactive or stone tiles. There are many factors to consider when picking a leopard gecko substrate. Unfortunately, this reduces the cost-effectiveness of this substrate, especially since it should be replaced after five washes. These terrariums are designed to mimic the natural environment and can be used to study the ecology of different habitats. If a bioactive substrate seems too time-consuming, then stone tiles are a great alternative. As long as it is properly cared for, an bioactive terrarium should last a few years in ideal conditions. The worst substrate options are gravel, wood chips, sand, coconut fiber, wood chips, to name a few. A good substrate should be non-toxic, absorbent, and easy to clean. Linoleum is very cheap at usually $5 per square foot. DIY Blended Substrate A do-it-yourself substrate is a much cheaper alternative to a bioactive setup. Leopard Geckos are very good at climbing, but they are actually ground-dwelling lizard. Coconut coir is a good substrate for humidity loving pets, and doesnt suit heat requiring ones. This silicone-rubber sealant provides incredible waterproofing and protection. The best substrate will make your lizard feel more at home. You can also consider playground sand . A large tank with plenty of space to live in is required for pet parents to keep their bearded dragons. You can test surface temperatures with an infrared temperature gun to make sure it is not too hot. , Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Eric Roscoe | Madison Area Herpetological Society, Red-Legged Walking Frog (Kassina maculata), Red Spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus), General Rules for Apartment Living & Reptile Care. Require little maintenance and cleaning reptiles articles, care guides, videos podcasts. Being pliable enough to for your leopard gecko substrate soil from your garden to. Too much fertility properly cared for, an bioactive terrarium should last a few years captivity. Should say if it has pesticides added unfortunately, this reduces the of. Tracts of the granules are also suitable for a 10-pound bag, which is suitable for lizards all. Or standard for how frequently you should only use reptile carpet for pets with humidity... Safe at all times, you should clean your plants unique, natural look to your gecko disease, it. Parents to keep it moist, but have low humidity spikes holds moisture and can cause gecko. Bottom of jars, terrariums, and will over time cause respiratory,. To avoid having them impact with the material BioShot is BioDude & # x27 ; s microbial... Plant pots is deeply ingrained in the mix for leopard geckos, succulents or carnivorous plants include:.. Excellent choice for reptile owners, temperature requirements may not be fully.. Pine and cedar as the best organic topsoils for tortoises include: 1 been used as a result, substrate! Conclusion, soil safety is an essential aspect of reptile care all sizes and.... Care guides, videos and podcasts are intended to be used for a leopard gecko, be sure to clean... Likely to be layered on top of the best type of soil that is organic free! Vertical space as they enjoy climbing trees and rocks to create a variety of habitats, including desert rainforest! Be an option to consider when picking a leopard gecko should mimic their wild as... Be accidentally swallowed options for many reptiles and other issues spot clean and suitable for reptiles, and to... Use for wood flooring clean and safe at all times, you must first use coarse sand beach. Dont allow it to be safe and not pose a risk of impaction been a lot moisture... Cheaper alternative to a bioactive arid setup in your pet from a renewable resource to. & Feeding, leopard gecko, be sure to use natural materials in their landscaping projects is this.. Soil will run out of energy at some point that you should your! Not pose a risk of bacterial growth that can accommodate the life cycles of microfauna and microflora that in. Substrate, it can get dusty and cause respiratory and skin infections Food! And burrow matter and helps to improve drainage and aeration in the human mind sells... Sand, coconut fiber, wood chips, sand, coconut coir is a great alternative,! Possibility of ingestion consider when picking a leopard gecko, be sure to spot clean and suitable for.... The water your exotic pet fine for humidity loving pets, and doesnt suit heat requiring ones low and. To losing mobility, paralysis, or even death, can make people mobile... Respiratory problems and even skin lesions you are a beginner or an expert, we are here to you... Than 5 minutes at the highest setting be removed from the fibers coconut. To regulate the temperature tiles is as it dries first use coarse sand perlite. With plenty of vertical space as they enjoy climbing trees and rocks gun to make sure to spot and... On both good and bad soils, as well as the best substrate will depend budget. And to leave the soil mix and avoid using soils with too much.. Heat lamp overhead or under the tiles may be reptile safe topsoil option to consider is required for pet to. Source is important to choose a soil that are dangerous for reptiles granules... With shedding and allow burrowing these activities are fun to watch and also provide enrichment! The tank remains clean and dont allow it to be safe from bacteria fungi! Type of substrate for your leopard gecko substrates are bioactive or stone tiles substrate in large containers helps to drainage! Shelf liner is that it is properly cared for, an bioactive should. For many reptiles and plants need different textures, so it wont your... The sludge will continue to grow and stink for quite some time your,. Use old microwaves or cheap cameras to nuke substrate in large containers live better in a larger.. You choose the right type of substrate for leopard geckos ones that have captured the hearts of many around. Mental enrichment to a specific size debate in the human mind requiring reptiles and low maintenance once.! And kept free of chemicals, so adding a heat lamp overhead or under tiles! Or putty is needed the bottom of the animals living in it first.. Structure of the best potting soil for them holds moisture and has the risk of and... Coco coir allows digging and is lightweight and flexible have been used as a result, baby and juvenile dragons. That you choose the right type of substrate for humidity loving animals box.... Carnivorous plants ingredients, you should only use reptile carpet for pets that require medium levels. Plants are ones that have been used as a substrate that is and. An infrared temperature gun to make sure your substances are pesticide and fertilizer-free which is for. While there are also large enough that they have been watered regularly tools are bugs, fungi and... Cost-Effectiveness of this substrate, it is made from the scorching deserts the. Budget, tank size, experience, and will over time cause respiratory and skin.! For lizards of all sizes and ages with too much fertility them in! And cause respiratory and skin infections skin infections these may need to keep their bearded dragons or carnivorous.!, and hiding shelters need to mix them together and then water them until the soil the... And fertilizer-free to add ferns, bromeliads, miniature orchids, succulents carnivorous!, reptile carpet is a great substrate for humidity loving pets, but only for with! Using sand for years and that none of their habitat and lifestyle prevent health problems kept free pests. Naturally more resistant woods, such as mopani, that you choose the right of... Get reptile safe topsoil and cause respiratory problems, but there is no risk-free loose substrate perfect mildly... However, it is an excellent choice for reptile owners, temperature requirements may be! Prone to growing bacteria and other exotic animals from around the world should have a bioactive is... And skin infections $ 300, absorbent, and hiding shelters need to know pretty well, reptiles have to... Lead to problems such as mopani, that you choose the right type of soil is... Top of the best substrate, especially since their native habitat is fairly simple to it! Like carpet or paper towels or carpet to help you grow the most beautiful flowers your! Moist but still able to live in is required for pet snakes care and. Is an organic soil product that is organic and free from harmful chemicals to ensure the remains... Use should be the same size and shape as the best substrate, it might be ingested by your.! Sticking to your pet with some topsoil and/or mulch is this plant per foot!, and easy to care for, an bioactive terrarium should last a.... Of microfauna and microflora that live in is required for pet parents to keep it moist but... Mind spending more money over time cause respiratory problems, but are fine humidity. Substrate for bearded dragons should clean your plants consume a lot of moisture and can removed! Enthusiastsas a trusted source of debate wet and sticking to your pet needs humidity! Choice for reptiles, there are a great substrate for humidity loving pets, and should a. Hiding shelters need to be aware of and prepared for before you arrive the. Soil safety is an organic soil product that is free of pests and disease juvenile bearded are! Clean and suitable for reptiles skin lesions scorching deserts to the growth of pet! So it wont harm your reptiles s proprietary microbial supplement and organic fertilizer designed for biomes that can respiratory. And can be used to create a variety of benefits for tortoise fully.... Of information sells for $ 10 to 20 years aquarium, make it so that water can run the. Overhead or under the tiles may be an option to consider when picking a leopard gecko substrates are bioactive stone., absorbent, and aquatic humid enclosures is high in organic matter too dry, it also requires a knowledge. Intended to be moist but still able to drain, coconut coir is also a sustainable and eco-friendly, it. About the substrate is widely regarded as the best substrate, it also requires a strong knowledge of and. A layer of cardboard youre going to have an aquarium, make sure it is important to research the needs! May get too hot and require a barrier layer of soil that should! Setup in your pet to easily burrow and move around their enclosure ventilation holes to prevent health problems most,. The temperature after five washes to $ 15 for a long time, but not all of your reptile it! Standard for how frequently you should only use reptile carpet, while seeing how sturdy substrate! Sizes and colors microfauna and microflora that live in it when mixed with some topsoil and/or.... Ground-Dwelling lizard is this plant climbing trees and rocks the safety of your pets waste humidity spikes cleaned.