what substate do you use?

[Kelly04426]

Well when we first started we were told to use repti bark. But with all of our cages it got pretty exspensive. We also noticed that we were getting lost of mites in the cages. So we stopped.

We now use pine shavings for our snakes. We buy it from the local agway buy the bundle ( and a bundle only costs $5)

I have been told not to use it because the snakes might have a reaction. But it has been years and they are all fine and well.

For the bearded Dragons we were buying sand from the pet store. I honestly could stand the smell of the sand. And it cost a fortune. And it was really dusty and I just hated using it. But the other day i found desert sand that was made of walnut shells AND I LOVE IT. looks just like sand, feels like sand and is less expensive. there is no dust and the beardies seem to like it.

In the crestie and water dragon cage we but the bricks of coconut bedding. You soak them in water and get a bucket and half full of substrate. LOve it. easy to do, easy to store. We also do use the repti bark but only as decoration.

So i guess these are all okay because all my reptiles are alive and well. But i have been told not to use walnut shells in the beardies tank.

Is what is recomemded what should be used what they really need? or do you believe it depends on the reptiles individually?

[BambooZoo]

Walnut shells are not good, sometimes they like to swallow them and it has been known to cause problems...the odds could be low but who knows. It is not the worst substrate.

Beardies ~ playsand about 5 bucks for a large bag. Or the carpet for reptiles if you want a cleaner enviro.

All of mine are on permanent living substrates that never have to be changed and therefore I spend no money on substrates anymore. B)

PS Kelly Welcome to the forum.

Pat

[Kelly04426]

I never thought about using carpet. Sounds like something i would be intested in. Would get rid of the dust and such. Thing is I have Large tanks and need 3-4 times more than most people lol. But i'm really going to thing about carpet. Thanks for the info and thanks for the welcome

[Tonkatruck]

Me, I am a safety girl, I use reptile carpet in both my Crested and Leo tanks...I just won't risk losing anyone to impaction.

[Kelly04426]

now if I was to get carpet is there a substitute for it or should i stay with "reptile carpet" ? I've seen it at the pet store, but no was near as big as I would need it.

[Tonkatruck]

I would have stayed on had I known you'd be back so fast...LOL...the only other substitute that I know of would be paper towel. I just rather have the real carpet myself. Paper towel can have it's own problems specially for a Crested Gecko. Paper towel does not look very good and would be a problem with the humidity, all soggy. I do place it under the carpet in my Cresteds home to help keep any bacterias from building up and it works very nice like that...I also let him dry out for a few hours each day so nothing can grow with the misting.

I would, if you want to try it...just buy the amount you need and add them together. Carpet is actually quite nice to work with and easy to clean.

[dee]

I think what she meant was is there a substitute for the the carpet type. And Yes there is. Reptile carptet is of the same type as our indoor-outdoor carpet. Is cheaper than reptile carpet that you buy at the pet stores! Just when you cut it to fit your cages make sure that all lose ends are dealt with. Don't want to take any chances of them injesting them.. B)

[Tonkatruck]

Yeah, the problem with in door out door carpet is it comes in a more thinker variety and the fibbers can have issues. But I can not really disagree with using it because I have not shopped or bought it. If you try it just be sure your fibbers are as close as you can get them to the reptile carpet.

You made me want to go check out in door out door carpet Dee...LOL...see if it would work or not because I do end up replacing them every 6 months or so...wonder if it would be a penny saver? We need some rocks for the fish maybe I will check it out, see if it compares as good in quality.

[dee]

That is all I use!!







Mine is wrapped around the shelving board and attached with springs on the underneath. Now if you would be using it for the bottom of an enclosure then again you need to make sure that no lose threads are available..

[Kelly04426]

Dee that is awesome. And thanks for the infor guys. much apprieciated !!!!