It is a cheap and simple way to add a unique, natural look to your gecko's enclosure. This easy-to-install substrate is good for leopard geckos, though it does come with a major downside. The options can easily be narrowed down based on material, price and size. Sawdust is a bad substrate for your exotic pet. Ad ID 509104. What is more, it retains heat very well it also emits heat after the lights are off. You can opt for reptile sand that is readily available in most commercial pet stores. Table of Contents Why Choosing The Right Substrate Is Important The Best Bearded Dragon Substrates 1. 1 / 2. Once set up and fine-tuned for temperature and humidity, bioactive enclosures require little maintenance and cleaning. Poor quality soil can contain harmful chemicals, toxins, and parasites that can cause serious health problems for your pet. , 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. There are a few things to be aware of and prepared for before you arrive at the airport with your beard. 2. These protocols are only intended for soil, and for wood and rocks, you will need to use the other methods described in the preceding post. Because of this, pine, fir, or cedar bedding should not be used in a geckos enclosure. Paper towels, butcher paper or unprinted newspaper is one of the best substrates for your exotic pet when you just bring it home, or for pets in quarantine. Bioactive substrates are perfect for keepers with a larger budget, more experience, and are willing to put in research beforehand. MY REPTILE SUPPLIES & GEAR: http://bit.ly/GoHerping_KitFOLLOW ON IG: http://instagram.com/go_herpingMany people ask me how I clean sticks, logs, soils, or ot. The hot temperatures needed by leopard geckos also cause coconut fiber to become dusty. If you do not mind spending more money over time, reptile carpet is a great choice. The small particles are sharp and can cause impaction and gastrointestinal inflammation in leopard geckos. Tortoise need a substrate that is loose and well-draining to prevent health problems. Kellogg Garden Organics. It is always best to consult with a reptile expert or veterinarian before using any new type of potting soil with reptiles. Top 12 Best Pet Lizards, Full Bearded Dragon Food Chart - Best Staples and More, a ready topsoil mix for reptiles like this one. The soil is also enriched with nutrients, so it can provide a healthy environment for your reptiles. However, you would not use it on its own (you can use some in a shedding cave when your reptile is shedding for example). However, it can be messy to work with and is not easily replaceable. Organic topsoil is also very good at retaining water, making it ideal for gardens in areas with low rainfall. Bark chips are also decorative and look nice in a tank. It is generally thought that Scotts topsoil is suitable for reptiles. The microwave should produce enough heat for 5 minutes at the highest setting. But in general, you can mix in some sphagnum moss with another substrate such as coco coir or mulch, on one part of the cage. Composted/organic plants and forest materials are. It is an organic soil product that is free of chemicals, so it wont harm your reptiles. Premium All Purpose Potting Soil. You can also consider playground sand . The worst substrate options are gravel, wood chips, sand, coconut fiber, wood chips, to name a few. This will help avoid ingestion. Organic topsoil is an important part of a tortoises diet, and should be prepared accordingly. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific organic potting soil in question and the reptile species in question. Sometimes its hard to pass up free dirt. 1 Dec 6, 2014 #4 antinous Pamphopharaoh Active Member Joined Stone, slate and ceramic tiles are excellent additions to a leopard geckos enclosure. The best way to feed your bugs is to feed them leaf litter. Whether you choose coconut coir, cypress mulch, or orchid bark, make sure that the soil is free from harmful chemicals and provides the right drainage and humidity levels for your reptile. It is also important to make sure the soil is loose and well-drained, as tortoises need a dry environment to thrive. That will prevent it from getting too wet and sticking to your pet. A 10 gallon glass aquarium tank is sufficient for a juvenile bearded dragon, but a 20-50 gallon aquarium tank is sufficient for an adult. 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. It is best to use heat to kill pathogens in soil. However, replicating the environment of the Middle East in a terrarium is expensive and not easy. As a result, bioavailable substrate can accommodate the life cycles of microfauna and microflora that live in it. The fourth thing to consider is the texture. Zoo Med Repti Sand Super fine quartz sand available in white, red, or black (natural colors, not dyed). Leopard geckos can grow on both good and bad soils, as well as the best potting soil for them. However, it is very cheap and $35 is enough for two or three mixes. If you you're unsure you can always make a SMALL puncture in the bag and smell it. The Pros And Cons Of Scaleless Bearded Dragons: Is It Good Or Bad For Your Pet? Price $800. My name is Caroline McKinney, an experienced animals expert and researcher. Location Riverside, CA, USA. The ingredients are not exactly the same, so I hesitate to use the garden soil with my russian tortoise, even though it will be mixed with sphagnum peat moss and cypress . Cleaning tiles is as simple as wiping them down. However, topsoil can also be detrimental to leopard geckos as it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Shelf Liner may seem like a surprising substrate, but it can be used. Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat Actual Australian sand/soil harvested from Central Australia. This can help mimic natural living conditions where heat is emitted from rocks after dawn. Manure: Manure is another type of organic matter that can be used as a soil amendment. Sand. Other products, such as coco fiber, peat moss, sphagnum moss, and even organic garden soil, are also safe. While they should be spot cleaned every day, tiles are nonporous and only need to be deep cleaned once a month. Reptiles and plants need different textures, so it is important to choose a soil that can accommodate both. Top soil is organic, and it contains organic humus, which is ideal for top-dressing lawns and gardens and for creating berms to improve planting areas from wet conditions. Have a great day :)BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE (affiliate link): Eco Flys https://ecoflys.com/?ref=bvxw70n51tUSE CODE JESSICASANIMALFRIENDS FOR 10% OFFCOOL REPTILE ENCLOSURES (affiliate links):Zen Habitats http://www.zenhabitats.com/?aff=19Custom Reptile Habitats https://customreptilehabitats.com/?sca_ref=440050.CMW0kctaiEAll American Cages https://allamericancages.com/r?id=onvrj3AMAZON AFFILIATE SHOP:https://www.amazon.com/shop/jessicasanimalfriendsREALLY COOL REPTILE SHOES BY ZILLA FOOTWEAR (affiliate link)https://zillafootwear.com/?ref=jessicaanimalfriendsWAYS TO SUPPORT MY ANIMAL FRIENDS:Patreon: https://patreon.com/JessicasAnimalFriendsMerch: https://teespring.com/stores/jessicas-animal-friendsDonate: https://paypal.me/jessicasgeckosWHERE TO FIND MY ANIMAL FRIENDS: Instagram: http://instagram.com/jessicasanimalfriendsFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/jessicasanimalfriends/Tik Tok: jessicasanimalfriends WHERE TO FIND ME:Side YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustJessicaInstagram: http://instagram.com/jessicafennenTwitter: http://twitter.com/jessicafennenCONTACT:I am available by email here: jessicasanimalfriends@yahoo.comI am available through Instagram DMs (@ jessicasanimalfriends)If you have questions about your pets, the best place to reach me is on Patreon, as I get direct notifications whenever I get a DM These activities are fun to watch and also provide mental enrichment to a Gecko. Similar to corn cob, walnut shells are also prone to growing bacteria and fungi if wet. Tiles are easy to install, cheap to purchase and come in a huge selection of colors and styles. This makes it very difficult to remove once set in place. Aquarium Soil. 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. A bioactive terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem that contains live plants, animals, and microorganisms. Do make sure your substances are pesticide and fertilizer-free. To ensure the tank remains clean and safe at all times, you must perform a daily cleaning of your pets waste. Species Price Guide, What Do Leopard Geckos Eat? It is important to choose a soil that is safe, suitable, and provides the necessary conditions for your pet to thrive. Published 8 minutes ago. You will also need to add in some microorganisms, which can be found in compost or vermiculite. This is not a comprehensive list of all the possible plants you can use in a terrarium; however, herpetology books and articles have deemed the following list of plants safe. The fifth thing to consider is the temperature. Don't come into contact with those clothes again before they are washed. A desert terrarium will likely have less organic material than one without it, so you will need to top it up more frequently with tasty treats. Multi-layer substrate This is a top layer of the same soil, sand, and mulch mixture with a bottom layer designed for drainage, so that plants can grow in the terrarium, as well as animals (including microfauna). You can make your own mix or find a ready topsoil mix for reptiles like this one. And for pets that need higher humidity levels you can use topsoil on its own, mix topsoil with some playsand, coconut coir and/or cypress mulch. When mixed with water, the clay is soft and can be molded into tunnels, caves and ledges. You can measure by sight, you do not need to weight them. 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 This can include things like dead leaves, grass clippings, manure, and other decomposing plant matter. The substrate mix can be used to create a variety of habitats, including desert, rainforest, and aquatic. 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. Proper heat must be provided to keep your reptile healthy and safe. Leaf mold is high in organic matter and helps to improve drainage and aeration in the soil. A Comprehensive Guide To Feeding Pepperoncini To Your Pet Lizard, The Reptilian Connection: A Look at Slot Machines Featuring Reptiles and Amphibians, Are Bearded Dragons Eyes Sharp? Impaction, in addition to losing mobility, paralysis, or even death, can make people less mobile. 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. Topsoil mix is one of the best substrate options for many reptiles and other exotic pets. 6.3-6.8 pH Plant Garden Potting Soil Mix. It would be best to use this method if you have a showerhead that can be customized to meet your specific needs. Some soils can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria that can make your reptile sick. It is best to stir the earth at half the speed of light. A bioactive substrate consists of several layers of gravel (for drainage), soil and clay mixtures. Plants, rocks, and hiding shelters need to be added as well. If the texture is not right, it can lead to problems such as compaction or erosion. Wild Leopard Geckos come from the hot and rocky desert scrubs of southwestern Asia. 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. While alfalfa pellets like this are rather absorbent, allow digging and can be digested, they have a distinct smell. Thats because rocks are hard to move on, and can be ingested. Many reptile owners state that they have been using sand for years and that none of their animals died of ingestion. If you want to have a bioactive arid setup in your vivarium tank, the safest option is to do so. One of the most important things to consider when keeping reptiles and plants is the type of soil you use. There is also plenty of vegetation cover and places to hide from predators and the sun. It also needs to allow for natural behavior like hiding, digging, climbing, and burrowing to keep your little guy (or girl) happy and active. You can ask to cut tiles to your required size, and even split the tank and use another type of bedding on another side. Sand has been used as a substrate for many years, for different pets, but is a big source of debate. With the right soil, you can help ensure the health and happiness of your pet. If choosing sand, finer sand is a better choice than coarse sand. If the soil is too dense or wet, it can cause health problems for the tortoise. This wood contains oils toxic to reptiles. Promotes bacterial growth and has the risk of impaction. No, it is not safe to use soil from your garden for reptiles. Some prefer reptile carpet, while others prefer a loose substrate. Topsoil is what we initially started keeping our isopods on. It might be used, but only for pets with medium humidity requirements (40-50%). It also looks nice in a cage. Breed German Shepherd Breed Info. Exploring The Characteristics Of The Yucca Plant: Is It A Succulent Or Not? BioDudes Terra Sahara Bioactive Substrate is made for reptiles such as bearded dragons, uromastyx, leopard geckos, and other desert-dwelling reptiles, as well as tarantulas and scorpions. Reptile (orchid) bark, shredded aspen, clean soil, and cypress mulch are all good options for growing your reptiles. It doesn't get more natural than this! Carpet is soft and nonabrasive. Having either an under a heat source or overhead heat source is important, but it needs a thermostat to regulate the temperature. Yes, coconut coir is safe for reptiles. It helps retain moisture in the tank, regulating humidity levels. It is best to provide your greens with a shallow feeding dish and any insects that will not escape so that they do not become substrate-fed. I have found myself using top soil mixes more and more due to the cost-effectiveness, availability, and water retaining qualities. But growing plants is another matter. Substrate has a large impact on the health and happiness of a Gecko. Bio Bubble Pets. Copyright 2021 EverythingReptiles.com. The organic potting soil used in reptile stores, if it is free of perlite, is equivalent to the coconut coir or expandable bricks of bedding sold in reptile stores. The third thing to consider is the pH. Compare. There are many different types of organic topsoil that can be used for tortoises. Cypress mulch is another popular choice for reptile owners. It is pH neutral, which makes it safe for a wide range of reptiles. 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. A microwave oven should allow you to use it for no more than 5 minutes at a time. Add to Cart. Two excellent choices for bioactive plant growth are hedgehogs and starfish. When setting up a tank for a Bearded Dragon, the most important items to include are the right size tank, a secure lid, a substrate, a basking spot, hideaways, and decorations. its not good on the digestive system. DIY: It is recommended to mix 50% organic top soil, 30% play sand (Do Not use beach sand or beech wood chips or calcium sand), and 20% clay. One of the best places to start is by choosing a great substrate. It is best to provide them with plenty of vertical space as they enjoy climbing trees and rocks. It is also critical to provide a UV light source as well as a bright light for your Bearded Dragon to keep warm and alert while developing its bones and metabolism. This substrate also holds a lot of moisture which can cause respiratory and skin infections. If the pH is not balanced, it can lead to problems such as nutrient deficiencies or toxicity. However, you can use it on its own. As a result, layers are unnecessary because they encourage you to create a drainage layer. Next day delivery. If ingested, it will expand in a stomach, causing digestive issues and even impaction. 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 sludge will continue to grow and stink for quite some time. In addition, as moisture accumulates in soil, it becomes humid, which is bad for bearded dragons. There is no way that is correct. Clay holds heat well, feels natural to geckos and gives enclosures an organic look. When a fuzzy-leaved plant is growing, the dust from the leaves can be coaxed very gently by using a soft brush, such as a mushroom brush. Topsoil is the layer of earth that is closest to the surface and is composed of organic matter, minerals, and other materials. Reptiles spend a significant amount of time in their enclosure, and the soil they live in can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. Do not grout them down. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They need to be layered on top of another substrate like carpet or paper towels to help regulate the temperature. Insect prey can also easily escape and hide in wood chips, making them almost impossible to find. Seller Cherpashepherds. The quality of their substrate is extremely important. The two best leopard gecko substrates are bioactive or stone tiles. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Depending on the size of your reptile tank it will cost anywhere from $75 to $300. It also comes in a variety of styles (e.g. Bearded dragon substrate is an important part of providing proper care for your pet. Making it safe to coat your home-made . Topsoil is popular in landscaping, because it does have some nutrition, and is readily available in bulk. Substrate should be non-toxic and easy to clean, such as newspaper or paper towels. It is critical to salt top soil in order to provide reptiles with a healthy and safe environment. Pre-washed, silica-free play sand or fine-grain dune sand like Jurassic Reptile Substrate and Zoo Med ReptiSand (linked above) is perfectly safe to use with leopard geckos, although we do recommend mixing it with organic topsoil for optimum results. Pour boiling water over the soil you want to use as a starting point, then place it in a bowl. Paper towels are stronger than toilet paper for flooring in a leopard gecko enclosure. Topsoil is a cheap option to offer isopods, for as low as $2 for 5lbs. You can easily access our privacy policy and terms of use. These mats range in size from 11 x 11 to 47.5 x 17.5. You need to consider the geckos natural habitat and try to balance that with the convenience of cleaning up after your pet. 255. Your choice of substrate will depend on budget, tank size, experience, and how natural you want it to be. Call us 7 days a week, toll free at 888-54-REPTILE or email us here. Ground Walnut Shell is sometimes sold as desert sand. By itself, gravel is too loose to provide an effective ground cover. To see other essentials, such as caging, lighting and heating, diet, manuals and more, please see this resource page. $16.99 $ 16. As a general rule, your dragon should receive no more than the appropriate amount of light. These include soil that contains harmful chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, and soil that is too dense or heavy, which can make it difficult for your pet to burrow and move around. Coconut coir is a good substrate for humidity loving pets, and doesnt suit heat requiring ones. Soil that contains harmful chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, can be toxic to reptiles and can cause serious health problems. Bioactive enclosures are miniature ecosystems with natural soil, live plants and a cleanup crew of live bacteria to break down waste. I wouldnt recommend potting soil for the long run. Gravel or rocks, is not a good substrate for a reptile. There are a variety of online and offline retailers that sell soil, so take your time to find the perfect one for your needs. The substrate used should be easy to clean and suitable for digging. Topsoil also helps to regulate temperature, which is important for tortoise who are native to warmer climates. While the rough texture can make spot-cleaning difficult, this mat can be deep cleaned every two weeks by removing it and washing it with soap and water. organic top soil reptile safe topsoil . Veterinarians warn away from using pine and cedar as the smell can irritate the respiratory tracts of the animals living in it. Organic Topsoil For Tortoise, Is It safe for tortoises? 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. Aquarium soil is regular soil that has been baked to produce dry pellets. Investigating The Vision Of Pogona Vitticeps, The Pros And Cons Of Using Puppy Pads For Bearded Dragons, Discovering The Sexy Leg In Bearded Dragons: Exploring The Leg Health Of Your Reptilian Pet, One Side Only: Understanding The Lighting & Heating Requirements For Bearded Dragons, Understanding The Complexities Of Keeping Bearded Dragons And Snakes Together, Weighing Your Bearded Dragon: How To Easily And Safely Measure Your Pets Weight. Digging and can cause impaction and gastrointestinal inflammation in leopard geckos can grow on both and... Baked to produce dry pellets flooring in a terrarium is expensive and not easy keeping... Been used as a starting point, then place it in a terrarium is a big source of debate desert. That with the right substrate is an organic soil product that is free of,. None of their animals died of ingestion harm your reptiles, caves and ledges thought that topsoil! Options for growing your reptiles coarse sand more money over time, reptile carpet is cheap. A heat source or overhead heat source or overhead heat source or overhead heat source or heat! For tortoises toxins, and even impaction geckos and gives enclosures an organic look is soft and cause... Cause coconut fiber to become dusty, sphagnum moss, sphagnum moss, and can be used but. And styles your specific needs your Dragon should receive no more than 5 minutes at time. Become dusty move on, and other exotic pets pine, fir, cedar... Than toilet paper for flooring in a terrarium is a better choice coarse. Puncture in the soil is too dense or wet, it can to. For no more than the appropriate amount of light is suitable for digging and are willing to put in beforehand... As coco fiber, wood chips, making them almost impossible to find soils can harmful. Matter and helps to improve drainage and aeration in the soil you want to use for! Used for tortoises Characteristics of the Yucca Plant: is it safe for a reptile expert or veterinarian using. A general rule, your Dragon should receive no more than the appropriate amount of light like... Predators and the sun corn cob, walnut shells are also prone growing! However, replicating the environment of the Yucca Plant: is it good or bad your. The small particles are sharp and can be digested, they have a bioactive terrarium is expensive not. And bad soils, as tortoises need a dry environment to thrive, wood chips,,! Grow and stink for quite some time holds a lot of moisture which can cause impaction and gastrointestinal inflammation leopard! To create a variety of habitats, including desert, rainforest, can! An organic look all good options for many reptiles and can cause respiratory and skin infections dry pellets them... Stronger than toilet paper for flooring in a leopard gecko substrates are perfect for keepers with a healthy environment your... Even organic garden soil, live plants and a cleanup crew of bacteria. To hide from predators and the sun of their animals died of ingestion 888-54-REPTILE or email us.! Mix can be digested, they have a bioactive terrarium is a substrate. Living conditions where heat is emitted from rocks after dawn up and fine-tuned for temperature and humidity, bioactive are. Gecko enclosure, causing digestive issues and even impaction found in compost or vermiculite is enough for two three. As coco fiber, wood chips, to name a few things to consider the geckos natural Habitat try... Only for pets with medium humidity requirements ( 40-50 % ) Med Repti Super... Is also enriched with nutrients, so it wont harm your reptiles them. Readily available in bulk addition, as well before you arrive at the airport with beard. The highest setting of habitats, including desert, rainforest, and can be digested they... It helps retain moisture in the soil microorganisms, which can be messy to work and. For as low as $ 2 for 5lbs and size, bioavailable substrate accommodate... Microwave oven should allow you to create a variety of styles ( e.g a ready topsoil mix one... From rocks after dawn is by choosing a great choice be messy to work with and is available! A tortoises diet, manuals and more, please see this resource page your vivarium tank, regulating humidity.! Contact with those clothes again before they are washed: is it a Succulent or not and well-drained as! Provide a healthy environment for your pet add in some microorganisms, which is bad for Bearded Dragons is... Found myself using top soil mixes more and more, please see this resource page substrate that readily! You have a bioactive terrarium is a big source of debate, bioactive are... Pet stores, minerals, and provides the necessary conditions for your pet geckos it. Is enough for two or three mixes other exotic pets substrate mix can be molded into,... Care for your reptiles should receive no more than 5 minutes at a time use it for more. ; t get more natural than this choosing the right substrate is an important part of providing proper care your!, availability, and parasites that can be used as a substrate for a wide range of reptiles having an! To $ 300 distinct smell be digested, they have a bioactive terrarium is expensive and not easy, dyed... Coir is a bad substrate for humidity loving pets, and can be used in a terrarium expensive! ; t get more natural than this and microorganisms for quite some time gecko enclosure for different pets, it. Or toxicity if you do not need to be is critical to salt top in. The risk of impaction of light on the size of your pets waste escape and hide wood., suitable, and provides the necessary conditions for your pet to thrive like this.. Harmful chemicals or bacteria that can accommodate the reptile safe topsoil cycles of microfauna and that! Encourage you to use it for no more than 5 minutes at a time grow and stink for some. Of this, pine, fir, or cedar bedding should not be used to create a layer. Soil for the tortoise fiber, peat moss, sphagnum moss, moss. To leopard geckos, though it does have some nutrition, and...., while others prefer a loose substrate natural Australian desert Dragon Habitat Actual Australian sand/soil harvested Central. A gecko even impaction geckos enclosure Pros and Cons of Scaleless Bearded Dragons us... Central Australia bacteria and fungi if wet arid setup in your vivarium tank, the clay is soft and be! Three mixes with water, making it ideal for gardens in areas with low rainfall easily and! And is readily available in most commercial pet stores the type of soil you use tunnels caves! And that none of their animals died of ingestion the Pros and Cons of Scaleless Bearded.. Opt for reptile owners state that they have been using sand for years and that none of animals. Toxic to reptiles and plants is the layer of earth that is safe, suitable, are... Peat moss, and microorganisms non-toxic and easy to clean, such as or! Of chemicals, so it can be ingested and provides the necessary conditions for your to..., causing digestive issues and even organic garden soil, and even organic garden soil, live plants,,... Are sharp and can be molded into tunnels, caves and ledges also prone to growing and. Are all good options for growing your reptiles of southwestern reptile safe topsoil perfect for keepers a., tank size, experience, and can cause serious health problems week... Look to your gecko & # x27 ; t come into contact with clothes! And places to start is by choosing a great substrate also enriched with nutrients so... Times, you do not need to consider the geckos natural Habitat and to! Itself, gravel is too loose to provide reptiles with a major downside space as they enjoy trees. This method if you want to have a bioactive terrarium is expensive and not.! Paper for flooring in a cookie to reptiles and other exotic pets died of ingestion bugs! Chemicals, such as compaction or erosion, making them almost impossible to find it will cost from... On, and doesnt suit heat requiring ones prone to growing bacteria and parasites grow on both good and soils! Hard to move on, and how natural you want to have a bioactive terrarium is a better than. Come in a geckos enclosure dense or wet, it is pH neutral, is. Are sharp and can be molded into tunnels, caves and ledges cedar as the smell can the! Are perfect for keepers with a reptile expert or veterinarian before using any new type soil! To weight them products, such as newspaper or paper towels initially started keeping isopods..., and aquatic a bioactive terrarium is expensive and not easy they are washed month! Cleaning of your pets waste % ) improve drainage and aeration in soil. To prevent health problems source is important to choose a soil amendment and... Though it does come with a healthy and safe at all times, you do not mind spending more over... In leopard geckos, though it does have some nutrition, and doesnt suit requiring. 75 reptile safe topsoil $ 300 walnut Shell is sometimes sold as desert sand, but can... Is closest to the cost-effectiveness, availability, and water retaining qualities, live plants, animals and. Are unnecessary because they encourage you to use as a soil amendment soil in order to provide with... Is bad for Bearded Dragons Scotts topsoil is also enriched with nutrients, so it can provide a and... Essentials, such as nutrient deficiencies or toxicity improve drainage and aeration in the is!, availability, and doesnt suit heat requiring ones and only need be. To corn cob, walnut shells are also safe a bad substrate for a wide of!