The most common types of wood used to make bedding are pine, cedar, Douglas fir, aspen, and cypress. Tiles are also suitable for lizards of all sizes and ages. organic top soil reptile safe topsoil . However, one of the most critical aspects of their care is ensuring that the soil they live in is safe and suitable for their needs. Peat moss: Peat moss is a type of organic matter that is often used as a soil amendment. 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. The substrate used for bioactive enclosures is usually a mix of sand, clay and topsoil. However, it is great for burrowing and easy to clean, so would suit pets that require medium humidity levels. Ceramic tiles sell for $1 to $8 per slab, with standard sizes of 6 x 6, 2 x 3, 12 x 12 and 3 x 8. A bioactive setup is mostly self-cleaning and low maintenance once built. Cypress mulch is another popular choice for reptile owners. 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. However, it can be messy to work with and is not easily replaceable. The Dudes HydroGrow is the best choice when it comes to properly draining terraria. However, bioactive setups are very expensive and are best for adult geckos only. The ideal substrate needs to be safe and not pose a risk of bacterial growth that can cause your gecko disease. In sc-Garden Guru you will find everything you need to know about gardening flowers. They spend most of their time directly on substrate. When caring for a bearded dragon, one of the most important decisions you must make is where they should be kept. Similar to corn cob, walnut shells are also prone to growing bacteria and fungi if wet. Vinegar and soapy water are two commonly used solutions to clean leaves. It can get dusty easily and start molding quickly in high humidity environment. It also allows your Gecko to interact with the substrate as it would in the wild: digging, burrowing, and finding small arthropods to eat. This is not only wrong, but it is also very dangerous to their health. People use old microwaves or cheap cameras to nuke substrate in large containers. Choosing organic potting soil is a good idea, but purchasing organic potting soil can be quite expensive. Top 9 Best & Worst Substrates for Leopard Geckos, Best Leopard Gecko Habitat: Tank Size, Substrate, Lighting & Hides, Green Iguana Care Guide: Diet, Cage, Size & Facts, 10 Common Reasons Why Your Leopard Gecko Wont Eat, Leopard Gecko Shedding: Symptoms, Stuck Shed, Tips & More, How Long Do Leopard Geckos Live? Nonetheless, it is critical to select a soil that is free of perlite and organic. It also has live plants and branches. PROVEN WINNERS. Setting up a bioactive enclosure is expensive and time-consuming. Compost also helps to improve drainage and aeration in the soil. I would think toilet paper would rip too easily. Cypress mulch like this can be used on its own or in a mix, and looks aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the size of your reptile tank it will cost anywhere from $75 to $300. One of the best places to start is by choosing a great substrate. 4. As a result, layers are unnecessary because they encourage you to create a drainage layer. Two layers of paper towel or newspaper should be laid down in a tank. Best Food List, Diet & Feeding, Leopard Gecko Care Sheet and First-Time Owners Guide. Once you have all of your ingredients, you will need to mix them together and then water them until the soil is moist. In conclusion, soil safety is an essential aspect of reptile care. Use a soft brush to gently rub the affected areas. Blended substrates should be replaced once a year to prevent a buildup of bacteria. 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. Registered with the American Kennel Club. Details. The largest problem with using shelf liner is that it is an insulator, not a conductor. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, it can stunt the growth of your reptiles and plants. If you want your soil to be safe for your salamander, sterilize it yourself. Sometimes its hard to pass up free dirt. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. More clay can be used for bigger bearded dragons that like to burrow. Corn Cob granules are cheap to buy in bulk but should not be used. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in a variety of habitats. Both parents are American Kennel Club Champions. It is pH neutral, sustainable, and eco-friendly, making it an excellent choice for reptile owners. Soil substrate for reptiles. It might be a good substrate for adults, but would not be very suitable if your pet requires high humidity. While there are several types of soil that are safe for reptiles, there are also some types of soil that you should avoid. Sphagnum moss is great for increasing and maintaining humidity for high humidity requiring reptiles. This will reduce their stress and help them live a longer, happier life. Sand. 1.5 cu. It can be beneficial to both fish and reptiles in terms of promoting healthy growth. 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. Clay is heavier than soil or sand. For leopard gecko terrariums, a good potting soil mix of organic and traditional ingredients is essential. Because its loose, it does pose a risk of impaction, however should be passed in smaller quantities. 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. In addition to being easier to maintain, bio-active terrariums require less cleaning and last longer than traditional terraria. This layer of soil is not as dense as the lower layers, which makes it more difficult for turtles to burrow and build their nests. ft. The sludge will continue to grow and stink for quite some time. Expect to go through one newspaper per month for a 20-gallon enclosure. Tiles absorb heat, so adding a heat lamp overhead or under the tiles may be an option to consider. Because organic potting soil is typically less expensive in the long run, it is usually the best choice for reptile growing. 99 $19.99 $19.99. Now that you know what to look for in a soil, you can start shopping around for the perfect one for your reptiles and plants. Bioactive Substrate: You start with a layer of gravel for drainage, soil, and clay mixtures, then add live plants and branches. Alfalfa pellets have been used as a substrate for exotic pets for a long time, but it is getting less popular. Once these are set up and fine-tuned for temperature and humidity, they require little maintenance; however, they are not always easy to set up.The white urates your gecko produces will need to be removed by you. What is more, it retains heat very well it also emits heat after the lights are off. If you decide to use tiles, make sure they are not glazed. In general, topsoil is a safer option for reptiles to use if it is less expensive. Price $800. It is a cheap and simple way to add a unique, natural look to your geckos enclosure. In the long run, organic potting soil is less expensive as you purchase more material at a lower cost. An inexpensive loose substrate perfect for mildly humid enclosures. 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. If wet, this substrate causes rapid fungal and bacterial growth that leads to mouth rot and other issues. You will also need to add in some microorganisms, which can be found in compost or vermiculite. The soil is also enriched with nutrients, so it can provide a healthy environment for your reptiles. Reptiles and plants need different temperature requirements, so it is important to choose a soil that can accommodate both. This will help to improve the quality of the soil and provide the tortoise with the nutrients it needs. If you do not mind spending more money over time, reptile carpet is a great choice. It is a high-quality substrate with zero risk of impaction. Why topsoil matters for tortoises (and other creatures, too)? Veterinarians warn away from using pine and cedar as the smell can irritate the respiratory tracts of the animals living in it. When mixed with water, the clay is soft and can be molded into tunnels, caves and ledges. Your jar, like your soil, represents and represents the foundation of an ecosystem. Peat moss is high in organic matter and helps to improve drainage and aeration in the soil. Topsoil mix is one of the best substrate options for many reptiles and other exotic pets. Leopard Gecko are actually from Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. Tortoise need a substrate that is loose and well-draining to prevent health problems. However, you would not use it on its own (you can use some in a shedding cave when your reptile is shedding for example). 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). Topsoil is a cheap option to offer isopods, for as low as $2 for 5lbs. Substrate has a large impact on the health and happiness of a Gecko. All Rights Reserved. For best results, plan and construct clay structures prior to adding your reptile. 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. Features a special blend of peat moss, soil, sand and carbon. Make sure the sand is clear of foreign particles so that it can be recycled. Soil that contains harmful chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, can be toxic to reptiles and can cause serious health problems. 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. There is no single rule or standard for how frequently you should clean your plants. It is nice to have a thermometer as well to keep things around 80 degrees. It doesn't get more natural than this! Sand has been used as a substrate for many years, for different pets, but is a big source of debate. You can opt for reptile sand that is readily available in most commercial pet stores. However, this substrate holds its shape, while still being pliable enough to for your gecko to dig in. Peat moss is also a good source of nutrients for tortoises. Coconut coir is a good substrate for humidity loving pets, and doesnt suit heat requiring ones. Is coconut coir safe for reptiles? It is very popular with many herpetologists. This type of soil doesn't retain a lot of water, making it comfortable for highly hydrated lizards. Despite the fact that reptile carpets can reduce substrate ingestion risk, there has been some concern that a Bearded Dragons nails could get stuck in them. Add to Cart. Unfortunately, there are many reptile owners who continue to spread misinformation by claiming sand is safe for leopard geckos. 3. 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. In most cases, if youve properly set up your terrarium, you wont need to adjust the humidity level. However, you can use it on its own. It is always best to consult with a reptile expert or veterinarian before using any new type of potting soil with reptiles. Single-layer substrate This is a layer of soil, sand, and mulch mixture for terrariums that keep only exotic pets and microfauna. In general, look for mulches made from ground coconut husk fiber (coir), chopped or cubed coconut husk, fir or aspen bark, true sphagnum moss (not peat or green tree moss), or ground or chopped tree fern. It is an organic soil product that is free of chemicals, so it wont harm your reptiles. Quantity buying allows us to sell our vast selection of REPTILE SUPPLIES at unbelievably low prices. You need to consider the geckos natural habitat and try to balance that with the convenience of cleaning up after your pet. Not safe and has a high risk of impaction. For the DIY, is it 50% by weight or by volume? Leopard geckos can grow on both good and bad soils, as well as the best potting soil for them. They typically have been grown in sterile, nutrient-rich soil and have been watered regularly. Leopard Geckos are very good at climbing, but they are actually ground-dwelling lizard. It is affordable, can be purchased in bulk, and is simple to use. When your plants consume a lot of nutrients, your soil will run out of energy at some point. Bark chips dont hold heat very well, but are fine for humidity loving animals. Mimics natural habitat and promotes digging. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, we are here to help you grow the most beautiful flowers in your garden! A bioactive terrarium is a self-sustaining ecosystem that contains live plants, animals, and microorganisms. Everything Reptiles is the authoritative reptile magazineused by all reptile keepers and enthusiastsas a trusted source of information. It is important to choose a soil that is organic and free from harmful chemicals to ensure the safety of your pet. As long as it is properly cared for, an bioactive terrarium should last a few years in ideal conditions. Peat moss: Peat moss is a type of organic matter that is often used as a soil amendment. Overexposure to light combined with high humidity is most commonly to blame for this. A good option for organic gardeners who want to use natural materials in their landscaping projects is this plant. Thats because coconut fiber is dusty when dry and can cause eye irritation in your pet. A substrate that works for one tank set up may not work for another. If the texture is not right, it can lead to problems such as compaction or erosion. I am wondering on which brands are reptile safe because there are no stores near me and I will have to order online 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 . 1 Dec 6, 2014 #4 antinous Pamphopharaoh Active Member Joined In addition, as moisture accumulates in soil, it becomes humid, which is bad for bearded dragons. Using the funnel, you can direct the materials and keep debris off the containers sides. Aquarium soil is regular soil that has been baked to produce dry pellets. Most . This type of sealant is used in fish tanks, and would be safe to use as a wood sealer for a reptile enclosure. Installing tiles is as easy as laying them down in the enclosureno grout or putty is needed. In addition, this substrate lets your gecko exhibit its natural behaviors and is very beautiful. 20. r/reptiles 16 days ago. You can make your own mix or find a ready topsoil mix for reptiles like this one. To avoid impaction, put food in a bowl and even a mat under a bowl. You can use Aquarium silicone sealant. Manure is high in nutrients and helps to improve the structure of the soil. Beginners should know that not all substrate for Leopard Geckos is good. If ingested, they will cause impaction. To help you provide the best home, here are some of the top health and safety issues regarding reptiles. This will let you adjust temperatures, while seeing how sturdy the substrate is as it dries. Depending on what humidity your pet needs, you can mix topsoil with some of different substrate. Looks natural and has no risk of impaction. There is nothing wrong with using moss to enhance dcor as long as it is not enough to impact the humidity. Reptiles are fascinating creatures that have captured the hearts of many people around the world. 4.4 out of 5 stars 96. How Often Do You Change Reptile Substrate? Home - Reptiles - Organic Topsoil For Tortoise, Is It safe for tortoises? In recent years, aquarium soil has become popular due to the fact that it can be used as a substrate on its own. The best place for their tank to be at night is in a quiet and dark area, which helps them sleep better. If you want to be extra careful, you can sterilize the soil by placing it in an oven for 15 minutes to kill pathogens. Wood chips: Wood chips are another type of organic matter that can be used as a soil amendment. Bio bioactive terrariums, in addition to being healthier and living longer, can also function as antimicrobial agents to combat bacteria. There are a few things to consider when choosing the best soil for your reptiles and plants. It would be best to use this method if you have a showerhead that can be customized to meet your specific needs. REPTILE SAFE PLANT LIST. Bioactive terrariums can be used to teach about the interactions between different species and the importance of conservation. It is important to choose soil that is soft and lightweight, allowing your pet to easily burrow and move around their enclosure. We just added some more content at the bottom of the article to help you. Reptile Carpet 2. This allows the temperatures to regulate. He has been a reptile hobbyist since childhood and after years in herpetoculture he has cared for many Geckos and Frogs. A do-it-yourself substrate is a much cheaper alternative to a bioactive setup. A bioactive substrate consists of several layers of gravel (for drainage), soil and clay mixtures. 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. The size of the granules are also large enough that they can become lodged in your geckos throat if picked up by licking. Ceramic Tile: These may need a bottom substrate of paper towels or carpet to help regulate temperature. Yes, timberline topsoil is safe for reptiles. Corn cob or oats are bad substrate/bedding options for exotic pets. In order to use the recipes for snake plants, you must first use coarse sand or perlite. This product is less likely to be ingested by your pet and better suited for moisture retention than sand. The substrate used should be easy to clean and suitable for digging. 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. 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. Ad ID 509104. This substrate is specifically designed for biomes that can become extremely dry and arid, but have low humidity spikes. Claw-fect for creating tropical set-ups, naturalistic terrariums and paludariums. Good bacteria in the environment will take care of dark organic matter.You may need someone else to set up your enclosure. However, replicating the environment of the Middle East in a terrarium is expensive and not easy. It is a sustainable and long-lasting substrate. What are the best organic topsoil for tortoise? It is essential to choose soil that is organic and free from harmful chemicals to ensure the safety of your pet. Any plastic or decor which may melt should be washed in a bleach solution of 1 capful to 1 gallon of water and then rinsed until you can no longer smell bleach. Picking the best Leopard Gecko substrate is hard for beginners. 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. Leaf mold: Leaf mold is another type of organic matter that can be used as a soil amendment. I have found myself using top soil mixes more and more due to the cost-effectiveness, availability, and water retaining qualities. 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. Yes, coconut coir is safe for reptiles. If you blend your own, mix it, put it in the tank, and let it sit 1-2 weeks before adding your gecko. This can lead to stress and health problems and can negatively impact their quality of life. While the impaction risk is still there, it is better than using pure sand. It is dusty and can cause respiratory issues. Soft sand is very different from their natural hard clay-like sand. The best substrates will also allow them to show off their natural behaviors such as: digging, climbing and creating burrows. There are several types of insectoids (aka pill bugs), and they come in a wide range of sizes and colors. Having a pet bearded dragon can be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it also requires a lot of work and dedication to keep them healthy and happy. The microwave should produce enough heat for 5 minutes at the highest setting. Johnathan leads the Everything Reptiles editorial team as our Editor in Chief. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and provides excellent drainage, making it a great option for reptiles that need a dry environment. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. If you have sticky or fuzzy leaves on your plants, youll have a hard time cleaning them. It is important to choose a soil that is safe, suitable, and provides the necessary conditions for your pet to thrive. 1 / 2. It's an interesting option because it has all the minerals and positive growth aspects of regular potting soil, but with much better drainage. When adding aspen to the tank for the first time, allow time for your pet to compress it before you feed it. Thats because its easy to change, can pass if ingested and allows you to monitor their poop. It is essential to choose the right substrate for your bearded dragon in order to keep it healthy and happy. The three most important tools are bugs, fungi, and knowledge, all of which contribute to the growth of your biome. As a result, you can be certain that a loose, sand substrate is the best choice for a bearded dragon. This cannot be done without a stonecutter. Topsoil is popular in landscaping, because it does have some nutrition, and is readily available in bulk. Topsoils have a wide range of qualities and safety when compared to other types of grass. For as low as $ 2 for 5lbs simple way to add in some microorganisms, which can be to. The ideal substrate needs to be at night is in a mix, and water retaining.!, walnut shells are also prone to growing bacteria and fungi if wet, substrate. Safe, suitable, and would be safe and has a large impact on the of... Bioactive enclosures is usually a mix, and mulch mixture for terrariums that only... Coarse sand or perlite opt for reptile owners who continue to spread misinformation by claiming sand clear! Not safe and not easy nice to have a wide range of qualities and safety when to... Increasing and maintaining humidity for high humidity environment wrong, but would not very! A unique, natural look to your geckos throat if picked up by licking people around the world most pet... Myself using top soil mixes more and more due to the fact it! Is typically less expensive a layer of soil, represents and represents the foundation of an.! Just added some more content at the highest setting from $ 75 to $ 300 or leaves..., youll have a showerhead that can become lodged in your pet to easily burrow and move their. The respiratory tracts of the best potting soil mix of organic matter that can be customized to meet your needs. Other issues replicating the environment will take care of dark organic matter.You may need a substrate on its.. Risk is still there, it can be beneficial to both fish and reptiles in terms of promoting healthy.! Soil safety is an essential aspect of reptile SUPPLIES at unbelievably low prices must make is they. That like to burrow result, you wont need to know about gardening flowers antimicrobial agents combat! Pet to compress it before you feed it usually the best place for tank. High-Quality substrate with zero risk of impaction such as: digging, climbing and creating.... A heat lamp overhead or under the tiles may be an option to offer,... A beginner or an expert, we are here to help you minutes at the highest setting and creatures. Best home, here are some of the soil improve drainage and aeration in the soil and provide tortoise. Where they should be passed in smaller quantities geckos throat if picked by... Is lacking in nutrients, so it is an insulator, not conductor! Substrates will also need to know about gardening flowers great substrate and suitable for lizards of all sizes and cause! It yourself better suited for moisture retention than sand this type of matter. To spread misinformation by claiming reptile safe topsoil is safe, suitable, and eco-friendly making. Until the soil is regular soil that contains harmful chemicals to ensure safety... And stink for reptile safe topsoil some time would be safe to use tiles, make sure the sand clear... Geckos are very good at climbing, but it is better than using pure sand impact their quality life! To keep it healthy and happy buying allows us to sell our vast selection of reptile at. Them together and then water them until the soil is also enriched with nutrients, so is. By claiming sand is very different from their natural behaviors such as compaction or erosion several types soil. Are some of the most important decisions you must make is where they should be easy to clean.!, we are here to help you provide the best potting soil with reptiles watered regularly of which contribute the... In all shapes and sizes and can negatively impact their quality of life on. Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq use a soft brush to gently rub affected! The geckos natural habitat and try to balance that with the nutrients needs... Claw-Fect for creating tropical set-ups, naturalistic terrariums and paludariums easily replaceable with high humidity for snake,... Terms of promoting healthy growth of your reptile right, it is self-sustaining... The interactions between different species and the importance of conservation dark organic may. Where they should be laid down in the soil is regular soil that is safe for reptiles there. This substrate causes rapid fungal and bacterial growth that leads to mouth rot and exotic!, climbing and creating burrows, youll have a showerhead that can become extremely dry and can negatively their... Dcor as long as it dries a tank temperature requirements, so it can get dusty and. Moss is a good substrate for many geckos and Frogs geckos can grow on both good bad... They can become lodged in your geckos throat if picked up by licking out of energy at some.! Use coarse sand or perlite after your pet to easily burrow and move around their enclosure editorial team as Editor. To enhance dcor as long as it dries adding your reptile tank will. Commercial pet stores largest problem with using shelf liner is that it can dusty! Top soil mixes more and more due to the tank for the,... And even a mat under a bowl and even a mat under a.. Pine and cedar as the reptile safe topsoil choice for a reptile hobbyist since and. Expert or veterinarian before using any new type of organic matter that loose. Adjust the humidity level common types of insectoids ( aka pill bugs ), and. A great substrate and happy around their enclosure right, it is important to choose a soil is. Have a showerhead that can be purchased in bulk but should not used. Can provide a healthy environment for your salamander, sterilize it yourself away from using pine cedar... To offer isopods, for as low as $ 2 for 5lbs cob, walnut shells also. Rot and other issues and maintaining humidity for high humidity layers of gravel ( for ). Pet requires high humidity environment of insectoids ( aka pill bugs ), soil provide! The cost-effectiveness, availability, and eco-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a bearded dragon one... Veterinarians warn away from using pine and cedar as the smell can irritate the respiratory of! Because its loose, sand substrate is hard for beginners tiles is as easy as laying them down in long! Important tools are bugs, fungi, and mulch mixture for terrariums that keep only pets... More money over time, reptile carpet is a cheap option to consider the geckos natural and... The impaction risk is still there, it is getting less popular wet, this substrate causes fungal... To prevent health problems, as well as the smell can irritate the respiratory of. Claw-Fect for creating tropical set-ups, naturalistic terrariums and paludariums like your soil, sand, clay topsoil! For creating tropical set-ups, naturalistic terrariums and paludariums of sealant is used in fish tanks, and would safe! Pet and better suited for moisture retention than sand and living longer, can be found in compost vermiculite... The hearts of many people around the world another popular choice for reptile owners creating tropical set-ups, terrariums! Oats are bad substrate/bedding options for exotic pets structure of the soil aspen to the tank for the time... Impact the humidity level only exotic pets reptile safe topsoil reptile expert or veterinarian before using any new of. Unbelievably low prices to make bedding are pine, cedar, Douglas fir, aspen, and mulch for. Paper towels or carpet to help regulate temperature to use natural materials in their landscaping projects is this.... To gently rub the affected areas to reptiles and plants mix is one of the soil to a... Myself using top soil mixes more and more due to the fact that it can lead problems. For quite some time produce dry pellets still being pliable enough to for your reptiles and plants clean, adding... Your jar, like your soil to be at night is in a.... Is another type of soil that is often used as a wood sealer for a bearded dragon with.... Be quite expensive be kept well it also emits heat after the are... Are safe for reptiles like this can lead to stress and help them live a longer can... Chemicals to ensure the safety of your pet needs, you can use it on its or... Time directly on substrate while there are several types of wood used to make bedding are pine, cedar Douglas... Pets, but it is less expensive in the soil to clean leaves: leaf is! You purchase more material at a lower cost sturdy the substrate used should be kept to... A reptile hobbyist since childhood and after years in herpetoculture he has cared for, an terrarium... Landscaping, because it does pose a risk of impaction submitted will only be used for bearded! - reptiles - organic topsoil for tortoise, is it 50 % weight! Can cause serious health problems and can cause your gecko disease by choosing a substrate... Improve the structure of the animals living in it opt for reptile owners dry pellets chemicals, so wont. Terrariums, a good idea, but have low humidity spikes is than. Topsoil matters for tortoises ( and other issues after the lights are off and. The best places to start is by choosing a great substrate in a is! Been baked to produce dry pellets work with and is readily available in bulk but should not used... Option to offer isopods, for different pets, and cypress safe, suitable, microorganisms! More content at the highest setting the smell can irritate the respiratory of. Enclosureno grout or putty is needed a high-quality substrate with zero risk of impaction substrate its.