How to choose reptile substrates
The most prominent feature of scorching, arid deserts, as we all know apart from the sparse landscape, is the vast expanse of sand visible from horizon to horizon. Stretching as far as the eye can see, this grainy carpet is the natural substrate to which reptiles inhabiting this terrain are at home. Likewise the rich, dense and dank, humic layers that cover the rainforest or jungle floor provide an environment that reptiles from these areas utilise for hunting, resting and carrying out the rest of their daily life functions. When choosing a suitable substrate for the vivarium it is important to take into account the conditions of the reptile’s natural habitat. It is also important to give consideration as to whether the chosen material is practical and cost effective. Large ranges of alternative substrate materials are available. These are detailed below.

Savannah substrate.
Savannah substrate is a light coloured wood chip that is made from Beech. The chippings are cleaned to remove dust, which otherwise could cause respiratory problems. The material is available in two graded sizes, fine and course. It is best to use the coarse grade for juvenile and small lizards so that there is little risk of them picking the chips up accidentally when feeding which may cause an internal blockage. Beech is a semi-hardwood and so resists fungal growth when urine and faeces are deposited but any such deposits, should nonetheless, be removed when visible, to reduce the periods between major maintenance and to prevent the build up of odour. Savannah substrate is available in 5 Litre, 10 Litre and 25kg bulk sacks. As a rough guideline, use 2.5 to 3.5 Litres for each square foot (30cm square) of vivarium base area. Savannah substrate is only suitable for dry and desert systems and must not be used for jungle, rainforest or other high humidity set-ups.

Calci-sand.
Calci-sand is a unique base material from T-Rex and is manufactured from 100% natural calcium carbonate. Available in a range of colours, which can provide a natural look or the opportunity to make your vivarium totally different, using exotic colour options such as blue, cherry red, purple and even glow in the dark. The colour is created using harmless vegetable dyes. It is suitable for dry, desert and low humidity vivariums housing both snakes and lizards. Apart from the colour options the main unique quality of this material, is that it is not only perfectly safe when ingested but is actually beneficial. This is because this natural calciferous mineral provides an easily absorbed calcium source, which of course the reptiles need for correct bone and shell growth. It has a long life in the vivarium (Up to 6 months) as urine and droppings clump with the sand, rather like cat litter and are easily removed. Calci-sand is also naturally resistant to fungus growth and mould. Use about 1.25 to 2.5 kg or more per square foot (30cm square) of vivarium base area depending on vivascaping scheme or reptile requirements. Do not exceed a depth of 2 inches (5cm) or compaction will occur. Calci-sand is available in bag sizes of 2.25kg (All colours) and 11.25kg (Selected colours).

Aquarium Sand.
Standard aquarium sand can be used for dry, desert and field and woodland species in vivariums with up to a moderate humidity. The main benefit is the low cost of this material (About $5 US or 3.50 Sterling per 5kg bag). It will also appeal to those wishing to achieve a very natural look. Bank up the sand with the stone petrified wood and Mopani wood roots for great effect. It is available in bag sizes of 5kg and 25kg. Use about 2.5 to 5kg per square foot (30cm square) depending on desired effect. Coral sand can also be used (Usually used in marine aquarium systems) and the bright colour of this can make for an attractive display for anything from Collared lizards to Hermit crabs. Spread rate as for standard aquarium sand.

Rain Forest Substrate.
Rain Forest substrate is a chipping made from natural bark. Its dark colour and grainy texture provide the perfect base material for woodland, rainforest and jungle theme vivariums. The tough nature of this material makes it very resistant to fungus and mould and it can be dampened or saturated without causing decay. This property makes it ideal for maintaining humidity levels. As with other substrates, droppings should be removed frequently in order to ensure maximum life and reduce odours. Available in two grades, fine and coarse and three bag sizes, 5 litre, 10 litre and 100 litre bulk bags. As for savannah substrate use larger size chippings for smaller or juvenile lizards and coverage of 2.5 to 3.5 litres per square foot (30cm square) is recommended.

Expandable Substrates.
Expandable substrates are supplied in a dense, hard compressed block and when mixed with water, as the name suggests, expand into much greater volume. (Great fun in the kitchen sink!!). A block measuring only 8 x 4 x 2 inches (20x10x5 cm) can expand to provide up to 9 litres of substrate material. An obvious advantage is less storage space required. This material is most suitable as the base medium for field, woodland, rainforest and jungle vivaria. It is available under brand names of Bed-A-Beast, Forest Bed and Eco-Earth. Forest Bed is available in a standard size (Producing up to 9 litres of material) and a value size (Producing up to 72 litres of material). T-Rex also manufacture Coconut bark Chips and Chunks which are graded and compressed. These are broken up to expand and not mixed with water. Chips are the smaller sized pieces whilst chunks are the larger.

Corn Cob Pellets.
Corn Cob Pellets are natural Maize, heat treated to dry and dust extracted to ensure there is no risk of respiratory inflammation. The end result is a very hard granular material, which can be used as a substrate for dry and desert environment vivaria. Corn Cobs have a high absorbency rate but do not clump and as with all materials it is necessary to remove urine soaked patches and droppings regularly. It is best used with adult and larger reptiles as ingestion by juvenile specimens may cause intestinal blockages. Corn Cob pellets are very light and easy to use and available in two pack sizes of 1.35kg and 3.5kg. A depth of 1 inch (2.5cm) to 2 inches (5cm) is recommended. To achieve a depth of 1inch (2.5cm) use approximately 2kg for each square foot (30cm square) of vivarium base area.

Cage Carpets.
For those who prefer a more clinical and easy maintenance system, cage carpets are a perfect choice. The densely woven material of the carpets will not trap dirt (Unlike artificial grass) and droppings are easily spotted for removal. They are available in various sizes and attractive colours of grass green, earth brown and décor blue. Two carpets are supplied per pack so that when one is taken away for cleaning the other one can simply be dropped in place. They are easily washed with a mild detergent and it is recommended that a pet safe disinfectant be used also during the cleaning process. Also ideal for breeding and hospital vivaria. They are not suitable for vivariums that require standing water or substrate saturation such as those containing amphibians. There can be nothing worse than a vivarium with a newspaper bottom and with the advent of cage carpets there really is no excuse for using such inadequate base layer material.

With such a large variety of possible substrates available it is possible for you to choose which bests suits you and your pet. It can be either no fuss minimum maintenance types or ones that will play a part in faithfully reproducing the reptile’s natural habitat.