Substrate questions...

**lady_bug87** · 03-19-12, 02:05 PM

I am thinking of changing the substrate that my lacertas are in. They have been on sand with misting and seem to do fine but its a little too dry and now that I know my female will breed I want something she will burrow in.

I have also tried a mixture of coco husk and sand, which was better but impractical

I was wondering what the verdict on top soil is for a substrate? obviously pesticide and herbicide free... the soil does not have to support plant life. it just has to stay moist.

exwizard · 03-19-12, 02:50 PM

I just got ahold of some sphagnum moss as a humidity aid for the help of shedding but I really think this can be used as a primary substrate. Correct me if Im wrong because I still use newspaper primarily.

**lady_bug87** · 03-19-12, 02:52 PM

spagnum wouldn't hold a burrow. Though my pair have enough relative humidity to be healthy the substrate is not doing well for them breeding wise.

exwizard · 03-19-12, 02:55 PM

I understand that

**lady_bug87** · 03-19-12, 02:56 PM

ok then I misunderstood.. sorry blame the baby brain.

Gungirl · 03-19-12, 02:56 PM

I would think soil would be fine as long as it has no added chemicals.

**lady_bug87** · 03-19-12, 02:59 PM

Yea I figured I just wanted to throw the idea out there. I dont want to mess with the coco because it doesn't hold a good burrow..

I should be able to get chemical free soil at a gardening store right?

Gungirl · 03-19-12, 03:01 PM

I have no idea... Most places add one kind of chemical to it or another. Your going to have to do a bit of research unless you can dig some up from land you know has no chemicals on it then bake it to kill all the random things living in it.

**lady_bug87** · 03-19-12, 03:04 PM

bah we'll have to see theres a nursery here maybe they'll know. I know they like to add fertilizer and nitrates as well as weed killer and pesticide

The search continues I guess. Worse comes to worse I can wait until I move and dig soil from my own land.

CDN_Blood · 05-15-12, 08:05 AM

This is what I use for those which require/prefer substrate. It's great stuff

Fredricks · 05-15-12, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDN_Blood

This is what I use for those which require/prefer substrate. It's great stuff

I also use this stuff for my cresties. It holds the moisture well and comes out when eaten. I was worried the first few times I saw them eat it, but it all came out fine. I just try to limit it by not puttin in a lot of crickets

CDN_Blood · 05-15-12, 09:19 AM

It's great stuff for that - more roughage than harmful, and roughage is not only natural, it's helpful

Fredricks · 05-15-12, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDN_Blood

It's great stuff for that - more roughage than harmful, and roughage is not only natural, it's helpful

Haha I didn't even think of it when I did it. I'm such a noob sometimes

There are a few "jungle" mixes you can get in bag form. All work wel. I have a couple up in my closet. Just don't keep any half open in a confined space they can go moldy

**lady_bug87** · 05-15-12, 10:55 AM

I have that in my GTP enclosure and for the lacertas I actually found an additive-free black earth which is amazing for them to burrow in for my GTP when I change her enclosure to a larger adult one I will be using black earth as well since I want it to be a bio-active live planted vivarium

CDN_Blood · 05-15-12, 02:50 PM

Be careful with actual earth - it will mould quickly if not tended to on a very regular basis