Quick questions about substrate and cleaning

AwesomeGuy376 · 03-13-16, 06:58 PM

This just came across my mind and was wondering. So the guy at the reptile shop told me I don't need to change out the substrate, and just need to spot clean it.. But I've seen multiple places online that say otherwise.. So I was wondering how often i need to change out Peat and Sphagnum Moss. Also how do i disinfect the cage? Just by spraying or what?

toddnbecka · 03-13-16, 11:37 PM

I use cypress mulch substrate for my boas and pythons. I spot clean (pick up poop and urates along with whatever mulch they're attached to) but only change the whole lot out every couple months. Only saw fungus (actually a couple of mushrooms) crop up one time, never had any problems with the snakes though. Occasionally I do have to clean some crap off one of the snakes that has crawled around and picked up a bit, but a short soak and a wet washcloth cleans that right off.

macandchz · 03-14-16, 09:01 AM

I'm not an expert but i use aspen snake bedding. i spot clean as soon as i notice mac has soiled it, taking a little of the surrounding substrate with it. i give his tank a full cleaning after each shed. i use Wipe-Out by zoo med to dis-infect followed by warm H2O. then i scrub all the plants, hides, etc. with warm H2O and a soft scrub brush. it takes a while since the tank is large (see gallery photos) but mac has been healthy with no problems.

trailblazer295 · 03-14-16, 09:08 AM

I use Cypress for boa and python and sani chips for king. Spot clean as needed and every 6 weeks or so change everything and spray down with herp disinfectant. Forget the name as I'm at work. Changing everything that often might be unnecessary but I've had no health issues so I don't mind the extra cost. Gives me peace of mind if I miss anything it's all fresh now. Also helps with humidity in winter with fresh moist Cypress.

**EL Ziggy** · 03-14-16, 09:15 AM

I use shredded aspen or sani-chips for all my snakes. I spot clean as needed and do a complete substrate change and cage cleaning about every two months. I use F-10 disenfectant. You can also start with a soap and water wash, followed by a 1:10 diluted bleach/water solution, and a final hot water rinse.

**Andy_G** · 03-14-16, 09:30 AM

How often a complete bedding change has to be done is influenced by the species and how often they defecate as well as the space in which they are kept. Spot clean as you go, and do a full dump every 1-2 months or when things start to smell. As far as disinfectant goes, if the animal is healthy, warm water and elbow grease should be enough, but if you feel that you need to use a disinfectant I would strongly suggest Chlorhexidine as it is the safest chemical out there and it smells pretty nice too. It's also very inexpensive and a little bit lasts for quite a while (it must be diluted with water). F10 is another good option but it's more expensive than chlorhexidine and must be used more cautiously. Another option as previously mentioned would be a soap and water or a diluted bleach solution followed by a rinse. Whatever you use, be sure to follow the directions.

**Minkness** · 03-14-16, 09:39 AM

I use sanichips, reptibark, and paper towels.

Sanichips I rarely change out. Maybe every 2-3 months. I do spot clean every day though.

Reptibark I spot clean as needed but it's used in my python enclosure and she only goes once a monthish, so a full change happens maybe twice a year.

Paper towls are changed as needed.

Oh! I also use diluted vinegar as my cleaning solution.

eminart · 03-14-16, 10:09 AM

Never.

Bioactive for the win!