Loose Substrate

[Hobama]

I gave Reggie a dig box a few weeks ago, and hes loved it. I'm now wanting to do a third or a half of his enclosure with loose substrate. I used australian desert sand for the substrate but thats too expensive to keep using. I want to do a 50/50 mix of play sand and top soil. Are there any specific brands people usually use, or things i should look out for? Will I need to wash anything/mist the substrate at all?

 

[xp29]

I gave Reggie a dig box a few weeks ago, and hes loved it. I'm now wanting to do a third or a half of his enclosure with loose substrate. I used australian desert sand for the substrate but thats too expensive to keep using. I want to do a 50/50 mix of play sand and top soil. Are there any specific brands people usually use, or things i should look out for? Will I need to wash anything/mist the substrate at all?

Yes!!! Most 'top soil' has cow/chicken or both manure in it. Be sure to read the ingredients list and avoid any chemicals or manure.
I use reptisoil and playsand at 50/50 mix. But it is very dusty. The dust coats the uvb and blocks some of the effectiveness so it needs to be cleaned semi-often it also makes their nostrils nasty.
I stopped using it because I was concerned the dust might cause respiratory issues.

 

[Hobama]

Yes!!! Most 'top soil' has cow/chicken or both manure in it. Be sure to read the ingredients list and avoid any chemicals or manure.
I use reptisoil and playsand at 50/50 mix. But it is very dusty. The dust coats the uvb and blocks some of the effectiveness so it needs to be cleaned semi-often it also makes their nostrils nasty.
I stopped using it because I was concerned the dust might cause respiratory issues.

Was it the sand that made it dusty or the reptisoil?

 

[xp29]

Was it the sand that made it dusty or the reptisoil?

I think it was the sand, but the reptisoil is what made her nose look nasty. Keeping it very slightly moist on top helps with the dust, but I always forget to mist it lol.

 

[Hobama]

I think it was the sand, but the reptisoil is what made her nose look nasty. Keeping it very slightly moist on top helps with the dust, but I always forget to mist it lol.

Okay, im hoping between lowes and walmart I can find the topsoil I need, and I'll mist every morning if i notice an issue. Will i need to wash anything before i put it in?

 

[xp29]

Okay, im hoping between lowes and walmart I can find the topsoil I need, and I'll mist every morning if i notice an issue. Will i need to wash anything before i put it in?

Na, unless he's pooped on it, ur should be good as is