Substrate?

[Pumpkingirl]

Hey all,

What are our thoughts on “repti bark” as substrate? I currently have paper towel and I know it’s easy and recommended.. but I just wish I could use something she’d enjoy more. I go to a small business pet store and the guy was pointing out sands (I said no).. but the repti bark was bigger pieces.. why is this bad again?

 

[KarrieRee]

Hey all,

What are our thoughts on “repti bark” as substrate? I currently have paper towel and I know it’s easy and recommended.. but I just wish I could use something she’d enjoy more. I go to a small business pet store and the guy was pointing out sands (I said no).. but the repti bark was bigger pieces.. why is this bad again?

If she were to ingest a piece it could cause internal injuries - I would look at getting some textured NON adhesive shelf liner or a mat similar to what Zen Habitat sells w/ their tanks

 

[Pumpkingirl]

If she were to ingest a piece it could cause internal injuries - I would look at getting some textured NON adhesive shelf liner or a mat similar to what Zen Habitat sells w/ their tanks

What mat is that? I mean the bark is has big pieces though.. I will look into the shelf liner. Where did you get yours?

 

[KarrieRee]

What mat is that? I mean the bark is has big pieces though.. I will look into the shelf liner. Where did you get yours?

I was using all tile but decided to get something in the tank w/ more cushion - so I kept two pieces of tile and have it sitting on this mat Meridian Zen Mat - for 4'x2' based Meridian enclosures | Zen Habitats the tile was kept in there for nail purposes - keeps them trimmed down or not so sharp- I have a Zen tank

 

[Pumpkingirl]

I was using all tile but decided to get something in the tank w/ more cushion - so I kept two pieces of tile and have it sitting on this mat Meridian Zen Mat - for 4'x2' based Meridian enclosures | Zen Habitats the tile was kept in there for nail purposes - keeps them trimmed down or not so sharp- I have a Zen tank

Thanks! A little pricey for me. Can you get non adhesive shelf liner on amazon?

 

[KarrieRee]

Thanks! A little pricey for me. Can you get non adhesive shelf liner on amazon?

Yes - people have gotten it off Amazon - just make sure its got some texture so its not slippery for them and its NON adhesive - it needs to be cut to the size of the tank - insects cannot get underneath and you can clean it w/ vinegar / water 50/50 wipe down w/ a wet cloth afterwards to get rid of the smell -

 

[Pumpkingirl]

Yes - people have gotten it off Amazon - just make sure its got some texture so its not slippery for them and its NON adhesive - it needs to be cut to the size of the tank - insects cannot get underneath and you can clean it w/ vinegar / water 50/50 wipe down w/ a wet cloth afterwards to get rid of the smell -

Awesome thanks so much!!

 

[Pumpkingirl]

@KarrieRee actually while you’re here .. can you give me tips on how to increase humidity? I thought the bark held more moisture that’s why I was leaning towards it. Aside from real plants..

 

[KarrieRee]

@KarrieRee actually while you’re here .. can you give me tips on how to increase humidity? I thought the bark held more moisture that’s why I was leaning towards it. Aside from real plants..

Adding a bowl of water on hot side- humidity levels optimal 40-50% nothing below 20 or over 70% please use a digital probe hygrometer zoo med makes them - place on the back center wall- - if the bowl doesn't increase it then you can use a humidifier next to the tank-- I use a small one in between my two tanks

 

[Pumpkingirl]

Yes - people have gotten it off Amazon - just make sure its got some texture so its not slippery for them and its NON adhesive - it needs to be cut to the size of the tank - insects cannot get underneath and you can clean it w/ vinegar / water 50/50 wipe down w/ a wet cloth afterwards to get rid of the smell -

One more question.. for the cleaning solution. Can you use apple cider vinegar?

 

[KarrieRee]

One more question.. for the cleaning solution. Can you use apple cider vinegar?

I would say yes - regular vinegar is cheap tho so if you can pick some up and mix that

 

[Pumpkingirl]

I would say yes - regular vinegar is cheap tho so if you can pick some up and mix that

I already have ACV haha. Thank you!