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Questions tagged [substrate]

Substrate is the material used at the bottom of an aquarium, terrarium, or other enclosure.

Questions involving the topic of substrate. Anything from the proper substrate to use for a certain species of animal, the benefits of a certain substrate, and more.

26 questions
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What are the safe materials for an aquatic turtle aquarium?

What are safe materials for inside an aquatic turtle aquarium? I've seen plans using PVC, concrete, lumber, etc. but am concerned about chemicals.
Timtech
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Is there a substrate for a Redfoot tortoise that won't retain excess moisture?

I have a South American tortoise (a Redfoot) that lives on sphagnum moss bedding. I have given some thought to switching her to a topsoil-based substrate, but I'm concerned that such a base will retain too much moisture. Are there reptile-safe…
jonsca
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What is a good substrate for a bearded dragon terrarium?

There are so many different types of substrate, what are the reasons to choose one type of substrate over another, or is it all just personal preference?
Spidercat
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Can crushed egg shell be used as a substrate for aquariums and terrariums?

A recent answer stated that egg shell can be crushed and used as a calcium supplement in Do-it-yourself food. This got me relating it to crushed coral, which is commonly used as a substrate. I've crushed one egg shell and I noticed they get very…
Mozein
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Can I use this sand as bedding for chicks?

I've got some chicks around 11 days old. I am facing trouble with the bedding in the brooder. I've tried using paper towels, but they get wet and shredded within hours. Now considering using sand that is left over from a construction project - it is…
Abc
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Which is the better hiding place for a Kenyan Sand Boa?

Which would be more important, deeper substrate or a pair of caves (one on the hot side and one on the warm)?
CGCampbell
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Remove fish when cleaning gravel?

How do I clean the gravel at the bottom? Stirring the bottom with gravel vac raises clouds of gunk, so I wonder if its better to remove fish while cleaning or leave them in place. I am a newbie, have a 3 week-old fish tank (5gal Fluval Edge) with…
prototype
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How can I clean the slate tile in my terrarium without damaging it?

I keep my leopard gecko on unfinished slate tile. To clean the tile I use the below reptile-safe disinfectant (image source and more info here): and a scourer or scrubbing brush: (image sources here and here) However, this leaves me with scratch…
starsplusplus
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Is there any substrate for turtles that avoids the risks of impaction?

I've been reading a lot about impaction in reptiles. Various articles have suggested alternatives that prevent impaction in reptiles, but they've all been about land reptiles. So far all substrate I know of for turtles carry with them the…
Mozein
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What could be the impact of unwashed aquarium sand?

I got lazy and didn't clean my aquarium sand, what bad can happen? This is what I used gravel link on Amazon. So far everything is good.
maazza
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Whats the best sand to use for my bearded dragon?

I have a baby Bearded dragon that I got from some guy. He kept them on a gravel like sand which looks horrible and if the little guy did eat some he would not pass some of it through. I know I'm not suppose to have them on sand especially this…
Halen taylor
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What are good substrates for parrot cages?

I'm looking for a substrate to use in a parrot cage. It needs to be safe (firstly), but then also not to bad looking and easy to clean.
Renier Delport
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What is the point of substrate in a fish tank?

There are many different kinds of substrates available for fish tanks (i.e. sand, gravel). I've even heard some people say they don't use any substrate for some of their tanks. Is the substrate in a fish tank purely aesthetic, or is there some…
Spidercat
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What are some safe sand sifters and residue eaters for my turtle?

Sand sifters are animals that move the sand bed, and the latter eat remaining food matter that fell down to the substrate, keeping in mind an animal can be both. Since I'm intending to add some substrate for my turtle, I need a way that keeps it…
Mozein
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Do pet garden snails need mud?

I have got two garden snails in a glass jar which is covered by a thin cloth for ventilation. For food currently I have given them white rice and powdered egg shells. I have also sprayed the bottom of the glass jar with water to keep the area wet. I…
Aquarius_Girl
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