i was browsing in petsmart last night. t-rex has come out with new substrate. one was called canyon trail; the other was beach path. they seemed interesting. here's the 'advertising' on it..



"Beach Path



First organic/inorganic substrate blend

Replicates nature more accurately

Good or Best for most herp species

Retains humidity better than pure sands

Supports burrowing activity

Multiple textures enrich habitat

Less likely to be ingested accidentally

Transmits heat better than pure organic substrate"



it was pretty. almost like real dirt. natural dirt i mean. it was bigger than sand, but smaller than gravel. had pieces of bark, or aspen shavings, in it. and it was really expensive. $14 for a 10-pound bag.



i wonder how often it would need to be changed. would scooping feces be enough, or would it mold. it says it promotes burrowing. will the tunnels stay, or collapse?



there was another substrate by zoo med called excavator. i was excited about it. you wet it, mold a few hides into your tank, put the reptile back in while the substrate is still damp, he digs and makes more tunnels. when it drys, the tunnels stay. /but/ it said don't use with u/t heating because it leaves hot spots. i'm assuming the clay dries to resemble a heat rock? i suppose it's possible to use half and half. clay on the cool side, aspen or other on the heated side.



thinking more about the walnut, i remember using it for bird cages in the pet store i worked. i hated it. right in the front of the cages, where the birds would splash their water, it would mold horribly (science project mold) within a week.



thanks for all the input!
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