Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone used sand as a substrate? I'm using astroturf now, but I want something that looks natual and is easy to clean.

I used to use sand until i changed to reptile turf (thank God). Sand is horrible for a substrate. It gets everywhere; the water bowl, on the snake, around the outside of the tank, on the food. I used to have to clean the snake off periodically because the sand was sticking to him so much. I would never use sand again. Another major problem with the sand is if your snake knocks any water out of the bowl the sand is then all wet. I used to have to remove sand every morning from around the bowl becuase i didnt want my snake sitting in wet sand. One afternoon i came home and half the sand in the tank was wet. I had remove all the sand and throw it away and get new sand to replace it. Ive also heard of instances where the snake will get sand stuff in its mouth while feeding. Luckily i changed to turf before this happened to me. The sand also gets around the outside of the tank everytime you take something out of the tank. Although sand may look good, i would never get it again. Hope that helps.

Rob Woods

Thank you. THAT RULES OUT SAND

Sand is a bad idea! If you are going for asthetic purposes, use snake carpet or cypress mulch. Just remember that mulch is a great breeding ground for mites. For the utilitarian approach, use newspaper or paper towels.

Almost every good webpage on ball pythons has a caresheet link that will give more details...check VPIs website or just about any breeder link that sponsors this forum, you should find something.
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thx,
ru4pythons

Do mites just appear or do they have to be introduced. I feed frozen mice. Is cypress mulch corse like shavings or fine like dirt. Thanks for the info.