Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are your opinions on playground sand for a substrate?

I used to use it; it doesn't hold shape and is a little dusty, but then again that seems to be the bane of most substrates anyway. Having it hold shape means you have to maintain some dampness of the soil, which is a pain not to mention it makes it very heavy. That's why some people swear by millet seed, at least then you eliminate the dustiness aspect. I am always one to experiment and currently I'm using 40% peat 40% sand 20% aspen. Doesn't seem to be so great but it's cheap, and holds way better than just sand. Next time I'll try 50-50 sand and potting soil... I think the soil contains more minerals and is heavier than peat, and won't be nearly as dusty.
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Mark Martinez
University of Florida

hey mark...
you should try 50% sand, 25% potting soil, 25% vermiculite. it works very well for their burrows and it holds shape well, holds water for longer periods of time and looks good.

Why the vermiculite? I heard it was just gravel.
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Mark Martinez
University of Florida

vermiculite is a umm, kinda hard to describe. its what most people use to incubate their eggs on, kinda shiny silvery. its not gravel....it's more of like paper, it is put into alot of potting soil mixes and is sold next to the potting soil.

you should check it out some time.....it's not just gravel, its not gravel at all. it holds moisture incredibly well and it is good stuff.

trevor

I will soon, I'll post when I do. Thanks.
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Mark Martinez
University of Florida