Finding the right substrate can be the hardest part of monitor husbandry.
Just dumping dirt isn't always the answer. You have to find out what the critter needs and will use. I have 5 monitors , 3 different species and 4 different substrates. Well, 5 if you count the tegu. I am not going to go into the other critters I keep.
My argus likes and uses a slightly sandy dirt, my albig using a sandier dirt, my adult female sav likes a dark sandy dirt with some clay mixed in it. My baby sav likes the same dirt as the adult female with some peatmoss and cypress mixed in.
You have to work and find out what they want, not what is easiest for you to get.
Scott
-----
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
