Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everybody its been awhile since I have posted on here hope everyone is doing well and had a good christmas. I was wondering what everyone felt about using gravel with sand or in place of sand as a substrate? I woke up Lizzy 2 days ago from brumation (I am not breeding so I dont keep her under longer then a month) and I decided to change things up in her enclosure, I am posting pics of her new basking area, that i really hope she enjoys once the heat gets turned on in a week. my concern is that i stacked some rocks and i never do that because i had a rock collapse kill a lizard before, but i think this structure is pretty sound, let me know what you think.

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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads

more pictures

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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads

opps wrongs ones!

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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads

Well it does look like a fun set-up now to your question I only use Play Sand as a substrate. Rocks for decoration are awesome and to some point more naturalistic so I've been using them in my new set-ups. I place the rock(s) first then the sand and I always double check they are safe and secure so they won't fall or slide n crush my lizards.

yeah that is what i made sure of as well, my only quesion is would you add gravel to the sand,I am afraid that during agressive feeding she might swallow a stone so Iam hesitant to use gravel. That rock set up is in a 30 gallon long tank, so my other concern is whether she will have enough space. I figure more space to climb will make up for lack of running space.
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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads

I would never add gravel as it would be a HUGE impaction possibility she zigs the cricket zags and she gets a small gravel instead.

I have also considered adding the coloured sand offered by ZooMed but I am hesitant of the downside of it with the only upside of it looking 'cool' lol.

not to mention it cost 15 dollars a pop for a 5 pound bag. thanks for the help i like the sand she is on anyway it looks pretty natural which is always what i am going for.
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Guy LoPresti
3.2 collared lizards (Lizzy,Stevie 2,Ike,Rocky clarice)
1.1 firebelly toads

Regarding your rocks. A good sure fire method of avoiding a squished lizard is to place to flat bricks on the bottom of the cage with no sand, and then place a rock on this...fill the sand up to this stone...they lizards will be able to dig beneath the rock and it will never fall on them.

This is also the same method I always used when building a nesting site. I like to put the brights at right angles to each other in the corner and leave an opening.

I have used the traction sand sold during the winter...it has lots of sizes of sand and tiny gravel in it. It is a bit dusty, but looks very nice as a substrate.

Regards,

John Eddington

Been a while for sure. I like the traction sand too but it is really dusty. The stuff from Toys-R-Us is really dust free but not that natural looking. Hope you are doing well. Keeping any animals or still traveling too much?
Tom

Hey I have talked with our pal Johnee , but how are you TOM ?

Been a long time buddy , hope you and your family and critters are good. I have not been on here as much since I hung up my moderator uniforum, just been busy. Are you still keeping the chuck? What else are you working with these days?
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Eve
Suncharmers Colorful Collareds & More

All is well. Been really busy with the chucks and the kids etc. Nothing new and exciting except finally getting our little girl. The adoption will become final this Friday. So 4 boys and a girl! LOL.

Tom

Hey buddy Congratulations to you, and your wife, and BOYS !

A little girl :0) in you life, and a SPECIAL picked one, hehehee. Thats what my mom used to tell my adopted big sister, she was really special because she was chosen.

May God Bless you all always, ENJOY each other! Glad I got to talk with ya Tom ;0)
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Eve
Suncharmers Colorful Collareds & More

I'm trying to decided on a different substrate as well. I use play sand from Home Depot. It works but is dusty. Over time a dust layer developes on the lights, the glass and the lizards. I thought of using more of a gravel but I may have to use the sand in a corner for laying eggs. I still need to check with Lowes to see if their play sand contains less dust.

I used to use pool filter sand - it's very regular with smooth granules. It's dusty, as any sand is, but far less so than any other I tried. A pool supply store will have it in 50lb bags. Around here it's about $7 a bag. Prices may vary depending on your location.

I have to note that I will never use it again after losing Rorschach, but if you already know your lizards don't eat sand like candy, then it's probably safe enough.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.2 Saharan Uros (Joe, Arthur, and Hitch)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
1.3 Collared Lizards (Ripcord, Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin)
1.0 Green Anoles (Sprocket)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)

Hi Torey
The pool filter sand is a little larger and a bit coarse I would say. I could definitely see how it could cause problems. I have tried it and it was ok, never had a problem, but still like the Toys-R-Us stuff the best.
Tom Greb

Hey girl, how are all the kids? :0)
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Eve
Suncharmers Colorful Collareds & More

Hey, Eve! They're all doing well. I'm the crazy busy one! I keep thinking I should get some pictures, but it never seems to happen.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.2 Saharan Uros (Joe, Arthur, and Hitch)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
1.3 Collared Lizards (Ripcord, Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin)
1.0 Green Anoles (Sprocket)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)

Hey Will the play sand from Toys-R-Us is excellent! It is a bit pricey at 6 bucks a bag but it is virtually dust free. I tried many differnt substrates and I really think this is the best one. Give a bag a try and see what you think.
Tom Greb