Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking of using ground coconut bark bricks as a substrate for my gold dust lizards. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
If I use it, How do I keep it moist?

John

I use coconut bark as a substrate. I like it alot. It holds humidity very well, easy to spot clean, it's non toxic, if they accidentally eat some it doesn't harm them, they can pass it through. To keep it moist I mist the cages with water making sure some of it lands on the substrate.

Only thing is you can't plant in it, but I find it easier to use potted plants anyway...
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Lisa

1.0.0 P.m. grandis (Linus)
4.3.0 P. standingi (Toby & Kona and their 5 babies)

Lisa: Thank you for that information. Could you also tell me:
1. How long do leave it before changing it?
2. When I mist, some of that easily reaches the bark but I notice that it does not turn to a darker shade. Do I want it wet or only slightly moist on the top?
3. Because of severe allergy problems, our air conditioner runs a lot. Therefore it is hard to keep the humidity up for these gold dusts. Should I cover some or all of the top where there are no lights? I do have a small water falls in this terrarium.

Thank you for your help,
John

John, sorry for the delay in the reply.

I clean the cage (including remove/replace the substrate) with my mating pair every 2 months. The cages I have for my singles I do every 3 months. I'm really big on keeping the cages clean.

I usually give a good spray to the bark at least once a day, especially if it looks dry, my second spray of the day is usually a bit lighter. If you don't have a humidity gauge, you might want to think about getting one so you have an idea of the levels too. I find that if you keep it too moist it sometimes grows mold.

I sometimes cover part of the top of my cages in the winter when the air is very dry. That will help, just make sure they have good air circulation though.
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Lisa

1.0.0 P.m. grandis (Linus)
4.3.0 P. standingi (Toby & Kona and their 5 babies)

Thank you again. Because of the air conditioning, I have the same problem as you do in the winter so I will cover part of the top.

Over the last five years of having lizards, I have found your information reliable and useful. Thank you for your efforts for us newbies.

John

glad to be of help
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Lisa

1.0.0 P.m. grandis (Linus)
4.3.0 P. standingi (Toby & Kona and their 5 babies)