Substrate

[Glen Feasey]

I visited a couple of very good reptile shops close to me yesterday and noticed that they both used different substrates for their T's. One used peat and the other vermiculite? Is either better than the other?

Whats the general concensus on this?

Thanks, Glen

[Colin D Wilson]

I use ( and have always used) a mixture of sterile top soil (or peat based material) and vermiculite mixed together in 2 parts soil and 1 part vermic.
I have had no problems with humidity, mould etc etc.

I think everyone has their own ideas and favourite substrates, and i'm sure there will be a few posts here agreeing and disagreeing on whats best.

I personally listen to everyones opinion, read everything i can and then take the best parts and build from there in everything i do. (mind you i'm divorced now so i don't think i did my research fully there eh ?!)

[Glen Feasey]

LOL Thanks for the reply Colin!

I use only vermiculite as i was once told that soil can sometimes house mites????? From that day i have been with vermic and never had a problem. However, like you, i also listen to what people have to say and am always open to trying new ideas out!

I think peat/soli looks better as well, but this is a personal opinion.

[Colin D Wilson]

I use only vermiculite as i was once told that soil can sometimes house mites?????

Yes mites can be a problem, if you keep on top of your housekeeping duties and remove uneaten foodstuffs and feaces as often as you can (dare in some cases) then they dont get out of hand. of course there's the ever helpfull Woodlouse which i keep in all my enclosues (about 10 - 15 per 2 x 1 x 1 enclosure) they eat decaying matter and im sure mites and mite eggs. I had a couple of mite ridden millipedes and within a week they were clear. i put 20 woodlice in the tank which is 4ft x 2ft floorspace, fantastic little critters.

[Erik Heidrich]

I have used peat, and coconut fiber substrate, and have not had a problem with either one. I only have terrestrial species, though. When and if I get a burrower, I would probably add vermiculite to the peat to make it hold moisture and hold together better for a good burrow. With either substrate, I usually spread it out in an old baking pan and put it in the oven at 250 for about 25 minutes to sterilize and dry it prior to use.

[Johanna Turner]

My only concern with using peat is the fact that our peat bogs are under threat at the moment so we shouldn't really use the stuff if we really don't have to.

I've used a mixture of the coir block that Lee sells on his website (spidershop) and vermiculite. Holds water well and seems a good substrate for them to flick around/burrow in.

Again, it is a matter of personal opinion but also a little dependant on the conditions your particular species prefers I suppose.

[Glen Feasey]

Well i am Brachypelma bonkers!

I personally like Vermiculite as it does the job with humidity and dont smell! Plus my T's have never had problems building burrows!

I guess its personal preference!

[mike halewood]

For the first time Im going to be mixing vermiculite with the coir blocks when I set up the new tank for my T. blondi. I've normally only used the coir blocks but wanted extra humidity fir the T. blondi.