Best Hatchling Substrate

[Fernando]

I'm going to take a photo hopefully tonight and attach it but. I purchased a 2 month old sulcata this last Saturday. I've got "Andy" in a 10 gallon aquarium. 60 Watt (approx 85 in the heat spot). He is currently on alfalfa pellets right now (because of course that is what the breeder suggested...he said he's been breeding for 25 years).

After TONS of research I've only found the following substrates acceptable by most people:

Cypress mulch
Eco-earth (Coconut coir) I just bought in bag form (not brick) to replace the pellets
potting soil 50/50 mix w/ play sand
Aspen shavings.
Other (Please throw in any ideas...I'm a newbie )


I have his tank almost completely empty right now other than his feeding dish. I soak him every morning for approximtately 15 minutes before I leave to work. I've got UBV florescent bulb running all day as well.

I'm curious as too peoples experience w/ different substrates and if what I bough is a good start.

Also. I know that the 60 watt bulb SHOULD be a little stronger I just can't buy one right now until next week. I do let him roam around the apartment when I get home...stretch those legs out =)

 

[coreyc]

Welcome to the TFO I would get him off those alfalfa pellets and get some cypress mulch alos what kind of light are you using? is it a MVB? he's going to out grow that tank quick can you post some pic's of him?

 

[Torty Mom]

Welcome to TFO I voted

 

[Fernando]

Welcome to the TFO I would get him off those alfalfa pellets and get some cypress mulch alos what kind of light are you using? is it a MVB? he's going to out grow that tank quick can you post some pic's of him?

Yes I'll try and do that tonight. And in your opinion, is there anything harmful by me using the eco-earth (coconut coir) I just bought (literally 2 hours ago) I haven't unpackaged it yet so I can still return it if I'm pursuaded =)

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Welcome to TFO I voted

Thank you! This honestly is my very first pet....I'm 27 years old. I know I know...a late start.

 

[Laura]

I hear Orchid bark a lot..
mine are all outside..so Soil is my vote..

 

[Fernando]

I hear Orchid bark a lot..
mine are all outside..so Soil is my vote..

I wish I had a backyard =(

At least not until we purchase a house in 2012 (Hopefully)

So is there really a difference between the BRICK of Coco Coir and the bag (same company)? I bought the big bag because it just seemed less of a hassle....

 

[pdrobber]

From what I've heard, it's just not compressed and you don't have to soak it whereas you would have to if you purchased it in brick form. You get more for your money with the brick but with the bag you just have to pour it out. I have my russian on coir now and I think I'm going to use it as well as cypress bedding. People here say they use a layer of cypress but with my tortoise it will just get mixed in anyway so I'll put a layer on top and let her do what she will. I find that coir sticks to her more than I'd like so maybe having the cypress in there it will cut down the amount that sticks.

 

[Fernando]

Okay guys I've attached some shots of Andy. Keep in mind I live in an apartment so I can't upgrade the size of his tank just yet.

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Also the orchard grass inside...he does eat that once in a while. I've heard they don't as hatchlings normally.

I'm a little worried because i thought I heard a popping noise when he was breathing I'm not sure that could have been because he was walking around my apartment for a while and was exhausted....or because He's been dehydrated due to the Rabbit pellets...either way I just switched over to the Coconut substrate....

is it bad that he took a few chunks in his mouth???

 

[coreyc]

Looks good I would get him a hide so he will feel safe at night also that florescent light does not put out enough uvb for him to absorb the calcium you need to get a MVB soon

 

[Xilonen]

I have a mix of peat moss and potting soil (no additives). It holds moisture well without being too soggy and stays a good consistency for digging. Since that worked out so well I've never had a reason to try any of the more common substrates.

 

[tobibaby]

hi he is adorable but the only thing i didnt see a night heat for him he really needs that. i usually have the night light on 24hrs and the the day heat for 12hrs. you can also get a CHE to have on all the time, good luck w/ him they are awesome pets i love mine so much

 

[Fernando]

oh sorry I didn't post it guys but yes I do have a 50 watt night black heat bulb....I'll start running it all day now. Thanks

I'm going to buy a new heat bulb because the highest that the temp has gone up is 80 degrees...I can't get it any hotter on that side! What is the preferred wattage? If it's running 12 hours a day will I need a che? Me and my wife aren't home from 9am-7pm. Is it safe to run that long without a che? Can I buy it at my local petco store?

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Also....what is an MVB bulb? I purchased a "desert package" that included the tank, day and night heat bulbs with domes (50 watts) and I then purchased the florescent UVB bulb separetly because I understood that they just needed the UVB and heat.

 

[tobibaby]

the uvb you have is the same i have, i think, so u are cool, i usually have both heats on during the day cuz it makes it hot at his basking spot usually 100-105 deg, i dont have a che but im thinking of switching once my night lamp goes out. you can buy a timer there like $10 to $15 box at the store (home depot etc.) and just set it to the desirable times have the uvb on for 12hrs, and 12 hrs both lights and then at night just the night heat. thats how i have been doing for tobi and he is active happy healthy tortie and he is on coco coir