Yes, I know armor all on car tires helps, and so does minimizing exposure to UV Ray's. Too bad torts need UV, and I am going to bet armor all does not add a whole lot of benefit to tortoise health
This in itself is all true....minimize exposure to uv rays? I am not sorry for sharing here what I am about to....you are dealing with a creature that needs and thrives with exposure to uv rays....you as a human have been told uv rays will kill you...silly. We humans need and thrive with uv rays...simple as that. I would suggest that if you are going to house and host a uv ray loving creature that you understand it is in itself is needed...the sun and all of its glory is designed to promote what you and I and reptiles need to survive...period. Now back to the substrate....I now and still continue to promote the need for dirt....the glorious wonderful product....dirt. The earth is well, derived of dirt....period. I do not understand how you have been convinced that dirt is harmful....the dirt hold the wonderful items we all need to perform. Bacteria and critters in the dirt and designed to promote, hamper and design how we function....stop trying to think we know better. Just use it ....it is there for our use and protection. Period. Rubber is needed for tires and such, not for living, dwelling, digging critters to live in. Stop it.