Reptile Sand | Lizard Soils & Clays | Desert Sand

Reptile Sand - Reptiles require the right environment to live in. The reptile you have will dictate which substrate is best to use, for many desert reptiles the vivarium should include a sandy bottom. The reptiles use the sand much like a cat uses cat litter in a litter box. Clumps should be removed daily to ensure the reptile health and keep the cage clean.
Calci-Sand is generally our recommended substrate for desert reptiles. Most has been tested for cleanliness and has tested safe in the case of accidental digestion. Whatever sand you choose, it is important to keep the cage as clean as possible.
The reptile sand should be changed each month and cleaned at least once a week. Daily cleaning is probably best, but all the best intentions never are perfect! Once a week is sufficient and your reptile will be healthy and happy. The sand must be changed at least once a month however, because there are be clumps that may break up and sink to the bottom or clumps that are missed with the daily or weekly cleaning.
It is important to keep in mind that different reptiles require different sand or bedding. Whatever type of bedding you choose that works for your pet should be sterile when placing it in the cage to avoid contamination of the pet. Many items that are found outdoors can be sterilized by boiling and drying in the oven. Sand that is purchased should be checked for sterility and if it does not state on the package that it is sterile, then you should take the extra precaution and sterilize the sand yourself..
Placing live plants in the reptile's cage is not recommended simply because it is difficult to sterilize a living thing. While they can be rinsed with water, generally living plants do not survive the heating required to fully sterilize them..
Whatever sand you choose for your reptile, you'll want to make sure that you read all of the warning labels present on the packaging and do your research for your particular reptile. What may be fine for one breed may be lethal to another.