substitue for Reptibark?

**kevman** · #1 02-13-2005, 07:59 AM

I have reptibark next to this waterfall I have in my Terrarium. Everytime I fill it up it overflows a bit and it turned this Reptibark black. Would changing the bedding around the waterfall to gravel, or sand be okay?

**Rich** · #2 02-13-2005, 08:28 AM

Hello,

The simple answer to your question is no. In fact, I would suggest you remove the reptibark as well.

Here is a bit of info on why the sand and gravel are not a good idea:

Quote:

Granular substrates have been known to cause impactions. There are two types of impaction that could occur. The first is called an Acute Impaction. An acute impaction is when the reptile swallows a large amount of substrate and it blocks the vital organs used to process food. (Stomach, intestinal tract, etc.) The results of this type of impaction will lead to lethargy, lack of appetite, lack of bowel movements, sand in the stool, etc.

The other type of impaction, and often the most deadly form, is the chronic impaction. A chronic impaction is the slow accumulation of sand that binds to the lining of the intestinal tract. Over time, and often years, it will create a blockage. This blockage will also have the same detrimental effects as an acute impaction. The biggest problem with this type of impaction is that when it is discovered, it is most often too late to cure.

To prevent the possibility of this happening to your reptile, avoid all granular substrates. None of them are as digestible as they claim and each poses the CHANCE that your reptile could become a victim of an impaction.

ALL loose substrates carry the risk of impaction. Some carry additional risks. This is from the sites caresheet:

Quote:

One of the most controversial topics with cage preparation is associated with the proper substrate that should be used. Many individuals prefer to use elegant looking materials such as sand, gravel, mulch, wood chips, and rugs. Although these items clearly do look attractive, they pose a threat to your iguanas’ general health. All of the above listed materials have drawbacks to them. Sand for instance can be easily ingested and clog vital organs. The same goes for gravel. Mulch and wood chips pose the same and additional threats. Many woods hold moisture for long periods of time. This can cause mold and bacteria to form. Also, many woods when heated to high temperatures, let off toxic odors to reptiles. Rugs on the other hand are difficult substrates to use due to the fact iguanas will chew and tear at them. They hold moisture and bacteria and can be difficult to clean. Rugs also can collect odors from your iguanas’ feces and urates.To properly and safely substrate your iguanas enclosure, I suggest the following:
Newspaper, linoleum, or tile.

I understand that newspaper is unattractive, but it is easily maintained and it is cheap. Newspaper can be removed and replaced as needed and this is great when you are concerned about bacteria and odors. Tile, unfortunately, can be expensive and time consuming to install. The benefit of tile is that it looks beautiful and is easily cleaned.

My favorite substrate is linoleum. They have many patterns to choose from, and it is relatively cheap. Also, it is extremely easy to clean. This is my most suggested substrate for any iguana enclosure.

Repticarpet can be used as well, but you will need to own at least 2 that are large enough for your enclosure. When one is soiled, the other can be used while the soiled one is being washed. You also need to be vigilant in making sure your iguanas nails are trimmed so he doesn't get his nails caught on the carpet.

If the carpet begins to look tattered or "used" from excessive "digging" or clawing, it will need to be replaced.

Keeping the carpet clean is a priority as well or odors could become lodged in the carpet and mildly noticeable even after it has been washed.

By far, linoleum is the easiest to maintain.

**kevman** · #3 02-13-2005, 09:15 AM

Would Sod work? because they don't sell repti carpet at Petsmart.

**SKULLMAN** · #4 02-13-2005, 12:30 PM

what about some flat rocks like slate around the base? i don`t know how big your water fall is at the base but you could put a couple of pices down in front of it.just an idea hope it helps

**kevman** · #5 02-13-2005, 01:31 PM

Well, I got some dried moss and put it around the waterfall, it was only 8 bucks and soaks water like a sponge, so it should work out. Also my iguana spends little time on the reptibark. The only time he goes down is to eat or sit in the waterfall which is a few times a day. The rest he spends on a branch or in his fake plants.

**Mark** · #6 02-13-2005, 07:30 PM

The moss provides the same problems as the bark, gravel, and sod -- if not worse. As the ig "tastes" it with his tong it will stick to the tong and get ingested. This is not stuff that you want the ig eating.

For a substrate in an ig cage you want pieces much larger than the size of the ig's head and for cleaning reasons use non-porus smooth surfaces.

The best thing that I have found for flooring in an ig cage are blue tarps. These are easy to clean, hold anything spilt (or left by the ig) on it, don't hold odors and are cheap. Fasten it (I use velcro) so it cups up along the walls a few inches to ensure spill proof. You can them remove the whole thing and clean it with bleach outside of the cage. About $4 for a 5'x9' tarp.

Other substrates that many find to be great are:
linoleum
Formica covered wood
--> many put newspaper or butcher paper over both of these

**kevman** · #7 02-13-2005, 08:52 PM

I was at a store today and they said that the Reptibark is fine for Iguanas. But I'll still be safe and go for repticarpet or something.

**Mark** · #8 02-13-2005, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevman

I was at a store today and they said that the Reptibark is fine for Iguanas. But I'll still be safe and go for repticarpet or something.

Petstores have no vested intrest in the long term health of an animal. Especially with big box stores, they are interested in the immediate sale of goods. Not to mention that most of the people in there don't really know what they are talking about with reptiles. We all have been sold by these stores at one point or another -- when I bought my ig I also walked out with a Vita-Light (useless and expensive) and a heat-rock (dangerous to deadly).

Keep reading and posting places like here and you will learn what your ig really needs. Once you know you can get most of it at a hardware store with significant savings. Reptileuv.com excluded, it has been years since I bought anything from a petstore and in that time I have re-done Bob's cage many times.

**furryscaly** · #9 02-14-2005, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAR

Petstores have no vested intrest in the long term health of an animal. Especially with big box stores, they are interested in the immediate sale of goods. Not to mention that most of the people in there don't really know what they are talking about with reptiles.

MAR's right on this one. If you want good info on pet care, a pet store is one of the last places you want to go. Unfortunately ironic.

Wouldn't sod be ok though? Its just like a chunk of lawn, how can that be so bad? Once it grows nicely there shouldn't be a lot of loose stuff for the ig to swallow, and if there's no fertilizers or pesticides, why can't that be used?

**SurvivorSteph** · #10 02-14-2005, 02:49 AM

I wouldn't recommend sod. Sod may get too moist and begin to grow mushrooms (which may be toxic to the ig), house bacteira, viruses, nematodes, and other parasites, plus it would be difficult to clean feces up.

Besides, any sod that you purchase from a dealer, home improvement store, etc. will have been treated with chemicals (whether fertilizers or insecticides).

Go to your local newspaper and ask to purchase "END ROLLS." This is UNprinted newspaper; it functions as well as regular newspaper, but without the ink. You may be able to get them in different widths, so measure the width of your enclosure and get the one that will fit best. You may have to pay a few bucks, but it won't cost you too much and there will probably be quite a bit on the roll still. Around the waterfall you could try something as simple as a plastic/vinyl placemat or go to the fabric store and buy some vinyl and cut it to fit the area.


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