You finally made up your mind to bring in a new blue tongue skink, but you are confused about which substrate to use for your blue tongue skink as bedding?
I understand your frustration. Being a first-time pet owner can be overwhelming.
Choosing the best substrate for your blue tongue skink in a market full of varieties can also be overwhelming.
For these reasons, we came up with a list of the best substrates for blue tongue skink. In this article, we will give you a list of the best substrates for blue tongue skinks and explain why you should buy them.
Contents
Buyers Guide: What to Look For In a Good Substrate for Blue Tongue Skinks
The substrate, also known as bedding, is a significant part of blue tongue skink set up. It is because blue tongue skinks are burrowing animals.
Thus, they require an excellent substrate to make their habitat as natural as possible. Therefore, you should include at least 4-6″ of the substrate in a blue tongue skink’s enclosure.
Even so, it is worth noting that not all substrates are suitable for blue tongue skinks. It is because; some can be ingested by a blue tongue skink and cause impaction. Others can cause respiratory infections for your blue tongue skinks.
Therefore, it is useful if you would understand which substrate to use for your blue tongue skinks.
What is impaction?
Impaction is when your blue tongue skink experiences difficulty in passing bowels. It can also be described as constipation in blue tongue skinks.
You can tell your blue tongue skink is experiencing impaction if it is;
- Not willing to eat
- Has a hard belly
- Has not pooped for more than two weeks
- Is rubbing his stomach against objects
- Is not willing to move
However, the substrate is not the only reason why blue tongue skinks can get an impaction. Other reasons include:
- The inadequate temperature in its tank
- You are not feeding your blue tongue enough food, or it’s not eating.
- Your blue tongue skink is not exercising.
- Shedding
Respiratory infection
When you use a loose substrate in your blue tongue skink, it contains dust and debris that can penetrate the nose and cause respiratory infection.
It is therefore not advisable to use loose particle substrate for blue tongue skinks. Some of those loose particle substrate that you should never use:
- Millet
- Play sand
- Calcium sand
- Walnut
- Wood chips
- Alfalfa pellets
Let’s now look at what to look for in suitable substrates for blue tongue skinks.
Absorbent
Blue tongue skink substrate should be able to absorb odours and waste. An absorbent substrate ensures that your blue tongue skink tank is clean, and free from odour.
Also, it ensures that your blue tongue skink stays healthy and free from mites.
Free From Scent
Blue tongue skinks can be allergic to smells. Thus, it is critical to ensure that you provide them with a substrate that does not have any scents.
Non-Particle Substrate
Your blue tongue skink can easily ingest loose particle substrate. When your blue tongue skink ingests debris or dust from the substrate, it can cause respiratory infection or impaction. Both respiratory and impaction can be fatal to your blue tongue skink.
Therefore, you should ensure that the substrate you provide for them is non-particle substrate rather than a loose particle.
Easy to clean
Imagine using a kind of substrate that you would have to replace every time your blue tongue skink poops. It can be frustrating and annoying. Therefore, it would be best to choose a substrate that is easy to clean and maintain.
Hypoallergenic
Some substrates can be allergic to you. However, a substrate that reacts on you might not affect your blue tongue skink..
But, if you are the one who will be handling your blue tongue skink, why would you choose a substrate that is allergic to you?
Therefore, it is necessary to go for the kind of substrate that has minimal reactions to you or your pet.
Budget
We all want what’s best for our pets. Sometimes we tend to think that expensive means quality. However, it might not be the case always. We can offer quality to our blue tongue skink at a fair price.
Non-toxic
Some substrate, especially if it’s custom made can be toxic to your blue tongue skink. It is because it can contain chemicals that badly react to your blue tongue skink and even cause death.
It is, therefore, critical to get your substrate from a reputable seller to avoid such instances.
Blue Tongue Skink Substrate Reviews
In this article, I will look at some of the best substrates that you can use for your blue tongue skink.
Sunseed Shredded Aspen Substrate
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Like we said earlier, blue tongue skinks are burrowing animals. Thus, when choosing the best substrate, you should ensure that they can burrow in easily.
Sunseed Shredded Aspen Substrate makes an excellent substrate for blue tongue skinks because it comes from natural materials and is safe for them.
Also, it is absorbent enough to keep the humidity low. It is also soft and thus comfortable to burrow, and the most important, it contains minimal or no dust and debris.
| Rating 4.0* |
| 3200 cubic inches |
| Free from dust and debris |
| Biodegradable |
Review
Sunseed shredded aspen is a quality substrate, and it can fill up to 80 gallons. However, it is only 2500 cubic inches, unlike the stated 3200 cubic inches.
The substrate is soft enough for blue tongue skink to burrow in. And thus, the product is worth every cent.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Absorbent | The particles are too small, and blue tongue skink might inhale them. |
| Soft and thus easy for burrowing | Expensive |
| It is free of dust and debris. | |
| Odourless | |
| It provides a natural habitat for your blue tongue skink. | |
| Suitable for most reptiles and small animals |
New to blue tongue skink? Check out the blue tongue skink care sheet now! We had listed out all the things you need to know about blue tongue skinks as pets. Check it now!
Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The substrate entirely comes from cypress mulch, and thus, the perfect match for your blue tongue skinks.
The substrate gives your blue tongue skink a natural feel, and it can also be used damp or dry. The substrate can retain the required humidity for your blue tongue skinks.
| Rating 4.2* |
| 100% natural cypress mulch |
| Natural green product |
| Recommended for most reptiles including blue tongue skinks and other lizards |
Review
My blue tongue skink loves the substrate. I will keep buying it for my blue tongue skink. It comes damp and can keep the humidity low enough for my pet. However, it attracts flies, and thus, you have to control them.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Keeps the humidity intact | Attracts flies |
| Soft enough for your blue tongue skink to burrow | |
| It’s made from natural cypress mulch. | |
| Gives your skink a natural feel in their habitat |
Zoo Med Sphagnum Moss
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to make your blue tongue skink comfortable and happy, zoo med sphagnum moss is the best substrate you should use.
Apart from providing a natural habitat for your blue tongue skink, it is resistant to moulds and retains the ideal humidity for your blue tongue skink.
| Rating: 4.6* |
| Superb for naturalistic terrariums |
| Natural green product |
| Capable of holding moisture longer than most other substrates |
Review
The substrate quality is fantastic, and you can even plant live plants in it. And though the packaging looks small, there’s a lot of moss inside that can cover up to 40 gallons.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Retains moisture longer compared to other types of moss | It’s expensive |
| Soft enough for blue tongue skinks to burrow | |
| Suitable for live plants | |
| It’s reusable, and it does not decompose quickly. |
Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Substrate
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is a perfect substrate for blue tongue skinks, and even more for Indonesian species. You can mix it with topsoil or cypress mulch.
The most amazing fact about coconut fibre is the ability to retain the humidity, and you can use it dry or damp.
Also, the substrate absorbs the pet’s waste and keeps your blue tongue skink’s cage smelling fresh.
| Ratings 4.8* |
| 100% organic |
| Absorbent |
| Easy to clean |
| Odourless |
Review
The substrate will not only retain the humidity for long but is also dust-free, and smells great. Also, it gives your pet a natural feel, making it more comfortable and happy.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Best for blue tongue skinks | Expensive |
| It absorbs waste and reduces odour. | |
| Eco friendly | |
| It contains a recyclable and reusable bag. | |
| Dust-free | |
| You can reuse it to plant flowers in your garden. |
Zoo Med Repti Bark Bedding
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is yet another excellent substrate for blue tongue skinks. It is a multipurpose substrate that you can reuse after removing from your pet enclosure.
To make it retain moisture for long, you can mix it with sphagnum moss or cypress mulch. However, it is worth noting that some products use pine trees instead of a fir tree.
Therefore, before purchasing the product, make sure that you check the label. Pine trees can cause health issues to blue tongue skinks.
| Ratings: 4.4* |
| Absorbent |
| Can last for up to one year |
| Reusable |
Review
The repti bark is washable and can be reused in a yard. The bag is also big enough for you to use 2-3 times after each change.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Hygroscopic: Can easily absorb moisture and release it to create humidity. | |
| Helps to make terrarium have a natural forest look | |
| It is natural as it is made from the bark of fir trees | |
| Provides the best humidity for your blue tongue skink |
Exo Terra Plantation Soil
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The substrate is suitable for blue tongue skinks as it is soft, and thus, making it easy to burrow. However, it is mostly designed for more tropical habitats.
Additionally, it does not contain chemicals or additives. Though it can work well in a drier environment, you can dampen it to increase humidity.
| Rating 4.5* |
| Three pack |
| 100% natural especially for tropical terrariums |
| Naturally stimulates burrowing behaviour. |
Review
This particle substrate is not as messy as dirt and sand. Also, the 3pack bricks are just perfect considering how much the brick expands, giving you plenty of substrates.
Also, it does not clump like sand. Even though it is highly likely to fall into the water, it does not contaminate or make the water dirty.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s made from natural coconut husk | Can be too humid |
| Does not contain any chemicals | |
| Soft enough for burrowing | |
| You can also use the substrate to plant live plants in the terrarium. | |
| Eco friendly | |
| Best if you would like to increase moisture |
New to blue tongue skink? Check out the blue tongue skink care sheet now! We had listed out all the things you need to know about blue tongue skinks as pets. Check it now!
Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber Substrate
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The coconut fibre contains no additives. Thus, it’s entirely safe for blue tongue skinks. And it is decomposable, making it ecologically friendly.
Also, it naturally absorbs waste and helps you maintain a clean, odourless habitat for your pet.
| Rating 4.5* |
| Odourless |
| Easy to clean |
| Value for money |
Review
The substrate is just perfect, especially when it comes to keeping moisture. It can retain moisture for up to 20% higher than the aspen substrate.
It is also soft and makes my tongue skink burrow easily.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Absorbs waste naturally | Contains too much moisture |
| It’s made from natural coconut fibres. | |
| It decomposable and thus eco friendly | |
| Ideal for blue tongue skinks | |
| Comes in 3 packs that is 8 quarts each | |
| It’s naturally a green product. |
Exo Terra Coco Husk
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The substrate is excellent for blue tongue skinks. It is because they encourage nesting and burrowing.
Also, it contains no dust, and it naturally reduces messes and odours from the habitat.
| Ratings 4.6* |
| 100% natural substrate |
| Increases humidity in the enclosure |
| Best for stimulating burrowing behaviour |
| Best for making the habitat look natural |
Review
The substrate has natural forest scents that make my blue tongue skink’s habitat more natural. Also, it does not mould, and the substrate is enough to fill my tank at least two times.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost friendly | A little too humid |
| Absorbent | |
| Encourages burrowing | |
| Made from natural coconut husk | |
| The perfect substrate for lizards, salamander, and any other burrowing animals |
Zilla Snake and Lizard Litter
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is specifically formulated in favour of reptiles, among them blue tongue skinks. The substrate is very absorbent and comfortable to burrow into.
It is made of treated aspen chips and does not contain any additives, and thus they are safe for blue tongue skinks and other reptiles.
| Ratings |
| Extremely absorbent |
| Non-toxic |
| 100% natural |
| Ideal for skinks, snakes, monitors, and swifts |
Review
This substrate works perfectly for my blue tongue skin, especially when you mix it with coconut husk. When you use it alone, it appears a bit dry for blue tongue skink, especially if your skink is a tropical species.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It is made from natural aspen | Not so easy to burrow into |
| Highly absorbent | You have to mix it with other substrates to make it work well. |
| It is purposely made for reptiles | |
| It is hypoallergenic as it contains no additives. |
Zilla Bark Blend
Last update on 2022-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is yet another fantastic product from fir bark. It is made from 100% organic bark and contains no additives.
It is treated with heat to absorb moisture efficiently, and to maintain the ideal humidity in the terrarium.
| Rating |
| 100% organic |
| Encourages natural burrowing |
| It distributes heat evenly in the terrarium |
Review
It is cost-effective, and it’s of good quality. It comes with a variety of texture and does not contain mites, moulds, or other pests.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Absorbent | Not so easy to burrow into |
| Maintains humidity | |
| They are naturally treated to absorb moisture. | |
| Ideal for most reptiles |
Conclusion
In a market full of different types of substrates, it can be so confusing to select the most suitable substrate for your blue tongue skink.
We have given you a list of the best substrates for blue tongue skinks. However, we highly recommend Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber as the best substrate in our list. It is absorbent, easy to clean, non-toxic, and naturally encourages burrowing.
But, if you were on a tight budget and would like to go for a cheaper substrate, Exo Terra Coco Husk makes a perfect choice.