Substrate issue

[shaz]

Advise needed, I have hermans on large tables in the spare bedroom. I'm finding it really hard to keep soil moist. I've even ad the hose pipe in the bedroom to damp it down but it don't last long. I'm finding dust is getting everywhere and its really hard work the cleaning all the time. Is there anything else I can use bearing in mind I have 4 5ftx3ft tables so something reasonably priced. I am planning on putting them outside in a heated shed next year so might go back to soil. My bedroom and bathroom, doors, it goes everywhere and its driving me mad . None of my torts really burry in it, tend to sleep on top as its a warm room.

[yuna1971]

You could try mixing a bit of sand in it?
I usually water the soil each evening when Lily is asleep.
But yes, it's still pretty dry by same time next day.
You could try putting a fresh thin new soil layer over the top? Or maybe crushed oyster shell round the basking area? xx

[TortBabe]

This is a problem I have too Shaz, I have 7 enclosures in my house and regularly need to hoover along the doors, door frames even the blinkin walls. I water the soil a bit too but nothing really helps, just one of those things you have to put up with unfortunately

[Rowan]

Hi,

Have you seen this thread?

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=57324

I personally haven't used it but I may give it a try as like you I am fed up with dust and trying to keep it wet.

[Herpard]

Coco coir!!!!


When it dries out it doesn't get dusty

The tortoises love to dig in it. My Hermanns only ever dig in this substrate

It weighs less than soil so you don't have to worry about the weight if your tortoises are upstairs.

To reuse is all you have to do I scoop it up, add another brick and water.

It looks nicer than soil, soil looks Greyish next to it.

It doesn't have bits of glass,twigs,stones,plastic ect

It smells nicer than soil too

It's no very expensive, you can buy it from pet shops, online, ikea.

And you don't have to worry about the weight of it in your car either.

[Easter Bunny]

Sounds perfect..definately going to try it myself.

How many litres does one brick make roughly?

I use this topsoil at the moment and I use 2/3 bags per table

http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/200247

[Herpard]

One pets at home sized brick makes 15 or 20 litres

[shaz]

Sounds good, think i may have to try this

[TillyTortoise]

I'm thinking this could turn out rather expensive?

I use 2 bags of soil in each table, each bag has 25L of soil in.

This block from PAH has 9L in http://www.petsathome.com/shop/coco-...TCHING_PRODUCT so I would need 5 for each table so 20 for all 4 tables.

20 x £2.69 = £53.80

[Herpard]

Pets at home do 2 for £5 but you can get it loads cheaper online, jut have a look around