Best Substrate for Desert Reptiles!

[@AirZ_RL]

I’ve been wanting a bearded dragon for a long time and i think I’m about ready to get one mostly because of your videos! Your videos have helped me out so much! I really appreciate it :)

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You got this! I know you’ll do well! Happy I helped

[@AirZ_RL]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse that really means a lot. Thank you!

[@ColonelZuka]

Thank you for this video! I've had my leopard gecko for almost 2 months now and I've been planning on going bioactive with a dirt mix and such instead of the paper towels I've been using. Now I know how to make a good mix for her!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help! Yes this mix minus the topping of sand or stone desert is exactly what I use for mine. Stays moist for a while which my geckos love

[@jessicacauller2057]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverseso just reptisoil and excavator clay for a leopard gecko?

[@booghostieel3373]

@@jessicacauller2057 I personally would use reptisand as well as the excavator clay and reptisoil. I am in the same situation you were in a few months ago, I am swapping my leo from paper towel to a loose substrate and I have done tons of research on it so that's what I would personally reccomend. :)

[@Roy_Camacho]

Very insightful and practical video. Thank you. I searched this up and this popped up. Glad it did.

[@ThatOneCoolPufferfish]

You know it’s a good day when this guy posts a video!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you 😊

[@ThatOneCoolPufferfish]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse 👍

[@user-bj9nw5wf5n]

Another great video! My bearded dragons appreciate you, Chief.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help! Thank you!

[@christellemanson546]

Love this video, will be sharing it with our Reptile group 🦎❤

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@sike917]

loved the video i like how well you explain things and go into detail with everything. 💯👌 also i thought the tank you were using had a logo or something but i think its just the reflection 🤣🤣🤣

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Haha yeah nothing on it just a reflection. Thank you 😊

[@Birdious]

Hey chief! I have been watching your vids for quite a bit now and was wondering what your heating lamps are. Right now I’m looking to upgrade and you seem to be the only reptile KZbinr I can trust! It would be much appreciated if you could tell me what brand you use! Again much appreciated!!!!

[@Ami-o3b]

Thank you i have been waiting for this vid

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to finally get it out

[@gamingwithgodlucky7635]

I was just about to search the best substrate for desert lizards. Glad you came out with another banger

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Appreciate you! Yes this is the exact mix I’ve been using for around two years now love it

[@lukedesouza6069]

Thanks for your informative videos really helping us chose the correct kind of setup! How often would this substrate need replacing? Thanks

[@fuckkasz]

What do I do if my leopard gecko eats it’s substrate it’s a mix of topsoil and reptile sand i don’t know how old he is but a couple months I’m guessing he’s still small. This was the first time introducing him to the substrate and he ate about three mouth fulls. Will he be okay?

[@samsungsmartfridge-n6m]

I was wondering the same thing! I don’t own a leopard gecko but I want to know from an expert if it’s okay for them since they’ll eat the sand and If putting reptisoil alone would be okay. I’ve been wanting a gecko for a while and this is literally one of my only questions lol. I hope your gecko feels okay tho 😀

[@charliecurtis8852]

Instead of a sand layer on top I do a 1cm layer of the excavator clay on top as well as in the soil.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that’ll work as well. This is just a herbal guide whatever you want to add change definitely do as well. That’s the beauty of it!

[@tbonedavidson8440]

Thanks for all the hard work you put into these videos. Ive gotten a ton outta what you put out there. Do you have any experience with "biodude Terra Sahara" substrate?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you that means a lot! So I do not have experience with any biodude substrate but others tell me they like it.

[@tbonedavidson8440]

@ChiefSweetsUniverse Thank you sir🤙

[@nanenimejunko9591]

Hey, great video! Question, since I have a leopard gecko, could this be considerable substrate I should use? I know they aren’t originally from the straight desert so I’m not sure if it’s okay to use sand. Multiple sites and my vet say that I shouldn’t use substrate and just stick to tile because it’s “dangerous” and the gecko could consume the substrate and die. I really don’t know what to do, I want to go bioactive but I’m too scared. Any tips, please?

[@최-d6s]

Do you put the reptile straight in with all the humidity in the substrate, or do you let the substrate dry for a few days?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I I put them in usually. Just make sure the temps are warm. There will be a spike in humidity but it will dry out with the heat on

[@larricurry6217]

Good video. If I'm not trying to go bioactive can I just use excavator clay and Australian sand? Will it work

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that’ll work

[@natalierekert3936]

I am just about to order all this for my baby! Thank you so much

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help

[@natalierekert3936]

Hi again. I live in England in a small town. Everywhere is out of stock online for the reptisoil. Can I use organic top soil with repti sand. Do I need to add clay and stone desert, or can I just have top soil and sand? Thank you 😁

[@deitythevortex]

How do you water it if there is decoration inside? If i just pour water on top the humidity rises too much and it gets swampy. And because of the decorations I can't really mix it after watering.

[@tirsogarza6799]

How many parts top soil, peat moss and sand if I go the Home Depot route?

[@richardgilbert8682]

hi i take you are working in usa gallons as i am trying to work out how much roughly how much i would need for a 6 x 2 x 2 uk viv should i just do half of your mix or double it please watched that video 6 times now and i love it top man

[@emeraldkaysgarden]

I just did my substrate mix topsoil and playsand. 70/30ish....but now i want to add excavator clay to the mixture. If i already did the 70/30 mix....how much excavator clay would i need to add to the leopard gecko substrate? I do not want to go bioactive at this time. I just want to enrich my baby's environment by removing the repticarpet.

[@JoeyBravo312]

So 3 parts top soil, 1 part sand, 1 part excavator clay for a leopard gecko?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes

[@JoeyBravo312]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse you’re the best man! Thanks for always answering my comments!

[@JCW_fishingTV]

Can use Eco earth and the excavator substrate for a leopard gecko? Or just one of them.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I would do reptisoil instead of coco fiber

[@JCW_fishingTV]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse ok thanks

[@spartan_sim20]

Hi, I have a 36×18×18, do I use the same amount that you use for my substrate? Do I put the entire mixture in the tank or do I have left over? I'm new to the reptile world. I'm going to have a leopard gecko soon.

[@FuzzyBeanBag89]

Awesome info!! We are gearing up for our first beardie and are jumping straight into a 120 gallon tank - with that in mind, would you recommend going the home depot route (and for a single 120 gallon tank - would there still be a ton leftover?) or could we get away with the reptisoil/exvacator clay etc, and if so - what would the mix be for that size tank? Also one last question regarding stone desert mix: you mentioned layering the mix with 1-2" of stone desert, is that on top of the stone desert that you hand-mixed with the rest of the substrate? Thanks!

[@samsungsmartfridge-n6m]

Does this include geckos? Because I’ve been wanting a leopard gecko for a while and the internet says sand/reptisand isn’t healthy if ingested and could be fatal. It said reptisoil alone would be fine. Is that true cause I’m a first time reptile owner (I’m js doing research rn) and I don’t want to kill my gecko

[@jacquelinemarie13]

Hello! Very informative video. How much of the reptisoil and sand do you recommend for a 40gal tank?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

3-4 bags of reptisoil and one bag of reptisand maybe twice bags if you use 4 reptisoil

[@jacquelinemarie13]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thanks! If I’m doing the organic top soil with play sand combo, would I still need to include the excavator clay or can I leave it out and lay some Jurassic sand on top? What other live plants do you recommend for the tank?

[@Flyingfeelsgreat]

What will be a good mix proportion of top soil, sand and clay for a tank that's 36x18x18? Thanks in advance!

[@SteveF83]

How often would you change the subatrate?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I’d change it about every 6 months

[@nourhanateout7187]

Do you add leaf litter as well for leopard gecko setups? Do you prefer bioactive with cleanup crew?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I do add leaf litter for my leopard geckos as well. Nearly every tank I have is bioactive I love bioactive tanks

[@nourhanateout7187]

​​@@ChiefSweetsUniverseI'm glad I stumbled upon this video cause I only have two leopard gecko tanks so I gotta go the more expensive route 😢 haha cause I don't need much substrate lol. As far as misting is it every other day? You don't want substrate to be moist but you don't want it bone dry either correct

[@turbo_odar]

Hey i was wondering could i Only use stone desert and desert sand for my beardie because i dont have access to excavator clay and reptisoil in my country

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that’s fine

[@bananasmoothie5185]

Can i get away with not using excavator clay and just using peat moss coco peat top soil and sand for my beardie to make burrows or do i need excavotor clay if i do what’s an alternative to the clay for burrows?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah but I would skip the coco peat and just do peat moss top soil play sand

[@shann1086]

I've seen you mention a bioactive tank a few times now, I'm interested in that concept but I am worried about my beardie eating plants that may be toxic. My Question is: are there plants to avoid pairing with a curious beardie? or perhaps the shorter list would be nontoxic plants... thanks so much for all the info so far

[@Roy_Camacho]

Would we achieve the same arid look with this... -Terra Sahara, THE BIO DUDE -Excavator Clay -ExoTerra Desert Sand -Stone Desert What do you reckon? It's for my Western Hognose but want to make it look like she's a miniature Rattlesnake in Arizona.

[@eymi5742]

Is it okay to use only top soil for beardie and do mix with sand in few months?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that’ll be fine

[@riccardorotolo]

I have a doubt, I really want to do something like this but my problem is that i have fear that my bearded dragon would eat the plants inside, do you have any suggestion for ehich kind of plants to put inside that will not harm him

[@Ryley.555]

Am I gonna need more bags of substrate for a 40 gallon tank? or are these enough for a 40 gallon

[@Elaine_P_Smith]

I have a 20-gallon tall (29-gallon) aquarium, and I would like a paroedura picta. Is this substrate the correct one for a paroedura picta?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah it’ll work

[@Tell.us.were.CReAtive.Matthew]

Hey just a quick question, I had bought some scotts topsoil the specific red bag with peat moss and it had a very potent smell but the smell went away after airing and declumping the topsoil is it harmful or can I still use it ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah it was just the bag getting wet and not having any oxygen present causing the smell. Its ok

[@Tell.us.were.CReAtive.Matthew]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse literally man all I have to say is thank you, you have helped me and my bearded dragon Simon so much god bless your soul love your vids man keep up the good work 🙏🩵

[@taylorwhite5327]

Hi!!! I have a question. Can I use JUST sand in the bearded dragon tank??? Or do you recommend adding a substrate with the sand?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah you can use sand by itself no issues

[@FUJIIisCoolAndHawkTuah]

i was wondering if you know why my bearded dragon seems to have bags under his eyes in the morning? is this a sign he's not getting enough sleep or what?

[@dendengz88]

Can you use plantation soil from exoterra? I live in Indonesia and I can't find top soil without manure or some kind of fertilizer

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah you can

[@charliecurtis8852]

What if we do all that but also mix in a light amount of repti bark or forest floor? Would that be better for the isopods and springtails?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that can work well you can totally do that

[@speed_demon_031]

Just a quick question: could this mix also be used for box turtles? Currently my box turtle is only on ReptiSoil, however it dries out too quickly for him to attempt to make a burrow, the poor little guy tries so hard and gets so frustrated when it caves in 🤣

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I used this mix when I bred box turtles they love it

[@speed_demon_031]

@ChiefSweetsUniverse Awesome! I'll get some bags when I can, the little man is gonna love it!

[@careysteinberg3363]

Can I use sand that is for fish tanks for a bearded dragon?

[@RyzenEditzlol]

What kind

[@MeghanFox-x6n]

How many bags of Reptisoil, Reptisand, Excavator Clay, Jurrasic Naturals Australian and Water would be needed to make this Substrate for a 120 gal 4x2x2 ??? (Not including the 1-2in layer of Jurrasic on top)

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

6 bags reptisoil. 2-3 bags reptisand. 2 bags of excavation clay

[@BenjaminWilson-gk9ve]

Will just desert and stuff from home depo alone work fine as well? It’s about time for me to upgrade and I’m looking forwards to a nice desert enclosure.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah I use stuff from Home Depot mainly

[@BenjaminWilson-gk9ve]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Nice! Also, I noticed that at pet smart they have a few bigger beardies (maybe around 4-5-6 months old) are kept in a tiny cube with barely any room and they keep beardies in one tank all together (they mainly do that with the younger ones). It’s disgusting to look at.

[@blainecarter856]

Hey where do you get your topsoil for your arid setups? And what brand usually???

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Home Depot. I get the timberline one

[@reginojacobo1050]

thank you so much. Gerat info

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help!

[@Thunder_drop]

Is getting the mulch out of the Lowe’s top soil recommended or optional ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Optional I don’t myself but others do

[@lmFLRZ]

How often would you need to change a substrate like this?

[@HotDoritos-c9r]

I’ve finally got everything for my bearded dragon but the only thing I’m worried about is the substrate I’ve got. It’s called “desert bedding” like a mix of sand and soil. But it’s been very moist for days and tried to dry it out in the enclosure by mixing it around but it’s the humidity it’s still pretty high. Is there any other good suggestions on substate of sand and soil?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It’ll dry out just have to give it time. Nothing to worry about

[@HotDoritos-c9r]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse I will do and Thank you so much for answering! You’ve been such a great help with my first reptile. Just my first time having a reptile so want to try and make it the best for him/her.

[@Shimuragun]

I recently got a baby bearded dragon. Can baby bearded dragons still be on loose sand or should I wait until he gets bigger?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

They will be fine on loose substrate

[@isabellaheath4159]

How often should I change my bearded dragons topsoil and play sand mix ?

[@Twiztdo.o]

I am also curious

[@Sunflower_Momma]

The mixture you made in this video how many tanks would it fill? I need to fill a 4x2x2 and a 5x2x2

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I would triple this mix

[@Sunflower_Momma]

​@ChiefSweetsUniverse Thank you! I love your videos. You are very detailed and they are very helpful thank you.

[@breydangoski350]

How big of a tank will this mix do ? I have a 40 gal right now for a baby beardie and want to do this mix

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

This will do a 40 gallon perfect

[@lerican7704]

Awesome video

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@Ryley.555]

do you think i would need the desert sand in the mix?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Play sand will work but the sand is really what ties it all together

[@Ryley.555]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse okay thanks man you are the best and you have helped me so much I really do appreciate you and help

[@mwaters210]

What size screen do you use to sift the top soil?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@mwaters210 I don’t sift my top soil myself. But if I did I would use 1/4 inch

[@mwaters210]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Even if it has pieces of bark, wood chips, etc? I see a lot of people saying that could lead to impaction, just wanted your opinion. You’re the man 👊

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@mwaters210 not a issue at all these guys have evolved pretty well to grab food without grabbing other things but even if they do they always spit it out. I’ve never had an issue and lots of dragons habitats have that tree bark and wood chips in the sand so kind of similar. Now if you are worried you can totally sift it.

[@mwaters210]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse I appreciate you, thanks for all the great content 🙌

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@mwaters210 happy to help!

[@valerieduguay8193]

How long is the substrate good? How frequently do you change it? :)

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

For 6 months to a year. Add isopods it’ll be good forever

[@nexrole884]

How do you clear their poop and whatnot?

[@javfantv3722]

Pooper scooper

[@AlexAllenKale]

Can’t wait to make a bio active terrarium

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Do it! It’s super fun!

[@jacobestrada6696]

What should I get instead of desert sand if I’m at Home Depot

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Play sand and top soil

[@nathan2216]

This is a lot of mix how long can I store ? And just store in a tub?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

As long as it’s ventilated you can store it forever

[@nathan2216]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse okay thanks bunches!

[@tajanaihuff566]

is that mix for one enclosure or multiple?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

That mix is for one enclosure but if you buy the huge cheap bulk options from Home Depot that’s definitely a multi enclosure option

[@windchaserlad]

How frequent do you clean his tank?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Daily just for poops after 6 months change the entire substrate

[@richardgilbert8682]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thats like for a 6 x2 x2 about £200 quid every 6 months cant you just replace the top layer of stone desert ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@richardgilbert8682 I mean as long as you clean the poop out and just remove any soiled dirt you don’t really have to change it just add more substrate in cause you’ll be removing the soiled substrate around the poop

[@richardgilbert8682]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thanks for reply had me panicking then

[@richardgilbert8682]

good video by the way just what ive been after

[@HippoSniffer-b9i]

Is tile good?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It’s ok but dirt is the best

[@HippoSniffer-b9i]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse my dad said tile because dirt is annoying to clean and he said it looks better. I said that they like digging but he said don’t worry bout it

[@whatisthis7688]

Can i just just put the stone desert in by itself for my bearded dragon

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes

[@Pushupman759]

Can you do a reptile room tour

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Working on that

[@cryptic952]

is all this just for one enclosure?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Depends on the size. This is great for 40 gallon enclosures

[@AireannaDixon]

Would this amount be enough for two or one 4x2x2?

[@EliNelson993]

Hi, I've watched every video

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Let’s go! I appreciate you

[@EliNelson993]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thanks for the awesome videos

[@auhsoj308]

Very informative! Would you like to see my bearded dragon video?

[@wormluvr]

i dont even have a lizard (just a leopard gecko) but your videos are so informative + fun to watch i watch them anyways lol !

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you so much!

[@christellemanson546]

Your leopard gecko is a Lizard, They are ground dwelling lizards. 😅

[@wormluvr]

@@christellemanson546 true, i meant lizards like bearded dragons or uromastyx haha

[@christellemanson546]

LOL but he has a lot of good info on geckos as well, I also love his videos, I refer most of my clients to his channel for detailed info on all sorts of reptiles. And I share his videos on my groups. It helps so much. But any case, enjoy your Leo they are just as cute

[@damianquain6550]

How much would I need for the Mojave Reptile Lounge 48” @ChiefSweetsUniverse

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

6 bags of reptisoil 3 bags of reptisand and if you want the excavator clay you can add it in as well

[@Fet990]

Thanks bro I know you might not see this but my dragon says thanks

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help!

[@AireannaDixon]

Would this amount be enough for two or one 4x2x2?

[@richardgilbert8682]

i have a 6 x 2 so not sure how much i would need god knows how much that will cost though 🥴🥴

[@fuckkasz]

What do I do if my leopard gecko eats it’s substrate it’s a mix of topsoil and reptile sand i don’t know how old he is but a couple months I’m guessing he’s still small. This was the first time introducing him to the substrate and he ate about three mouth fulls. Will he be okay?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah he will be ok just hydrate. They sometimes do this in the wild by accident and just poop it out

[@AireannaDixon]

Would this amount be enough for two or one 4x2x2?