Monitor substrates

[Ramsayi]

Just looking for advice on decent substrates for monitors,in particular ackies.
I'm guessing monitor keepers on here have settled on what works well through trial and error so would like to hear from them.Anyone use or try decomposed granite?

[Frozenmouse]

I have tried everything it all works but the only thing you have to think about is ackies have a high metabolism ie poop every other day and that it stinks. Don't let people tell you that they will get impacted i have seen them pass a nearly full dump of breeders choice and critters cumble with no problems. So i would say go for it with your decomposted granite ,.

[SamNabz]

Rams, I've been using a mixture of sand and top soil and it works well IMO.

As for the decomposed granite, when it becomes compacted and hardens it will almost be like concrete which could do some damage if the ackies were to try and burrow/dig into it.. I've never used it myself though so would be interested to hear if anyone else has and their thoughts.

[TheCheshireCat]

I always kept my ackies on red reptile sand, if you are worried about impaction just slip a tile (rough side up) and feed on there, they are pigs so live food doesn't usually have a chance to leave the tile.
In saying that I never had a problem with impaction and I always fed straight on the sand.

The only downside to red reptile sand is it sticks to them and makes their colours quite drab.

[Robo1]

I've never tried decomposed granite, but I would be interested to hear other keepers thoughts or experiences. There was a thread here about substrate for ackies that is worth reading.
Sorry, just realised that you'd posted in that thread so you've probably read it!

[imported_Varanus]

Most of the Eastern and Western Mac's (Alice Springs) are composed of the stuff, so couldn't hurt to give it a go IMO. I'd imagine it would hold a burrow pretty well.

[Ramsayi]

Thanks guys.
Not so much worried about impaction but am after something that will hold burrows easily and assist in removing shed skin from toes etc.
At the moment we have them on river sand and peat but it does none of the above.

[hector]

I use a mix of top soil, plasters sand and white play pit sand. Really cheap from landscape places. Holds moisture a burrows and doesnt stain the monitors

[Frozenmouse]

Play sand from bunnings about $6 a bag and lasts me for a month in a 4x2x2 enclosure

[zulu]

Whatever you use rams,steer away from mixtures of sand or substrates that produce dust when they run about digging.Ive had that problem with brickys sand,good for reptiles as they like laying eggs in it with the clay content etc as it compacts but gets slim dusty.

[Ramsayi]

Thanks again for the info guys.Picked up some decomposed granite the other day along with some different types of sand,bush,river,brickies etc and will make some mixes to see how they look.

I use a mix of top soil, plasters sand and white play pit sand. Really cheap from landscape places. Holds moisture a burrows and doesnt stain the monitors

What ratio do you mix them at?

[hector]

Around 60% soil, 20% play pit sand and 20% plasters, i used to use brick sand instead of plasters, but found the plasters helped hold burrows better, its a bit of trial and error with different mixes.

[triggered]

Hi guys I have red desert reptile sand in my yellow spotted monitor tank and was thinking of changing to a lighter yellow or white sand to bring out the colours better...
Any suggestions...
Also as Chesirecat said before it sticks to him and makes him look red..

[Dutchy88]

Around 60% soil, 20% play pit sand and 20% plasters, i used to use brick sand instead of plasters, but found the plasters helped hold burrows better, its a bit of trial and error with different mixes.

What do you mean by plasters?like plaster filler ?

[bk201]

...

I use a mix of top soil, plasters sand and white play pit sand. Really cheap from landscape places. Holds moisture a burrows and doesnt stain the monitors