Pebbles as substrate?

Anyone know if pebbles (the aquarium kind, the ones that are smooth) are a good alternative to mulch substrate? We're debating on changing from the repti-bark we have and considering the options. The main worries I have are:

1. Will it get too hot? I've got a heat lamp on the hot side and a UTH on the cool side. I'm afraid the rocks will conduct more heat and become too hot.

2. How well could it hold humidity? We're thinking of putting in a waterfall as well because I'm tired of misting and we have a towel over the top to keep in humidity.

3. Would it just be too uncomfortable for a ball python? I know they're savannah/grassland reptiles.


I have little concern for her actually swallowing one of the pebbles because I feed her in a different container. Just wanting to know what other substrate choices are out there that are more "cost-efficient".

I wouldn't use pebbles. If you want something easy, just go with paper towels or newspaper. You can always get unprinted paper or butcher paper if you want something "nicer" looking.

In aquariums the fish don't actually live on the substrate, i don't think a snake would find it comfortable.

Waterfalls are bad. They are just a breeding ground for bacteria and there have been quite a few threads on peoples snakes getting STUCK inside the compartments. Snakes will inevitably defecate in there and it gets nasty quick.

Try a larger water bowl under the heat source, or switch to a tub if maintaining humidity is too hard.

Paper towels....

If you are controlling the heat pad you can always turn down the heat if it gets too hot. My issue with rocks, is that's it's going to be a pain to clean. I mean a pain. I would not suggest a waterfall either. There have been threads where the ball has gotten stuck. They have lots of small spaces, and you would be surprised what a ball python could fit into.

Paper towels are awesome. They are quick to change, cheap, and they have different thicknesses.

Hi,

Horrible, horrible idea.

I tried aquarium gravel as my very first substrate back in the day.

The poop sticks to it, the pee runs through it and pools underneath.

It's very hard to clean right unless you completely remove it all and scrub the tank. It's dusty, sticks to wet mice and scuffs up their scales and makes the snake look scruffy.

I lasted 2 weeks and was swearing for most of that.


dr del

I guess you have your answer already gravel is not really a good idea. If you were going to do a bio-active substrate it could be the base layer but it is a balancing act and requires lots of research and a fair bit of experience to pull off.

There are lots of good workable solutions out there, a plethora of paper products, I'd never recommend feeding on paper towel however...

A bunch of wood chip products. NO CEDER! Pine is questionable I'd avoid that too. As well as some coco products (chips and coir) As well as a few synthetic options. Each has advantages and dis-advantages but all of them will work.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I'd never recommend feeding on paper towel however...

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Um....why not? Do it every week, 10 snakes, and have done for three years. Do you know what your talking about? Or, just personal opinion.

point of substrate is something to absorb waste, pebbles don't do that...

Thanks everyone, me and the beau were just curious as to substrates that could be re-used, instead of having to throw out all the substrate every time we clean the tank. And he argues that paper towels and newspaper are rather unattractive to look at (which I gave him that) so we're just exploring more of the options out there.

If you want a reusable substrate I suggest you buy repti carpet. You will need more than 1 but they come in 2's keep one in the bottom of the tank and clean and store the other until it is time to switch them out. I use these they look really nice and I have had no problems with them. I actually throw them in the washing machine and then let them hang dry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TomC

If you want a reusable substrate I suggest you buy repti carpet. You will need more than 1 but they come in 2's keep one in the bottom of the tank and clean and store the other until it is time to switch them out. I use these they look really nice and I have had no problems with them. I actually throw them in the washing machine and then let them hang dry.

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There is a reason people usually don't recommend reusing substrate.. Thats because you can never get it fully clean. Reptile carpet is notorious for trapping bacteria.

If you want something nice looking, try aspen or reptibark.

I prefer being able to remove a substrate, clean everything and just replace with new substrate. I know my animals aren't running around in their own filth.