Some thoughts on Reptile Prime

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Why didn't I try this stuff sooner?

Now that we have officially been mite-free for more than a month (knock on wood), I decided to give most everyone their substrate back. I decided to try Reptile Prime since I've basically tried everything else on the market (Reptichip, aspen for the corn, paper towels, cypress mulch, ReptiBark...) I'm not a fan of EcoEarth from previous experiences, which is why I held out on Reptile Prime for so long. But IMO it's sooo much better than EcoEarth!

Pros:
- Retains humidity like a boss, and it's MUCH easier to control the initial level of humidity than, say, Reptichip. Watching this stuff absorb water was like magic. I poured quite a bit in but the substrate barely felt wet.
- Virtually dust-free. I had some debris on my fingers, but barely any, even when I was mixing water in with my hand. Like I said, magic!
- A little goes a long way, which helps mitigate one of the cons (it's a bit pricey).
- Looks nice and the snakes seem happy
- Easy to spot clean
- Bag vs. brick form. Not having to spend 30+ minutes of my life expanding a brick or storing a ton of extra is 👍

Cons:
- Minor, but it does get in the water dish fairly easily
- More expensive than other substrates at $20/bag on Amazon. A small amount does go a pretty long way, but it's also easy to put too much in without realizing, probably because of the consistency.

Unforseen Complication:
I have no idea where Memphis is, other than somewhere in her tank. 🤣 To say she enjoys burrowing in this stuff is an understatement. I know Dumeril's like to burrow, and she occasionally did while on Reptichip/cypress mulch, but not like this. There is nary even her head to be seen. Makes cage maintenance, feeding, etc. a bit more exciting lol (although she does usually pop her head up at feeding time).

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Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

!!!

Why didn't I try this stuff sooner?

Now that we have officially been mite-free for more than a month (knock on wood), I decided to give most everyone their substrate back. I decided to try Reptile Prime since I've basically tried everything else on the market (Reptichip, aspen for the corn, paper towels, cypress mulch, ReptiBark...) I'm not a fan of EcoEarth from previous experiences, which is why I held out on Reptile Prime for so long. But IMO it's sooo much better than EcoEarth!

Pros:
- Retains humidity like a boss, and it's MUCH easier to control the initial level of humidity than, say, Reptichip. Watching this stuff absorb water was like magic. I poured quite a bit in but the substrate barely felt wet.
- Virtually dust-free. I had some debris on my fingers, but barely any, even when I was mixing water in with my hand. Like I said, magic!
- A little goes a long way, which helps mitigate one of the cons (it's a bit pricey).
- Looks nice and the snakes seem happy
- Easy to spot clean
- Bag vs. brick form. Not having to spend 30+ minutes of my life expanding a brick or storing a ton of extra is 👍

Cons:
- Minor, but it does get in the water dish fairly easily
- More expensive than other substrates at $20/bag on Amazon. A small amount does go a pretty long way, but it's also easy to put too much in without realizing, probably because of the consistency.

Unforseen Complication:
I have no idea where Memphis is, other than somewhere in her tank. 🤣 To say she enjoys burrowing in this stuff is an understatement. I know Dumeril's like to burrow, and she occasionally did while on Reptichip/cypress mulch, but not like this. There is nary even her head to be seen. Makes cage maintenance, feeding, etc. a bit more exciting lol (although she does usually pop her head up at feeding time).

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That is funny. I've had this substrate on the top of my list for awhile.

Thanks for the comprehensive review. You’ve about sold me to switch from eco earth.

Did talk with Lori at BHB and said they would do a quantity discount but had to ask Brian. Have not heard back.

I gave reptile prime a try after being unimpressed with eco earth for the reasons stated above and seriously underwhelmed by reptichip (it did NOT hold humidity for me at all.. worse than aspen, even after soaking it) and the reptile prime is AWESOME.

Definitely a bit pricey, but it also does such a good job absorbing pee that there is actually less you have to scoop out compared to eco earth. Means it spot cleans easier and less needs to be topped up between major cleanings.

If you've never tried it, it is definitely worth a try at some point, even if you don't think you'll switch. And if anyone who uses paper has humidity issues in winter. Tossing some in on top of the paper gives a similar sort of moisture retaining addition as moss. (And even holds the water better/longer than the sphagnum moss I've used)

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Nice video on here.

https://reptileprime.com/

After your review and watching the video, I’m going to try this for boosting the humidity in my cages. I won’t be replacing my substrate, but creating a modified humid hide with it...essentially open tubs with a well soaked layer of this. I’ll let you know how it works.

Yep, this is what I initially started with when I set everything up about 6 weeks ago. Love this stuff! It's done very well with holding humidity in my "glass box" once I struggled through all the "n00b" obstacles.

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Originally Posted by pretends2bnormal

I gave reptile prime a try after being unimpressed with eco earth for the reasons stated above and seriously underwhelmed by reptichip (it did NOT hold humidity for me at all.. worse than aspen, even after soaking it) and the reptile prime is AWESOME.

Definitely a bit pricey, but it also does such a good job absorbing pee that there is actually less you have to scoop out compared to eco earth. Means it spot cleans easier and less needs to be topped up between major cleanings.

If you've never tried it, it is definitely worth a try at some point, even if you don't think you'll switch. And if anyone who uses paper has humidity issues in winter. Tossing some in on top of the paper gives a similar sort of moisture retaining addition as moss. (And even holds the water better/longer than the sphagnum moss I've used)

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I like the suggestion about using it on top of paper substrate. I honestly don't mind paper towels apart from the humidity challenges and needing to fully change them out when soiled.

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Originally Posted by Dianne

After your review and watching the video, I’m going to try this for boosting the humidity in my cages. I won’t be replacing my substrate, but creating a modified humid hide with it...essentially open tubs with a well soaked layer of this. I’ll let you know how it works.

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Pleas do! I don't use humid hides but I imagine this would work well for it.

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Update: Found Memphis [emoji3]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3e040896c9.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...21b1d2c11a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...dd5150c350.jpg

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Originally Posted by WhompingWillow

Pleas do! I don't use humid hides but I imagine this would work well for it.

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I’ve been struggling with humidity this year and we’re not even fully into winter yet. I use cotton sheets or towels in my cages, which allows me to shake solids into the trash, wash the bedding, and wipe down the enclosure every time it is soiled. Great for cleanliness and it’s reusable...which appeals to the tree hugger in me. :P Usually a humid hide works fine, but I’ve had two of my hatchlings with retained/poor sheds, so I want an overall boost.

I won't use anything else. I actually spend less money now, despite being really thorough when it comes to spot cleaning.
Everything has been said and it's true!


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Originally Posted by zina10

I won't use anything else. I actually spend less money now, despite being really thorough when it comes to spot cleaning.
Everything has been said and it's true!


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I remember when you were first telling us you were going to try it out. You were concerned about the expense at first. I guess it has been a year or two that you have been using it now. You were saying you were going to try and get it cheaper by getting it in bulk if I remember. Did you work that out?

Hope everyone knows now (till Jan. 31) is a good time to order a bag because Amazon has no minimum quantity for free shipping, good time to try it out on Amazon, check into it and see if shipping is free but I believe it is till Jan.31 anyway. But make sure you check the right shipping box or circle.

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Originally Posted by ballpythonsrock2

I remember when you were first telling us you were going to try it out. You were concerned about the expense at first. I guess it has been a year or two that you have been using it now. You were saying you were going to try and get it cheaper by getting it in bulk if I remember. Did you work that out?

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No, it did not, unfortunately.

But I did get it on Amazon once, for quite the discount. That was a very short sale though. Honestly, I have stopped worrying about it. This stuff just keeps on lasting. When I think of the HUGE bales of dusty Aspen I went through or the big, messy deal with the Repti Chips..ugh.

Now I have a few bags of the Reptile Prime and I might have went through 4 so far ? No kidding. And I'm beyond picky when I spot clean. I spot clean religiously and thoroughly. And I don't have a extremely messy snake. It just contains the mess in such small areas. And there is no smell anymore. The reek there used to be with paper towels and Aspen, yuck. Even the snakes reeked sometimes and needed wiping off. Never had to do that again, either.

I still have 5 bags left from when I bought it on sale. Its going to last me a very long time. I only hope they won't stop making it or change the quality of it. I will pay that price for the convenience (not needing to pre soak and then store a huge amount of wet shavings) for the great performance (makes cleaning a snap, no smells) the ease of storing it (smaller bags).

On top of that, the snakes really do seem to enjoy it. If some water spills, there is no mold (with Aspen, mold would grow quickly wherever water puddled, either condensation or around the water dish). If a snake gets a bit into their mouth, which really never has been a problem, its soft and will do no harm. Aspen could have some wood pieces that got stuck between the lips and teeth. While that, too, only happened rarely, I did have to remove Aspen from a mouth a couple of times.

I really do not have anything bad to say about Reptile Prime at the moment. The whole deal of raising the price and then calling it free shipping is not really cool, but then again, many companies do the same exact thing. Even Amazons prime items are usually higher priced, so much for free shipping that you have to pay a yearly fee for.

Like I said, I only hope they won't start going cheap by changing the manufacturing process, etc..


edited to say, for the Gecko I do remove the entire bedding every so often. But that is because spot cleaning is more difficult with him. He has moss on top of the reptile prime and the pee spots are not easily found..

Also for a snake that is sick or has issues, I would still go to paper towels and keep everything super clean

Nice video on the background of Brian's involvement and plan for additional products.


https://youtu.be/vCgSmEQMms8

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Originally Posted by Dianne

After your review and watching the video, I’m going to try this for boosting the humidity in my cages. I won’t be replacing my substrate, but creating a modified humid hide with it...essentially open tubs with a well soaked layer of this. I’ll let you know how it works.

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Same here...I've tried other coconut husk products in the past & they were much like what's shown in his video. I will definitely try Reptile Prime for use in my humid-
hides...though it might have to wait for me to run out of sphagnum moss, as I don't need both. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Same here...I've tried other coconut husk products in the past & they were much like what's shown in his video. I will definitely try Reptile Prime for use in my humid-
hides...though it might have to wait for me to run out of sphagnum moss, as I don't need both. Thanks!

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I was just planing to go get sphagnum moss when I saw this thread. I’ve used it off and on for years, including in my incubating tubs when I was breeding my corns. Thinking this might also work if/when I decide to breed some of my bp’s as I’ve never been a fan of vermiculite and similar products.

I think I'm going to have to give this a try.

edit: I still have lots of Aspen. Can I use this two together somehow?

You could probably use this dry with aspen (how it comes out of the bag), but I would be hesitant to use both if the Reptile Prime was damp/wet, since it really does hold onto water. You could do something like a small tub of this in the enclosure to keep it separate from the aspen, depending on how large your cages and snakes are.

- - - Updated - - -

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Originally Posted by RickyNY

I think I'm going to have to give this a try.

edit: I still have lots of Aspen. Can I use this two together somehow?

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I always forget to hit the quote button, whoops. My above reply is for you. :)

Also, here is some context on the bang for your buck with this stuff, as that was one of my concerns. I ordered 4 bags off Amazon since I have Prime shipping. With approximately 2.75 bags I filled:

(5) 10 gallons
(2) 4x2 PVC cages
(1) 20L
(2) Exo Terra 36x18 enclosures

I still have 1 full bag and a bit left over from another, so not bad at all. And I honestly probably put TOO MUCH in several of my enclosures, anywhere from 1-2 inches deep, with less under the hides. While this stuff does not expand like a brick of EcoEarth or ReptiChip since it's loose in the bag, there is still some expansion when it gets wet and absorbs water. So my recommendation is to start with less than you think you'll need, add water, and see where you stand after mixing. You can always add more. :)

Reptile prime is all I will ever use. I just finished the origional bag before Brian's picture was put on it. So the bag lasted me 2 YEARS! that is how well it holds up. Seriously...it's worth it's weight in gold. I'm thinking of even putting my pueblan on it but not sure since he is so much messier lol.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

Reptile prime is all I will ever use. I just finished the origional bag before Brian's picture was put on it. So the bag lasted me 2 YEARS! that is how well it holds up. Seriously...it's worth it's weight in gold. I'm thinking of even putting my pueblan on it but not sure since he is so much messier lol.

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I have my honduran on it fully dry/no added water and it works great. He likes making his own exits to hides with mini tunnels and it keeps his messes more contained. At over 250 grams, he can leave a large mess when he feels like it, but it is just as easy to spot clean for him as it is for my BPs.

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I've seen great reviews on this stuff but if it's just cocoa fiber how does it differ from expanding a brick of cocoa fiber. At half the cost?

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Originally Posted by Knowell

I've seen great reviews on this stuff but if it's just cocoa fiber how does it differ from expanding a brick of cocoa fiber. At half the cost?

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Umm, did you watch the video?

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Originally Posted by MR Snakes

Umm, did you watch the video?

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Lol, no. I guess I'll do that thanks

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Originally Posted by pretends2bnormal

I have my honduran on it fully dry/no added water and it works great. He likes making his own exits to hides with mini tunnels and it keeps his messes more contained. At over 250 grams, he can leave a large mess when he feels like it, but it is just as easy to spot clean for him as it is for my BPs.

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awesome! I will definitely try it then! Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Knowell

I've seen great reviews on this stuff but if it's just cocoa fiber how does it differ from expanding a brick of cocoa fiber. At half the cost?

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completely different. Almost no dust. There is never a smell and it contains all the mess. I use Eco earth at work and there really is no comparison.

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Originally Posted by MR Snakes

Umm, did you watch the video?

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hahaha...

Just started using this stuff about a month ago. Its awesome!

Another Reptile Prime advocate here. It's all I use now.

I need to check it out. I started using Reptichip about a year and a half ago and never turned back. Haven't had a reason to look at other substrates. Thanks for the info!

Anyone use this for tubs? I am about to exit the Quarantine procedure on my new additions so I am looking at new substrates I have used Repti-Bark but it does not offer much but a fairly decent look.

Ill probably give it a try no harm in switching a tub or two out and seeing how it works I will update when I see it.

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Originally Posted by VereMyth

Anyone use this for tubs? I am about to exit the Quarantine procedure on my new additions so I am looking at new substrates I have used Repti-Bark but it does not offer much but a fairly decent look.

Ill probably give it a try no harm in switching a tub or two out and seeing how it works I will update when I see it.

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I use it in tubs, tanks and pvc enclosures. It's great!

How much of this are you guys using as a layer in tubs / pvc cages, etc.? 1", 1/2", ? For those using standard sized tubs, how many v70 or 28qt. tubs will one bag do?

I've been using coir (similar to reptichips) and don't love the texture. I stll have a couple blocks to go through before I can switch substrates, but would like to change to something with a finer / smoother texture. I currently am running 6 AP 4'x2' cages, 8 v70 tubs and 5 28qt tubs though, so want something that will not break the bank.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I use it in tubs, tanks and pvc enclosures. It's great!

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Ziggy, you also use Reptile Prime?
Man, I didn't know this was so popular.

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Originally Posted by RickyNY

Ziggy, you also use Reptile Prime?
Man, I didn't know this was so popular.

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I know right?

I will have to get some, the only two problems I have with paper towels is the aesthetics and the full pick up after soiling.

So between the video & all your enthusiastic comments, I just ordered some, lol. I'll be using it in humid hides only.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

So between the video & all your enthusiastic comments, I just ordered some, lol. I'll be using it in humid hides only.

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I just got mine yesterday. I’ll also be setting it up in humid hides. Didn’t do anything last night since it was feeding night...nothing strange in the cage to offset feeding.

I've always been happy with Reptichip but I admit this thread is making me consider trying out Reptile Prime for comparison.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

I've always been happy with Reptichip but I admit this thread is making me consider trying out Reptile Prime for comparison.

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I was pretty happy with Reptichip too, but now that I've tried Prime I won't be going back. For me, pros of Prime are that it's holding humidity better, it's less time consuming than expanding a brick, and because it comes dry I get to control how wet I want to make it. Reptichip always spiked my humidity to 90%+ for days in my PVC enclosures, even though I was careful to not oversoak it. With Prime I can achieve a comfortable 60-70% easily.

The biggest con of using Prime over Reptichip is that it's more expensive. Yes Prime can go pretty far, especially if you are able to only put down 1/2"-1" or so, but with 1 block of Reptichip I could fill all my cages and still have some leftover. Ultimately I'm willing to pay the higher price for the quality and benefits of Reptile Prime.

I just got a bag and am impressed. No dust and it holds a LOT of water without being wet on the surface. I haven't fed on it yet. I'm still weary of it sticking to wet rodents when I feed but we will see. Looks to be awesome so far. I'm anxious to see how it holds it's humidity. Reptichip has been good to me. Will be hard to switch but it's looking good so far.

I've been feeding wet rodents on it (and all the other substrates) and never had a issue.

The ONLY time I had to intervene was with Aspen and Reptichip. That was due to bigger pieces that won't fall apart getting stuck in the gum line. Most likely the snakes would have been able to work them out, but I helped.

That was twice in many, many years of keeping them.

Reptile prime is so soft that even if some ends up swallowed, it won't cause a issue. I haven't seen it sticking to wet rodents much. The only time was when a snake grabbed the rodent butt first, tried to eat it that way, and then gave up. The slimy rodent was a lot stickier then a wet one. But the snake ended up eating the rodent just fine, head first ;)

How many 28 Qt rubs does one bag cover? I use two bricks of reptichip on my 28 QT and 41 QT racks so I'm wondering how many bags would I need of this stuff. Sounds like this product is the best thing since sliced bread, I'm almost convinced to try it out.

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Originally Posted by mdb730

How many 28 Qt rubs does one bag cover? I use two bricks of reptichip on my 28 QT and 41 QT racks so I'm wondering how many bags would I need of this stuff. Sounds like this product is the best thing since sliced bread, I'm almost convinced to try it out.

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I can get a good solid layer ~1" thick after a snake packs it down in a 52 at hefty tub (slightly larger than a 41qt) and it takes a bit under 1 bag to do 2 tubs. Probably do about 2.5 tubs of my size tub, 3 if you use less thick of a layer or have big water bowls that you don't put substrate beneath.

I don't have anyone in a 28qt, so not sure how much that takes.

I do find that I don't need to do a complete clean as often as other sunstrates; if I do spot cleaning well, it still smells fresh at 2 months. (And it contains pee to smaller area)

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I've had this as my go to substrate since early on.....before I joined here.

Yeah I'm switching. I'll def use up the rest of my Reptichip but I really like Reptile Prime.

I just heard about this stuff that this is just the thread I needed.
I'm making a big upgrade for all my noodles over the next few months, new cages, new additions and a large shelving unit purchased especially to be a snake display unit. I think I will order some of this stuff and see how it goes.
I've been using ecoearth myself but I have the same issues with mess, just inconvenience of handling and it does obtain an odor even after spot cleaning after a poo or two.
Looking forward to trying it.

Whelp, I decided to give Reptile Prime a try and mixing it with my Reptichip. So far I'm really enjoying the results and feel the two compliment each other well. It seems to absorb moisture better than Reptichip and everyone wan't kidding that it just sucks it up. I admit it's fairly fascinating haha.


It helps that currently Reptile Prime is cheaper than Reptichip because the price for Reptichip went up a fair bit. ($30 on Amazon ouch)

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Whelp, I decided to give Reptile Prime a try and mixing it with my Reptichip. So far I'm really enjoying the results and feel the two compliment each other well. It seems to absorb moisture better than Reptichip and everyone wan't kidding that it just sucks it up. I admit it's fairly fascinating haha.


It helps that currently Reptile Prime is cheaper than Reptichip because the price for Reptichip went up a fair bit. ($30 on Amazon ouch)

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I used to do a similar thing mixing orchid bark with eco earth .. with regular damping .. my BRBs thrived on it .


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Hmm, seeing all these rave reviews is making me think maybe I should switch. I'm using cypress mulch right now which is great for humidity, but it doesn't look very comfortable to lay on for a snake, and I'm always a bit worried my BP will ingest one of the big sharp pieces when feeding.

Does Reptile Prime mold with moisture? What is the process for getting it to the right level of dampness to maintain humidity for a BP? Do you soak it, mist it? How long does that take to do?