potting soil

[Strange_Evil]

What kind do you use for savs? I was in the Benjamin Moore and saw whats in the pictures below. Thing is i dont know if its safe to use, so is it? I use eco earth now, but that stuff can really get expensive trying to fill a monster cage. So i'm going with the traditional cheap sand/soil mix, so is it safe to use?

[mumps]

I go with plain black earth. No additives, fertilizers or chemicals added.

Chris

[wolfy-hound]

The ingrediant list doesn't contain anything harmful, but you just want to be certain there are NO pesticides , fertilizers or herbicides in the mix.

[Ga_herps]

Yes I have used it with no probs, but I can tell you a way cheaper solution. If you can find a clean creek near your house with a sand mixture dig you up a couple hundred pounds of that. I look for places where the turtles nest at around here. If I find old turtle egg shells or the distinct holes I know I found the right spot. I take the mix home put it in a super huge plastic bin I have at the house and run a hose in it. I flood it for a good 30 mins stirring it every few mins. Once I am happy that there is no undesirables in it I turn the hose off, and drain. I then let it dry in the sun on a tarp. I portion out what I need then put the rest in big sterilites. I started this process this season, and have pretty much switched all cages over to it.

[Robyn@SYR]

There is a big difference between potting soil and topsoil. You don't want to fertilize and maximize plant growth, that is what potting soil does. You want plain dirt. From a store bought source, you want TOPSOIL.

[DakotaB]

I just use regular top soil. Im in florida and the stuff down here is already sandy so i dont have to mixe it. And he does good in it. Only 1.25 a bag. Usually the really cheap stuff has no additives.

[RestlessRobie]

Anyone had luck with regular peatmoss? Just wondering if this would make a good substrate?
Robie

[Robyn@SYR]

Peatmoss is typically too acidic. It is another substrate for plant growth, not animal care...

[Dana C]

Anyone had luck with regular peatmoss? Just wondering if this would make a good substrate?
Robie

I use ground peat moss, (Canadian peat) mixed with Cypress muclch, bagged sterile top soil and a little potting soil, (chemical free), and a bag of coconut fiber substrate. The 10% peat moss retains moisture well and helps raise the humidity for my baby boy Arg Tegu.

[Big Dave]

I just use bagged topsoil from the garden center. I have read that perlite (Volcanic Glass) in the organic mixes is a no no. It can cause impactions. My Sav and my Tegu just have plain black topsoil and are doing great.