Trying out a new substrate...Herptopia

[zina10]

I'm trying out a new substrate called "Herptopia".

I'm using "Reptichip" in my Display Cage. I wanted something that soaks up messes better then Aspen, plus something that looks more "naturalistic". Odor control is a nice "extra".
I like most tings about Reptichip, but what I don't like is that there are such huge chunks in there. I am constantly spot cleaning, and because of the big chunks I have to remove quite a lot of substrate because I want to get everything that has soaked up urine. Not just the solid urates.

Also, I find it a pain in the back to to prepare for use. Well, the preparing isn't so bad, but it will be quite "moist" for a while, and it gets the humidity up to high for my tubs until it dries out some. I don't want to drill holes in my tubs, I want a substrate that starts out "dry" and I control the humidity with how much and where I mist. I've been preparing Reptichip in a huge container and letting it dry out before using it, but yes, a pain..

So back to Herptopia. When I came across it and researched it I immediately liked that its shipped "expanded" and dry. Also, it is quite a bit finer and fluffier, no big chunks, yet no "powder". They say that during manufacturing they use a method that removes almost all the dust. There are a few videos on Youtube that show/explain it better then I can.

So far the negatives I see are #1 the price. If one has to order it online the price is higher then either Aspen or Reptichip. As of now. Currently they only offer the 24 qt (dry, expanded) size on their webpage and the shopping cart is not set up for shipping discounts on multiple bags. They have since told me that other (bigger) sizes will be available and that everything (incl. the cart) is getting overhauled. They said I should call before I place my next order. So its still in the open how economical it will be. I do think there will be less "waste" since it is easier to spot clean without removing a lot of extra substrate. I'm also willing to pay a bit more for the convenience and because I definitely like the consistency much better.

Long story short, trying it out in one tub and so far I like it. If I still do after a couple of weeks (and cleanings) I might switch over all tubs to this stuff

Has anyone else used it ? Like ? Dislike ?