Reptile Substrates - GS Exotics & Reptilarium

2.5 Litre Vermiculite can be used as a substrate for spiders or as an incubation medium for reptile eggs. A 100% natural substrate made from exfoliated volcanic rock, it is inert and will not decay or go mouldy. Directions: Place the required amount of Vermiculite in a clean container. Add cold water a little at a time until the correct moisture content is reached. Nominal Particle Size 0.5-3mm For use with spiders, place a 1-2” (2.5-5cm) layer of moistened Vermiculite in the bottom of the tank. This substrate is not recommended for burrowing species as it does not form burrows easily – Spot-clean regularly and change completely every 4 weeks, or sooner if required. For use as an incubation medium place a thick layer of moistened Vermiculite in the incubation box. A moisture ratio of 2:1 Vermiculite to water by weight is suitable for many species but some species have different requirements. Carefully place the eggs in the Vermiculite with the top third of the egg exposed. When moving the eggs from the egg laying site to the Vermiculite take care to keep them the same way up. If possible ensure that the eggs do not touch each other during incubation. Please note that as incubation of reptile eggs is a complex process that varies from species to species, it is essential that you research the details for each species before eggs are laid and have a suitable incubator ready.

Our Sand is available with no added dyes or chemicals. It stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior and is an excellent heat conductor. Repti Sand creates a very naturalistic and attractive environment for desert reptile species. Great for bearded dragons, sand boas, soft shell turtles, etc.

High quality substrate mix that replicates jungle soil compositions, with enhanced drainage properties. Specially formulated for terrarium setups. Provides high drainage and low fertiliser content, for a top-quality, low-maintenance soil.

For sale are different sized packs of my own terrarium soil recipe, tried and tested over many years, featuring only quality ingredients. Sent in a resealable poly bag.

Ingredient breakdown:
Pumice - Premium grade lava rock that increases aeration, soil structure, root formation and retains nutrients. More dense, resists floating, hold nutrients, has a low environmental footprint and is a much more natural colour than the cheaper alternative, perlite.
Orchid bark - True orchid bark, not cheaper alternative often sold as such. Breaks down much slower than other types of wood chip, perfect for the expansion and health of aroid roots. Aerates soil, resists compaction and helps provide ambient humidity. Excellent for aroid roots as they facilitate the removal of excess water and maintain an airy and moist soil structure.
Spaghnum moss - Retain a lot of water but lets excess run off. Airy.
Vermicast - Exceptionally nutritious product of earthworms. Best form of natural fertiliser that will release high quality nutrition to plants.
Activated Charcoal - Strong antibacterial properties, draws out impurities and keeps soil fresh.
Coco Coir - Light, great water retention.
Sand - Excellent drainage properties, good for root structure, lets excess run off.

Completely natural moss cage substrate for amphibians and wetland environment reptiles. Great for use in humidifying shelters for all types of reptiles and amphibians. Excellent for use as an egg-laying and incubation medium for a variety of reptiles.

Natural Terrarium Substrate
100% Natural Douglas fir bark
Controls air humidity levels
Perfect for humidity-loving reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
Stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior
Heat-treated and odor absorbing

Exo Terra Forest Moss is real compressed moss grown in tropical Asia. This ecological substrate is ideal for increasing humidity in the terrarium and is totally safe for frogs, salamanders and burrowing or digging animals. The Exo Terra Forest Moss is extremely absorbent and is recommended in humidifying shelters such as the Exo Terra Snake Cave or Reptile Cave. It is also an ideal egg-laying or incubation medium. Completely natural forest moss (no dyes or chemicals) Ideal for amphibians and wetland environment reptiles Great for use in humidifying shelters Excellent for use as egg-laying and incubation medium

Riverbed Sand is ideal for many types of aquatic turtles as it is their preferred substrate in the wild. Soft-shell turtles especially prefer the find sand for digging and burrowing. Other types of water and ground-dwelling reptiles, such as frogs and salamanders, will also benefit from Riverbed Sand because of its soft nature. A rough surface, such as gravel, can easily injure the skin tissue. Riverbed Sand is very fine and can be easily secreted when ingested, unlike gravel or pebbles which can cause indigestion. Created over time in an African river, Riverbed Sand is extremely fine and round making it an ideal and safe substrate for the aqua-terrarium. Natural sand, no added dyes or chemicals – Creates a natural and attractive aquatic environment – Excellent substrate for aquatic turtles – Stimulates natural behavior – Also suitable as desert terrarium substrate

-Natural look
-Hiding places
-Better climate
-100% natural leaf litter beneficial bacteria

Aspen is soft, dust-free, odourless and highly absorbent, and is ideal for species off snakes and mammals that like to burrow or nest. Aspen is used by professional snake breeders worldwide. ProRep Aspen Bedding should be used dry. It is highly absorbent and will quickly absorb water spillages or animal waste making spot cleaning quick and easy. DIRECTIONS: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 1-2″ (2.5-5cm). Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks or more frequently if heavily soiled or wet. If you are using an under-tank heat mat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Aspen as this may cause the heat mat to overheat. Please refer to the heat mat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

This is Coarse Grade 10 Litre ProRep Bark Chips are used for all species that require a humid environment. Amphibians, forest or jungle living reptiles and invertebrates all thrive on this safe 100% natural poduct. Directions: Spread the substraate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 2” (5cm). Bark Chips can be moistened to provide extra humidity but avoid making them too wet or waterlogged. Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it beomes heavily soiled. If you are using an under-tank heatmat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Bark Chips as this may cause the heatmat to overheat. Please refer to the heatmat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

This is Fine Grade 5 Litre ProRep Bark Chips are used for all species that require a humid environment. Amphibians, forest or jungle living reptiles and invertebrates all thrive on this safe 100% natural product. Directions: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 2” (5cm). Bark Chips can be moistened to provide extra humidity but avoid making them too wet or waterlogged. Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it beomes heavily soiled. If you are using an under-tank heatmat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Bark Chips as this may cause the heatmat to overheat. Please refer to the heatmat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

ProRep Beech Chips Coarse Grade 10 Litre Economical and dust-free, ProRep Beech Chips are suitable for many larger species of snakes, lizards, birds and mammals. They are produced from kiln-dried wood harvested from sustainable PEFC certified forests. Coarse grade 6-10mm Directions: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 1-2″ (2.5-5cm). Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it becomes heavily soiled or wet. If you are using an under-tank heatmat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Beech Chips as this may cause the heatmat to overheat. Please refer to the heatmat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

ProRep Beech Chips Fine Grade 10 Litre Economical and dust-free, ProRep Beech Chips are suitable for many larger species of snakes, lizards, birds and mammals. They are produced from kiln-dried wood harvested from sustainable PEFC certified forests. Coarse grade 3-6mm Directions: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 1-2″ (2.5-5cm). Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it becomes heavily soiled or wet. If you are using an under-tank heatmat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Beech Chips as this may cause the heatmat to overheat. Please refer to the heatmat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

ProRep Coco chips, derived from the fibrous husk of coconuts, serve as an excellent substrate for reptiles in captivity. These chips provide a naturalistic environment, replicating the reptile’s native habitat. Coco chips retain moisture well, aiding in humidity regulation crucial for certain reptile species. Additionally, they promote burrowing behaviours in reptiles like snakes and lizards, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviours and feel secure in their enclosures. Furthermore, coco chips are resistant to mold and decay, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for reptiles.

ProRep Snake Life is part of the “Life” series of substrates designed for use for specific animal species or types. Manufactured under the brand name Lignocel specifically to meet the needs of snakes. Snake Life is produced from wood sourced from sustainable forests and has a low dust and resinous oils content. Dried at a high temperature, it is safe for use for many species of snake that do not need high humidity environments. It is highly absorbent and will quickly absorb water spillages or animal waste helping to trap any unwanted odours and making spot cleaning quick and easy. Available in 10L and 25L retail packs with carry-home handles and also in bulk 12.5Kg sacks under the Lignocel brand.

ProRep Sphagnum Moss ideal to aid in humidity control for terrariums, hides, shedding boxes and egg incubation.

ProRep Spider Life 5 Litre ProRep Spider Life is part of the species-specific life series of substrates and has been created to meet the needs of spiders and scorpions originating from humid habitats, including burrowing species. It is a blend of ingredients that provide the ideal mix of structure and moisture retention whilst promoting natural digging and burrowing behaviour. Directions: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth suitable for the species. For most species 1-2″ (2.5-5cm) is adequate but burrowing species may require 2-4″ (5-10cm) of substrate in order to construct their burrows correctly. Spot-clean regularly to remove soiled substrate and replace completely every 2-3 months or as needed. Keep the substrate evenly moist but avoid making it too wet.

10 Litres Straw Bedding ProRep Straw Bedding can be used for tortoises as well as many other large snakes and lizards that originate from arid habitats. It is made from compressed straw pellets to provide a soft bedding that should not cause impaction if eaten. Directions: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 1-2″ (2.5-5cm). Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it becomes heavily soiled or wet. This substrate should not be used wet. If you are using an under-tank heatmat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Straw Bedding as this may cause the heatmat to overheat. Please refer to the heatmat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

ProRep Straw Bedding can be used for tortoises as well as many other large snakes and lizards that originate from arid habitats. It is made from compressed straw pellets to provide a soft bedding that should not cause impaction if eaten. Directions: Spread the substrate evenly over the bottom of the enclosure to a depth of at least 1-2″ (2.5-5cm). Spot-clean daily and completely replace every two or three weeks, or more frequently if it becomes heavily soiled or wet. This substrate should not be used wet. If you are using an under-tank heatmat as your heat source do not use a thick layer of Straw Bedding as this may cause the heatmat to overheat. Please refer to the heatmat manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

HIGH QUALITY COCO COIR


We use this high quality coco coir in the substrate mix for the terrariums and terrarium workshops. Fantastic as substrate for house plants too.

Coco Coir is organic, provides aeriation to soil mix and makes it lightweight.

Premium Hydro Rocks are a hydro culture with many benefits that aid in water retention and the formation of a strong root system. This drainage substrate comes in a 9-litre bag that will create a thick layer in most terrariums that can be topped by other media. This drainage layer will trap excess water, so that soil dries, and offers a good grip to plant roots. Unlike other media, these rocks are a natural product, so you can be sure they won't release chemicals into the nutrients within your soil and water.