Sand for substrate?

[squirturtle]

Hi luvthemtorts,

im new too would like to keep star tort and wonder if beach sand would be a good substrate for em? thank you.

 

[Luvthemtorts]

RE: NEW HERE! Need help...

Squirturtle,
I would strongly recommend not using sand as it has a higher risk of impaction than many other more suitable substrates.
Stars will do well with Bermuda Grass, Timothy hay, Cypress, topsoil or even lawn clipping from a fertilizer/pesticide free lawn. All of them have their drawbacks and require a humid microhabitat but all are safe for the animals and the risk of impaction is virtually non existant. The relatively frequent substrate changes are well worth the effort considering the benefits of using a hay or grass type bedding.
Soaking every other day will prolong the times between bedding changes as the animals will typically excrete most of their waste while soaking.
If you absolutely must use sand then try to at least do a topsoil sand mix and place the food dish on a ceramic floor tile so they don't track as much sand into their feeding area.