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Dreamwallaby

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When I first bought my tortoise a year ago I read that the best substrate was play sand mixed with bed-a-beast. So that's what I did. Now I read Tom's beginner mistakes and see no sand. Is the mix ok and just plain sand bad or no sand at all and I should change it? It's also an exoterra tank about 45 gallons ~ 35"x18", has the front doors and the ventilation strip. He has an outdoor enclosure to get more exercise in so is this ok for his indoor?
 

Tom

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Some people use it as a mixture and it works okay for them. I have seen too many impactions and eye irritations with it, even as part of a mixture. I choose not to use it in favor of things that I think are less risky. If you continue to use it, will you be one of the many that don't ever have a problem, or will you be one of the few whose tortoise ends up having impaction surgery? Since I never use it, I can guarantee with 100% certainty that none of my tortoises will ever have a sand impaction issue.
 

Jacqui

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I have used the sand mixed into my coir for years with no problems. I have tried the other types of substrates and combs of them, but for me and my tortoises, they just are not as effective. ANYthing you use as a substrate may and will be eaten at times. I have not found anything that is totally safe and free from risk of impactions or ripping. As a rule, if your animal is well hydrated and eating, he should have no more problem or risk with your using a low percentage like 20% or less of sand, then with any other substrate.
 

ascott

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I choose not to use it in favor of things that I think are less risky.

Ditto :D

ANYthing you use as a substrate may and will be eaten at times. I have not found anything that is totally safe and free from risk of impactions or ripping.

Ditto :D

Hydration is essential :D
 
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