Savannah monitor substrate?

Question

I have 2 sav monitors who live together (the tanks big enough). Ive been just adding random substrated like walnut shell or w/e and stuff that is good for them (so it says on the bags) and I just put like 3 blocks of "Eco Earth" in there which is the kind you add water to have grow. Is this good for them? it seems to be since they have lived for like a week.

Answer 1

Just because those guys threw down some eco turf and there savs didnt die they want to say its ok but its far from it. savannas love to dig and burry how are they supposed to with turf. You want a mixed soil base atleast 6" to 8" deep make sure it is moist and damp. get rid of the eco earth just because they lived doesnt mean there are healthy and happy. Like jason said substrate is a very very important factor in keeping monitors. Check out the website he added you will find what you need.

Answer 2

do not listen to these guys they have no clue what they are taking about. having a  savannah or 2 is a far cry from knowing what your talking about. check out this link its to robyn marklands F.A.Q.http://www.proexotics.com/FAQ2.html#45 he is one of the nations top monitor breeders NOT just a guy with a monitor or 2. this man is a PRO  it will give you all you need to know about proper substrates for monitors. substrate choice is second only to proper heating as the most important aspect of monitor care. do not listen to these care sheet experts. good luck and check out the rest of the site you will learn ALOT about proper monitor lizard care.

Answer 3

The best substrate for a savannah monitor is plain dirt with no chemicals or pesticides. If you have pesticides or fertilizer in your yard don't use it. If that's the case go to Lowe's/home depot and ask for plain dirt like you have in your yard. Get some of that and buy some play sand and layer them until you get 6+ inches of the mixture. Its great for holding humidity and your monitor will love to dig in it believe me. Mine makes tunnels and he has alot of fun digging in different places

Answer 4

I have a yellow monitor (not the same I know) and I have her on a mixture of soil and cypress chips. Something like that would be good for your sav...home depot soil would work fine.  

Answer 5

i'd probably stay away from the walnut shells. Eco earth is fine though.  

Answer 6

savannahs are awesome. with mine, i used like an indoor /outdoor turf. but eco is fine. not sure you should use walnut-- and definitely not anything with the red cedar c**p in it-- it gives them respiratory problems.

Answer 7

I perfer to use a mix of 3 parts dirt(top soil or yard dirt from your back yard) and 1 part sand. 5 pounds of sand with 15 pounds of soil. I perfer it to be about 3-6 inches deep. An adult female�s dirt should be about 3 feet deep at a minimim as they will become egg bound(not able to lay the eggs) if not deep enough. Soil holds a great burrow which is what savannahs, ecspecially adults love. For a younger savannah, I like to use the plastic paint trays for water. The savannah can choose a deeper side or a shallow side. The water dish should be large enough for the savannah monitor to soak in. For adults I perfer the 27 qt. rubbermaids as they are large enough and not too deep.

Answer 8

millet its for reptiles and at rep stores but they sell it as bags of bird seed too for way cheaper