Best Substrate for Chameleons Reviews 2022

The substrate is an essential part of every chameleon’s set-up. This will help to keep your pet healthy by means of contributing to the moisture in the enclosure. In simple words, your pet’s environment is correct. However, when it comes to choosing the best substrate for chameleons most people find it a very difficult task. Why? Because there are lots of options where they can choose from.

Actually, choosing the right substrate for your chameleon is considered a big pace towards making a successful surrounding which duplicates their natural environment. Thus, to help every chameleon in picking the best one we researched the10 best substrate for chameleons that are currently available on the market and reviewed them for you. Moreover, after reviewing the 10 product we will also include a simple buyer’s guide on how to choose the best one that suits your chameleon the most.

10 Best Substrate for Chameleons

1. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Coconut Husk Brick

With this highly absorbent coconut husk, you will be able to maintain a tropical environment’s proper humidity. In fact, this highly absorbent substrate retains moisture as well as expands to cover the bottom of 55 gallons enclosure. The Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate is made of 100 percent natural material that is non-abrasive and non-toxic. This substrate is also fully biodegradable.

A coconut husk substrate like this one expands to several times its packaged size. As a result, it is a safe landing pad. On the other hand, this substrate is also a perfect bedding for egg laying, thanks to its easy burrowing as well as soft texture.

Either way, the Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding is not only for chameleons but it is also ideal for:

• Salamanders and newts
• Rainforest geckos
• Green Anoles
• Frogs and
• Egg incubation

2. Zilla Beaked Terrarium Moss

An all-natural moss substrate that both maintains humidity as well as moisture. As a matter of fact, this substrate offers a realistic environment for amphibians and reptiles by providing a lush green carpet landscape. The good thing about the Zilla Beaked Terrarium Moss is that it does not contain any chemicals or dyes. Pus, it is harvested from the coniferous rainforests in Oregon.

In addition, the natural humidity retention properties of this substrate keep moisture levels consistently high, while creating a good-looking green carpet which is similar to rainforest reptiles home. The Zilla Beaked Terrarium Moss looks really great, and without a doubt, you will not only like it but your pet as well.

Similar to Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding substrate Coconut Husk Brick, this product is also 100 percent biodegradable. Thus you can throw it into your lawn for natural disposal. Nevertheless, the Zilla Beaked Terrarium Moss is best suited for:

• Chameleons
• Newts
• Salamanders
• Rainforest geckos
• Toads
• Green anoles and
• Frogs

3. Zilla Bark Blend

The Zilla Bark Blend substrate is light and loose enough to boost a natural digging behavior. In fact, it stimulates free and even transfers of moisture as well as heat inside the enclosure. The Zilla Bark Blended, on the other hand, is made from natural bark and take note it is dried using an oven to get rid of pests.

Furthermore, this substrate is 100 percent organic and it is best for newts, salamanders, rainforest geckos, skinks, snakes, frogs, and of course, chameleons. Nevertheless, one of the good things about the Zilla Bark Blend is that it distributes heat throughout the terrarium. Plus, it is made of 100 percent natural ingredients that are harvested in the United States of America. Either way, this substrate is readily biodegradable in a patio manure at the end of its beneficial life.

4. Carib Sea SCS00721 One-Pack Reptiles Substrate Sand

The Carib Sea SCS00721 is a calcium substrate that is perfect for real chameleons as well as lizard, snake, tortoise, insect or arachnid that is from a semi-arid or arid environment.

This substrate from Carib Sea features 100% easily consumable and edible as well as naturally sphere-shaped grains which won’t scratch valuable pets inside and out. It also allows reptiles to ingest important calcium easily that is essential for bone development. The Carib Sea SCS00721, on the other hand, is made of aragonite which is considered the most soluble type of calcium carbonate.

In addition to that, this substrate contains magnesium and strontium but it does not consist of phosphates and silica. Actually, according to some studies, strontium can upsurge bone density.

Without a doubt, this product is very easy to use and clean, and affordable. Moreover, this substrate weighs twenty pounds and obtainable in desert rose color. Most importantly, the Carib Sea SCS00721 is a product that’s trusted by hobbyists and proficient reptile breeders alike.

5. Carib Sea SCS00720 Reptiles Calcium Substrate

Similar to Carib Sea SCS00721, this substrate also weighs twenty pounds and it is suitable for true chameleons. Furthermore, lizard, snake, and tortoise can also use this substrate. Even so, if you have an insect or arachnid that come from the semi-dry or dry environment you can also give this product a try.

The Carib Sea SCS00720 is made of aragonite and natural spherical grain that will not harm your pet. It is also helpful in developing proper bone density since it contains strontium which is proven helpful in improving bone density.

This substrate is quite inexpensive and extremely easy to clean. As a matter of fact, the Carib Sea SCS00720 is proven safe and it’s trusted by certified reptile breeders. Nevertheless, it is accessible in natural white color.

6. Carib Sea SCS00723 Reptiles Calcium Sand

This sand substrate is accessible in Smokey sands color and weighs 20lbs. The Carib Sea SCS00723 which is made of aragonite does not contain any chemicals or artificial dyes. Just like SCS00720 and SCS00721, this product is also trusted by hobbyists and certified reptile breeders.

This substrate, on the other hand, contains naturally occurring strontium which may possibly increase bone density according to some research. Also, Carib Sea SCS00723 contains 100% naturally sphere-shaped grains that can be digested with ease and edible. In fact, with this substrate, you will not be able to worry about your pet’s overall condition since it is proven safe and reliable at the same time.

The good thing about this substrate from Carib Sea is that it is not expensive and extremely easy to use and clean. Either way, it is perfect for:

• Chameleons
• Insect and Arachnid from dry or semi-dry surroundings
• Lizard
• Snake and
• Tortoise

7. Carib Sea Aquatics Reptilite Habitat

An all-natural calcium that is not only ideal for chameleons but for tortoise, lizard, and snake as well. The Carib Sea Aquatics Reptilite Habitat contains naturally spherical particles which will not harm your pet. In Reptilite, there are no chemicals and artificial dyes.

This low effect substrate consists of magnesium and strontium while being free of phosphates and silica. Although not anticipated as a good food source the Carib Sea Aquatics Reptilite Habitat is 100 percent easily consumable and edible.

In addition, it is made of the most soluble type of calcium carbonate, the aragonite. However, if you are hesitant to try this product, keep in mind that, this substrate is trusted by most certified reptile breeders.

8. Carib Sea SCS00711 Reptiles Substrate Sand

Another sand substrate from Carib Sea that is specifically designed for chameleons, snake, arachnid and insects, lizard, and tortoise. Similar to other Carib Sea substrates that are mentioned in this list, the SCS00711 is also made of aragonite. Plus, it contains naturally round grains that won’t damage your animals inside and out. With this, it’s safe to say that this sand substrate is harmless to use.

This calcium substrate can also increase bone density as it contains strontium which is believed plays a very important role in increasing bone density. Another great thing about this substrate is that it is free from chemicals or artificial dyes, phosphates, and silica.

Nevertheless, it is accessible desert rose color and can be bought at a very affordable price.

9. Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate

The Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose substrate is a reliable item that is made from the coverings of coconuts. Furthermore, this coconut fiber substrate can be safely recycled or composted into gardens and potted plants.

This substrate is designed for realistic terrarium variety set-ups incorporating invertebrates, reptiles, or amphibians. For tropical types, you can use it as it breaks down and absorbs water products and odor naturally. It is also an all-natural green substrate.

Either way, if you want to make a perfect drainage for houseplant growth, drainage and humidity in naturalistic terrariums you can add this substrate on top of the Zoo Med HydroBalls.

10. Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate for Reptiles

An ideal substrate for terrarium set-ups integrating invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. Even so, the Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate is common to desert-dwelling or tropical species as it can be utilized damp or dry.

The main reason why lots of chameleon owners prefer this substrate is that it has superior moisture retention abilities. In fact, it breaks down and absorbs both waste products and odor. Furthermore, it is an organic substrate that is very safe to use. Nevertheless, this very versatile coconut fiber bedding substrate is less expensive compared to other brands.

How to Choose Best Substrate for Chameleons

Knowing how to choose the best substrate for chameleons is no easy job, especially if you’re a novice when it comes to taking care of chameleons. Because we’re all aware of just how dreadful the task of going countless chameleon substrates we’ve decided to help you out. We have created a simple buyer’s guide which contains all the important details you have to know when it comes to choosing the best substrate.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Substrate for Chameleon

• Humidity/Moisture Control

All chameleon enthusiasts must be mindful of just how essential is to be able to control the moisture in the pet’s enclosure. As a matter of fact, whenever the chameleon has problems on shedding or refuses foods, the very first thing that you need to do is to check if the humidity level is in order.

However, the easiest way to make sure that the moisture levels are maintained properly is by buying a specialized device which adds moisture to the enclosure actively. On the other hand, you must also be aware of the fact that some substrates are better at maintaining the chameleon’s setting humid compared to others.

• Absorption Ratings

One of the most important features that every chameleon should consider when buying a substrate is the absorption ratings. To make sure that your chameleon feels comfortable in its cage, it’s very important to invest in a type of substrate that’s in effect when it comes to adapting unwanted liquids.

For that reason, we recommend you to buy a product which is capable of doing so. Furthermore, before ordering we highly commend you to read some customer reviews online of that product so that you’ll be to understand whether it is or not right for your pet.

• Ease of Cleaning

If you want to discover a high-quality substrate for chameleons on the market our instruction to you is that take your time in checking on how to easy to clean the product is. Therefore, a good product must let you bag as well as discard unclean substrates.

Even more so, a substrate that is created from recyclable materials must be preferred to the alternatives since they can be disposed of safely without damaging the environment.

Additional Advice

Some substrates contain a series of substance that may possibly hurt chameleons and therefore, they should be avoided. However, if you prefer to use a natural substrate make sure to avoid kitty litter, sand, corn bob, cedar, and beddings that keep lots of moisture. Keep in mind that, excessively moisture stuck in the substrate can be breeding ground for germs.

Conclusion

With the number of different substrates for chameleons in the market, it is a hard decision trying to identify which is the best substrate for chameleons. Nevertheless, we hope this review article helped you a lot in finding the substrate you were looking for and one that can give comfort to your chameleon.