When it comes to keeping a tarantula, one of the highly debated subjects is what is the best substrate to use. Nowadays, there are plenty of options where you can choose from. And each has its own weakness and strengths. As a result, choosing the best substrate for tarantulas can be very confusing.
With this in mind, we have done our own research and find out the X best substrate for tarantulas that are currently available on the market. We picked these products based on their features, feedback from previous buyers, and rating on Amazon. Thus, if you pick any of these substrates you are certain that you are getting only the best for your tarantula.
Top 10 Best Substrate for Tarantulas
The following are the 10 best tarantula substrates where you can choose from. Note, the products below are listed in no particular order.
Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding
The Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding contains more bedding compared to other options. So if your tarantula has a big cage, this one can be a great option.
This product, on the other hand, is made of 100 percent natural cypress mulch. As a matter of fact, this type of material is superb when it comes to holding humidity most especially if it’s layered using sand as well as soil mix on top.
In addition, this all-natural green substrate is ideal for snakes, toads, frogs, salamanders, and turtles as well.
Last but not least, the Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding is free from beasties and mites.
Key Features:
- Reasonably priced
- Suitable for various species
- Beasties-free
- Mites-free
- Made of 100 percent cypress mulch
- It can make a natural forest floor
- Retains humidity well
Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding
Though this bedding is specially made for snakes, this doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for tarantulas.
In the actual fact, this product from Zoo Med will offer your tarantula a naturalistic and at the same time a safe substrate.
The Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding has 191 percent absorbency rating. What’s more, it is odorless making it safe for your tarantulas and other animals such as snakes, lizards, insects, turtles, tortoises, and even birds.
One more thing, this one of the best substrate for tarantulas doesn’t contain toxic oils like wood shavings and cedar.
Furthermore, it is a green item that is made from renewable resources. Lastly, it is 99.9 percent dust-free making it easier to clean.
Key Features:
- Made from renewable resources
- Offers naturalistic and safe substrate
- Non-toxic
- Dust-free
- Highly recommended by professionals
- Easy to clean
- Safe for small animals
Vermiculite by Josh’s Frog
One of the best substrate for tarantulas is the vermiculite. Having that said, this product from Josh’s Frogs can be a great option.
Josh’s Frog Vermiculite is pretty inexpensive. And aside from that, it is very easy to use as well. In fact, even if it is your first time to use a substrate you’ll find it easy as well.
This substrate, on the other hand, is all-natural and it comes with an alkaline pH which discourages the development of fungal.
Key Features:
- Inexpensive
- Easy and safe to use
- Fungal growth is less likely to happen
- It has alkaline pH
- Natural product
- It is capable of incubating and hatching healthy offspring
Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Substrate
Another best substrate for tarantulas from Zoo Med that is worth buying. This product is actually a compressed coco fiber and expandable substrate which can be recycled and composted safely. What’s more this compressed brick will be expanded to create about seven to eight liters of substrate.
The Zoo Med Eco Earth Substrate is ideal for any kinds of insects, small animals, amphibians, as well as reptiles.
Moreover, it is made of renewable and eco-friendly resources which make it one of the safest substrates today. This substrate can naturally absorb and break down waste products and odor.
Key Features:
- Safe
- Expandable
- Recyclable and compostable
- Breaks down and absorbs odor naturally
Exo Terra Forest Plume Moss
The Exo Terra Forest Plume Moss is another inexpensive substrate for a tarantulas.
One of the best things about this substrate is that it doesn’t contain chemicals as well as dyes. What’s more, it is ideal to utilize in humidifying shelters for the reason that it’s very absorbent.
This item, on the other hand, is safe for tarantulas and even for salamanders, frogs, as well as digging or burrowing animals. Nonetheless, it is a compressed, real moss developed in the tropical Asia.
Key Features:
- Affordable
- Made from real and compressed moss
- It is also great for digging or burrowing animals
- No chemicals and dyes
- Safe to use
- Very absorbent
Exo Tera Coco Husk
The Exo Tera Coco Husk is a 100% natural substrate that can be utilized in a natural terrarium set-up.
Similar to the other products in this list, this one from Exo Tera is also capable of increasing humidity inside the terrarium. In addition to that, it is made of compressed coco husk from the agricultural estate of humid Asia.
On the other hand, one customer revealed that her tarantula prefers to use this substrate instead of the sand. Even though the humidity level only increases by 5 to 10 percent it is not a bad thing at all considering its price.
Key Features:
- Reasonably priced
- Compressed coco husk
- Increases humidity level by 5 to 10 percent
- Safe
- 100% natural substrate
Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate
With Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate you will make your tarantulas feel like they are staying in their natural habitat.
Further, this product is all-natural and take note it doesn’t contain any chemicals and dyes. One more thing, it can hold its shape thus you are certain that tunnels will not collapse.
On the other hand, this clay substrate is specially made for dry terrains and perfect for a dry climate tarantula
Key Features:
- It can offer a natural habitat
- No chemicals
- No yes
- It can hold its shape well.
- Great for a dry climate tarantula
- Easy to use
Zilla Alfalfa Meal
This substrate from Zilla is actually a 100 percent natural and alfalfa-based bedding isn’t dangerous when digested. What’s more, it is ultra-absorbent bedding.
Aside from tarantulas, the Zilla Alfalfa Meal is perfect for all habitats especially tortoises, land turtles, bearded dragons (juvenile), as well as iguanas.
Also, this bedding can be digested and lessens bacteria and germs. Either way, it is readily digestible, unless you are a bacterium.
Key Features:
- Safe
- 100 percent natural and alfalfa-based
- Extremely absorbent
- Readily digestible
- Lessens bacteria and germs
Josh’s Frogs Coco Block Fine Coco Fiber
This substrate from Josh’s Frogs is made from coconut husk that is finely ground. Furthermore, it contains five times the amount of coco husk than standard bricks.
On the other hand, this substrate is environmentally friendly and it will expand if you soak it in dechlorinated water.
Apart from tarantulas, this product is great for millipedes, scorpions, and spiders. What’s more, it is also ideal for a wide variety of salamanders, tortoises, snakes, lizards, as well as other amphibians and reptiles the need moderate and high humidity.
Much like other substrates, this one can be cleaned with ease and absorbent. Further, it is competitively priced, comfortable, and clean. Nevertheless, this coco husk substrate is 100 percent safe for your pets as well as plants.
Key Features:
- Absorbent
- Safe
- Environmentally-friendly
- Great for reptiles and amphibians
- Clean
- Comfortable
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to clean
Carib Sea Coco Soft Fiber
This fiber bedding from Carib Sea offers healthy growth as well as reduce waste organisms in order to keep the cage fresher.
Constructed using fresh coconut husk, the Carib Sea Soft Fiber controls odor better compared to other beddings.
On the other hand, this product is ideal for tarantulas, salamanders, tortoises, turtle, frogs, arachnids, snakes, amphibians, and even blue iguanas.
Furthermore, it doesn’t contain toxic as well as aromatic oils. So if your tarantula ingested it accidentally you don’t need to worry because it is safe.
Last but not last, its feather soft material offers unsurpassed comfort and most importantly, it doesn’t have sharp edges.
Key Features:
- Made from soft materials and fresh coconut husks
- Free from parasites
- No chemicals, pesticides, and aromatic oils
- Non-toxic
- It can be ingested
- Guarantees healthy growth
- Controls odor well
Conclusion
There you have it the 10 best substrate for tarantulas that are readily accessible on Amazon and other stores as well.
Either way, choosing the best substrate for tarantulas doesn’t have to be difficult. With a bit of research and understanding, trust us you will get the best product possible.
Even so, if you are worried that you will end up with a wrong product you don’t have to because we are certain that there is at least one product the will fit your budget and tarantula’s needs.
We hope that this list of best substrates for tarantulas has helped you a lot.
