If you are looking for the best substrate for chameleons to perfect the tank bottom, you could not leave my page. Although substrate is not a big deal, it is still very crucial for you to choose the right one.
There are thousands of stuff for reptiles, hence, choosing the best substrate for a chameleon is not simple, it must be toxic-free and also resistant to mold in even the high humidity.
Let’s get started with my picks for the best substrate right now!
The Top-Rated Substrate For Chameleons (Recommendations)
#1. Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate – TOP REVIEWS
#2. Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding – RUNNER UP
#3. Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding Substrate for reptiles – BEST FOR REPTILE
#4. Zoo Med ReptiSand – BEST SAND SUBSTRATE
#5. Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate – BEST CLAY SUBSTRATE
#7. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Desert Blend Walnut
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Why Do Chameleons Need Substrates?
The substrate is not something really in need of chameleons. However, there are many advantages to having it.
Firstly, for a nice look, it makes your pet much more beautiful in a nice home, beside the tiny forest.
Secondly, the chameleons need air humidity of around 50%, in the natural material such as plants and soil will support to maintain nicer in your pet’s habitat.
Besides, chameleons also need misting regularly on an everyday basis.
A nice soil substrate will provide the best way to absorb the moisture and reduce the requirement of installing the drainage system.
Especially, it prevents standing water pooling at the enclosure’s bottom which might be the breeding ground for the bacteria if it is left in for a long time.
Additionally, when the chameleon lays eggs, they need good soil-based substrate to provide the spot and then your pet can dig and lay eggs in any spot she wants.
A natural substrate such as soil and leaves is only applied to the habitat.
The bugs and bacteria will be contained in the soil and it can grow over time and recycling the waste is not required to clean.
Type of Best Substrate For Chameleons
There are so many different kinds of substrate. I will help you to find out different types in their pros and cons:
1. Coconut Husk Brick:
The brick is made out of coconut shell fibers.
It can expand when the water is added to create the earth-like substance for filling in the bottom of the enclosure.
It is cheap and it can hold the moisture nicely for maintaining humidity.
However, it is easy for losing digging feeder insects.
2. Moss:
Moss is placed on the closure’s bottom. It helps to maintain the moisture for humidity.
It is easy to move and is biodegradable. However, females can not dig for laying eggs.
3. Bark:
It is easy to install, it is also easy for feeder insects to hide.
4. Eco Earth:
It is made from coconut shells. It can hold moisture for maintaining humidity.
Besides, it is simple for burrowing to lay eggs.
Besides, you can plant directly, easy to dig in for egg layings.
5. Fibrous:
It holds moisture well, and easy to install.
However, because they are made from fabric, they will be easy to lose.
6. Sand mixture:
As this is the free dwelling species inside the forest.
Sand is not their natural environment. However, it is hard to clean.
7. Smooth stones:
You will not need to face the smell.
It just looks great and does not require cleaning.
8. The humble roll tower:
This substrate is easy to install and clean, absorbs the water well, and does not harbor bacteria.
Best Substrate For Chameleons Shortlist (Updated List)
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
The Best Substrate For Chameleons: What To Choose
#1. ZOO MED ECO EARTH LOOSE COCONUT FIBER SUBSTRATE – TOP REVIEWS
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Great products for tropical species, Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate naturally absorbs and breaks down all the odor and waste products.
Also, this best substrate for chameleons is made from coconut husks which are safely composted and recycled into plants or gardens.
It is not only perfect for drainage naturalistic tanks but also makes a nice layer for optimum plant development.
Like most other coconut fiber, you will get all the nice benefits from it such as toxic-free, anti-bacterial, resistance to mold, and increased cage humidity.
Thus, you do not need to worry about the growth of bacteria and mold.
Especially, these substrates will clump all the waste from uneaten food, debris from the plants. It also makes it easy to clean the cage simply.
Additionally, it can absorb and breakdown waste to prevent odors in the tank.
They offer you different options of size, thus, you can easily use it with a small size for starting and coming back for a bigger bundle if needed.
Pros
- Natural and renewable materials for reptile bedding
- Ideal for different types of reptile and amphibians
- Maintaining well the humidity levels for your tank
- Impossible to recycled and composted after use
- Naturally, break down the waste and odor
- Affordable price for different users
Cons
- Require breaking in to apart due to block option
#2. ZILLA REPTILE TERRARIUM BEDDING SUBSTRATE COCONUT HUSK BRICK – RUNNER UP
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As mentioned, coconut is the best natural and toxic-free material for substrate. Zilla Reptile substrate is made of 100% organic coconut fiber which is highly absorbent bedding for retaining moisture.
Thanks to natural material, this best substrate for chameleons is non-toxic and non-abrasive, fully biodegradable.
For those pets who love to jump, it is a perfect choice as coconut husks naturally expand to many times the size, making the safe landing cushion.
Besides, it also keeps the humidity for the terrarium at a high level. The package is in compressed blocks for saving valuable shelf space.
The ideal bedding depth is 1-2 inches and it is also expanding to cover the bottom up to a 55-gallon tank.
Don’t hesitate, if you are looking for substrates for not only chameleons but also green anoles, rainforest geckos, salamanders, newts.
Moreover, this substrate for chameleon eggs is especially great for egg incubation.
Pros
- Hold moistures well without being wet
- Great quality and natural materials
- Dry out fast for preventing mold
- Cover the big size of the enclosure
- Possible to remove and replace bedding as needed
Cons
- Impossible to use small portions
#3. REPTILE PRIME COCONUT FIBER BEDDING – BEST FOR REPTILE
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You might not find any other better than this Reptile Prime Coconut Fiber Bedding because it has the optimal substrate for terrarium setup, reptile, and amphibians.
You can use it for tropical pets or desert-dwelling.
This super humidity retention product can absorb and break down odor and waste products same as the high-quality model.
Although it costs a big investment, it delivers more effectively and cleanly than other offers.
This best substrate for a chameleon terrarium comes with bug-free, toxic-free, and proper clean for your pets.
These beddings retain humidity while still resisting mold as well.
Besides, it also features some properties which prevent bacteria and mold.
For chameleons, humidity is very crucial for their health, thus, you can not miss this product as the substrate made of coconut husk will be effective in retaining the humidity.
If you are a busy person, without much time for cleaning the cage, you should have it immediately.
In addition, it requires only once a week of cleaning.
Pros
- Break down well waste and prevent odors
- Perfect for all kind of chameleons
- Easy to mimic the natural habitat
- High-quality manufacturing and materials
- Great resistance to mold
Cons
- High budget required
#4. ZOO MED REPTISAND – BEST SAND SUBSTRATE
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Now let’s come to quite a different materials, sand.
It is different from coconut husk, Zoo Med Reptisand, but all are natural without dyes or colors added.
Besides, this type is perfect for desert reptiles, supportively stimulating the natural digging behavior and burrowing instincts.
Reptisand creates the native environment and supports digging and other natural behaviors for your chameleon’s health and enjoyment.
It is especially considered the best heat conductor for your pet’s comfort, being ideal for egg-laying.
Moreover, this reptile is long-lasting, easy to clean.
As the best substrate for chameleons, Reptisand offers beautiful tank bedding which satisfied all the need for a wide range of desert-dwelling reptiles, arachnids, and amphibians.
Pros
- Free of harsh chemicals and dyes substrate
- Great for egg-laying
- Perfect for chameleons, beardies, leopard geckos, sand boas
- Beautifully natural colors of sand without added colors
- Create the attractive, naturalistic environment
Cons
- Mentioning as white sand is brown
#5. ZOO MED EXCAVATOR CLAY BURROWING SUBSTRATE – BEST CLAY SUBSTRATE
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Firstly, Excavator Clay is natural with no dyes or chemicals, thus, you do not need to worry about your pet’s health when using it. Secondly, it makes your pet feel like they are at home in their habitat thanks to the nice material.
Especially, this clay as the best substrate for a chameleon, allows your pet from your paludarium to freely dig.
You can easily see and study how your pet behaves in the environment.
With this clay substrate, you can mold and make terraces or burrows for your pet.
It will be not only comfortable for pets but also make you free to design.
You might worry about your clay collapsing after building, don’t worry!
This clay will keep its shape and won’t collapse.
Pros
- Made of all-natural materials with free chemicals
- Encourage your pet to satisfy the digging and burrowing instincts
- Copy the natural habitat properly
- Keep the shape of the tunnel from collapsing
- Perfect for desert dwelling lizard
Cons
- For a large tank, it requires the multiple bags
#6. EXO TERRA COCO HUSK
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One more 100% natural coconut husk substrate from tropical Asia plantations, is perfect for a natural terrarium setup.
Moreover, this material is absorbent which will increase the humidity in the tank significantly and quickly.
Besides, it is also naturally fungi and bacterial resistant.
Reptiles and amphibians always burrow to hide, sleep and relieve stress, this product comes out to provide the perfect cover and also absorbent.
You can use it with a heat mat, remember to mount the heat mat below the enclosure on the outside.
This substrate is easy to use, just simply open the bag and shake well before placing it in the enclosure.
Add a bowl of water or misting for providing the moisture to increase the humidity levels.
Pros
- 100% natural materials for humid tank
- Easily maintain and clean
- Suitable for many types of reptiles
- Very absorbent and resistant to bacterial and fungi
- Being the safe substrate for chameleons, frogs, and other pets
Cons
- Risk of ingestion & impaction
- Sharp pieces might injure your pet
#7. ZILLA REPTILE TERRARIUM BEDDING
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Zilla Beaked Terrarium moss is all-natural, holds well the moisture and sustainably the humidity.
Additionally, the material is harvested from the coniferous rainforest in Oregon, with no dyes or chemicals.
Besides, it provides a nice setting for reptiles and amphibians with the lush green carpet landscape.
I am sure that your pet will fall in love with this being at the first sign.
This best substrate for chameleons is also ideal for other animals such as frogs, green anoles, geckos, newts, salamanders, and toads.
It is called the moisture love moss which keeps humidity levels uniformly high while forming the beautiful carpet as the natural rain forest home for your pet.
Pros
- 100% biodegradable
- Good price for large size of the bag
- The great substrate to keep moisture consistently high
- Natural moss without preservatives or added colors
- Provide perfect green carpet
Cons
- When it gets wet, it has the funky smell
Some Tips for Creating the Chameleon’s Habitat
Having a large tank with good fresh air circulation is the dream of most chameleon lovers.
Most living plants will be nice for them to climb. Some pets need high humidity.
Hence, you should occasionally mist the plant with water and smell again.
1. Tank
It should come with a large window, some windows would be better.
The east-facing window would be ideal; it will allow the pet to enjoy the sunshine in the morning.
The west-facing window is nice too with the afternoon sun.
The upstairs room will be better than the downstairs, as there are no cars, pets, people passing by.
Besides, your chameleon will feel higher and more secure.
You should care about the temperatures.
2. Plants
There are many different plants for chameleons to create a fresh and tropical environment.
3. Lighting
You might worry about the glass windows’ standard which might not transmit enough ultraviolet light for your pet.
I suggested you use the ultraviolet detectors to help you to indicate that there is a small amount of ultraviolet light coming through.
4. Shower
You can see some products for providing the constant source of dipping water for drinking.
“Moreover, if you are a big fan of chameleons, you can choose a chameleon shower curtain for your bathroom!”
Check out this video below for more visual settings of the best substrate for veiled chameleon enclosure!
What to Consider For Choosing the Best Substrate for Chameleons?
There are some things for you to be aware of when you are going to choose the substrate.
1. Toxic-free
It is a very important factor of the substrate, it must be processed without any chemicals at any point.
Even for a cleaning, some chemicals might stick.
In the pet cage with high humidity, the chemicals can end up sleeping in the air or even in contact with your pet.
It will cause illnesses, deformities, or even death.
Thus, you should be careful when reading product descriptions.
2. Material
Some materials are working well with chameleons.
The substrates are divided into 2 groups including wood-based and soil-based.
The best chameleons are made out of wood or plants.
Cedar and coconut shavings are the best recommendation.
Make sure the materials are also chemical-free.
3. Easy to clean
Substrates also help to clean up the urate and droppings.
Some substrates can clump around the droppings and make it easier to scope the dropping out.
4. Purifying
Substrate materials come with premium quality of trapping and even killing the bacteria.
If you are a busy pet owner, you should consider these features.
The substrate-killing bacteria help you to prevent the disease for your pet.
5. Molded resistance
The best substrate for chameleons tends to collect the mold will be much better, especially for the high humid environment as the desert reptiles’ tanks are highly at risk of mold.
Commonly Asked Question About Best Substrate for Chameleons
1. What is the chameleon’s natural habitat?
Chameleons live in the desert or rainforest.
Their skin color helps them to blend in with the environment.
They hang out in the trees, living in the forest, they are normally green.
For those living in deserts, they will often brown.
2. How can I take care of my Yemen chameleon?
For Yemen, you need to keep sufficient humidity levels to maintain a pet healthy and hydrated.
Humidity can be increased through the substrates, moss good water, and frequency of spraying.
The humidity should be from 70 to 80 %.
Thus, choosing the great substrate for Yemen chameleon is a must-do task.
3. Is coconut shell safe for chameleons?
Source: Barking chameleon?
Yes, it is totally clean, safe for all pets.
Coconut fiber is natural with cleansing properties.
4. Is the Eco earth brand good for my pet?
You can see one product on my list from Eco Earth.
Source: Eco Earth for chameleons question
5. How to choose plants for veiled chameleon tanks?
Plants provide security and it covers your pet, the cage must-have plants.
You should be smart when going to choose the plants, it should be sturdy for pets to climb on and will not die under high humidity.
Besides, you should ensure that it is nontoxic to the organic soil.
The plants can thrive under the lighting, so do not try to set the cage close to the window.
Don’t forget to buy the substrate for veiled chameleon, it will create a great-looking habitat and keep the moisture.
6. What plants are safe for chameleons?
Toxic-free and neutral plants are safe for them, there are the 5 best and safest plants I want to recommend for you including rubber, hibiscus, jade, weeping fig, and yucca.
7. Do chameleons need live plants?
Live plants bring a lot of useful purposes to the pet’s habitat. It maintains the healthy humidity levels in the cage, provides a place for pets to hide, makes them feel safe and secure.
Besides, the plants support clean air, fostering a healthy habitat for pets.
8. What is the best substrate for Cuban false chameleon?
Cuban false always lay their eggs in the sphagnum, they are totally covered and about 3-4 of an inch below the surface.
You can add some water to the substrate until it is possible to make the ball hold its shape after letting it go.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you love my review.
There are thousands of choices out there, choosing the safe and high-quality thing for your pet will be the priority.
Spending some more time finding out, you will get what you expect!
However, if you are still a little confused, ZOO MED ECO EARTH LOOSE COCONUT might help you out as the first choice, and ZILLA REPTILE COCONUT HUSK BRICK – a second-best option for those tight-budget pet owners.
Now, all you need to do is just look at the list and pick the best substrate for chameleons!
Key points for selecting the best substrate for chameleons:
Choosing the right substrate for your chameleon’s enclosure is essential for their well-being and overall habitat management. Chameleons have unique requirements, so it’s important to consider various factors when selecting the best substrate. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Key Considerations for Choosing Chameleon Substrate:
- Hydration and Humidity Control:
- Chameleons come from tropical or subtropical environments and require appropriate humidity levels. The substrate should assist in maintaining the desired humidity without promoting excessive moisture.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene:
- Chameleon enclosures need to stay clean to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. The substrate should be easy to spot-clean and replace when necessary.
- Preventing Impaction:
- Chameleons are prone to ingesting foreign objects, so the substrate should not pose a risk of impaction. Avoid using loose or fine substrates that can be accidentally ingested.
- Natural Aesthetics:
- Some chameleon keepers prefer natural-looking substrates like coconut coir, peat moss, or reptile-safe soil to create a visually appealing habitat.
- Burrowing Behavior:
- Consider the chameleon species you’re caring for. Some species may enjoy digging or burrowing, while others primarily inhabit trees. Choose the substrate that matches their natural behavior.
- Ease of Maintenance:
- The substrate should facilitate efficient waste removal and be straightforward to clean or replace. This is particularly important for maintaining a healthy environment.
- Non-Abrasive Surface:
- Chameleons may climb and walk on the substrate. Ensure it has a non-abrasive surface to prevent injuries to their delicate skin and feet.
Top Chameleon Substrates:
- Coconut Coir: This natural substrate is made from coconut husk fibers and retains moisture well, making it suitable for maintaining humidity levels. It’s easy to clean and can be used for arboreal and ground-dwelling chameleons.
- Reptile-Safe Soil: A mixture of organic, chemical-free soil and sand can replicate the chameleon’s natural habitat. It allows for digging and burrowing behavior, making it suitable for certain species.
- Sphagnum Moss: Sphagnum moss is excellent for increasing humidity levels and providing a visually appealing substrate. It’s particularly suitable for species that thrive in moist environments.
- Paper Towels: For ease of cleaning and waste removal, paper towels are a simple and effective option. While not as visually appealing, they are practical for maintaining cleanliness.
- Exo Terra Forest Plume Moss: This artificial moss mat provides a natural aesthetic while offering humidity control. It’s easy to clean and replace, making it a convenient option.
Installation and Maintenance Tips:
- Layer the substrate appropriately, considering the chameleon’s habitat preferences.
- Maintain proper humidity levels by misting the substrate and enclosure as needed.
- Spot-clean the substrate daily to remove waste and check for any issues.
- Replace the substrate periodically, following a schedule that suits your chameleon’s specific needs.
It’s essential to research your chameleon species’ natural habitat and behavior when selecting substrate. Additionally, regularly monitor humidity levels, cleanliness, and your chameleon’s overall well-being to ensure they are thriving in their enclosure. The right substrate choice can contribute to a healthier and happier chameleon.
Further Reading:
