Substrate

[UroFreak13]

There is a wraith of different substrates out there just curious as to what mos of you members use, pics are appreciated just so I can see how it looks in the tank
At the moment I'm using some orchid mulch I believe, thinking about aspen, or is it too dusty?

[saisaac]

Aspen is very popular, but I didn't like that it was so dry and dusty. I had an issue with mites and Eco Earth. To be fair, the mights could have came from something else, but the same day I changed the substrate I had an explosion of wood mites.

My skink seems to enjoy Orchid Mulch (Fir) more than anything else I have provided for him. I also had good luck with Cypress, but I have had a more difficult time finding affordable bulk cypress that was not a cypress "blend." I think the Orchid Mulch looks the most natural as well. I will probably add some sterlized leaf litter on top to make it even more natural looking.

[TJreptiles]

I've been using aspen, i like it a lot but i don't think my northern does. I could be wrong, but it seems to be agitating his eyes? Does that sound familiar to anyone?

[Tom]

I like coco chips. Not coir, but the coarser chips. I can keep the chips wetter for species that need more humidity, and drier for drier species. When I see my Northerns preparing to shed, I like to mist it all and keep it a little more damp and humid in the enclosure for them until all of the shed is off. My climate is already very dry, so this is not an issue as it will quickly dry out if I let it. By using a 4-5" deep layer, then can also burrow into it and feel secure. Its easy to spot clean too.

[UroFreak13]

I'm pretty fond of the stuff I have now I get a big gardening size bag for like 40$ I think which lasts 2 tanks 2 changes each. I also have spagnum moss under some cork bark for a humid hide

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

Coco husk/Sphagnum/Leaf Litter

[UroFreak13]

How do you sterilize te leaves from outside

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

I didn't.

You can also buy leaves by the gallon if you don't feel comfortable.