Best Reptiles Terrarium Substrate of 2025

Chloe Foster Avatar
Chloe Foster
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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For reptile owners, finding the right substrate for their pets' terrarium can be a challenge. However, there are several high-quality reptile terrarium substrates available in the market that can make the task easier. These substrates are designed to mimic the natural habitat of reptiles, providing them with a comfortable and safe environment. They can help to stabilise humidity levels, improve air quality, and reduce odours, making it easier for owners to maintain the terrarium. Additionally, many of these substrates come in a variety of sizes and flavours, allowing owners to choose the best option for their specific pet's needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fibre Substrate Cover #TOP 1
Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fibre Substrate
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Swell Coco Soil Reptile Substrate 10 Litre Bag Cover #TOP 2
Swell Coco Soil Reptile Substrate 10 Litre Bag
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pettex Beech Chips Reptile Substrate 10L Cover #TOP 3
Pettex Beech Chips Reptile Substrate 10L
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Reptiles Terrarium Substrate

Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fibre Substrate

EE20
Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fibre Substrate Cover
Zoo Med Eco Earth - Natural Substrate in Coconut Fiber for terrariums and reptiles, for Amphibians, reptiles and Insects, compostable and recyclable (Pack of 3)

Zoo Med Eco Earth is a natural substrate made from compressed coconut fibre, perfect for all types of terrariums. This product expands to 7-8 litres, providing ample coverage for your pets’ habitat. Its highly absorbent nature helps keep your terrarium clean, reducing the need for frequent changes. Additionally, it has anti-odour properties, ensuring your pets’ environment remains fresh and pleasant. Eco Earth is also recyclable and compostable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for conscientious pet owners.

What We Like
Natural coconut fibre material
Highly absorbent for cleanliness
Anti-odour features
Recyclable and compostable
#TOP 2

Swell Coco Soil Reptile Substrate 10 Litre Bag

Swell Coco Soil Reptile Substrate 10 Litre Bag Cover
Swell Coco Soil Reptile Substrate | 10 Litre Bag | Made From Coconut Coir Fibre | Superb Substrate

The Swell Coco Soil Substrate is a rich coco fibre substrate, perfect for rainforest reptile enclosures. You can use it alone or mix it with sand, moss, or husk to create an ideal habitat for your reptiles. This 10-litre bag of loose coco fibre is particularly beneficial for planted terrariums, especially when combined with a drainage substrate. Additionally, it serves as an environmentally-friendly foundation, making it great for bioactive setups that promote healthy ecosystems.

What We Like
Ideal for rainforest reptiles
Mixes well with other materials
Great for planted terrariums
Environmentally-friendly option
#TOP 3

Pettex Beech Chips Reptile Substrate 10L

8080
Beech Chips
Pettex Beech Chips Reptile Substrate 10L Cover
Pettex Reptile Substrate - Beech Chips 10L

Pettex Reptile Substrate is made from 100% natural beech chips, making it a safe choice for your reptiles. Its absorbent properties help keep your terrarium clean by soaking up waste and controlling unpleasant odours, ensuring a healthier environment for your pets. This substrate is also biodegradable, allowing you to maintain an eco-friendly setup. Additionally, it is heat treated to minimise bacterial contamination, giving you peace of mind as you care for your reptiles.

What We Like
100% natural material
Absorbent and controls odours
Biodegradable for eco-friendliness
Suitable for all reptiles
Heat treated for safety

Exo Terra Natural Fir Bark Substrate

PT2750
4.4 litre
Exo Terra Natural Fir Bark Substrate Cover
Exo Terra Forest Bark Substrate, 4.4L

The Exo Terra Bark Substrate is made from 100 percent natural fir bark, making it an excellent choice for your terrarium. Its hygroscopic nature means it readily absorbs and releases moisture, which is essential for maintaining humidity levels for humidity-loving reptiles. This substrate also helps control air humidity, ensuring a comfortable environment for your pets. Additionally, it stimulates natural digging and burrowing behaviour, allowing your reptiles to engage in instinctual activities that promote their well-being.

What We Like
100% natural ingredients
Maintains air humidity
Encourages natural behaviour
Ideal for humidity-loving reptiles
#TOP 5

ExoTerra Bio Draining Substrate 2kg for Terrariums

PT3115
Light Brown
ExoTerra Bio Draining Substrate 2kg for Terrariums Cover
ExoTerra Bio Draining Reptile Substrate 2kg

The ExoTerra Bio Substrate is a natural and non-decomposable substrate designed for your terrarium needs. It effectively creates a water drainage system, ensuring that excess moisture is managed properly, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your reptiles. This substrate is particularly suitable for tropical terrariums and paludariums, allowing you to replicate their natural habitats. By using this substrate, you can enhance the overall wellbeing of your pets while simplifying your care routine.

What We Like
Natural, non-decomposable material
Effective water drainage system
Ideal for tropical environments
Simplifies terrarium maintenance
#TOP 6

Zoo Med XR-10 Natural Clay Substrate

XR10
multi-coloured
4.5 kg (Pack of 1)
Zoo Med XR-10 Natural Clay Substrate Cover
zoomed Zoo Med XR-10 Excavator Clay Substrate, 4.5 Kg

The Zoo Med XR-10 Substrate is designed to keep your reptiles comfortable and safe in their habitat. It holds its shape, ensuring that any tunnels created by your pets won't collapse, providing them with a secure environment. Made from all-natural materials without added dyes or chemicals, it is safe for your reptiles. This modern substrate mimics a natural habitat, making your reptiles feel at home. Its attractive appearance also enhances the visual appeal of your terrarium.

What We Like
Holds shape for tunnels
All-natural materials used
Mimics natural habitat
Attractive terrarium appearance
#TOP 7

Komodo Coarse Beech Chips for Reptiles

83010
May Vary
6 l (Pack of 1)
Komodo Coarse Beech Chips for Reptiles Cover
Komodo Coarse Beech Chips, Substrate for Reptiles, Natural Substrate, Reptile Substrate, Beech Chips, Coarse, 6 Litre, may vary

The Komodo Beech Chips offer a reliable substrate for reptile keepers worldwide. These beech chips are sourced from sustainable forests, ensuring an eco-friendly choice for your terrarium. Available in both coarse and fine varieties, they provide versatility for various reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and tortoises. If you have reptiles that thrive in semi-humid environments, these chips are an excellent option as well, catering to their specific habitat needs while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your enclosure.

What We Like
Sustainable sourcing
Versatile for different reptiles
Suitable for arid environments
Ideal for semi-humid habitats
#TOP 8

Riare Coconut Fibre Substrate for Reptiles

Riare
1 Pack
Riare Coconut Fibre Substrate for Reptiles Cover
Riare 1 Pack Coconut Fiber Substrate for Reptile Natural Coco Substrate Premium Compressed Coconut Husk Terrarium Bedding for Reptile, Tortoise, Frogs, Snakes Hermit Crabs, Burrowing Animals (1 Pack)

The Riare Coconut Substrate is made from natural coconut fibre, providing a safe and comfortable environment for your reptiles and amphibians. Its odourless composition helps retain humidity and enhances temperature, promoting natural burrowing behaviours. This substrate effectively absorbs waste and odours, keeping your indoor tanks fresher than traditional materials. Additionally, it is biodegradable and compostable, allowing you to dispose of it sustainably while benefiting your garden. With its easy-to-use format, you will find it convenient to maintain your pet's habitat.

What We Like
Natural and organic material
Odour and waste absorbing
Biodegradable and compostable
Easy to use and store
Suitable for various pets
#TOP 9

ProRep Crestie Life Substrate for Geckos

PR06144
10 l (Pack of 1)
ProRep Crestie Life Substrate for Geckos Cover
ProRep Crestie Life Substrate 10L | Reptile Bedding | Reptile Substrate | Crested Gecko Bedding | 10L Bag

The ProRep Crestie Substrate is an effective choice for your terrarium, providing a comfortable bedding solution for crested geckos. It is easy to clean, ensuring that maintaining your pet's habitat remains hassle-free. This substrate also enhances environmental enrichment, allowing your gecko to thrive in a more natural setting. By choosing this product, you can create a healthier and more enjoyable living space for your reptile friend.

What We Like
Effective for terrarium use
Easy to clean
Enhances environmental enrichment
Suitable for crested geckos
#TOP 10

Riare Compressed Coconut Chip Substrate for Reptiles

Riare
Coconut Husk Reptiles
6 Pack
Riare Compressed Coconut Chip Substrate for Reptiles Cover
Riare 6 Pack Coconut Chip Substrate for Reptiles Compressed Coconut Husk Reptiles Bedding, Coconut Fiber Substrate Terrarium Substrate for Snakes, Tortoises, Ball Python, Frogs, Bearded Dragon, Lizard

The Riare Coconut Chip Substrate provides an excellent habitat for your reptiles and amphibians. Made from natural coco husk chips, this substrate allows your pets to burrow comfortably, promoting a natural environment. It is easy to use; simply add water to expand it, and the chunky texture ensures there are no sharp pieces that could harm your pets. Additionally, it maintains humidity effectively, making it ideal for tropical species. You can easily refresh the substrate by spraying water as needed, ensuring a safe and cosy home for your pets.

What We Like
Natural and organic material
Easy to use and store
Maintains humidity well
No odour and hygienic
Wide application for various species
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What substrate is best for reptiles?

Jungle Mix. One of the best substrates available for your pet reptile or amphibian is Zilla's Jungle Mix. This natural dirt substrate is made from Sphagnum Peat Moss AND Douglas Fir shavings. This combination of natural materials allows for incredible moisture retention, drainage, and aeration.

2. What can I use as a substrate for a lizard?

Carpets. Small pieces of indoor-outdoor carpet can be used as substrates for many reptiles, particularly lizards. Often sold in packs of two (which allows you to clean one piece while using the other in your lizard's cage), carpets are soft on your lizard's feet and they provide better traction than paper substrates do ...

3. What is substrate in a reptile tank?

The substrate of a vivarium is the material used on the floor of the enclosure. It can affect humidity levels, filtration as well as the well-being of the inhabitants. The appropriate substrate depends on the type of animal in the enclosure.

Editor's Notes

During our reptiles terrarium substrate research, we found 108 reptiles terrarium substrate products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 46,813 customer reviews through our big data system to write the reptiles terrarium substrate list. We found that most customers choose reptiles terrarium substrate with an average price of £11.74.

The reptiles terrarium substrate are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of reptiles terrarium substrate, including Zoo Med, Swell Reptiles, Pettex, Exo Terra, Komodo.

Written by
Chloe Foster Avatar

Happy Pet Happy Owner by Chloe Foster sold over 100 thousand copies in the UK. Chloe worked as a veterinarian in The Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Woodham. She stayed for seven years before coming home to set up her pet store in Swansea. Chloe is an experienced veterinarian with a flair for literature. Chloe is vast in the knowledge of animals, animal nutrition, medication, and care.