Newbie Question on Substrate

[MythrilDelight]

Hello, I’m new to the forum and will be a new BTS mommy soon. We are taking in a re-home in about a week. I will put a proper introduction post out when we have our BTS baby and can post pics with her

I’m trying to get her tank ready but I’ve been given some mixed info on substrate. Her owner has her currently in a mix of coco fibre, reptisoil and jungle earth. I’ve been told that aspen chips are really nice for them to dig in but some people swear by the fine snake stuff and others the small animal stuff. Some people are swearing by the forest bark.

I was under the impression that the aspen chips are better than the snake stuff because the snake stuff was too fine. I took a photo of the bags. If I’m going with aspen, the bottom photos are the correct one?

Is there a better mix than aspen? Do we want to spray the substrate to keep it moist? I read the care sheet but I’m hyper-vigilant and want to make 100% sure haha.

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[Janella]

Hi there and welcome to the group. What kind of skink are you getting? I personally wouldn't do Aspen. I find it doesn't hold humidity well and can be to dusty. I would do what the owner is currently on or I keep my skinks on Zilla Jungle mix with Reptibark on top. I have never had an issue with shedding or humidity.

[splashy07]

As Jan said, we need to know species. If it’s an Indonesian species you will need higher humidity. Personally I would not use aspen for any type. Too dry and molds when dampened. Jan’s idea for substrate would work for all but desert species. I use cypress mulch or repti bark or combo thereof.

[MythrilDelight]

I think she’s a Northern. Let me see if I can post a pic. Hmmm it keep saying error file is empty…I’m on an iPhone. It’s weird it let me post the pic on initial post.

I bought Reptibark but wondering if I should add Reptisoil. We are going to pick her up soon. Would love to add some live plants but I have to research safe options

[MythrilDelight]

Got a hold of someone with the forum on Facebook and sent pics there.

She’s a Northern from Australia

[Janella]

Then, I would do what either one of us said. I have a Northern and he has done great on Zilla Jungle mix with Reptibark on top. Mine burrows in it all the time. Never had an issue with shedding.