The substrate of a
vivarium
A vivarium (Latin, literally for "place of life"; plural: ''vivaria'' or ''vivariums'') is an area, usually enclosed, for keeping and raising animals or plants for observation or research. Water-based vivaria may have open tops providing they a ...
is the material used on the floor of the enclosure. It can affect
humidity
Humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air. Water vapor, the gaseous state of water, is generally invisible to the human eye. Humidity indicates the likelihood for precipitation, dew, or fog to be present.
Humidity dep ...
levels, filtration as well as the well-being of the inhabitants. The appropriate substrate depends on the type of animal in the enclosure.
Functions and considerations
A substrate is used in all types of vivarium and holds an important role in the well-being of the inhabitants. Although having an aesthetic factor, the substrate is an extremely important factor when keeping animals in a vivarium.
Some types of substrate can be used to hold humidity, which is essential when keeping certain types of
rainforest dwelling species that require high humidity levels during shedding and food digestion. The substrate may also be used as a drainage system for excess water.
Substrate is also useful for burrowing species as they can dig into the substrate as they would in their natural habitat. It is also useful for egg laying species that would naturally bury their eggs in the earth floor.
The substrate also adds to the aesthetics of the enclosure and gives the vivarium a more natural feel and look.
Types
The type of substrate used depends on the natural habitat of the species kept, for instance a desert dwelling species should be kept on a slate tile substrate, whereas a rainforest dwelling species should be kept on soil or bark chips.
Some keepers may choose to use less aesthetic substrates such as
paper towels
A paper towel is an absorbent, disposable towel made from paper. In Britain, paper towels for kitchen use are also known as kitchen rolls, kitchen paper, or kitchen towels. For home use, paper towels are usually sold in a roll of perforated she ...
,
newspaper
A newspaper is a Periodical literature, periodical publication containing written News, information about current events and is often typed in black ink with a white or gray background.
Newspapers can cover a wide variety of fields such as p ...
or even tiles and
linoleum
Linoleum, sometimes shortened to lino, is a floor covering made from materials such as solidified linseed oil (linoxyn), pine resin, ground cork dust, sawdust, and mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate, most commonly on a burlap or canva ...
, especially for newly acquired or quarantined specimens. This is easier for the keeper to keep maintained and there is less risk of the substrate being consumed by the inhabitants.
See also
*
Substrate (aquarium)
References
{{Reflist
Pet equipment
Reptiles as pets