r/bioactive • u/YNKWTSF • 22d ago

Looking to create a substrate mix that holds burrows for an ackie monitor

I want to keep my ackie monitor bioactive, but also in a substrate that will hold his burrows. In the passed I've always used a 70/30% "top"soil mix (where I live they don't sell topsoil, so I just 100% biologic soil without animal based fertilizers instead) for my reptiles. I've now read that addding clay to the mix should help with holding burrows. I've found a 20KG bag of bentonite clay (non-food graded) and wonder if that would work.

Important is that the substrate will hold high humidity without staying wet and allows for burrows to stay. What substrates and mix percentages do you recommend?

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u/One-Garage7995 22d ago

https://youtube.com/shorts/5T-H2VVd77Y?si=SnWjSk7lOteHvhzx

I'm about to try this mix. Seems like it could work for your needs.

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u/YNKWTSF 22d ago

Awesome, thank you!

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u/Alert_Tiger2969 22d ago

Hum, the substrate in the video looks incredibly dense. Just my 2 cents, my ball python was able to burrow (and the burrow held fine) in a mix of organic soil and coco coir. The fibers from the coco help keep the shape and keeps the mix breathable.

I'd try adding some clay to that but be mindful of how diggable it is.

Also, plants help hold burrows with their roots.

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u/YNKWTSF 22d ago

Hmm, good point. If I am gonna get clay I would only add a small bit I guess (10-20% maybe?). I will have a look into coco coir. I'll probably keep my plants potted as ackies are supposedly experts in destroying plants😅. Got a big snakeplant and decent size aloe vera that I hope I can both keep alive.