Substrate volume and foliage

[Odonata]

I see a lot of variability with regards to substrate in the pictures and videos that I have seen of peoples enclosures. Mostly in terms of substrate depth, but also type of substrate (even no substrate in some examples). I am planning on using either straight cypress mulch or a mixture of that and Ecoearth as I have a lot of that already for my other lizards and it works very well. Anything else I should consider for the type of substrate?

For a baby Tegu what is the best depth, and should it be constant? I have some skinks that spend most of their time burrowing in their environment, and have a substrate that is much deeper towards the cooler end of the tank (at least 6-8 inches deep at that end) which is where they lay their eggs. The warmer end of the tank has less depth and is more bark based than Ecoearth, and hence less moist. They seem to like to burrow in both areas and its clearly working.

What about foliage? I like the look of this in setups, but does it add anything for the Tegu. I notice that most of the Tegu setups seem to be lacking any foliage, and in fact look more like enclosures for arid reptiles than for those native to more subtropical areas. I am wondering if this is because the Tegus ransack everything and it is more hassle than it is worth?

Thanks for any info!

 

[chelvis]

Don't even think about foliage, many people here have tried and they just end up being dug up and flipped over. You can try bolting the pots in or getting big plants you just end up having to buy new ones. I prefer to use light weight plastic hides that way they can toss them around without getting hurt.

As for the substrate 6 inches for a hatchling is fine, and either straight cypress or a blend will work. Each tegu is very different. I have one tegu who will not dig at all, she prefers to sleep ontop of the mulch most of the time. I have another who now prefers a blanket and my 'normal" acting tegu likes to dig in freshly wet mulch. You just have to see what your new buddy will like.

 

[Skeetzy]

Is a deeper substrate bad for a hatchling? My hatchling will be going right into his adult enclosure, which is setup for a 12-16" substrate depth.

 

[james.w]

Is a deeper substrate bad for a hatchling? My hatchling will be going right into his adult enclosure, which is setup for a 12-16" substrate depth.

Nope, won't hurt him at all.