Best Substrate For Sulcata Tortoise – 2023 Top 7 Picks

Sulcata Tortoises do well with different kinds of substrate mixes, such as cypress mulch, sand, and coconut fiber. These days, you can also find ready-to-use substrates for this species.

However, it is essential to choose a substrate that your pet won’t eat, and even if it does eat it, the chosen substrate should not cause impaction.

Based on this, we have hand-picked Sulcata tortoise bedding and substrate options that are great for digging and also safe for your buddies. These seven products are enlisted with their pros and cons, so you can choose the best option for your pet.

Best Substrate for Sulcata Tortoise – Our Top 7 Picks

1. Our Top Choice – Zoo Med ReptiSand® White Quartz Desert Sand

Sulcata tortoises are native to the African Sahara deserts and they love sandy substrates. ZooMed has made this ReptiSand from white quartz desert soil – which makes it the best substrate for Sulcata tortoise.

The sand is free from dyes, colors, etc. It is perfect for stimulating digging behavior in your pet. It is also an excellent egg-laying substrate for desert and soft-shell tortoises.

You can mix it with a bit of coconut coir or some topsoil (without fertilizers) and spray it with water for a bit of humidity. It has a soft, cool feeling and is easy to clean. Your tortoises will be very happy with it.

How it Compares

Zoo Med ReptiSand® might not be the cheapest sulcata tortoise substrate out there, but it is still the best sulcata tortoise substrate because of its safety features. There are no artificial colors or dyes in it. It is also smooth and cool and mimics your pet’s natural environment. This will encourage your buddy to dig. Remember – you need to mix it with topsoil/coconut husk.

2. Best Natural and Green Substrate – Zoo Med Terrarium Cotton Forest Floor Substrate

Zoo Med forest floor substrate provides an ideal dry, arid, forest-like substrate for most tortoise species, including Sulcatas. The substrate is also natural, green, and eco-friendly. It is made of cypress mulch, and its pieces are appropriately sized and won’t hurt your Sulcata’s eyes.

The green and biodegradable substrate is also easy to compost. It also retains humidity, making it a great terrarium substrate for most reptile species. Despite its moisture-retention property, it does not develop mold. It also stays in place and encourages your tortoise to dig and burrow.

How it Compares

Zoo Med forest floor substrate is a great choice as a substrate for many types of desert/tropical tortoise terrariums, including Sulcatas.

It is also affordable and has many great features like cleanliness, eco-friendliness, etc. Mostly, it is safe and non-toxic. It also encourages your buddy to dig and burrow. The substrate is made of cypress mulch of the right size, which won’t hurt your pets’ eyes.

3. Best Budget – Exo Terra Plantation Soil

Exo Terra plantation soil is an excellent choice as a substrate for sulcata tortoise. It is made from natural coconut coir and is heat treated and triple machine washed to remove salts, mites, and other contaminants.

The budget-friendly and sustainable plantation soil is naturally hygroscopic. This helps it retain moisture and maintain optimum humidity, which is important for Sulcata tortoises.

The coconut husk fiber will encourage your sulcata tortoise to burrow while also providing a variety of textures, like in its natural habitat. The Exo Terra plantation soil is also naturally anti-fungal and deters mold formation. It also contains waste-reducing organisms.

How it Compares

Your Sulcata Tortoise will love the ExoTerra Plantation Soil. It is pocket-friendly and expands greatly once soaked in water. The soil is safe and environmentally friendly. It is sure to encourage natural behaviors in your buddy.

4. Best Mess-Free/Ready-To-Use Substrate – Zoo Med Forest Floor Cypress Mulch Bedding

Zoo Med cypress mulch terrarium bedding is made in the USA and is recommended for many different species, including snakes, lizards, land turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, salamanders, tarantulas, and other invertebrates. It is easy to use and mess-free.

 The cypress chips are 100% safe and clean, smell good, and won’t cause any health issues for your buddy. The substrate is also ready to use – no soaking in hot water or making a mess. They also do not stain.

The natural forest floor will also enhance your terrarium’s decor while also encouraging your tortoise to dig and burrow. Zoo Med cypress mulch terrarium bedding also retains moisture well to enhance humidity, making it an excellent option for Sulcata tortoise bedding.

How it Compares

Zoo Med’s cypress mulch terrarium bedding is made in the USA. It is affordably priced, ready-to-use, and one of the best ‘mess-free’ substrates. The high-quality cypress mulch chips retain moisture well for good humidity. They also resist mold.

5.   Best Compostable/Recyclable Substrate- Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Substrate

If you care about the environment, you will love Zoo Med’s Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber Substrate. It is 100% compostable and recyclable since it is made of coconut husk, and you can use this sulcata tortoise bedding to grow healthier plants.

The coconut husk bedding also provides natural humidity in your terrarium while encouraging plant growth. It also ensures optimum drainage and encourages burrowing and digging in Sulcatas. The fiber substrate is sure to add a naturalistic environment to your tortoise enclosure.

How it Compares

Zoo Med Eco Earth coconut fiber compressed substrate is an all-natural compostable substrate for Sulcatas. It is known to retain humidity well and encourage many natural behaviors in reptiles, tortoises, etc. The affordable sulcata bedding is also mostly clean and free from dust, mites, etc. However, it is not ready to use and takes a long time to rehydrate and dry out.

6. Best Value for Money – Reptile Sciences Natural Sedona Pro Calcium Sand

If you prefer a sandy substrate for your Sulcatas, this is a good choice. Reptile Sciences, Sedona Sand substrate is made of 100% calcium carbonate and is safe for Sulcatas. It won’t cause internal/external abrasions, and it mimics the substrate in your pet’s natural habitat.

The best part is that even if your Sulcata accidentally swallows the sand, it won’t cause impaction. Pro Calcium Sand is also free from additives, chemicals, colors, and dyes. It is also phosphate-free.

Reptile Sciences Sedona Pro Calcium Sand contains strontium, potassium, and magnesium, and is made from 100% all-natural orbicular silica.

How it Compares

The price of the Reptile Sciences Natural Sedona Pro Calcium Sand may be on the higher side, but it is totally worth it. The sandy substrate is safe for desert tortoises like Sulcatas as it is free from dyes, phosphates, etc. The substrate when mixed with soil encourages digging and won’t harm your buddy.

7. Best Lightweight Substrate – Fluker’s 36005 Repta-Bark All-Natural Bedding

Fluker’s brand has been around for more than 70 years and is a trusted name in all-natural bedding for reptiles and tortoises. This is an all-natural lightweight bark bedding, ideal for high-humidity-loving animals like Sulcatas.

The bedding features bigger bark pieces, which ensure less chance for ingestion as well as less dust. This 100% natural Repta-Bark substrate is also designed to absorb excessive moisture in your tortoise’s terrarium.

The aesthetically pleasing forest floor substrate also functions as a waste absorber and prevents fungal issues that could develop in tortoises in overly moist environments.

How it Compares

Fluker’s 36005 Repta-Bark All-Natural Bedding is an excellent choice in reptile and tortoise substrate. Many users have mixed this with a bit of soil for their Sulcata’s enclosure. The substrate won’t harm your pet in any way. It is free from dust, mites, etc. However, it is priced higher than most of the products here.

What Is the Best Substrate for Sulcata Tortoise Enclosure?

The best substrate for a Sulcata tortoise enclosure is a mix of organic topsoil, coconut coir, and cypress mulch. This combination provides the ideal balance of moisture retention and drainage, allowing the tortoise to burrow while preventing excessive humidity and fungal growth.

The topsoil offers a natural digging medium, while coconut coir enhances moisture retention, and cypress mulch aids in maintaining proper humidity levels. Avoid substrates like wood shavings, as they can lead to impaction or respiratory issues. Regular monitoring of humidity and cleanliness is essential to ensuring the tortoise’s well-being in its enclosure.

Avoid using just sand for Sulcatas. If you want, you can mix sand with other materials such as organic topsoil, coconut coir, or cypress mulch to create a more suitable blend.

 This mixture can provide the tortoise with opportunities to dig while also helping to prevent health problems associated with ingesting sand.

Is Coconut Husk Good for Sulcata Tortoise?

Yes, coconut husk, is a good component in the substrate for a Sulcata tortoise enclosure. It is a natural and sustainable substrate material made from the fibers of coconut husks and offers several benefits for tortoise habitats, such as:

• Moisture Retention: This creates a slightly humid environment that is beneficial for tortoises, as Sulcata tortoises require some level of humidity to aid in shedding and overall health.
•  Burrowing Medium: Sulcata tortoises are known to dig and burrow in the wild. Coconut coir provides a suitable texture for burrowing, allowing the tortoise to engage in natural behaviors.
•  Natural Appearance: Coconut coir gives the enclosure a natural look and feel, which can help create a more aesthetically pleasing and enriching environment for the tortoise.

It is recommended to mix coconut coir with other substrates like organic topsoil and cypress mulch to create a well-balanced blend. This combination can provide a suitable substrate that mimics the natural habitat of the tortoise while promoting proper moisture levels and burrowing opportunities.

Conclusion

There are many great choices for the best substrate for the Sulcata tortoise. We highly recommend the Zoo Med ReptiSand® for its safety features. There are no artificial colors or dyes in it. It is also smooth and cool and mimics your pet’s natural environment. This will encourage your buddy to dig. You could mix it with some coconut husk or topsoil.

Alternatively, go for Zoo Med’s cypress mulch terrarium bedding which is made in the USA. It is affordably priced, ready-to-use, and one of the best ‘mess-free’ substrates. The high-quality cypress mulch chips retain moisture well for good humidity. They also resist mold.

For a budget-friendly choice, go for the ExoTerra Plantation Soil. It expands greatly once soaked in water and is safe and environmentally friendly.