Is play sand ok?

[Walker253]

Is play sand ok to use as substrate for desert species like Leiurus? Safe?

 

[chanda]

I haven't kept Leiurus, but I do keep other desert species and I will sometimes incorporate play sand into their substrate - but I mix it with dirt, clay, and sometimes coconut fiber/eco earth because by itself, it doesn't hold together for burrowing species. The burrows tend to collapse.

 

[Scorpionluva]

Yes play sand is perfectly fine for Leiurus species. Most times theyll inhabit an already made scrape under a rock or whatever type of hide you use for them and adjust it a little to their liking.

 

[RTTB]

It works fine and is cheap.

 

[Mila]

It's probably the best sand to use. It's really small and is soft

 

[Walker253]

Thanks for the replies. I looked at one older thread and there were mixed opinions. Some said you needed to bake it. I mix it in some of my tarantula's substrates, bit some of my scorpions that I have and am about to receive (my cc has smoke coming off it) will be 100% sand.

 

[JavaJacketOC]

Thanks for the replies. I looked at one older thread and there were mixed opinions. Some said you needed to bake it. I mix it in some of my tarantula's substrates, bit some of my scorpions that I have and am about to receive (my cc has smoke coming off it) will be 100% sand.

I always either bake or microwave any substrate that has the potential for problems...could be mold, spores or other micro organisms that could cause a problem. 225 for about an hour usually works for most substrates and barks. If I don't want to bake and the substrate is a small quantity, I'll microwave it for about 2 min on high. I also do this when reusing bedding or bark from previous cages....just in case. I never microwave bark though.