The Chinese water dragon is also a reptile that looks like a lizard and as the name suggests it is found in China and South East Asia and also in some parts of Australia too. But they are more popular because of the fact that they are very friendly in nature and also for the fact that they can stand on their back feet. But these exotic lizard species are something that needs extra love and care and the owners need to be careful and sensitive towards their needs.
In this guide regarding the Chinese water dragon, we will discuss the topic best 5 substrates for the Chinese water dragon so that they can live a safe and comfortable life in their habitat. The substrate forms a very important part of the habitat of the Chinese water dragon and that is why you need to get the best one for your cute and amazing pet.
Contents
How do choose the best substrates for the Chinese water dragons?
You need to be careful while you are choosing the best substrate for the Chinese water dragon and look for the following features:-
- The substrate should be safe for the Chinese water dragon.
- The quality of the material for the substrate of the Chinese water dragon should be the best so that you can provide them with the best substrate.
- Also, the substrate should be comfortable and soft so that they can rest on it peacefully.
- The substrate you will choose should not hurt the Chinese water dragon or cause some sort of allergies or infections.
- The absorbing capacity of the substrate should be good and that is why you need to check for that.
- Should be easy to clean and maintain for the owners.
- The price that you will spend on the substrate should be worth every penny.
These are the best features that you will choose from the market for the substrate and you should make sure that these features are present so that you can get the best one for your Chinese water dragon.
Best 5 substrate for Chinese water dragon
The 5 best substrates for the Chinese water dragon that you can find in the market with the above-mentioned features and also that will not cause any issue for the owners are listed as below:-
1. Coconut coir
The coconut coir is considered as one of the best substrates for the Chinese water dragon when it is mixed with the soil and also topped with the large chips of the bark. The reason that it is considered as the best substrate for the Chinese water dragon is that it is a natural substrate that does not have any negative impact on the health of the Chinese water dragon and also this can last up to at least a month after that you can fully remove it and replace it with a new one.
Another reason that you should opt for it is that there is no fear of ingesting this substrate by the Chinese water dragon so you can opt for this substrate and you just need to moist it a little bit with water and then these blocks of coconut coir will expand and will make a nice and comfortable substrate for the Chinese water dragon.
Various features:
- Affordable price
- Can get easily
- Safe and comfortable
- No fear of ingesting
- Can last for a month
- Natural substrate
2. Top layer of natural soil
You can also use the top layer of the natural soil as it is a good option for the substrate of the Chinese water dragon because it is a natural substrate and is quite similar to their natural habitat so they connect to it in a better way. The best feature about this substrate is that it can hold lots of moisture and humidity making it a good substrate option for the Chinese water dragon and also you can find it easily in your garden. But you need to make sure that the soil that you are using as a substrate should not have any chemicals or fertilizers because that can cause irritation to the Chinese water dragon.
Also, you need to bake it before using it as a substrate so that all the micro-organisms that are in it are killed and the sterilization process will make this substrate a safe and comfortable option for the Chinese water dragon. Also, you can get this soil from the market too which is fully treated and you need to just put it inside the tank of the Chinese water dragon. You just need to change this substrate once a month.
Various features:
- Easy to find
- Affordable price
- Safe and comfortable
- Natural substrate
- Easy to use and maintain
- Can be used for a month
- High absorbing capacity
3. Large orchid bark chips
The large orchid bark chip is another option on our list for the best substrate for the Chinese water dragon. But you need to make large chips of these orchid barks because smaller chips can be ingested by the Chinese water dragon and that is not a good thing.
The moisture can be retained and also you can place paper towels underneath it to increase the absorbing capacity. You can use this as it is easily available at an affordable price and another thing is that it is a natural substrate and there is no chemical used in its making.
You just need to maintain it properly and this will prove the best substrate for the Chinese water dragon. Make sure that you use it in a proper and safe way for the Chinese water dragon. These chips can last up to a month and after that, you need to completely replace them.
Various features:
- Easy to get
- Affordable price
- Natural substrate
- Large size chips preferred
- Hard to maintain
- Can last up to 1 month
4. Cyprus mulch
Cyprus much is also considered another best substrate for the Chinese water dragon but you need to make sure that it should be mixed with the top layer of the soil and the reason is that it can hold lots of moisture in it. Also while you mix a top layer of soil with the Cyprus mulch it will also give it a natural touch and we know that natural things are the best for the Chinese water dragon.
The ratio of the topsoil layer and the Cyprus mulch should be 50- 50 and then this mixture becomes the best substrate for the Chinese water dragon and they will not have any issue while they are using it because it will be soft, comfortable, and even natural making it a perfect substrate for the Chinese water dragon and also it can last up to one month.
Various features:
- Easy to use
- Natural substrate
- Safe and comfortable
- Natural soil mixed in it
- Can last up to a month
- Large moisture absorbing capacity
5. Reptile carpet
The Reptile carpet is the last one on our list but not the least one because it still comes on this list. The reason that it is preferred more for the young Chinese water dragon is that it is very safe for them. Also, you will notice that you can get it easily in the market, and also there is no fear of its ingestion. But it is not preferred for adult Chinese water dragons because there cannot be done any kind of burrowing and digging.
It is easy to clean and maintain and has a good absorbing capacity too. The reptile carpet is not a natural substrate like the other ones on this list but because it is something that you can get easily in the market it is therefore preferred.
Various features:
- Easy to get
- Affordable price
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Safe and comfortable
- Good absorbing capacity
- Artificial substrate
- Best suited for young reptiles
- Not suitable for digging and burrowing
These are the 5 best substrates that you can find in the market for the Chinese water dragon and you need to make sure that what exactly your lizard needs so that you can give them a perfect and comfortable lifestyle inside their habitat and they do not have to face any kind of issue while they are living with you, who is providing them with bets of everything.
Final thoughts:
The Chinese water dragon is an amazing and also a unique pet and because they are exotic lizards they need specific care so that they can live a safe and healthy lifestyle. You need to give them the best of everything in order to give them a lifestyle where they do not have to face any kind of problem and enjoy their life with their owners. Both the owner and the pet should spend time with each other so that they can understand each other in a better way and also build a strong bonding with one another.
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