Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Reptile Substrate, 10-lb bag

I LOVE this stuff! I've used it in multiple leopard gecko terrariums and it looks fantastic. First of all it dries hard, so you can provide a natural looking terrarium without the risk of impaction from sand. Plus you can use the clay to create so much enrichment as well as so many hides and basking spots, and if you want to remake your landscape, you just wet the sand again and create a new layout. Cleaning is a little more difficult compared to paper towels or something like that, but honestly the looks and enrichment are well it.

I only used it for a few days now but so far I'm pretty satisfied. The only thing I don't like is how hard to work with it can be! Expect to bend a few spoons and turn your hands chunky and red trying to get it in the shape you want.

I have this in my bearded dragons tank, I’ve had it for about 9-10 months and it’s both of our favorites. He used to just have carpet and he didn’t like when his nails would get stuck in it so he’d avoid going to the ground unless he needed food or water. Now he runs around happier than anything I could possibly describe. Every time I redo the clay he runs around like crazy and seems super happy and explores a lot more than usual. I even have in one corner actual soil so I can grow live plants. When I first got this I made a cave. For it to be successful you cannot have your animal in the cage at all through the drying process. They will either pop the ballooon or break it in general. If you I have this in my bearded dragons tank, I’ve had it for about 9-10 months and it’s both of our favorites. He used to just have carpet and he didn’t like when his nails would get stuck in it so he’d avoid going to the ground unless he needed food or water. Now he runs around happier than anything I could possibly describe. Every time I redo the clay he runs around like crazy and seems super happy and explores a lot more than usual. I even have in one corner actual soil so I can grow live plants. When I first got this I made a cave. For it to be successful you cannot have your animal in the cage at all through the drying process. They will either pop the ballooon or break it in general. If you have an adult animal you’re gonna want a few bags. Think of art class in like 6th grade when we had to make clay pots and stuff, if you made it too thin they broke. So if you make too thin of a cave, a heavier animal WILL break it that’s just common sense lol. If you buy several bags you should be fine, I’d say 3-4 for a 40 breeder is perfect. … more

I use this clay for my leopard geckos. It holds its shape pretty well, even better with support, but cracks when it’s completely dry. The cracked look is rather aesthetically pleasing though. This is the best price I’ve seen so far for a 10lb bag. Wish there was more.

I was told two bags was going to be enough for my 40 gal so that is what I did. No not at all I'm a little upset the bags were only half full so I have a thin layer on the bottom of my tank.

Highly recommend Chewy and the excavator clay works well! Shipping was fast!! Excellent service!

This stuff is great! Highly recommend to anyone with a leopard gecko. It has made a warmer safer place for my lizard. Not to mention it’s fun to make a unique place for my lizard to hide and bask

Very disappointed. I followed all instructions and as soon as the clay was dry it just crumbled and would not hold a shape like it says it will. Waste of money.

Make sure you buy more than one bag. you will be surprised how fast it goes! But so far my northern blue tongue skink loves it! So if he loves it it’s good for me.

It is literally the best reptile friendly clay there is!