Alternative / Unconventional Scorpion Substrates

I've been doing some thinking in using alternative and unconventional substrates for desert type / semi-arid type scorpions and i've narrow down to four. please feel free to add your thoughts, experiences whatsoever and pros/cons


1). uncooked rice (any color) - a well-known dessicant that has a tendency to absorb excess moisture. moisture content may range from 5% to 14%. given this is used, misting is not allowed lol.. which brings me to my 2nd option.

2). crushed/powdered egg shells - the only con i know is that it's too powdery. can that be dangerous to scorpions?

3). silica gels (silicon dioxide) - you know, the small 'drug' like stuff in tiny paper or plastic pack inside your med/vit bottles, shoes and spices that is used to absorb moisture. now this one i'm so interested in. they look like cute little crystal balls haha!

4). graveyard dust - ahaha i know what you're thinking, "what's next add the scorpion and say an incantation?" LOL


hmm.. i guess that's about it. i'll add up if something else comes to mind haha

This is just my opinion but I don't think using a substrate that absorbs moisture would be a good idea for a desert species, eps since they burrow.

i was thinking of using it temporarily for my baby HHs since the weather is too humid nowadays back in the Philippines

Temporarily it should be ok. I thought you meant as a permanent substrate.

You know I'm not entirely sure how that would work it would reduce humidity in the air but the substrate then becomes humid. Maybe the crushed egg shells, i know the desert blend in petshops is just crushed walnut shells.

guats85 wrote:

This is just my opinion but I don't think using a substrate that absorbs moisture would be a good idea for a desert species, eps since they burrow.

I agree. Don't take the risk on mycosis.
You can see all over the forum what it can do and I personally wouldn't use anything that might absorb moisture.

As for alternative substrate... I saw something the other day of another forum member here, can't recall who it was but he or she used a mix of bird sand with dried coco fiber to make a semi desert/arid grassland sort of thing and I must say... it didn't look bad...

Keep your desert species dry. Even if it is temporarily we don't know much everything about mycosis so who knows the risk.
Don't take it, is my advice.

I have got the best method... wait for it.................... sand

shadowfoot wrote:

I have got the best method... wait for it.................... sand

NOOOOOOO ???? really?????????

+1^ Haha!!

haha! thanks guys.. noted..

what the hell is bird sand? it's thr first time i've heard of it hahaha

exoticvirus wrote:

haha! thanks guys.. noted..

what the hell is bird sand? it's thr first time i've heard of it hahaha

Might have been my direct translation:P

Bird CAGE sand

This thread equals:

@shakudo: thanks! it's nice but i don't think we have that here haha

hey mako don't judge hahahaha!

Mako wrote:

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