Vita sand

After years of having emperors I decided it is time for a desert scorpion. I went out and bought vita-sand that is a calcium carbonate substrate. I haven't even opened the bag because I researched the sand and the only thing I could find is bad reviews relating to health issues but that was all for geckos and lizards. I found no information on Arachnids on sand or vita sand specifically.

Should I return vita sand, mix it, mix and compress, use it, or use something else.

PS the desert scorp I'd get would be a youngster probably 3i if that makes a difference.


Thanks,

I use it scorps don't digest it. I've heard people say it's harmful but I've never had an issue.

Do you use it by itself or mix it with something like Eco earth.

That depends on the scorpion. If it burrows like a Hadrurus species, then I would make a mix of 40% sand, 30% excavator clay and 30% Eco-earth....wet it all down and pack it deep in the tank...put a heat light on top or pack 2 inches, let it dry, pack 2 more inches, let it dry, etc. Don't put a scorpion on the wet sand mix as the humidity can cause mycosis.

If it is a non-burrowing species then just loose sand is good. Have a good screen top for the tank that seals...most scorpions are good escape artists as they can climb any decoration to get to the edge. Search the enclosure thread or substrate posts to get some ideas. Let us know what you are getting, and we can help with other info! Welcome to the forum.