Impaction

[Kaden]

Hello! I'm creating this thread mostly to just clear up everything about impaction. I've always been told that eco earth is safe for reptiles even if they ingest it, but I recently came across a post from someone on these forums saying that anything can cause impaction unless it is bioactive. Does this mean any substrate is safe if it is bioactive. Also I'm not just talking about chams here but about all reptiles. Please feel free to dive in as deep as you need to, the more information the better. Thanks guys!

 

[JacksJill]

I think you may have quoted that post out of context. I recall someone, @jamest0o0 saying "anything but water can cause an impaction". That is technically true but a bit extreme. If you use substrate you don't want there to be pieces in it big enough to cause a blockage. The fans of bioactive here try to use finely screened substrate with out chunks. I'm sure they will explain what brands they prefer and why.

 

[jamest0o0]

Lol yup I said that^. I just meant it in an extreme sense like you mentioned to get a point across. Bioactive is a little overblown, it's not a certain magical property that's added to a substrate, it is simply having a living substrate which functions as an ecosystem in our enclosures. The idea is to have beneficial flora and fauna outcompetes any harmful bacteria that would build up in a sterile environment. Really, the best thing I can compare it to is cycling a marine aquarium and forming live rock. I personally try to avoid any chunks of rock or bark that could cause choking. I figure a healthy, hydrated animal will be able to pass most else. An older/sick animal will need extra precaution to avoid anything that could be difficult to pass. I used to think different substrates were more or less dangerous, but i think it really just comes down to: is the material digestible or not(like fiber). If it's not, like I'd imagine most substrates, then you want to make sure your Cham isn't eating any particles that won't come out the other end.