Aquatic and Turtle Substrates

Create a natural riverbed for your turtles

Aquatic and turtle substrates allow you to create stunning and turtle-safe environments for your hard-shelled friends. Exo Terra substrates are a great aquatic terrarium substrate that looks as natural as can be and won't interfere with your water chemistry.

What are aquatic and turtle substrates?

Turtle substrates remain predominantly below the surface of the water, ruling out many types of ordinary substrate, especially wood-based ones. They are designed to be submerged in water without muddying it.

Why should I buy aquatic and turtle substrates?

Turtle substrates are generally larger pebbles, becoming home to plenty of beneficial bacteria which act as a biological filter for your turtle terrarium, helping to clean the water further. They won't affect things like pH in the water either, allowing you more control over your turtle's water quality.

What are the main types of aquatic and turtle substrates?

The types of aquatic and turtle substrates can be split into two categories; pebbles and riverbed sand. As well as creating a natural appearance in your tank, pebbles are large and smooth making them ideal for terrestrial turtles as they will not injure them. Perfect for simulating the soft and silt like bedding of a river, riverbed sand is a fantastic substrate for semi-aquatic terrariums, giving many reptiles the soft, pliable material they need to dig into.

What should I look for?

There are different substrates available depending on the type of turtle you own. As an example, aquatic turtles spend most of their time in the water, so as long as you provide a basking area, you may not need a substrate. Land turtles, on the other hand, do require substrate to generate body heat and dig burrows.