The Best Reptile Carpets

Every pet parent aims to make sure that the pet doesn’t miss its home in the wild by providing for it everything it would enjoy if left in its natural home.

The enclosure plays an important part in that comfort and that’s why we have the best reptile carpets being reviewed here.

Substrates are the closest thing a reptile would be in contact with, and so great care has to be made when choosing one.

There are different types of substrates and carpets are an artificial form.

These types are mostly used by pet owners that are scared of their pet ingesting the pieces of natural substrates as it mostly causes impaction.

And so it’s wise that while preventing one problem, you shouldn’t be causing another one.

There are a lot of reptile carpets available in reptile shops, and it may be an issue for you to choose from among the lot.

That’s where we come in.

We have here the best reptile carpets that you can find, and everything you need to know when choosing the best reptile substrate for your pet.

Complete Guide for The Best Reptile Carpets

Reptile carpets are preferred by reptile owners to the natural substrates mainly because of the reduced chances of ingestion that could lead to impaction.

With carpets, you are sure that your pet only eats food and nothing else from the ground.

Carpets are also gently and soft on your pet’s feet, providing them better comfort as they move around.

In terms of convenience, carpet is one of the most convenient substrates around.

You can easily remove it, wash and replace it without having to sift through sand or gravel, or pick out feces from wood chips if such substrates are used.

Just like with loose substrates, reptile carpets can be used to regulate the humidity levels of the terrarium, depending on your pet’s needs.

There are also different types with different looks that you can choose from to give your pet’s enclosure the natural appearance it would love.

All of these are without making much mess and demanding much maintenance from you as would lose substrates.

Alternatives to Reptile Carpets

Calcium Substrate

Calcium substrates were made as a replacement to the sand substrate.

This type is made of calcium carbonate instead of silica, so they are digestible by your pet if ingested accidentally and the risk of impaction is reduced.

They are identical to sand and are also easy to maintain just like sand substrate. The difference between both lies however in the cost.

Gravel

Gravel comes with a good number of benefits and challenges too, making it ideal for only a few types of reptiles.

Its best used in aquatic terrariums and provides visual appeal as well as anchors the plants and decors.

A downside to its use is the frequent need for cleaning as dirt and debris can accumulate in the spaces between the rocks.

Gravel as a substrate can be used for life, all you need do is wash and reuse but you will be faced with the problem of weight.

Gravel in the tank makes it difficult to move the tank around if you need to change its position, another problem associated with gravel is that some reptiles swallow it, leading to fatal results.

So when purchasing gravel, go for the size that is bier than your pet reptile’s head to prevent swallowing.

Mulched Wood

Mulched wood is made from shredded barks of trees like cypress, and there is a difference between those sold for use on the lawn and those for reptiles.

The ones meant for the lawn are treated with dyes and chemicals, while those for reptiles are safe and sterilized, so don’t use them interchangeably.

Since mulched wood generally retains good moisture, its best for reptiles that are native to humid habitats.

Chipped Wood

Chipped wood is best used as a substrate for reptiles that are native to dry areas, not necessarily desert habitats.

They however pose a problem of frequent ingestion that can be hazardous to the health of your pet, so they are mostly recommended for use with snakes rather than turtles or lizards that tend to swallow it more frequently.

Coconut Husk

Coconut husk substrates are absorbent and soft, giving your pet reptile comfort and the required humidity levels.

They also stimulate burrowing behaviors in animals that love to dig.

Sand

Sand is one of the best substrates to use with arid reptiles.

There are different colors to choose from, and it gives good visual appeal when used.

It’s easy to keep clean as all you need do is sift in a mesh screen to get dirt and debris out.

It also discourages the growth of microorganisms that are harmful to the health of your pet reptile.

The major drawback to the use of sand as a substrate is the impaction it causes as it is easily ingested.

It can lead to major health problems and as such, it should be used with caution or avoided altogether.

Maintaining A Substrate

Your pet reptile’s substrate would require cleaning at different intervals, and the frequency depends on the type of pets you have and the substrate you use.

Sheet-like substrates like carpets would usually require washing or replacement at some point when it gets dirty.

But other substrates like mulches can be spot cleaned.

Sand can be sifted and reused when dirty to separate the dirt from the substrate.

Wood and paper substrates require more frequent replacement than the sand substrate to avoid them becoming an abode for harmful microorganisms.

Gravel unlike the others can be reused as long as you want to, provided you wash it.

Note that even if you spot clean your substrate every day, you would still need to wash it thoroughly at some point.

As a safe rule, it’s best to replace organic substrates once each month, while sand and other mineral-based substrates can be replaced after 6 months.

The 5 Top-Rated Best Reptile Carpets

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

The Best Reptile Carpets

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1.   Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner

First on our list of the best reptile carpets is this Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner.

It’s great for reptile owners who are new and have no experience with substrates as it just rolls out and all you need to do is cut to size.

Its low maintenance, and comes treated with a biodegradable enzyme that helps reduce terrarium odor.

So your pet’s enclosure doesn’t smell bad.

Just as it’s easy to use, it’s also easy to clean and maintain.

When dirty, simply rinse with clean and cold tap water.

It’s absorbent, so it won’t get dirty easily while helping you maintain a good level of humidity in the enclosure.

The material is soft and very comfortable for your pet as they walkabout.

So if you are looking for a good alternative to loose substrates that won’t be ingested by your pet and provides them with comfort, this would do well.

Pros

• Low maintenance
• Easy to use
• Helps to reduce odor
• Soft and comfortable for your pet
• Can’t be ingested

Cons

• Not recommended for juveniles as their teeth can get caught in it

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2.   Zoo Med Eco Carpet for 10 Gallon Tanks

Your use of this product would ensure that your pet has a safe and comfortable floor to move on.

Made from recycled plastic bottles, it is absorbent and takes away the fear of accidental ingestion by your pet.

So they can feed freely without you having to worry about impaction.

It’s not only comfortable for use by your pet but also convenient for you as you can easily wash and clean it when dirty.

It’s also easy to cut to fit the size of your terrarium, so setting up is easy even for a newbie.

Pros

• Ideal for use with a large range of reptiles
• Good absorbent
• No risk of accidental ingestion
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Not available in different colors

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3.   Mclanzoo 2pcs 20 Gallon Reptile Carpet

This reptile mat is made using a unique fabric material to ensure that your pet is comfortable on it.

It feels soft and was made to prevent the incidence of your reptile’s feet or teeth being caught in it.

You can easily wash it and reuse, so your tank’s hygiene would be optimum at all times.

All you have to do is roll the mat up, shake off the dirt, and rinse with cold water.

It dried quickly so you don’t have to wait for long, and it has a long life.

You can cut the mat size easily to fit your terrarium if the size isn’t a perfect fit from the box already.

No matter the reptile specie you have, they would love this, and thank you or the comfort it brings.

So if you are thinking of a great way to give your pet comfort and safety, this is one product that would satisfy you.

Pros

• Easily washable
• Durable product
• Can be easily cut to fit your terrarium
• Can be used with any reptile species you have
• Provides comfort

Cons

• Tweezers don’t always come as promised

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4.   Exo Terra PT2488 Moss Mat 60 Gallons

This reptile carpet from Exo Terra provides your terrarium with the natural appearance of real moss, making your pet’s habitat look as close to its home in the wild as possible.

It has the feel and softness of real moss and gives your pet the required comfort for good health.

However, when compared to real moss, you can more easily clean this product.

It’s more hygienic and helps you keep your pet’s home neat at all times.

Its absorbent helps to control humidity levels and is affordable.

So you don’t have to worry about where your pet eats or walks on as this is meant to provide absolute comfort.

Pros

• Available in various sizes
• Soft and comfortable
• Washable
• Absorbent
• Helps to control humidity levels
• Gives your pet’s terrarium a natural look

Cons

• You may need to cut it as it to fit your pet’s terrarium floor

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5.   Hamiledyi Reptile Carpet Natural Coconut Fiber

Last on our list is this Hamiledyi Reptile Carpet Natural Coconut Fiber.

It’s made from natural coconut fiber to take care of both aesthetics and the health of your pet reptile.

So your pet will feel at home on this, and your tank will be pleasing to look at.

You can clean this easily, and it helps you with odor control too.

Since its absorbent, your animal’s waste won’t be lying around randomly.

This also implies you can maintain the humidity levels of your pet’s home with the carpet.

Once bought, you may need to cut it up to fit perfectly in the enclosure.

You have different colors to choose from according to your preferences, but in all, you can be sure of a mat that gives absolute comfort to your pet reptile.

Pros

• Made of natural coconut fiber
• Absorbent
• Helps with humidity control
• Comes in different colors
• Helps to control odor
• Comfortable for your pet

Cons

• Not easy to clean

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Things to Look Out for in A Good Reptile Carpet

1.   Moisture Retention

Depending on the age of your reptile, their moisture needs would vary.

So when purchasing a reptile carpet, go for one that would be able to retain enough moisture to keep them adequately hydrated.

Take note however that too much moisture can lead to respiratory and shell rot problems.

2.   Humidity Levels

Reptiles also have varying levels of humidity requirements depending on the species.

So make findings before you proceed to purchase a mat so that you would choose one that can help to control the humidity levels adequately.

3.   Mimic Your Pet’s Native Home

To ensure that your pet is most comfortable, use a substrate that would give the terrarium a natural look of its native home.

If your pet reptile is from arid regions, then using a sand carpet would be better than using a carpet of moss.

It’s all about ensuring your pet misses nothing while with you.

4.   Odor Control

Choose a carpet that helps with odor control so the smell of the tank can be put in check.

5.   Comfort

Some carpets are made of materials that may pierce or injure your pet’s feet.

So when selecting a reptile carpet, go for one that doesn’t get your pet’s claws or teeth entangled as it could lead to injuries.

Commonly Asked Questions About Reptile Carpets

How Often Should I Clean My Reptile Carpet?

In taking care of your reptile carpet, make sure you clean out waste materials like feces and food daily. Wash and disinfect the carpet weekly to prevent infection and smell.

Is Reptile Carpet Safe for Bearded Dragons?

Yes, it is as they have fewer chances of ingesting the substrate material whilst still having great comfort.

Is Reptile Carpet Good for Leopard Geckos?

Yes, reptile carpet is good for leopard geckos.

Can You Cut Reptile Carpet?

Yes, you can cut reptile carpets to fir into your pet’s enclosure perfectly.

Conclusion

Your pet must stay comfortable and healthy if it must be happy.

Loose substrates are great and come with a lot of advantages, but when your pet is fond of ingesting the materials, you have no choice but to make your pick out of the best reptile carpets available.

These carpets take away the chances of ingesting loose particles and are also easy to clean and maintain.

The Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner is a great reptile carpet that requires little effort to maintain, gives your pet comfort, and helps with odor control.

Zoo Med Eco Carpet for 10 Gallon Tanks is another premium carpet that is fit for use with a large range of reptile species and is also easy to clean.

The Mclanzoo 2pcs 20 Gallon Reptile Carpet is durable, easy to wash, and provides your pet with great comfort.