Zoo Med Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Expandable Substrate

Expandable Coconut Fiber Substrate for Terrariums

Product Description

The Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Expandable Substrate by Zoo Med is an eco-friendly substrate made from coconut husks, ideal for naturalistic terrariums housing reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates. Each compressed brick expands to about 7-8 liters when water is added. For tropical species moisten the substrate so it absorbs odors and waste naturally. After use, compost it or recycle it.

Benefits

• Made From Coconut Husks: Zoo Med makes this eco-friendly substrate from coconut husks, a natural, plant-based material.
• Expands From a Compact Brick: Each compressed brick expands to roughly 7-8 liters of substrate when soaked in water.
• Naturalistic Terrarium Substrate: Ideal for naturalistic terrarium setups that house reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates, as Zoo Med recommends.
• Drainage Layer Partner: Layer it over Zoo Med HydroBalls to create a drainage layer that supports plant growth and humidity.
• Compostable After Use: Can be safely composted or recycled into potted plants or gardens once you change out the substrate.
• Single Brick or Value Pack: Available as a single compressed brick or a value pack of three on this listing.

Variants

• 1 Compressed Brick, About 7 to 8 Liters
• 3 Compressed Brick Value Pack

Ingredients

Compressed coconut fiber, made from coconut husks.

How to Use

Recommended-Usage Chart

Disclaimer: Product information and usage guidelines are provided by the manufacturer. Always use products as directed and consult your veterinarian in case you have any concerns about your pet's health.

Usage Instructions

• Place the Brick: Set the compressed Eco Earth brick in a pail, bucket, or sink large enough for it to expand.
• Add Four Quarts of Water: Pour 4 quarts of water over the brick to begin rehydrating the compressed coconut fiber.
• Wait 20 to 30 Minutes: Let the brick expand for 20 to 30 minutes into roughly 7 to 8 liters of substrate.
• Wring Out Excess Water: Squeeze out excess moisture, then use the damp substrate for tropical species in your terrarium.
• Add a Drainage Layer: For naturalistic terrariums, layer Eco Earth on top of Zoo Med HydroBalls to create a drainage layer.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Keep Packaging Away From Pets: Keep all packaging away from children and pets to help prevent accidental choking, suffocation, or injury.
• Monitor Moisture Levels: Check the substrate’s moisture regularly to keep it at the level your species requires in the terrarium.
• Replace Soiled Substrate: Remove and replace soiled substrate as needed to keep the terrarium clean for your animals.

Storage Information

• Keep Bricks Dry: Store unused compressed bricks in a cool, dry place until you are ready to expand them.
• Keep in Original Packaging: Leave bricks in their original packaging until use to help keep them clean and dry.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I expand an Eco Earth brick?

Ans: Place the brick in a pail, bucket, or sink and add 4 quarts of water. Let it expand for 20 to 30 minutes, then wring out the excess moisture. Each brick yields roughly 7-8 liters of coconut fiber substrate.

Q2: How much substrate does one brick make?

Ans: Zoo Med lists each compressed brick as producing about 7-8 liters of substrate when expanded with water. The 3 Compressed Brick Value Pack includes three bricks so it makes roughly three times that amount when all three are expanded.

Q3: Should I use Eco Earth wet or dry?

Ans: Zoo Med recommends using Eco Earth damp for tropical species, where it naturally absorbs and breaks down odor and waste products. After expanding a brick, wring out the excess moisture so the substrate is damp rather than soaked before adding it to the terrarium.

Q4: Which animals is Eco Earth substrate good for?

Ans: Zoo Med describes Eco Earth as ideal for naturalistic terrarium setups housing reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates. Use it damp for tropical species, and check with an exotic animal veterinarian if you are unsure whether it suits your specific animal's needs.

Q5: Does coconut fiber substrate help with odor?

Ans: Yes. Zoo Med states that when used damp for tropical species, Eco Earth naturally absorbs and breaks down odor and waste products. Even so, remove soiled spots and replace the substrate as needed to keep your terrarium clean for your animals.

Q6: Is Eco Earth compostable?

Ans: Yes. According to Zoo Med, Eco Earth Coconut Fiber Substrate is made from coconut husks, which can be composted or added to garden soil and potted plants. This gives you an eco-friendly way to reuse the substrate when you replace it.