Substrate

Choosing the proper reptile substrate for snakes and lizards is not just a matter of appearance, but it is a matter of safety and survival. Using sand with an animal that is too young, or too small may end up causing its death from blockages of nasal cavity. Other substrates such as coconut bark are designed for use in high humidity or always wet applications, since it doesn't mold or mildew with the constant wetness. Yet other substrates for reptiles are designed for breeding purposes, to hatch eggs.