New habitat help

[TheKailyBadger]

So I just spent like $100 in supplies for Andy, my tiger. And he is playing in the water now. My question is: I got him coconut fiber and when he walks around in it he gets COVERED in it and looks like a nasty dirt monster. Is there anything I can do to lessen or stop this?

 

[Kaysie]

Mix coco fiber 50/50 with organic topsoil. It holds moisture well, holds up to burrowing, and doesn't get stuck all over.

 

[TheKailyBadger]

Mix coco fiber 50/50 with organic topsoil. It holds moisture well, holds up to burrowing, and doesn't get stuck all over.

Ok so until I get get some of that how moist should I keep the coconut fiber now. He won't leave his water dish. So I'm guessing its too dry

 

[Kaysie]

It should be moist enough that it holds its shape when squeezed (doesn't fall apart), but not so moist that water drips out.

I've found that coco fiber is really hard to keep damp. Water evaporates from it so quickly. I usually bypass misting and dump water (a cup or so at a time, until you achieve desired level of dampness) into one side of the tank. This allows a moisture gradient.

I recommend Earth-Gro brand topsoil. They have an organic version. I found it at Home Depot.