Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate 9kg (20lb) Bag
Pack size
9 kg
Part no.
XR-20
Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate 9kg (20lb) Bag
A substrate reptiles can actually dig through without the tunnel caving in. Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate is an all-natural clay, sold here in the 9 kg (20 lb) bag, made with no added dyes, colours or chemicals. Mixed with water it becomes a firm, mouldable clay that holds its shape once it dries – letting burrowing reptiles dig genuine tunnels and multi-level terraces that stay intact, rather than the loose sand that collapses as fast as it's dug.
Key features
- Holds its shape when dry – burrows and tunnels stay open instead of caving in, so a dug structure lasts.
- All-natural – no added dyes, colours or chemicals.
- Mouldable – shape it into terraces, caves and slopes before it sets, and rewet to reshape later.
- Doubles as a hide – a built structure can reduce how much separate decor you need to buy.
- 9 kg (20 lb) bag – Zoo Med's larger of the two Excavator bag sizes.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | ZM376 |
| Bag size | 9 kg (20 lb) |
| Composition | Natural clay, no added dyes, colours or chemicals |
| Preparation | Mix with water to a firm, mouldable consistency |
| Coverage per bag | Not published by Zoo Med – depends on how deep and how much of the enclosure floor is built up; see "how much do I need?" below |
How much do I need?
Zoo Med doesn't publish a coverage figure in litres or square centimetres for this clay, because how far a bag goes depends entirely on how deep you build and how much of the enclosure floor you cover – a shallow layer with a few burrow entries uses far less than a full multi-level terrace. As a general approach, build the load-bearing structure first with the bulk of the bag, then top up thin layers as needed; leftover clay can be rewet and reused.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for burrowing desert and semi-arid species – bearded dragons, leopard geckos, uromastyx and similar – plus terrarium builds for hermit crabs and other burrowing invertebrates. Not suitable for permanently wet or humid enclosures: the clay loses its shape and structural strength when it stays wet, so it needs to be allowed to dry and cure before the animal goes in, and re-wet only briefly when reshaping. Not compatible with under-tank heaters, which can crack a dried structure unevenly.
Care and maintenance
Let a newly built structure dry fully before introducing the animal – this can take a couple of days depending on humidity and structure thickness. Once nearly dry, a light sprinkle of extra dry substrate over the surface helps reduce cosmetic cracking. Spot-clean waste as normal; rewet and reshape the clay if a burrow needs rebuilding.
Goes well with
Works well layered over or mixed with sand, topsoil, coconut fibre or peat moss for a more natural desert profile, and pairs with a background hide or basking platform built into the design.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard shipping applies.
Common questions
Does it stay hard once dry, or does it crumble?
It holds its shape once dry and is designed to support dug burrows and tunnels without collapsing, though it can develop cosmetic surface cracks – a light sprinkle of dry substrate over a nearly-dry structure helps reduce this.
Can I reuse or reshape it?
Yes – rewetting softens the clay again so you can reshape or rebuild a structure.
Is it safe for a moist or humid terrarium?
No – it's designed for burrowing desert and semi-arid species and loses its structural strength if kept consistently wet.
Can I mix it with sand or other substrates?
Yes, it's commonly layered with or mixed into sand, topsoil, coconut fibre or peat moss.
