Zoo Med Repti Bark Chips
Pack sizes
1 Quart · 4 Quart · 8 Quart · 24 Quart
Zoo Med Repti Bark Chips
Natural fir bark that holds the humidity tropical reptiles need. Zoo Med Repti Bark is 100% pure fir bark, put through a three-stage cleaning process to remove sticks, dust and dirt, then left untreated so it keeps its natural moisture-holding structure. It absorbs water and releases it slowly, helping hold humidity for tropical and humidity-loving reptiles and amphibians, and comes in four pack sizes to suit anything from a spot top-up to a full substrate change.
Key features
- 100% natural fir bark – no dyes, no additives, not heat-treated, so it keeps its natural moisture-holding capacity.
- Three-stage cleaned – sticks, dust and loose dirt removed before packing.
- Holds and releases humidity slowly – mist the bark itself, not just the air, for the longest-lasting effect.
- Washable and reusable – rinse and dry between uses rather than replacing every clean.
- Four pack sizes – 1, 4, 8 and 24 quart, so you can match the pack to your enclosure rather than over-buying.
Specifications
| Size | SKU | Approx. volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Quart | ZM260 | 1.1 L |
| 4 Quart | ZM261 | 4.5 L |
| 8 Quart | ZM262 | 9.1 L |
| 24 Quart | ZM263 | 27.3 L |
Zoo Med doesn't publish a coverage-depth figure for this substrate, so treat pack size as a volume guide rather than an exact depth calculator – go up a size if you're filling a larger footprint or want extra depth for burrowing species.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suited to tropical and humidity-loving reptiles and amphibians – species that need higher ambient humidity and benefit from a substrate that holds moisture rather than drying out quickly. Not suitable as the sole substrate for species that are heavy diggers in dry, low-humidity setups, and not recommended for enclosures housing messy eaters that feed directly on the substrate, where any loose material carries some risk of being swallowed along with food.
Care and maintenance
Mist the bark directly rather than just misting the air – damp bark holds humidity for far longer than a quick air spray. Spot-clean waste regularly and rinse the bark under water when it starts to look dirty; it can be reused several times before it needs replacing outright.
Goes well with
- A hygrometer, to check the humidity your setup is actually holding rather than guessing from how the bark looks.
- A moss or leaf-litter top layer, for setups that need an extra humidity buffer.
- A reptile-safe misting bottle or automatic mister for larger enclosures.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty against defects, in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law. Ships as a standard parcel.
Common questions
Does this substrate hold humidity on its own, or do I still need to mist?
You still need to mist. The bark holds and releases moisture slowly once it's damp, but it won't generate humidity by itself – mist the bark directly for the best result.
Can I reuse it after cleaning?
Yes. Rinse it under water to remove waste and debris and let it dry or re-wet it before putting it back in the enclosure. Replace it outright once it starts breaking down or smelling musty.
Is it safe if my reptile swallows a small piece?
Zoo Med doesn't publish a specific ingestion warning for this product. As with any loose substrate, avoid feeding species directly on it if they're prone to swallowing substrate while hunting, to reduce the general impaction risk loose substrates carry.
What size should I buy?
Match the pack to your enclosure footprint and how deep a layer you want – see the specifications table. The 4 and 8 quart packs suit most single-enclosure setups; the 24 quart is more efficient for larger enclosures or if you're topping up several tanks.
