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Deesert Biome soil pic.jpg
desert biome front.jpg
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DesertBiome™ - Arid Habitat Soil

$29.99

Engineered for fast drainage, mineral structure, and low-humidity realism.

DesertBiome™ is a mineral-forward habitat soil engineered to replicate the firm, fast-draining ground of true arid ecosystems. Built for reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates that depend on low humidity and stable footing, this substrate provides structure without dust, collapse, or moisture retention.

Standard reptile sands are either too loose, too dusty, or completely biologically dead. Common soil mixes trap water and create unsafe humidity levels. DesertBiome™ balances sand, crushed granite, organic topsoil, biochar, and mineral buffers to create a breathable desert substrate that performs long-term.

Why It Works

• Drainage & Stability – Sand and granite replicate compact desert soils
• Low Humidity Control – Ingredients selected to avoid moisture retention
• Calcium Buffering – Dolomite supports digestion and bone health
• Microbial Balance – Biochar enables stable, beneficial biology
• Burrowing Texture – Firm yet pliable for natural digging

Reptile Species

Bearded Dragon
Leopard Gecko
Uromastyx
Sand Boa
Desert Tortoise
Horned Lizard
Collared Lizard
Egyptian Uromastyx
Banded Gecko
Frilled Dragon

Mammal Species

Mongolian Gerbil
Jerboa
Kangaroo Rat
Spiny Mouse
Fat-Tailed Gerbil
Desert Hamster

Arthropods & Invertebrates

Desert Isopods
Darkling Beetles
Desert Millipedes
Desert Hairy Scorpion
Vinegaroon
Aphonopelma Desert Tarantulas
Centipedes (S. polymorpha)

Biome Replication Technology™

Rather than using artificial clumping agents or chemical binders, APSU Soil™ models the physical structure of desert ecosystems — producing mineral-accurate substrates that self-regulate moisture and remain stable over time.

Engineered for fast drainage, mineral structure, and low-humidity realism.

DesertBiome™ is a mineral-forward habitat soil engineered to replicate the firm, fast-draining ground of true arid ecosystems. Built for reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates that depend on low humidity and stable footing, this substrate provides structure without dust, collapse, or moisture retention.

Standard reptile sands are either too loose, too dusty, or completely biologically dead. Common soil mixes trap water and create unsafe humidity levels. DesertBiome™ balances sand, crushed granite, organic topsoil, biochar, and mineral buffers to create a breathable desert substrate that performs long-term.

Why It Works

• Drainage & Stability – Sand and granite replicate compact desert soils
• Low Humidity Control – Ingredients selected to avoid moisture retention
• Calcium Buffering – Dolomite supports digestion and bone health
• Microbial Balance – Biochar enables stable, beneficial biology
• Burrowing Texture – Firm yet pliable for natural digging

Reptile Species

Bearded Dragon
Leopard Gecko
Uromastyx
Sand Boa
Desert Tortoise
Horned Lizard
Collared Lizard
Egyptian Uromastyx
Banded Gecko
Frilled Dragon

Mammal Species

Mongolian Gerbil
Jerboa
Kangaroo Rat
Spiny Mouse
Fat-Tailed Gerbil
Desert Hamster

Arthropods & Invertebrates

Desert Isopods
Darkling Beetles
Desert Millipedes
Desert Hairy Scorpion
Vinegaroon
Aphonopelma Desert Tarantulas
Centipedes (S. polymorpha)

Biome Replication Technology™

Rather than using artificial clumping agents or chemical binders, APSU Soil™ models the physical structure of desert ecosystems — producing mineral-accurate substrates that self-regulate moisture and remain stable over time.

Desert Biome™ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desert Biome™ soil?

Desert Biome™ is a habitat soil engineered to replicate arid and semi-arid desert ground. It prioritizes drainage, structural stability, and low moisture retention while remaining safe for burrowing species and bioactive systems.

What animals is Desert Biome™ best for?

Desert Biome™ is ideal for:

  • Bearded dragons and Uromastyx

  • Leopard geckos and African fat-tailed geckos

  • Horned lizards and other arid reptiles

  • Desert amphibians with dry-season tolerance

  • Isopods, darkling beetles, and arid clean-up crews

Is Desert Biome™ safe for bioactive enclosures?

Yes. Desert Biome™ supports arid-adapted microfauna while preventing humidity spikes and mold—common failures of sand-only substrates.

Why isn’t Desert Biome™ just sand?

Pure sand collapses, compacts, and offers no biological function. Desert Biome™ integrates mineral diversity and organic structure to allow burrowing, waste breakdown, and long-term enclosure stability.

Does Desert Biome™ hold moisture?

Very minimally—by design.
It allows brief hydration after misting or rainfall simulation, then dries efficiently to prevent damp pockets and bacterial growth.

Does it compact over time?

No. The granular structure resists compaction even under repeated movement, digging, and spot hydration.

Can reptiles dig and burrow safely in this soil?

Yes. Desert Biome™ holds burrow walls without collapsing while remaining soft enough to prevent claw, jaw, or scale injuries.

Can live plants grow in Desert Biome™?

Yes, when paired with arid-adapted species such as:

  • Grasses

  • Aloe

  • Yucca

  • Desert shrubs and succulents

Heavy feeders or tropical plants are not recommended without amendment.

Does Desert Biome™ contain fertilizers or chemicals?

No. It contains no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or salts, making it safe for sensitive reptiles and invertebrates.

Does this substrate need to be baked or sterilized?

No. Desert Biome™ is ready to use as shipped. Sterilization is not recommended, as it disrupts natural soil function.

How long does Desert Biome™ last in an enclosure?

In a bioactive setup, Desert Biome™ can last years with spot cleaning and occasional surface refreshes.

Can Desert Biome™ be mixed with other substrates?

Yes. It pairs well with:

  • Crushed leaf litter for microfauna

  • Coarser sand for added drainage

  • Gravel or stone layers for structural zones

Is Desert Biome™ safe if accidentally ingested?

While ingestion should always be discouraged, Desert Biome™ does not rely on sharp quartz sand and is safer than many loose-sand substrates.

Where is Desert Biome™ made?

Desert Biome™ is blended in Virginia using regionally sourced materials and APSU Soil™ biome replication standards.

Why choose Desert Biome™ over generic “desert sand”?

Because Desert Biome™ is:

  • Structurally stable, not collapsing

  • Low-moisture but biologically functional

  • Safer for burrowing animals

  • Designed for reuse and long-term health

It is a desert ecosystem substrate, not decorative sand.

Can Desert Biome™ be reused?

Yes. Desert Biome™ follows APSU Soil’s system philosophy:
Repair. Recharge. Reuse.

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