{"product_id":"et-stone-desert-substrate-ocher-5kg-pt3138","title":"Exo Terra Stone Desert Substrate Ocher 5kg (PT3138) | Vivarium Sand Mix","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ET Stone Desert Substrate in Ocher is a naturalistic, sculpting-grade substrate for desert and savannah vivarium setups. Unlike plain sand, it replicates the complex soil composition found in arid environments — a blend of sand, decomposed granite, and clay that gives it the structural properties needed to hold burrows, tunnels, and elevated basking areas without collapsing once dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat it's made from\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eReal desert soils are rarely pure sand. This substrate reflects that — combining sand, granitic material, and clay in a mix that contains no added dyes or chemicals. The ocher colouration is entirely natural, making it a credible match for many arid biomes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBuild your landscape\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause the substrate holds its shape when dry, you can sculpt it into outcrops, dig tunnels through it, or build up higher basking mounds. Cool, slightly humid burrows can be created at lower levels, while the surface and elevated areas retain heat more readily — giving reptiles genuine temperature gradients to move between.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFunctional benefits for your reptile\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStimulates natural digging and burrowing behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCool-humid burrows allow reptiles to absorb moisture through their skin while sheltering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElevated areas retain heat well and support thermoregulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent thermal conductor — works well with under-substrate heating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not collapse once dry, maintaining landscape structure over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo added dyes or chemicals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSupplied in a 5kg bag, this substrate suits keepers who want a vivarium that functions as well as it looks — giving arid-species reptiles the environmental complexity they need to behave naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peregrine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54148484989265,"sku":"SHD215","price":9.66,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/0403\/8225\/files\/SHD215_1.jpg?v=1782599405","url":"https:\/\/viperia.co.uk\/products\/et-stone-desert-substrate-ocher-5kg-pt3138","provider":"Viperia UK","version":"1.0","type":"link"}