ProRep Calcium Sand is a natural limestone-based substrate designed for reptiles from arid and desert environments. Made from pure natural limestone, it serves double duty as both a functional vivarium floor covering and a supplemental calcium source — and crucially, if ingested, it is far less likely to cause gut impaction than silica-based sands.
What It's Made From
This substrate is derived from pure natural limestone, giving it its characteristic texture and calcium content. That composition is what sets it apart from conventional sand substrates, making it a more considered choice for arid-dwelling species where incidental ingestion during feeding is a realistic possibility.
How to Set It Up
Spread evenly across the base of the enclosure to a depth of at least 2.5–5cm (1–2 inches). This depth provides adequate coverage for natural burrowing behaviour and helps maintain a stable surface temperature across the vivarium floor.
Maintenance
- Spot-clean daily to remove waste and soiled material
- Replace the substrate fully every two to three weeks, or sooner if it becomes heavily soiled or damp
- Small sections can be lightly misted to create localised humidity gradients without saturating the substrate
A Note on Heat Mats
If you are using an under-tank heat mat as your primary heat source, avoid laying a deep layer of this substrate directly over it. Excessive insulation from a thick substrate layer can prevent heat from dissipating properly and may cause the mat to overheat.
ProRep Calcium Sand is a practical, low-risk substrate choice for keepers setting up desert and arid terrariums. The 5kg bag provides a solid quantity for initial setup or regular replacement cycles.
- Free delivery to UK mainland addresses on orders over £79.
- In-stock items ordered before 12pm Monday to Friday usually ship the same day.
- Standard vivariums go free next working day; the largest sizes travel by pallet.
- Live animals and custom vivariums have a £50 delivery charge. Custom vivariums take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to build.

