Eco-Coir on Tiger Salamander's Skin

[glubglubglub]

Hi, All! My tiger salamander generally has a thin coating of eco-coir on his skin, and I just want to make sure it's not going to cause issues. I keep the substrate consistently moist, and he has a log hide, so he isn't really burrowing, but there's often a thin layer of eco-coir floating on top of his water because he tracks it in and out of there. My theory is that every time he takes a dip (he's at my workplace, and I think he's mostly doing this at night when I'm home) the eco-coir on the surface coats him as he gets out. I worry that as it dries it will also dry his skin and cause issues, though he seems fine so far and it's been a couple of weeks. Am I fussing too much? If not, how have you dealt with this?

 

[Creekratt]

Hi, All! My tiger salamander generally has a thin coating of eco-coir on his skin, and I just want to make sure it's not going to cause issues. I keep the substrate consistently moist, and he has a log hide, so he isn't really burrowing, but there's often a thin layer of eco-coir floating on top of his water because he tracks it in and out of there. My theory is that every time he takes a dip (he's at my workplace, and I think he's mostly doing this at night when I'm home) the eco-coir on the surface coats him as he gets out. I worry that as it dries it will also dry his skin and cause issues, though he seems fine so far and it's been a couple of weeks. Am I fussing too much? If not, how have you dealt with this?

I wouldn't worry. However coco can have salt residue. Its more than likely because of where its grown. I personally don't use any substrate for them to burrow. I've used hides in the past and currently. Both on moistened side of enclosure and on the dry side of it. In fact I use foam from Josh's frogs under moist side. Its your typical open cell foam found just about anywhere. Its suggested to replace every 6 months. Pretty sure it does breakdown over time. Dampened it holds moisture fairly well. Good luck with your sally.