Exo Terra Moss Mat Review: A Natural & Hygienic Substrate

The Exo Terra Moss Mat is a popular substrate choice for reptile and amphibian enclosures. As a pet owner, providing a safe and comfortable habitat for your animals is a top priority In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features and benefits of the Exo Terra Moss Mat to help you decide if it’s the right substrate for your pet’s home

Overview of the Exo Terra Moss Mat

The Exo Terra Moss Mat is a soft, absorbent mat that resembles natural moss. It comes in a range of sizes to fit different enclosure dimensions. The mat’s top layer consists of fine green fibers made to look like moss, while the bottom features a strong, tear-resistant material.

The Moss Mat is designed to be an easy-care substrate option. Its soft texture creates a comfortable surface for reptiles and amphibians. The fine fibers on top are safe for pets, unlike real moss which can harbor sharp pieces. The mat’s absorbent nature also helps maintain proper humidity levels.

When the mat gets dirty, simply rinse off waste and allow to fully dry before placing back in the enclosure. The Moss Mat is reusable over and over again with this cleaning method. Its durability supports repeated use compared to substrates like paper towels.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are the notable features and advantages of using the Exo Terra Moss Mat as a terrarium substrate:

• Natural appearance: The mat replicates the look of moss with its soft green fibers on top. This creates a more naturalistic habitat compared to paper or carpet substrates.

• Soft and lightweight: The fine fibers make the mat soft to the touch. It has a lightweight and flexible feel. This cushy surface adds comfort for reptiles and amphibians.

• Absorbent: The Exo Terra Moss Mat readily absorbs liquids and moisture. Its absorbent quality helps regulate humidity levels and reduces messes.

• Hygienic: The mat’s smooth surface deters bacterial growth. Rinsing waste keeps it clean. The hygienic mat prevents issues like mold and fungi.

• Easy maintenance Cleaning is as easy as rinsing off debris and allowing to fully dry The durable material supports repeated washing No special cleaners or deodorizers are needed.

• Reusable: One mat can be used multiple times over thanks to its durability and cleaning method. This offers great value compared to disposable substrates.

• Non-abrasive: The soft fibers are gentle on sensitive skin and will not cause abrasions. This safe texture prevents injuries.

• Cuttable: Custom sizes can be created by cutting the mat with scissors to fit specific enclosures. Less excess goes to waste.

Suitable Pets and Enclosures

The Exo Terra Moss Mat works well for a diverse range of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. It can be used in glass tanks, plastic tubs, and screen enclosures.

Some pets that do well on the Moss Mat include:

• Snakes – ball pythons, sand boas, corn snakes
• Lizards – bearded dragons, geckos, skinks
• Frogs – tree frogs, toads, poison dart frogs
• Salamanders
• Spiders and scorpions
• Hermit crabs

The soft texture prevents abrasions on sensitive bellies while still offering enough traction. The mat’s slight cushioning is comfortable for pets that spend much of their time on the ground surface. Absorbency makes it suitable for high humidity-loving species like amphibians and tropical reptiles.

The Moss Mat can be used alone or in combination with other substrates. For example, adding the mat on top of coconut fiber substrate is another option. This provides both absorbency from the mat and burrowing/anchoring abilities from the loose substrate.

Available Sizes

Exo Terra offers the Moss Mat in a range of size options to accommodate different enclosure dimensions:

• Mini: 12 x 12 inches
• Small: 18 x 18 inches
• Medium: 24 x 18 inches
• 10 Gallon: 19.5 x 9.75 inches
• 20 Gallon: 29.5 x 11.75 inches
• 40 Gallon: 35.5 x 17.5 inches
• 60 Gallon: 47.5 x 17.5 inches

Having multiple mat sizes to choose from makes it easier to get a properly fitting substrate for your particular enclosure. The medium and larger sizes work well for adult reptiles, while the mini and small options suit juvenile habitats and quarantine enclosures.

Usage Tips and Maintenance

Proper usage and cleaning are key to getting the most out of your Exo Terra Moss Mat purchase. Here are some top care tips:

• Spot clean feces daily to keep the mat clean and odor-free
• Disinfect with a terrarium cleaner weekly to reduce bacterial growth
• Rinse off all waste under running water as needed
• Fully air dry mats before reusing to prevent mold growth
• Replace mats displaying significant wear and tear
• Use scissors to trim mats down to size for a perfect fit
• Consider buying 2 mats to use interchangeably after washing

Following this care routine prevents premature replacement and supports the long-term use of each Exo Terra Moss Mat. Proper maintenance is essential for both cleanliness and safety.

Pros and Cons of the Exo Terra Moss Mat

Let’s recap the notable upsides and downsides of the Exo Terra Moss Mat as a substrate choice:

Pros

• Natural-looking
• Soft and lightweight
• Highly absorbent
• Easy to clean
• Mold and bacteria-resistant
• Reusable for extended value
• Comfortable for sensitive pets
• Available in a range of sizes

Potential Cons

• Not ideal for pets that enjoy burrowing
• May be easy to chew and ingest for some destructive pets
• Not as visually stimulating as textured substrates
• Small claws can potentially get caught in the fibers

The Moss Mat excels when absorbency, cleanliness, and reuse are top priorities. Pet owners should factor in their animal’s needs when deciding if this is the right substrate. Overall, it remains a favorite for many herpetoculturists.

Exo Terra Moss Mat vs. Other Substrates

How does the Exo Terra Moss Mat compare against some other common substrate options? Here is a brief overview:

• Coconut fiber – Provides texture for digging but retains more moisture. Harder to fully disinfect. Not as soft.

• Cypress mulch – Good for burrowers but has a shorter usable lifespan. Requires adding supplements to maintain humidity.

• Paper towels – Disposable and absorbent but plain looking. No cushioning. Holds odor over time.

• Reptile carpet – Also reusable but less effective at absorbing moisture. Can harbor bacteria in fibers.

• Sphagnum moss – Retains lots of humidity but compacts over time. Real moss harbors more mold risks.

The Exo Terra Moss Mat stands out for its absorbency, visual appeal, softness, and reusability compared to these other substrates.

Where to Buy the Exo Terra Moss Mat

The Exo Terra Moss Mat is sold at pet stores worldwide and online. Some top retailers include:

• Petco
• PetSmart
• Pet Supplies Plus
• Pet Mountain
• Amazon
• Chewy
• Josh’s Frogs
• Reptile Supply Co

Prices range from $10-25 USD depending on the size. Consider checking both local stores and online shops to find the best deal.

Buying directly from the manufacturer Hagen can ensure you receive the newest version of the mat if any design changes occur. Exo Terra products are sold internationally, expanding accessibility for reptile owners across many countries.

Is the Exo Terra Moss Mat Worth It?

For keepers seeking a reusable, easy-care substrate, the Exo Terra Moss Mat is an excellent option that will likely satisfy most expectations. It excels in terms of adding comfort, maintaining humidity, and staying clean in the enclosure.

The mat does have some drawbacks to weigh, primarily a lack of burrowing and textures. However, many reptiles thrive on the cushiony mat. With proper maintenance, it can be reused over and over again – offering great longevity and value.

Overall, the Moss Mat lives up to its reputation as a quality terrarium substrate. While assessing your pet’s specific needs, the mat’s features make it a recommendable product for many keepers. It hits the sweet spot between good looks, practicality, and an affordable price point.