Which natural rocks to use?

[Bushmaster11B]

I called a very well known local fish and reptile store to ask what type of rocks they carry and use for BD's. They told me they have 2 kinds:
Obsidian Slate chunks

and Coral Slate

The obsidian can be sharp on the edges but you can dull them out by lightly taping a hammer or butter knife handle against the sharp edges. Or you can file them down with of course, a file. The plus side of Obsidian is that it retains heat very well which could be valuable in given circumstances. They both cost $1.59 a pound and I could easily build a hide/ basking spot with 6 pounds. If I went this route, I would build 2 hides, 1 of which at the cool end. Never heard or seen Coral Slate until today and they both seem to be very hard rocks that won't crumble or deteriorate in a BD's life time. What do you think?

 

[gilliesexotics]

Hi, I have never used either one but from the looks I can see pros and cons to both. If i were choosing i would go with the coral, the obsedian looks to smooth but it would be easier to clean..

 

[Bushmaster11B]

I thought the same. BD's need some traction and the coral slate would be perfect for him to get a grip and even self file his nails down naturally. The Obsidian would be easy to clean as the coral is more course. I'm sure I'm going to go with the coral slate. And I'm sure it retains heat as well, maybe not as much as the obsidian. However, my enclosure is only about 16-18 inches tall inside. Thanks for your thoughts, I'm sure both are safe.... it's just a matter of preference now.

 

[Germ]

Nothing beats good ol River Rock.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Wish I had a river that has rocks around here, but our river is more light red water from red clay and sand with mesquite trees in a canyon type surrounding. The only rocks out there are sand slate, which breaks up easy and then there is the impaction risk you know? Is drift wood ok to use too? I have some driftwood I used to use in my 50 gal Fresh Water Fish Aquarium. It's clean from the last time I used it.

 

[Spikeleebd]

using the slate is a better way to go i use slate rocks in zions cage and it retains heat, keeps his nails trim, plus it is super easy to go clean.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

Going with slate, Thanks

 

[CMahoney]

Slate is a good idea. I am hoping by having some slate it will keep my dragon's claws trimmed down. I have seen people use slate to cover their whole floor without any substrate over it.

 

[lovemydragon]

Just a FYI the obsidian gets REALLY way to hot under basking lights!! i am not sure if it doesn't disperse the heat right or what.

 

[Bushmaster11B]

My guess is that it's glass and glass retains a LOT of heat. I ended using some river rock