Great video! I used Freedom Breeder Cocoblox and experienced mold issues as well. I thought it was just me. I'll keep Gaps coco chips in mind. I liked your idea of mixing the two.
Awesome content man as always!! I'm getting my first bci in a few weeks after watching you for about 3 years! Went from a BP starting, then a hog, and after all your knowledge sharing I'm ready for my dream snake!! Keep it up!
I went from reptichip to prococo, because the amount of bags I got that had bugs. Now I'm aware that these type of substrate bugs are harmless to my animals but it was stressful. Haven't had nearly the same issues with pro.
Definitely gonna check out gaps. I will say burpees organic coconut seed starter is great in combination with some coconut husk like gaps or any of the chunky bricks. Makes a great combo substrate for anyone checking comments for some different mixes
1st off thank you for everything you do. Your amazing and me and my family love watching your videos. 2nd (lol) I'm now on gaps coco we got a block a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. Thank you so much on doing this video.
Not a big reptile enthusiast, but I do have a pet frog (so maybe reptiles one day!) but I am a big plant enthusiast. I’ve been trying to find a good quality coco chips to make my own aroid mix. This was super super helpful. Thank you!
I have a bag of reptichip and the fibers drive me crazy. nice to know there are other options, I'll have to try the fb or the gaps next, thanks for the video
Hey Jason wow awesome video man very in depth video on different substrate companies amazing review gaps I like in my opinion man keep these videos coming I am a big fan of yours Jason 🤜🇬🇧🇺🇸🤛
I feel like prococo has cut a lot of corners in the last year, and every few months the blocks I've gotten from them have gradually had more fiber in them. They used to be 20 a block which made them a good deal, but now it doesn't make sense to go with them over gaps, and I'm excited to give them a try.
I'm glad you did this video I have been exploring different coco chips and mixing things. Like you said I don't like how chunky the FB is so I usually mix it with reptichip or prococo. Josh's frogs has some good coco chips too if you haven't seen those. I bought some at a local store and liked it.
I been using Prococo for over a year I love it, I was getting it for $15 a block, but cost went up $20 recently. Mine doesn't have as many fibers as yours, mine looks more like gaps, and when I mix and use I get no residue on my hands at all! It takes @2.5-2.75 gallons of water to expand it properly, and warm water expands it faster!
Great video. I have only used reptichip and cocoblox before. I love the size of cocoblox but not expanding killed it for me and switched back to reptichip but I'm going to give gaps a try next. I liked how it expands the very little fiber.
This one is killer! More Great content! I love the Cocoblox but can only get it at the expo occasionally (too expensive on line) I use the reptichip as an alternate. Never used the other two, great to know about other options.
Dude I love the comprehensive video here, this must have taken a bit to put together However this is super helpful I definitely need something to help manage humidity a little bit better in a couple of my enclosures I've been sticking with paper lining and then I usually toss in a bit of sphagnum moss That in a nice big water dish, but a couple of my freedom breeder tubs and one of my custom tubs still seem to be a little hit or miss on whether they can hold the appropriate amount of few minutes so I've been considering some kind of coco substrate
@@JasonsExoticReptiles man next time I'm in the area we'll see if I want to pick up more than just some substrate from you That little blood girl is doing fantastic and I'm more and more amazed by her every time I take her out man 🐍
Great video! I’ve used reptichip and also didn’t like how the fibers got stuck in my snakes mouths. Found coco block through your videos and made the switch. I’ve been happy with it. My issue has been the white fuzzy mold growing on the snake turds if I happen to miss them for a day. Maybe I just need to examine the entire cages each day to not miss them. Second is it doesn’t absorb and I have to swap out quite a bit of the substrate to make sure I get all pieces that have urates underneath. Lastly is that it seems to always leave small tears in my snakes sheds. They shed completely and I know for a fact that humidity is correct. I think the blocks are just so big that the corners and edges catch the skin when shedding. I have an entire box to go through still so maybe I will try mixing as well with gaps.
dude same, my dumerils boa always loves to poop in his hide, its so frustrating when I take him out to handle him and theres a moldy poop in there with him. dunno why in not able to just smell it, perhaps i havent regained my sense of smell fully from when I had covid. sometimes ill get a slight whiff in the room but for some reason i cant easily pinpoint which cage its coming from.
I cut the bags the way Jason does, but I put the hose down in the bag and fill it 3/4 of the way and it absorbed extremely quick. I use Reptichip, but I will give Gapes a go because it is cheaper in cost.
Awesome video and thanks for the comparison. I was hoping to see those new FB racks in the video though. Any chance you did an assembly video for these new FB racks to be posted?
Awesome video Man. I decided to go with gaps too was using repti for a couple years it’s not bad but alot of fibers and gaps is a Pennsylvania company so I can represent. Plus my newest boa will appreciate the gaps
I was buying Reptichip ready to use and it was clean. Switched to the block version and its full of fibers the chips arent the same and it had scrap like strings in it.
Awesome video. Great comparison. I switched from Cocoblox to a brand call the Chipper. I really like it. If u decide to compare some other brands that is definitely one to look at. Love ur videos they are really great.
I did not but I can tell you that I’m now only using gaps and will never used prococo or Reptichip again. That was garbage. Mold grew even with no snakes in the bin.
I really like cocoblox, been using it for awhile and haven't been disappointed. Definitely have mold issues though if humidity gets too high. With the price increase I think I'll switch to gaps
Great comparison. Reptichip makes a product called Redichip, it doesn't have to be expanded and has very little fibers and a consistent size that is smaller than the breeder block of Reptichip. The only con is the price, it's a lot more expensive.
I just cracked open my first brick of gaps. Def less fibers that reptichip. Broke apart super easy without any water added. Just as dusty as reptichip tho. Wish it was a bit chunckier but I like it. It does have a kind of smell too it but I don’t mind as it’s not off putting or too strong. It was about 8$ cheaper than reptichip after shipping cost so that’s nice though it took about a week to deliver. I can use that 8$ for rats so that’s a plus. I appreciate this video sir Ty.
I recently started using ReptiCasa Organic Coconut Chips 29$ it’s comparable to FB coco. I got tired of reptichip adding all the coconut hair as a filler
I need to try gaps ive been super unhappy with coco blox with the molding I haven’t changed my technique at all and the last few blox mold within the first 3-4 days
I switched from FB to Repti due to mold control. Although it can be a bit stringy and tends to stain the animal, it holds moisture well. I've never used the other two.
Good attempt at comparing the brands. I wish you have have addressed the biggest concern people seem to miss when doing these videos. How quickly water turns color once they get coco in their water.. if the water is changing color then your coco is leaching whatever is in the coco to the water and your snakes drink that. I have used all three besides gaps and only Reptichip can have coco in the water for days and not turn the water colors. That also goes for staining your snakes and tubs. I have found Reptichip also yields more product than either Prococo or Cocoblox. I think if you would have had a full bag of Reptichip you would have got similar results. Hard to find gaps better in this test if test samples aren’t the same.
I guess I never had an issue with the water. It isn’t something that would hard them in my opinion. In all fairness, there was only maybe a tiny sliver of bedding missing from the reptichip bag. Still way too much fiber. Interestingly, the Prococo and Reptichip did mold very quickly. I put it in a closed bin with no snake and within a few days there was cobweb mold
Ive used prococo for years and the stock ive been using for about 2 years now has way less fiber than yours, so i assume theyve lowered their standards a bit. They used to have 3 tiers of product- chips, chips n fiber, and coir which is basically potting mix when its expanded. the chips or chips and fiber were good for reptiles and mulching gardens, and the coir is great for potted plants, invertebrate setups, or bioactive enclosures. Ive never had serious mold issues unless the substrate was very damp for a long periods. I also paid 12 per block last time i bought them, so its been a grip. i only breed a couple dozen snakes and some are on paper in larger enclosures, so a block lasts me a long time. I probably should be doing full tub cleans a bit more often, but spot cleaning seems to be keeping them happy and healthy and i dont have lingering odors or mold issues so it is what it is.
Nice review! I'll just add that believe it or not, Home Depot has started carrying a coco chip substrate called Viagrow that I ended up liking a lot. It doesn't have the fibers Reptichip has, I like the chip size much better (it's closer to what Reptichip would sell as 'babichip'), and it's notably more 'fluffy' than the other brands I have tried. It costs about the same/a bit less than Reptichip and much less than the Freedom Breeders product.
There are often local brands for gardening that are pretty good. It’s hit or miss and very area dependent. I looked all over ct and no one sells it but they have it in many stores in NH
If you send them a message on Instagram or email them, just tell them that you want the stuff that jason’s exotic reptiles uses. They will know what you want.
in my opinion reptichip won this. i’ve been using reptichip for a while now and i don’t have single complaint. little to no fibers, no dust, expands really well, and no molding
I believe that is another product. You could always send them an email or message on IG and tell them that you want the same stuff that Jasons Exotic Reptiles uses. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
Do the chips compress in the enclosure over time compared to an eco earth type of substrate? I’ve found that eco earth compresses significantly once decor is added and such. It’ll be 4 inches deep when I first get the enclosure set up and it’ll be down to half that within a few days. Super annoying lol. Also, awesome video! I enjoyed watching it :))
Excellent review! I was LITERALLY just about to order more cocoblox…l opted for the gaps it is cheaper and free shipping was a winner for me. Thank you
So I went to the website and tried to locate the correct product. In your video it has that specific label sheet in front, but on the website they only have the small bag version of that? Did they change labels? Or is it the one listed with No label, just a 10lb block of chips with no sheet showing in the picture. Listed at $24.96. Just want to be sure we buy the correct one. I use reptichip, however 2x recently I've had a few of my boas have substrate stuck in their lip. If I didn't catch it in time.. it could have been bad, I don't want to take that risk but do not want to use paper products due to humidity reasons and inability to spot clean. My brother got cocoblox like you did before. I do not care for how LARGE the chunks are, doesn't seem to catch the bowel movements as well.
You would have to contact them directly. I do not have any affiliation with them beyond using their products. I have found the easiest way to message them through Instagram. If you tell them you want the stuff that I have they will know what you’re looking for.
I’ve been using butcher paper for my big burms. I would love to change over to coco blocks however I’m concerned with a smell that comes with using coco substrate. Is this something you notice? I’d hate for my basement to have a smell from it.
so i dont breed snakes, i only have two ball pythons and these bags are huge. could i prepare a whole bag and keep the extra in a tote when its damp or will it grow mold and get gross to the point i cant use it when it comes time to fully clean my snakes enclosures?
You can open the bag and break some off dry. Then expand. That’s why my block of Reptichip had some missing. They guy who I got it from did that and didn’t like it. He switched to gaps
@@JasonsExoticReptiles thanks jason. taking a look at the freedom breeder bags i noticed they have smaller bags as well. thanks to your video i will be skipping the reptichip i was planning on trying and getting the product i liked the most from your video. i appreciate all the information i get from not just this video, but many many of your videos. you’re great at what you do!
Damn! Where you getting your ReptiChip? I get it for $25 a block at my local expo. I don't like cocoblox because of the big chunky pieces. ReptiChip is my usual go-to. But maybe I gotta try out Gaps.
The first few batches of reptichip I got were nice, since it’s been all fibers and it looks like crap in the caging and it’s annoying. Definitely not a huge fan of it. Haven’t used the others. Might have to try the gaps and see how it does with short tails and Aussie stuff.
Lmao. If it makes you feel any better I could buy any brand I want and still use gaps. The quality and mainly consistency is just much higher than the other brands I’ve tried.
I’d have to rewatch the video to figure out which one you are referring to, but some need more water to expand. It wouldn’t be fair to add equal amount to each. In fact, the blocks requiring more water generally means it was compressed better and takes more to expand. Doesn’t mean it’s a better products, just means you will likely get more volume.
hellloo i have a question for you and i hope you can help!😁 so there’s a local ball python breeder around me that wants to trade a male and female, banana orange dream het piebald ball python(there 70-80 grams) for my visible female piebald (she’s 320 grams) i’m looking to getting into breeding snakes so I’m just wondering if that’s a good trade?
Unfortunately I don’t follow ball pythons anymore. If I’d suggest doing your research on pricing from online sources and determining if it’s a good more or not.
23:33 “i think gaps is yielding the most” right after showing all the dry spots it had after all that watering😂. cmon man that seems a little biased. reptichip got it for me
Wouldn’t that prove his point though? If it’s still dry it hasn’t fully expanded yet right. I’m watching right now and so far it still seems like cocoblox over the rest it literally broke itself down lol looks the nicest and the least fiber. The only negative I see is the size of the coco chunks if they were a bit smaller it would be perfect.
I use pro coco and warm water is needed to properly expand and I know of a nether breeder on UA-cam that buys a half a palet 100 blocks for $1000 so $10 a block
I’d much rather you had laid them on their side in the tub and filled the tub with the proper amount of water and then watch them expand from that point. The more densely packed the bag, the less absorption and expansion you’ll get because it can’t take the water
When thawing out your rodents in warm water and then feeding them, don't the fibers and chips stick to the rodent and end up getting swallowed by the snake?
@@bluezs111 i used to have a rat rack and a snake rack with a friend from freedom breeder. There was a guy that was building rat racks with super solid metal and cost $550 10 tubs with water system. Super solid rack that look like new for years (still exist btw). Freedom breeder is EXTREMELY overpriced and definitely not worth it. Most of the UA-camrs are sponsored by them so they will say great things about them and thats fine, but in the real world and average salary they don’t offer a product that’s worth the price, just my opinion.
That’s how the market works, you pay more for less when it’s better quality. The video shows for itself cocoblox had by far the least amount of fibers in it, it literally broke itself down so takes less time. It’s visually the most appealing too cause again the least fibers. The only negative is the size of the coco chunks if they were a bit smaller that would be great. For anyone complaining about price lmfao you’re in the wrong hobby and choose something a little more your price range. The gaps was surprisingly nice as well too but still much more fibers than the cocoblox to me. I would’ve thought reptichip would be second but gaps seems to be clear second for me
Nothing to do with substrate but it is your most recent posting. Man I need help. Bought a Central American about 8 months old. They fed live weaned rats the store. Brought home and wasn’t able to get her to strike but drop fed at night and both times the thawed rat was gone. She stopped eating before a shed and has finished her shed and now it’s been 2 months since her last feed. No matter what I drop in she does not eat anymore. I can barely get her to strike at her food and when she does she lets go. I figured maybe she’s used to live from pet store? But she ate two frozen thawed already from being taken home? Is this a feeding strike or do they go this long after a shed? I figured she’d be hungry right after shed! And trust all temps husbandry is correct! Just struggling here man !
@@JasonsExoticReptiles so hot side reaches highest reading at 96 but that’s on his hide which collects and retains heat. Inside and area around hide is 86-89 for hot side. Should I change hide maybe hide is getting too hot. Cool side is always 74-79. But she’s always burrowing under her substrate laying on the cold glass. Top of substrate is good temp but when she’s burrowing on the glass she laying on temps of 68-69. Are these cooler temps from the burrowing causing her metabolism to slow? And yes maybe the handling could be the cause, the excitement of having a new boa and not realizing how often I bring her out. Thank you for the response man. I appreciate your channel and communication with your subscribers!
This was so helpful to me! I am in the process of changing out my substrate, and was really waffling on the coconut bedding. This was very helpful.
I'd like a follow up video on dust content, mold issues and how easy they are to clean.
Yea dust content and maybe separate the actual bedding from filler and compare ratios.
I use reptichip. Had good experience, no mold. Expands really well.
my go to brand as well - like most brands they sell in diffrent size chips from soil like to large chips
I have been using Gaps for years. An I think it's 1 of the best bedding out there in my opinion. Great video love to see what others opinion are.
Great video! I used Freedom Breeder Cocoblox and experienced mold issues as well. I thought it was just me. I'll keep Gaps coco chips in mind. I liked your idea of mixing the two.
Awesome content man as always!! I'm getting my first bci in a few weeks after watching you for about 3 years! Went from a BP starting, then a hog, and after all your knowledge sharing I'm ready for my dream snake!! Keep it up!
I went from reptichip to prococo, because the amount of bags I got that had bugs. Now I'm aware that these type of substrate bugs are harmless to my animals but it was stressful. Haven't had nearly the same issues with pro.
Good job man need more people like you in the hobby
Definitely gonna check out gaps. I will say burpees organic coconut seed starter is great in combination with some coconut husk like gaps or any of the chunky bricks. Makes a great combo substrate for anyone checking comments for some different mixes
1st off thank you for everything you do. Your amazing and me and my family love watching your videos. 2nd (lol) I'm now on gaps coco we got a block a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. Thank you so much on doing this video.
Not a big reptile enthusiast, but I do have a pet frog (so maybe reptiles one day!) but I am a big plant enthusiast. I’ve been trying to find a good quality coco chips to make my own aroid mix. This was super super helpful. Thank you!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
I have a bag of reptichip and the fibers drive me crazy. nice to know there are other options, I'll have to try the fb or the gaps next, thanks for the video
Hey Jason wow awesome video man very in depth video on different substrate companies amazing review gaps I like in my opinion man keep these videos coming I am a big fan of yours Jason 🤜🇬🇧🇺🇸🤛
I like the gaps ratio the best. I use cocoblox now and think size is alittle big, I will definitely give gaps a try
I feel like prococo has cut a lot of corners in the last year, and every few months the blocks I've gotten from them have gradually had more fiber in them. They used to be 20 a block which made them a good deal, but now it doesn't make sense to go with them over gaps, and I'm excited to give them a try.
I'm glad you did this video I have been exploring different coco chips and mixing things. Like you said I don't like how chunky the FB is so I usually mix it with reptichip or prococo. Josh's frogs has some good coco chips too if you haven't seen those. I bought some at a local store and liked it.
I been using Prococo for over a year I love it, I was getting it for $15 a block, but cost went up $20 recently. Mine doesn't have as many fibers as yours, mine looks more like gaps, and when I mix and use I get no residue on my hands at all! It takes @2.5-2.75 gallons of water to expand it properly, and warm water expands it faster!
Consistency is another one of my problems. All of them seem to be inconsistent between batches but gaps seems to be the same.
This was a good side by side review. I may check out the gaps for my next purchase.
Great video. I have only used reptichip and cocoblox before. I love the size of cocoblox but not expanding killed it for me and switched back to reptichip but I'm going to give gaps a try next. I liked how it expands the very little fiber.
This one is killer! More Great content! I love the Cocoblox but can only get it at the expo occasionally (too expensive on line) I use the reptichip as an alternate. Never used the other two, great to know about other options.
Only 3/4 way done but the coco bloc looks great. Guess by the looks of them the fibers help with the expanding but wow the coco bloc looks awesome!
Dude I love the comprehensive video here, this must have taken a bit to put together
However this is super helpful
I definitely need something to help manage humidity a little bit better in a couple of my enclosures
I've been sticking with paper lining and then I usually toss in a bit of sphagnum moss
That in a nice big water dish, but a couple of my freedom breeder tubs and one of my custom tubs still seem to be a little hit or miss on whether they can hold the appropriate amount of few minutes so I've been considering some kind of coco substrate
Check into the Gaps or next time your in the area pick some up from me. You will like the gaps better than Freedom breeder in my opinion.
@@JasonsExoticReptiles man next time I'm in the area we'll see if I want to pick up more than just some substrate from you
That little blood girl is doing fantastic and I'm more and more amazed by her every time I take her out man 🐍
Thanks for the video Jmoney.
Great video! I’ve used reptichip and also didn’t like how the fibers got stuck in my snakes mouths. Found coco block through your videos and made the switch. I’ve been happy with it. My issue has been the white fuzzy mold growing on the snake turds if I happen to miss them for a day. Maybe I just need to examine the entire cages each day to not miss them. Second is it doesn’t absorb and I have to swap out quite a bit of the substrate to make sure I get all pieces that have urates underneath. Lastly is that it seems to always leave small tears in my snakes sheds. They shed completely and I know for a fact that humidity is correct. I think the blocks are just so big that the corners and edges catch the skin when shedding. I have an entire box to go through still so maybe I will try mixing as well with gaps.
dude same, my dumerils boa always loves to poop in his hide, its so frustrating when I take him out to handle him and theres a moldy poop in there with him. dunno why in not able to just smell it, perhaps i havent regained my sense of smell fully from when I had covid. sometimes ill get a slight whiff in the room but for some reason i cant easily pinpoint which cage its coming from.
Try the gaps. That’s my new stuff I’ve been using and it’s pretty awesome
I cut the bags the way Jason does, but I put the hose down in the bag and fill it 3/4 of the way and it absorbed extremely quick.
I use Reptichip, but I will give Gapes a go because it is cheaper in cost.
Awesome video and thanks for the comparison. I was hoping to see those new FB racks in the video though. Any chance you did an assembly video for these new FB racks to be posted?
Yes I did! Likely coming next week
my local exotic pet store recently stocked exoterras brand of coco husk. i must say i love the switch over from cypress mulch
Thanks for the info Jason!!!
Awesome video Man. I decided to go with gaps too was using repti for a couple years it’s not bad but alot of fibers and gaps is a Pennsylvania company so I can represent. Plus my newest boa will appreciate the gaps
I’d be interested in hearing how you like the gaps compared to the others
@@JasonsExoticReptiles I will let you know for sure I’ll give my first impression then after a couple months I just ordered today five blocks.
I was buying Reptichip ready to use and it was clean. Switched to the block version and its full of fibers the chips arent the same and it had scrap like strings in it.
I was very unimpressed by reptichip. Gaps is my go too now.
Awesome video. Great comparison. I switched from Cocoblox to a brand call the Chipper. I really like it. If u decide to compare some other brands that is definitely one to look at. Love ur videos they are really great.
I have a couple other brands coming and I would like to do this one again. The chipper is one of them
Great video btw!
WOW. Can't believe Gaps beat out Coco Blox . Great job on the video!
Did you ever do a follow up video about how they did in the tubs... How long each lasted and how well they hold moisture?
I did not but I can tell you that I’m now only using gaps and will never used prococo or Reptichip again. That was garbage. Mold grew even with no snakes in the bin.
I really like cocoblox, been using it for awhile and haven't been disappointed. Definitely have mold issues though if humidity gets too high. With the price increase I think I'll switch to gaps
Check out gaps for sure. They are fantastic. I personally like to mix the cocoblox with the gaps. I feel it makes the perfect substrate.
If you put the link to the gaps, I would buy it
Great comparison. Reptichip makes a product called Redichip, it doesn't have to be expanded and has very little fibers and a consistent size that is smaller than the breeder block of Reptichip. The only con is the price, it's a lot more expensive.
Yeah some of this stuff is crazy expensive in price
Gaps for the Win! Made in my State... Broomall, Pennsylvania! 💪
Gaps is my go to.
I just cracked open my first brick of gaps. Def less fibers that reptichip. Broke apart super easy without any water added. Just as dusty as reptichip tho. Wish it was a bit chunckier but I like it. It does have a kind of smell too it but I don’t mind as it’s not off putting or too strong. It was about 8$ cheaper than reptichip after shipping cost so that’s nice though it took about a week to deliver. I can use that 8$ for rats so that’s a plus. I appreciate this video sir Ty.
That’s some great feedback! I’ll make sure to pass it along to them!
Thank you for this video gaps is local to me I’m from Philly and gaps is in broomall
Very cool! You will like them if you try it
Videos coming regularly again now, keep em coming 💪🏻 🇬🇧
I recently started using ReptiCasa Organic Coconut Chips 29$ it’s comparable to FB coco. I got tired of reptichip adding all the coconut hair as a filler
i used repticasa once loved it just didnt go far enough
I need to try gaps ive been super unhappy with coco blox with the molding I haven’t changed my technique at all and the last few blox mold within the first 3-4 days
What are you using now and what animal do u have?
Good video man. Unfortunately I can’t seem to find gaps in Canada
What size bins are those? They seem perfect
I’m not sure the exact size. I got them at Home Depot. Maybe 15 gallon since the taller ones are 27 gallon
@JasonsExoticReptiles I went and got the 15gal size. That's definitely it. Perfect for these blocks.
Do you have to dry the Gaps Coco Chips before using as snake bedding?
You do not but you will want to gauge the amount of water so it’s final consistency is what you want.
I switched from FB to Repti due to mold control. Although it can be a bit stringy and tends to stain the animal, it holds moisture well. I've never used the other two.
Check into the gaps
@@JasonsExoticReptiles that's what I was going to do. I just ordered a bunch of reptichip
Good attempt at comparing the brands. I wish you have have addressed the biggest concern people seem to miss when doing these videos. How quickly water turns color once they get coco in their water.. if the water is changing color then your coco is leaching whatever is in the coco to the water and your snakes drink that. I have used all three besides gaps and only Reptichip can have coco in the water for days and not turn the water colors. That also goes for staining your snakes and tubs. I have found Reptichip also yields more product than either Prococo or Cocoblox. I think if you would have had a full bag of Reptichip you would have got similar results. Hard to find gaps better in this test if test samples aren’t the same.
I guess I never had an issue with the water. It isn’t something that would hard them in my opinion. In all fairness, there was only maybe a tiny sliver of bedding missing from the reptichip bag. Still way too much fiber. Interestingly, the Prococo and Reptichip did mold very quickly. I put it in a closed bin with no snake and within a few days there was cobweb mold
How many gallons are those bins? I just grabbed a gaps block.
I honestly don’t know.
Question do you use the whole coco block for your enclosure I only have one snake and one block seems to much for my enclosure?
You can always break the block apart dry and hydrate just what you need.
Would it be possible to have the links for each product in the description? Personally would like to use the Gaps for the reasons you stated.
I put them in the video. Unfortunately UA-cam Messes with algorithms if I up in the description
Do you always expand your chip in the bags? If so, why? Is it a better way?
I do. I feel like it helps the water absorption
I have a Spotted Python and just bought Sani-chip, I'm wondering how Repti-chip compares to Sani-chip?
I’ve never used sanichip so I unfortunately cannot help
Ive used prococo for years and the stock ive been using for about 2 years now has way less fiber than yours, so i assume theyve lowered their standards a bit. They used to have 3 tiers of product- chips, chips n fiber, and coir which is basically potting mix when its expanded. the chips or chips and fiber were good for reptiles and mulching gardens, and the coir is great for potted plants, invertebrate setups, or bioactive enclosures. Ive never had serious mold issues unless the substrate was very damp for a long periods. I also paid 12 per block last time i bought them, so its been a grip. i only breed a couple dozen snakes and some are on paper in larger enclosures, so a block lasts me a long time. I probably should be doing full tub cleans a bit more often, but spot cleaning seems to be keeping them happy and healthy and i dont have lingering odors or mold issues so it is what it is.
Nice review! I'll just add that believe it or not, Home Depot has started carrying a coco chip substrate called Viagrow that I ended up liking a lot. It doesn't have the fibers Reptichip has, I like the chip size much better (it's closer to what Reptichip would sell as 'babichip'), and it's notably more 'fluffy' than the other brands I have tried. It costs about the same/a bit less than Reptichip and much less than the Freedom Breeders product.
Do you have a photo of the product?
@@sirkingaling3525 Just the bag the blocks come in or once it's broken down?
@@caitwn8548 bag it’s in. Tried looking it up online but I didn’t see anything the would resemble substrate.
There are often local brands for gardening that are pretty good. It’s hit or miss and very area dependent. I looked all over ct and no one sells it but they have it in many stores in NH
Are you a Gaps distributor? I’d really like to find a source for the gaps Coco chips.
I am but only locally in CT
Where can I find that size bag of gaps i can only find the 9qt bag
If you send them a message on Instagram or email them, just tell them that you want the stuff that jason’s exotic reptiles uses. They will know what you want.
@@JasonsExoticReptiles appreciate it man 🙏🏼
in my opinion reptichip won this. i’ve been using reptichip for a while now and i don’t have single complaint. little to no fibers, no dust, expands really well, and no molding
Is the GAPS listed as “Coco Coir/Peat” on their website? The packaging looks different so I’m not sure what to order.
I believe that is another product. You could always send them an email or message on IG and tell them that you want the same stuff that Jasons Exotic Reptiles uses. They will be able to point you in the right direction.
Too many strand fibers in Reptichip so I’m looking to change up. I spend too much time picking them out.
I use the reptichip's redichip. It's just chunks there is no fibers etc. My dumerils boa loves digging in it.
Do the chips compress in the enclosure over time compared to an eco earth type of substrate? I’ve found that eco earth compresses significantly once decor is added and such. It’ll be 4 inches deep when I first get the enclosure set up and it’ll be down to half that within a few days. Super annoying lol.
Also, awesome video! I enjoyed watching it :))
They do but nothing like eco earth. They more just interlock and create a mat if that makes sense.
Is there a follow up to this video?
I never made a follow up but I’m short, I only use Gaps
I use coconut husk and it holds well.
Excellent review! I was LITERALLY just about to order more cocoblox…l opted for the gaps it is cheaper and free shipping was a winner for me. Thank you
So I went to the website and tried to locate the correct product. In your video it has that specific label sheet in front, but on the website they only have the small bag version of that? Did they change labels? Or is it the one listed with No label, just a 10lb block of chips with no sheet showing in the picture. Listed at $24.96. Just want to be sure we buy the correct one. I use reptichip, however 2x recently I've had a few of my boas have substrate stuck in their lip. If I didn't catch it in time.. it could have been bad, I don't want to take that risk but do not want to use paper products due to humidity reasons and inability to spot clean. My brother got cocoblox like you did before. I do not care for how LARGE the chunks are, doesn't seem to catch the bowel movements as well.
You would have to contact them directly. I do not have any affiliation with them beyond using their products. I have found the easiest way to message them through Instagram. If you tell them you want the stuff that I have they will know what you’re looking for.
I’ve been using butcher paper for my big burms. I would love to change over to coco blocks however I’m concerned with a smell that comes with using coco substrate. Is this something you notice? I’d hate for my basement to have a smell from it.
The smell of the bedding or the smell from dirty bedding?
Looked for the follow up - did you do one?
I never did a follow up since I got some nasty messages from suppliers lol. I’d recommend gaps
so i dont breed snakes, i only have two ball pythons and these bags are huge. could i prepare a whole bag and keep the extra in a tote when its damp or will it grow mold and get gross to the point i cant use it when it comes time to fully clean my snakes enclosures?
You can open the bag and break some off dry. Then expand. That’s why my block of Reptichip had some missing. They guy who I got it from did that and didn’t like it. He switched to gaps
@@JasonsExoticReptiles thanks jason. taking a look at the freedom breeder bags i noticed they have smaller bags as well. thanks to your video i will be skipping the reptichip i was planning on trying and getting the product i liked the most from your video. i appreciate all the information i get from not just this video, but many many of your videos. you’re great at what you do!
Damn! Where you getting your ReptiChip? I get it for $25 a block at my local expo.
I don't like cocoblox because of the big chunky pieces. ReptiChip is my usual go-to. But maybe I gotta try out Gaps.
Those are all retail prices. You can almost always find it less expensive at reptile shows or if you buy and quantity. This goes for all brands
The first few batches of reptichip I got were nice, since it’s been all fibers and it looks like crap in the caging and it’s annoying. Definitely not a huge fan of it. Haven’t used the others. Might have to try the gaps and see how it does with short tails and Aussie stuff.
Gaps is pretty on point
Just watched a 40 min Gaps advert.
Lmao. If it makes you feel any better I could buy any brand I want and still use gaps. The quality and mainly consistency is just much higher than the other brands I’ve tried.
@@JasonsExoticReptiles
What is the easiest way to purchase some gaps?
@@JasonsExoticReptileslink to buy gaps???
@@kianaotte1213 I believe you can buy right from their website, Gapsecosys or send them a message on IG
The product your currently using on the end has gotten way more water then the rest. Watching the timer bag by bag shows this
I’d have to rewatch the video to figure out which one you are referring to, but some need more water to expand. It wouldn’t be fair to add equal amount to each. In fact, the blocks requiring more water generally means it was compressed better and takes more to expand. Doesn’t mean it’s a better products, just means you will likely get more volume.
Where can I find gaps?
Of course the blockier substrate expanded less, it has less fiber, which fluffs more. More fiber more fluff - no magic involved.
Which boa racks do you prefer?
Freedom breeder hands down. I have video coming soon.
I use cypress mulch by forest floor..i reccommend it
I love Reptichip. The product is great and the owner of the company is an amazing human. He gives back to the hobby as well.
Would home depot coco fiber work better
That’s fiber vs chip. It can works for some stuff but I personally don’t like it. It’s basically all the run off from the chips n
@JasonsExoticReptiles what would be better I have a t+sunglow boa
@@seanashby7187 I use the gaps coco that I talk about in the video.
@@JasonsExoticReptiles thank you so much
hellloo i have a question for you and i hope you can help!😁
so there’s a local ball python breeder around me that wants to trade a male and female, banana orange dream het piebald ball python(there 70-80 grams)
for my visible female piebald (she’s 320 grams)
i’m looking to getting into breeding snakes so I’m just wondering if that’s a good trade?
Unfortunately I don’t follow ball pythons anymore. If I’d suggest doing your research on pricing from online sources and determining if it’s a good more or not.
Update video?
Are you selling the Gaps?
Yes I am but for local pickup only.
I will be using gaps for great product and a they are local
I love gaps. Seem like great people running it as well!
Thanks
I tied looking for it any body know where but gaps
Search “gaps eco sys” on Google.
23:33 “i think gaps is yielding the most” right after showing all the dry spots it had after all that watering😂. cmon man that seems a little biased. reptichip got it for me
Wouldn’t that prove his point though? If it’s still dry it hasn’t fully expanded yet right. I’m watching right now and so far it still seems like cocoblox over the rest it literally broke itself down lol looks the nicest and the least fiber. The only negative I see is the size of the coco chunks if they were a bit smaller it would be perfect.
I use pro coco and warm water is needed to properly expand and I know of a nether breeder on UA-cam that buys a half a palet 100 blocks for $1000 so $10 a block
Can definitely get all of them cheaper at pallet pricing.
Pro coco also have their different rasheos labled
PSA: Freeze these bags for a few days to kill off any mites, I've heard some things
gaps looks very good
11:13 is this the sound of hungry snake farts?
Lmfao
Btw it’s only 28.46 for 10 pounds shipped
And obviously pricing will vary as you buy more quantity for all of these brands.
GAPS! 🙌🏻
Man don't throw it away I'll take it lol
I use the repti chimp and it molds super fast in the cage bad bad 👎🤔🤦🤷
Awesome video! I've been using GAPS for over a year and I love it. Worth every penny. I upgraded from Reptichip and never looked back! Check GAPS out!
I’d much rather you had laid them on their side in the tub and filled the tub with the proper amount of water and then watch them expand from that point.
The more densely packed the bag, the less absorption and expansion you’ll get because it can’t take the water
When thawing out your rodents in warm water and then feeding them, don't the fibers and chips stick to the rodent and end up getting swallowed by the snake?
It’s not a big deal if they get a few fibers but you could always put them on a plate or container lid if you are worried
Nice video. Don’t take this the wrong way but I think that freedom breeder products are super overrated and overpriced.
I’ve been getting lots of fiber in my cocoblox lately
@@bluezs111 i used to have a rat rack and a snake rack with a friend from freedom breeder. There was a guy that was building rat racks with super solid metal and cost $550 10 tubs with water system. Super solid rack that look like new for years (still exist btw). Freedom breeder is EXTREMELY overpriced and definitely not worth it. Most of the UA-camrs are sponsored by them so they will say great things about them and thats fine, but in the real world and average salary they don’t offer a product that’s worth the price, just my opinion.
I’d agree with some stuff, but their racks are the best I’ve seen. I’ve never seen a better rack and I’ve seen almost all of them.
That’s how the market works, you pay more for less when it’s better quality. The video shows for itself cocoblox had by far the least amount of fibers in it, it literally broke itself down so takes less time. It’s visually the most appealing too cause again the least fibers. The only negative is the size of the coco chunks if they were a bit smaller that would be great. For anyone complaining about price lmfao you’re in the wrong hobby and choose something a little more your price range. The gaps was surprisingly nice as well too but still much more fibers than the cocoblox to me. I would’ve thought reptichip would be second but gaps seems to be clear second for me
🥊
I'd take the coco you don't want I'll pay shipping if needed
Nothing to do with substrate but it is your most recent posting. Man I need help. Bought a Central American about 8 months old. They fed live weaned rats the store. Brought home and wasn’t able to get her to strike but drop fed at night and both times the thawed rat was gone. She stopped eating before a shed and has finished her shed and now it’s been 2 months since her last feed. No matter what I drop in she does not eat anymore. I can barely get her to strike at her food and when she does she lets go. I figured maybe she’s used to live from pet store? But she ate two frozen thawed already from being taken home? Is this a feeding strike or do they go this long after a shed? I figured she’d be hungry right after shed! And trust all temps husbandry is correct! Just struggling here man !
Check your temps And stop all handling if you are. A lot of times it’s a factor of those two.
@@JasonsExoticReptiles so hot side reaches highest reading at 96 but that’s on his hide which collects and retains heat. Inside and area around hide is 86-89 for hot side. Should I change hide maybe hide is getting too hot. Cool side is always 74-79. But she’s always burrowing under her substrate laying on the cold glass. Top of substrate is good temp but when she’s burrowing on the glass she laying on temps of 68-69. Are these cooler temps from the burrowing causing her metabolism to slow? And yes maybe the handling could be the cause, the excitement of having a new boa and not realizing how often I bring her out. Thank you for the response man. I appreciate your channel and communication with your subscribers!