Best Terrarium Sand of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Terrarium sand is a must-have for any terrarium enthusiast. It's the perfect substrate for creating a natural environment for your plants, reptiles, or other small animals. Made from high-quality materials, it's non-toxic and safe for your pets. The sand comes in a variety of colors to match any decor or theme. It's easy to clean and maintain, and won't break down over time like other substrates. Plus, it's affordable and long-lasting, making it a great investment for any terrarium setup. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced terrarium owner, terrarium sand is a great choice for creating a beautiful and healthy environment for your pets.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Exo Terra Desert Sand 10 lb Cover #TOP 1
Exo Terra Desert Sand 10 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Zoo Med ReptiSand® Terrarium Sand Cover #TOP 2
Zoo Med ReptiSand® Terrarium Sand
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Exo Terra Desert Sand Cover #TOP 3
Exo Terra Desert Sand
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Terrarium Sand

#TOP 1

Exo Terra Desert Sand 10 lb

PT3105
10-Pound
Exo Terra Desert Sand 10 lb Cover
Exo Terra Desert Sand, 10-Pound, Red for All Breed Sizes

The Exo Terra Desert Sand is a natural, chemical-free sand perfect for creating a realistic desert setting in your terrarium. It’s carefully sifted to ensure the grains are uniform and free of impurities, giving you a clean and consistent substrate. This sand helps your reptiles or desert animals behave naturally by encouraging digging and burrowing, which is important for their well-being. Additionally, it acts as a great heat conductor, helping maintain a warm environment which is essential for desert species. If you need a place for your reptiles to lay eggs, this sand provides a suitable and safe spot.

What We Like
Natural appearance
Safe for reptiles
Soft, fine texture
Easy to clean
Versatile for enclosures
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging damage
Not suitable for aquariums
#TOP 2

Zoo Med ReptiSand® Terrarium Sand

SW10
Orange
10 lb
Zoo Med ReptiSand® Terrarium Sand Cover
Zoo Med ReptiSand®, 10 Pounds, Desert White

Zoo Med ReptiSand® is a 10-pound desert white terrarium sand that is all-natural with no added dyes or colors. It is perfect for desert reptiles and stimulates natural digging behavior.

What We Like
Very fine and soft texture
Clean and dust-free sand
Works for hamsters and reptiles
No artificial coloring
Easy to clean and maintain
What We Don't Like
Higher price than play sand
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 3

Exo Terra Desert Sand

PT3101
Black
10-Pound
Exo Terra Desert Sand Cover
Exo Terra Desert Sand, 10-Pound, Black

The Exo Terra Desert Sand is a high-quality terrarium sand that provides a natural and attractive desert environment for your reptiles. The sand has been sifted to remove impurities and obtain a uniform grain size, making it an excellent heat conductor that stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior, and is suitable as an egg-laying substrate. It comes in a 10-pound plastic bag and is black in color.

What We Like
Natural appearance
Safe for reptiles
Soft, fine texture
Easy to clean
Versatile for habitats
What We Don't Like
Packing damage risk
Not for aquatic use
#TOP 4

Exo Terra Desert Sand 10 lb

PT3103
Yellow
10-Pound
Exo Terra Desert Sand 10 lb Cover
Exo Terra Desert Sand, 10-Pound, Yellow

Exo Terra Desert Sand is made of natural desert sand without any added dyes or chemicals, ensuring a safe and authentic environment for your terrarium. The sand is carefully sifted to maintain a consistent grain size, which helps create a clean and attractive desert landscape. This sand also acts as a great heat conductor, helping to regulate temperature in your terrarium. Additionally, it encourages your pets to dig and burrow naturally, promoting their well-being. It’s even suitable for egg-laying, making it a versatile choice for desert-dwelling reptiles and insects.

What We Like
Natural appearance
Safe for reptiles
Soft, fine texture
Easy to clean
Versatile for pets
What We Don't Like
Packing may leak sand
Not for aquatic use
#TOP 5

Zoo Med ReptiSand Desert White 20 lb

SW-20
Orange
Zoo Med ReptiSand Desert White 20 lb Cover
Zoo Med ReptiSand Desert White, 20 lb Bag

The Zoo Med ReptiSand Sand is a great choice if you need natural sand for your reptile enclosure. Weighing 20 pounds, it’s perfect for larger habitats, giving your pet plenty of space to explore. This sand is completely natural, free from dyes and chemicals, so you can feel safe using it around your reptiles. It also conducts heat well, which helps create a warm basking spot that your reptiles will love. Plus, this sand encourages your pet’s natural instincts like digging, burrowing, and nesting, making their environment more stimulating and comfortable for them.

What We Like
Soft texture
Low dust
Clumps well
Odor control
Pet safe
What We Don't Like
Packaging issues
Occasional sticking when wet
#TOP 6

GARDENWISE Fine Horticultural Sand for Plants

sand for plants
1 qt
GARDENWISE Fine Horticultural Sand for Plants Cover
GARDENWISE Fine Sand for Plants – Horticultural Sand for Succulents, Cactus, Potting Mixes, Terrariums & Decorative Indoor Gardens, Made in USA (1 Quart - 2.8 lbs)

The GARDENWISE Potting Sand is a great addition to your indoor plant care routine. It improves the soil by enhancing its structure and drainage, helping your plants develop stronger and healthier roots. If you struggle with overwatering, this fine sand is perfect for mixing into soil to protect succulents, cacti, and other dry-loving plants from root rot. It also works well as a decorative top layer, adding a natural, polished look to your pots and terrariums. Plus, when combined with peat or perlite, it creates an ideal seed-starting mix that supports quick germination and robust root growth.

What We Like
Clean, high-quality product
Consistent, chunky pieces
Improves drainage and aeration
Great value for plant mixes
Long-lasting soil amendment
What We Don't Like
Package slightly smaller than described
Potential for some mess during shipping
#TOP 7

Reptile Sciences Terrarium Sand

Reptile Sciences
81010
salmon
Reptile Sciences Terrarium Sand Cover
Reptile Sciences Natural Sedona Pro-Calcium Terrarium Sand - 10 lbs - Natural Substrate for Reptile Habitats, Supports Digging & Terrarium Aesthetics

Reptile Sciences Sand is a high-quality aquarium sand that provides a natural and safe environment for your reptiles. Made from 100% all-natural orbicular grains, this sand is silica and phosphate-free, making it safe for your reptiles to burrow and dig in. The sand is also 100% digestible calcium carbonate, which helps prevent internal and external abrasions in reptiles. Additionally, it contains essential nutrients like strontium, potassium, and magnesium, which are beneficial for your reptiles' health. One of the standout features of this sand is that it significantly lowers the risk of impaction in reptiles, providing peace of mind for reptile owners. Moreover, it serves as a natural odor neutralizer, ensuring a fresh and clean environment for your reptiles. With Reptile Sciences Sand, you can create a natural and comfortable habitat for your reptiles.

What We Like
Attractive color variety
Safe for pets
Dust-free formula
Good value price
Enhances tank aesthetics
What We Don't Like
Minor packaging issues
Small bag size
#TOP 8

Generic Natural Decorative Real Sand 2 Pounds

Generic
playsandfba2lbs
Sand
2 Pounds
Generic Natural Decorative Real Sand 2 Pounds Cover
2 Pounds Natural Decorative Real Sand for use in Crafts, Decor, Vase Filler and More | Natural and Non-Toxic, Fun Wet and Dry Indoor and Outdoor, Sandbox, Therapy, and Table Use.

The Generic Natural Play Sand offers a unique texture that feels like wet beach sand while staying dry, making it easy to shape and clean up after use. You can bring the seaside fun right to your backyard with this ready-to-use sand—just open the bag and pour it into play pits or sand tables for hours of entertainment. This natural sand is free of additives and sourced from quarries, so you get a pure product perfect for water and sand tables or outdoor play areas. Additionally, it's great for pet habitats, providing a natural burrowing environment for reptiles and other small animals, though you should check if it suits your specific pet.

What We Like
Easy grass repair
Good value
Nice packaging
Fine white sand
Fast shipping
What We Don't Like
Color inconsistency
Small quantity
#TOP 9

Zoo Med Vita Sand Sahara Slate

VS10
Orange
Zoo Med Vita Sand Sahara Slate Cover
Zoo Med Vita Sand, 10 Pounds, Sahara Slate

The Zoo Med Vita Sand offers a natural and safe substrate option for your terrarium setup. This product comes in six different colors, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect look for your pet's habitat. Made from pure calcium carbonate, it provides a natural source of calcium that can benefit your reptiles. Plus, the sand contains no dyes or additives, ensuring a clean and non-toxic environment for your animals. With Zoo Med Vita Sand, you get a high-quality, natural substrate that supports both aesthetics and your pet's health.

What We Like
Great for digging pets
No dust
Quick drying
Good value
Natural look
What We Don't Like
Weak water absorption
Poor packaging
#TOP 10

Palmetto Natural Play Sand 50 lbs

PALMETTO
Palm Play Sand-50B
Creme Color New
Medium
Palmetto Natural Play Sand 50 lbs Cover
Palmetto Soft-Texture Fine Play Sand for Sensory Bins or Outdoor Tables, 50 lb Bag - Natural, Low-Dust and Creme-Colored Sand for Sandboxes, Indoor Crafts, Backyard Projects or Home Decorating

Palmetto Play Sand is a versatile option for various play areas, including sandboxes and classrooms. It’s designed to be safe for toddlers, ensuring that it’s free from sharp objects and harsh chemicals, allowing your little ones to play without worry. This sand also supports skill development, helping children enhance their coordination and muscle control as they engage in activities like digging and pouring. Plus, it mimics the feel of real beach sand, creating a beautiful play environment with minimal dust, making it easier for parents to maintain.

What We Like
Very soft texture
Minimal dust
Clean and ready to use
Safe for pets and children
Beautiful appearance
What We Don't Like
Occasional wet package
Price varies
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of sand do you use in a terrarium?

For sand, you can pick any color you like. There is a choice from decorative sand to craft sand of different vibrant colors. You can also use completely white sand or quartz sand that looks elegant and classy. Sand will be added to the bottom of a terrarium and can be used as a decorative element on top.

2. Is sand good for terrarium?

Sand is one of the most versatile substrate components one can use inside a terrarium. It serves both form and function. Sand can be used to promote drainage and aeration. It can also create mesmerising and colourful layers that ripple underneath the surface of your ecosystem.

3. Can terrarium plants grow in sand?

Although they aren't succulents, air plants do extremely well in similar environments and thrive without soil. You can place air plants on top of the sand itself in a terrarium and remove them from the terrarium to water.

4. Can you use beach sand for terrarium?

Here are a few tips to make the most of your terrarium. Use Store Bought Sand. Not dirt from your garden, not potting mix and not sand collected from the beach. While beach collected sand sure is pretty, it also contains salt residue that can kill your Tillandsias.

Editor's Notes

During our terrarium sand research, we found 24 terrarium sand products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 69,978 customer reviews through our big data system to write the terrarium sand list. We found that most customers choose terrarium sand with an average price of $16.48.

The terrarium sand are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of terrarium sand, including Exo Terra, Zoo Med, GARDENWISE, Reptile Sciences, PALMETTO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Terrarium Sand Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Exo Terra Zoo Med Exo Terra Exo Terra Zoo Med GARDENWISE Reptile Sciences Generic Zoo Med PALMETTO
Item Weight 10 pounds 6 pounds 10 pounds 10 pounds 18.9 pounds 2.81 pounds 10 pounds 3.2 Ounces 9.9 pounds -
Model Name PT3105 SW-10 PT3101 PT3103 SW-20 - Reptile Sciences Terrarium Sand, 10-Pound, Natural Sedona Play Sand 2LBS VS-10 -
Color Red Orange Black Yellow Orange - salmon Sand Orange -
Size 10-Pound 10 lb 10-Pound 10-Pound 20 Pound (Pack of 1) - 10 Pound (Pack of 1) 2 Pounds 10 Pound (Pack of 1) -
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 12.13 x 10.12 x 3.27 inches 14.88 x 9.29 x 2.36 inches 13.66 x 9.45 x 3.62 inches 14.8 x 9.29 x 2.52 inches 15.35 x 11.42 x 1.97 inches - 13.7 x 9.45 x 2.17 inches - 15.27 x 9.09 x 1.93 inches -
Item Dimensions LxWxH 1.5 x 9.2 x 2.5 inches 11 x 6 x 2.5 inches 1.5 x 9.2 x 2.5 inches 1.5 x 9.2 x 2.5 inches 9.98 x 1 x 1 inches - 12.5 x 8 x 1.5 inches - 8.5 x 3 x 15 inches -
Brand Name Exo Terra Zoo Med Exo Terra Exo Terra Zoo Med - Reptile Sciences - Zoo Med -
Target Audience Keyword arachnids, arthropods, bats-animals, bearded-dragons, bees, beetles, butterflies, crabs, dragonflies, frogs, geckos, hermit-crabs, iguanas, insects, ladybugs, lizards, newts, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles, salamanders, snakes, spiders, tortoises, turtles reptile-and-amphibian-pets arachnids, arthropods, bats-animals, bearded-dragons, bees, beetles, butterflies, crabs, dragonflies, frogs, geckos, hermit-crabs, iguanas, insects, ladybugs, lizards, newts, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles, salamanders, snakes, spiders, tortoises, turtles arachnids, arthropods, bats-animals, bearded-dragons, bees, beetles, butterflies, crabs, dragonflies, frogs, geckos, hermit-crabs, iguanas, insects, ladybugs, lizards, newts, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles, salamanders, snakes, spiders, tortoises, turtles dogs, reptile-and-amphibian-pets - fish, fish; insects; reptiles, insects, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles - house-cats, reptile-and-amphibian-pets -
Directions Follow individual packaging instructions See Directions Before Use. Follow individual packaging instructions Follow individual packaging instructions See Directions Before Use. - Reptile Sciences Natural Sedona Pro-Calcium Terrarium Sand - 10 lbs - Natural Substrate for Reptile Habitats, Supports Digging & Terrarium Aesthetics - See Directions Before Use. -
Specific Uses for Product Indoor Active Indoor Indoor Active - Active - Active -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy