CoCo2Go Substrate Review: Is it Better Than Freedom Breeder Coco Blox?

Choosing the right substrate for your reptile's enclosure is crucial for their health and well-being. Two popular choices are CoCo2Go and Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks, but which one reigns supreme? This review dives deep into a head-to-head comparison, examining key differences in texture, water retention, cleanliness, and ease of use. We'll explore how each substrate performs in real-world reptile enclosures, highlighting the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.This in-depth analysis compares the consistency, color leaching, mold resistance, and overall convenience of CoCo2Go and Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks. We'll showcase visual evidence, including images and video footage, to illustrate the clear disparities between the two products. Ultimately, this review aims to provide you with the information necessary to determine whether CoCo2Go truly offers a superior experience for your reptile, or if Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks remain a suitable alternative.

Pros And Cons

Coco To Go
  • More consistent in size and consistency
  • Very clean, with little hair or dirt
  • Ready to use out of the bag
  • Does not stain water as much as other substrates
  • Does not mold easily
Freedom Breeders Cocoa Blocks
  • Available with a shaker to remove dirt
  • Dirt can be recycled
  • Inconsistent in size and consistency
  • More hair and dirt than Coco To Go
  • Stains water significantly
  • Molds more easily when damp
  • Requires breaking down with water before use

Read more: 5 Best Terrarium Beddings for Bearded Dragons

CoCo2Go vs. Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks: A Visual Comparison

Let's start with a side-by-side look at CoCo2Go and Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks. The immediate difference is striking; CoCo2Go boasts a much more consistent size and texture. The pieces are uniformly sized, creating a cleaner, more even substrate.

Close-up comparison of CoCo2Go and Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks in separate bins.
Close-up comparison of CoCo2Go and Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks in separate bins.

In contrast, Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks exhibit significant inconsistencies in size and shape. There's also a noticeable amount of dust and smaller, fragmented pieces present. This visual disparity suggests a difference in processing and overall quality.

A closer look at the texture and consistency of CoCo2Go.
A closer look at the texture and consistency of CoCo2Go.

Staining and Water Absorption: A Key Difference

Another crucial difference lies in how each substrate interacts with water. After placing equal amounts of each in separate cups of water, a clear distinction emerged. CoCo2Go showed minimal to no staining after a few hours.

Two cups of water, one with CoCo2Go and one with Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks.
Two cups of water, one with CoCo2Go and one with Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks.

Conversely, the Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks significantly stained the water a deep brown. This suggests that CoCo2Go's processing may result in fewer soluble tannins or other color-causing compounds.

Close-up of the cup with CoCo2Go showing minimal staining.
Close-up of the cup with CoCo2Go showing minimal staining.

This could be a significant advantage for keeping your reptile's water clean and preventing potential issues related to staining.

Close-up of the cup with Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks showing significant staining.
Close-up of the cup with Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks showing significant staining.

Real-World Use: Observing Snakes in CoCo2Go

The video showcases several ball pythons housed on CoCo2Go. Their enclosures appear clean and well-maintained, with minimal visible dust or debris.

Ball python in a clean enclosure with CoCo2Go.
Ball python in a clean enclosure with CoCo2Go.

The snakes appear comfortable and healthy, suggesting CoCo2Go's suitability as a reptile substrate. The consistency of the substrate likely contributes to the overall cleanliness of their environments.

Another ball python in a clean enclosure with CoCo2Go.
Another ball python in a clean enclosure with CoCo2Go.

The contrast with enclosures using Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks highlights the difference in cleanliness and overall substrate appearance.

Ball python in enclosure with Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks showing more dirt and debris.
Ball python in enclosure with Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks showing more dirt and debris.

Mold Resistance and Ease of Use

Another advantage of CoCo2Go highlighted is its mold resistance. The presenter notes that, unlike Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks, CoCo2Go has not shown any signs of mold even with slightly damp conditions.

The ease of use is also a major plus. CoCo2Go comes pre-moistened and ready to use, eliminating the need for pre-soaking and breaking down large blocks, a significant time-saver.

This reduces preparation time and minimizes the potential mess associated with preparing traditional coco blocks.

Conclusion: Which Substrate Reigns Supreme?

Based on this review, CoCo2Go appears to be the superior substrate. Its consistent size, minimal staining, mold resistance, and ease of use significantly outweigh the advantages of Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks.

While Freedom Breeder Coco Blocks are still a viable option, CoCo2Go offers a cleaner, more convenient, and potentially less troublesome experience. The noticeable differences in consistency, cleanliness, and staining make a strong case for CoCo2Go.

If you're looking for a high-quality, low-maintenance coco substrate for your reptiles, CoCo2Go is definitely worth considering.