Substrate question

[H&N2015]

Hello all,
My husband and I bought a young tegu on our honeymoon 8/2015. He chose the tegu for its beauty, with no previous research or knowledge of their behavior... yikes! So this has been a learning experience for us both. I will say he has owned and owns plenty of other reptiles so we weren't COMPLETELY ignorant... Anyway, after searching online and on these forums I haven't found an answer to one important question:
How often should we replace the substrate in the tank?
He's recently shed his skin after coming out of brumation and now he's eating and pooping! So I'm not sure if it's time to replace the substrate. We have changed it once in the time we've had him.

 

[Walter1]

I can't really answer the question but want to tell you that this is a great forum to find the answer.

Mine generally live outside, so when they are inside, I spot clean but inside is only temporary.

 

[Justsomedude]

Well I look at it like this I totally agree with Walter as far as spot cleaning goes its def the best bet however if you want to be a little on the careful side then clean it to remove any unwanted bacteria that mat be
Left behind. New substrate doesn't hurt...ever.. Unless it's bio active in which case so long as you spot check your fine

 

[snibborsirk]

I use about 6" deep cypress mulch in my enclosure and spot clean as good as possible - then try to fully replace every couple months unless necessary sooner. I kinda use the smell test as a guide!