leo substrate question

[Kayv]

I heard that sand and pebbles are not good for leopard geckos, and in some cases can even cause death so i was wondering whats a good substrate that doesn't look as crappy as newspaper or papertowel? Would that reptile carpet stuff be ok? What do you guys use?

 

[OldHag]

I use that crappy paper towel stuff....but the reptile carpet would be good....one guy I know uses calcium granules...go figure. I worry about impaction so I go with the ugly stuff. Decorative bark for animals..the small stuff works. Ive heard that calcium sand stuff is ok but..I worry about impaction. Had a boa die of impaction not a pretty thing.
Hag

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

My suggestion would be to either go with papertowels, or the reptile carpet. If you want it to look nice, reptile carpet would be best, and safe.
I use papertowels myself, have always worked great for me.

Dont use calci sand, sand, or pebbles, can defintiely cause impaction.
Go with the reptile carpet and you can decorate around it.

Good luck

Crystal Light

 

[petitegreeneyes]

I got a special calcium sand from a pet store and needless to say my three geckos don't get impacted and are growing like weeds. So I would have to disagree with don't get the special sand. It did cost quite a bit for the size bag it came in but I honestly haven't had a bit of problems. Actually I can't keep up with the little stinkers and all the crap they dispose of! Just my opinion.

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

it doesnt always happen, but it can happen. Which is why I opt for a safer substrate.

 

[manville]

I use sand and it is working great so far..dont see any problems with them cause they are all growing and eating well..

 

[KelliH]

Ahhh, the age old substrate question...

I used washed playsand for years as a substrate for my adult leopard geckos and never had any sort of impaction problems. Hatchlings and juveniles should ALWAYS be kept on paper towel or newspaper etc. they are very prone to impaction problems when they are young.

I use paper towel in all my leo enclosures now but only because it is easier for me to keep things clean, and also sand is so darn dusty!

 

[Valael]

We use Lizard Litter. It looks like large grands of sand, but it's actually crushed walnut. So if it eats it, it's very digestable.
Atleast that's the theory. Haven't had any problems with it yet, though.

 

[Lycanthrope]

i use bone aid calci-sand, havent had any impaction problems with it yet, and at times we may have 20+ leo's. i tried the repti-sand, which is like play sand, and had several fatal impactions so i stopped using it. my reptiles at home all get the astroturf or newspaper, with exception of the sav who i give aspen to dig in because if he cant burrow he walks around all day scratching at the ground. cant use carpet or astroturf at petco though, its against the planogram.

 

[Lasiodora]

When I first bought my geckos I used calci-sand and aquarium sand without a problem. These were too expensive to use regularly though. I switched to fine sand. I have used it for five years with the same group of geckos. I have never had a problem. They eat the sand and pass it without a problem. The fine sand is a lot cheaper for me too. A 50lb bag goes for $4 at home depot. I never liked astroturf because you really have to clean it thoroughly if you use it more than once (too much of a hassle for me). For the babies I use sand or paper towels.
Mike