Bark bits, Yey or Nay???

[binksy]

Binksy was a pit poorly when i joined. (have vets app on hold till Tues now just to make doubly sure she ok). Turned temp up in tank which seems to have helped so much. She is now moving round all of tank instead of just on hot side, feeding and pooping ok. To the point, took everything out of tank and just layed news paper so could keep eye on pooping eating and making sure no regergition. All the tank has is water, hide and meal worm bowl and moisture box. We weren't sure at time if it was impaction of (can't think of proper name) the tiny light coloured bark bits (reptile shop said ok). Now she seems on the road to recovery i would like to put her back in to comfort. I have read that sand is no good, I did look at crushed walnut shell (looks like sand) but so panicy bout what to put back in as the books seem to contradict each other as to whats best and both say can couse impaction. Any suggestions please.

 

[robin]

NO on crushed walnuts and NO on bark chips. i would leave him on the newspaper or use paper towels. if you are looking for natural looking alternatives. like slate tiles and such.

 

[eyelids]

NAY!

Here's a pic of one of my customers display tank with tile... (they've since replaced the log with a cool whip container and the stick on therms with a digi)

View attachment 5428

It looks really good and is safe.

 

[ReptileMan27]

Defently stay away from any loose substrates. Go with paper towels,newspaper,tiles,or slate rock.

 

[justin-branam]

Defently stay away from any loose substrates. Go with paper towels,newspaper,tiles,or slate rock.

...or Repti Carpet, but definitely no loose substrate (except for something like vermiculite or coconut fiber in the moist hide).

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Agree with everyone. I HIGHLY recommend slate or ceramic tile. I love mine and I would be more than happy to help you with that. You can post questions or PM me about it if you decide to go that route. Paper towel is a very popular choice, but I hated crickets hiding under it, and I wanted a little more natural look. Newspaper would be the same. I have heard repti-carpet works, but have also heard of leos toes getting snagged on it. I personally think tile looks the best and works the best.

 

[robin]

...or Repti Carpet, but definitely no loose substrate (except for something like vermiculite or coconut fiber in the moist hide).

sometimes the nails of the geckos can get caught in the repti carpet (of course not always) and i would avoid vermiculite in lay boxes. i prefer sphagnum peat moss

 

[crs]

No loose substrate

 

[spykerherps]

Nay on Walnut shell and bark chips. paper towels are good .I don't know that the ink on the newspaper is that good for them. I have used Vita sand for years for adult leos and prefer that over Calci sand.

 

[CoolGecko]

How do you put slate and that such stuff in rack unit ? Maby carpet but i dont know about slate ?

 

[eyelids]

How do you put slate and that such stuff in rack unit ? Maby carpet but i dont know about slate ?

You're better off going bare than trying to put tile in bins...