Calcium sand

[ReptileMan27]

Not another sand debate lol, like I said before, for some people it takes a dead animal before they will feel something is not safe, not me..

 

[johnnyboy4783]

i agree i cant stand hearing about sand its old and annoying

 

[LizMarie]

I know sand itself is not the best choice for geckos as when they feed, they may ingest sand as well, and have impaction. But I heard that calcium sand is supposed to be ok. The reason I ask is because I need something on the bottom of the tank because I'm using a heating pad, and I don't think paper towel will be enough to keep it from being too hot on the bottom, even if I layer it a dozen times.

If it is not, and you have a better solution that can work with the heating pad, that would be great.

*edit*

This link that caught my attention, it says calcium sand is ok, and so does the bag...

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-care-for-leopard-geckos

Hale, I wouldn't trust the video at all. They have a lot of incorrect information, in my opinion. First they place the UTH on the side of the tank just so have a heat gradient, when it is known that they need belly heat to digest food. They say Leo's need a UVB light when it is not true because they are Nocturnal. The temps they claim are best for a leo are too low, but of course they're looking at the ambient air. They also say to clean out the poop once a week and clean the tank out every 3months, thats a little too long for my liking. It goes on to promote those little cheap thermometers and calci-sand.

I personally have used Paper towels and Repti Carpet, but i like the look and feel of Slate. From this topic you see their are many opinions as to what one should use as a substrate, to each his own. Personally I have researched the topic and have found articles and research that proves that Calci-Sand is the worse of the two sands, basically from what I found it is a lot harder for them to digest if it does at all. Play Sand on the other hand was finer and passed more easily.

I personally would advise a solid substrate (ie. paper towels, carpet, slate.) because it's easy to clean, and if your leo was to ever have health problems it would be easier to see and take a sample in my own opinion. I personally wouldn't enjoy scooping poop out my leos tank, moving things around making sure its all gone when I don't even like to scoop out my cats litter box every morning.

Now, you have to pick which one would be the best in your opinion and no matter what you pick a thermostat is needed just to be safe, since some UTHs can get extremely hot, sometimes into the hundreds no matter was you have on the bottom of your enclousre.

 

[Tommy13b]

ive been useing calci sand for about 2 days with my new gecko, should i switch?

 

[Ccrashca069]

ive been useing calci sand for about 2 days with my new gecko, should i switch?

Yes you should.

 

[leolover2]

Calci sand is bad. Personally i wouldn't take the risk. The health of my geckos is more important to me then the looks of their tank. I have seen sand impaction first hand. It was caused by calci sand. My friend's gecko that was impacted and it would hardly ever move. It felt gross to hold. Then after i think about 1 week it died. Paper towel, repti carpet, and slate/tile are best IMO.

 

[TWC]

I used to use calisand, and never had a problem with it. But the experts say no.

 

[GeeEssFore]

I didnt listen and I had to learn the hard way years ago. I will never use sand for any of my animals.

 

[rhino43grr]

tile costs less than calci sand anyway, why insist on using sand when tile is easier, safer and cheaper? i just don't understand some people, especially those who intentionally go against the grain to try to get attention... when 90% of the people here say sand is one of the worst substrates why do all the sand users instantly band together with their "i've used sand for X years with zero problems so there."

 

[ReptileMan27]

tile costs less than calci sand anyway, why insist on using sand when tile is easier, safer and cheaper? i just don't understand some people, especially those who intentionally go against the grain to try to get attention... when 90% of the people here say sand is one of the worst substrates why do all the sand users instantly band together with their "i've used sand for X years with zero problems so there."

Great post, dont think I could of said it better myself:main_thumbsup:

 

[Hale]

I am not using calcium sand

 

[GeeEssFore]

tile costs less than calci sand anyway, why insist on using sand when tile is easier, safer and cheaper?."

Not only that but tile/slate looks so much better lol

 

[rhino43grr]

I am not using calcium sand

it's cheaper safer and easier than play sand too.

 

[Ipsl]

I buy pieces of slate from a quarry and use caclisand as a filler. I like the look and I dont have a calcium dish in there.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Geeeeeeze! Yet ANOTHER sand debate... why is it so difficult for members to use the "search" function on this website? This argument has been going on for years, despite all the evidence against using it.

Sand is NOT a natural substrate for leopard geckos. Even with the limited field study information, we do know that the natural habitat of leopard geckos is rocky limestone outcroppings, granite strewn hard-pack clay, and dry savannahs. They do not live in the sandy deserts.

If you insist on using sand as a substrate, do NOT use calcium-sand. It is not a good choice for leopard geckos. If you still insist on using sand as a substrate, use only non-silica sand for adult leopard geckos only... never house a baby or juvenile on any type of sand.

To save myself posting the same information over and over, here are a couple of links to previous posts on this forum on the subject of calcium-sand:

http://www.geckoforums.net/showpost.php?p=28171&postcount=21
http://www.geckoforums.net/showpost.php?p=28313&postcount=35

 

[KelliH]

What I don't understand is how the new person above me, can state his opinion, when almost EVERYONE on this site says no. Why? I say 100% no on the sand. company's say anything to move products.

Because this is a forum where we can have differing opinions, that's why. I happen to think that using play sand as a substrate for adult leopard geckos is fine. I used it for years. I would not use Calci Sand on any herp.

I have no problem with sand discussions at all as long as people don't get ugly and start throwing insults at each other. SO be nice and have some respect for other people's opinions. NONE of us are the "be all/end all" when it comes to leopard gecko husbandry, including me.

 

[Tommy13b]

Ohh forgot to post, i swiched to paper towls, tank is warmer, humity is right, my leo seem's happyer.

 

[yellermelon]

Where I also agree I wouldnt use sand. I know a few breeders, that are still on my "will buy from list" that do use sand. I could go into a long drawn out post as too why medically sand is bad, But thats so worn out. I did that for a few years lol, Then gave up. If people are gonna use sand, and are not having problems then why bash on them. Tokay keeper and I have spoken, from what I could tell dude knows his geckos. The sand issue would not keep me from making a purchase with him in the future.
But to the original question calci sand isnt a good choice if you must choose a sand. Play sand is much better.

 

[Ccrashca069]

Ohh forgot to post, i swiched to paper towls, tank is warmer, humity is right, my leo seem's happyer.

I am happy that you switched and your leopard gecko is more happy now. Good luck with your leopard gecko.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I apologize for not sounding very supportive... I guess I'm a little 'jaded' after so many years of getting literally hundreds of calls, emails, photos, and PM's over geckos sick, dying, and dead from impaction.

With all the great information we have nowdays, why even risk it... even if the chances are remote that it could happen? There are so many safer options to choose from. For me, it's just not worth the gambling of our gecko's lives.