Desert Sand substrate

[Josh P.]

Hello everyone,

I know that most people use paper towels and such as substrate for leopard geckos to avoid the risks of impaction. Is any of you familiar with Desert Sand (red and black types) provided by Exo Terra?

You can find the product description in here: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/desert_sand.php

Would this be acceptable as a leopard gecko substrate? The grain of the sand is extremely fine and homogenous, so it should have a much lower risk of impaction compared to other types of sand.

Thanks in advance for your advice! I'm happy to be here.

 

[LeopardShade]

While I agree that the smaller the grain, the lower risk of impaction,it really doesn't matter how small the grain is, whenever you use loose substrates, there is still a risk of impaction.None of the variations of sand on the market should be considered acceptable substrates when keeping leopard geckos. However improbable it may sound to you, however fine the grain is, just keep in mind that there is and will always be a risk. You're best bet would be to stick with paper towel or slate tiles.

 

[Josh P.]

Thanks for the reply.

So no one in here has successfully used Exo Terra's Desert Sand for several years? I only ask since some people told me that it has worked great with them, but I am unaware of their trustworthiness in caring and breeding leopard geckos so I decided to ask around here where many of you have a long time experience.

 

[katie_]

There is a risk with any substrate you use of something bad happening.
You can lower that risk by using tile.

Sand - impaction
Paper towel - impaction
carpet - stuck teeth/toes
etc.

 

[katie_]

Some people get very lucky and can house their geckos on sand with no issues. You may not be so lucky.