Heat and substrate

[kitty]

In my reading, I've gathered that sand is okay as a substrate for adult leos. I've also read a UTH is a good heat source. But I'm having difficulty reconciling the two - it seems to me the sand substrate would insulate and defeat the purpose of a heat source under the tank/tub.

On the other hand, low humidity is a problem where I live, so I'm thinking a heat lamp/emitter would dry things out even more. But since leos are desert lizards, an adequate moist hide should take care of that, right?

Thoughts, ideas?

 

[Jaiden23]

Even with adult leopard geckos there is still the risk of impaction unfortunately. Yes, sand looks ten times better than anything else out there (IMO) but I would strongly urge you to try tile or reptile carpet instead. Not only will that better protect your geckos, it will solve the UTH heat problem

Leopard geckos need belly heat to properly digest their food, which is why UTH are strongly encouraged. Leos are also nocturnal, therefore using light/heat lamps can cause problems and even result in the gecko's refusal to eat. If you do use a lamp, make sure you aren't using a UV bulb as they can cause UV poisoning in leos.

As for humidity, leopard geckos need low humidity to thrive. As long as you provide them with a water bowl and a moist hide, they should do just fine for you.

 

[thekooliest]

I just used tiles (looks perty)...keeps the heat...yes a UTH for belly heat...leos need low humidity (put the water dish on the cool side to avoid alot of humidity...and make it small) but to shed they need a moist hide.

xD I've asked the same things

 

[Rich Of The U.K]

I wouldnt use sand even for adult Leopard Geckos due to there is always a risk, natural stone tiles such as travertine or Marble look the best to me as its the most natural, as Leopard geckos live in rocky formations in their natural habitat, not in sand dunes as some un wise people may think...

A heat mat is needed as Leopard Geckos absorb their heat from their undersides which is needed for digestion and to keep their immune systems at optimum... if you have a tile substrate - (make sure its either tumbled or unglazed), you may get away with a tile substrate as it will hold heat very well, (though a heat mat is needed to be honest)...

A humid hide and a water dish which is shallow and long and wide enough for them to lay in it is needed... i dont care what some people may have told you but you need a big water dish as it can really help your Gecko with shedding, if your tank is the appropriate size for your gecko and your caring for it well, you will not have a problem with humidity being too high from a large water dish...

Regards, Rich....