My leo viv

[waltah!]

I'm adding a second level to it this week. The moist hide is over the warm spot, the cactus is partially over the warm spot, and the half log is on the cool side. They climb the rock and the fake flower quite a bit. I removed the foam background from the exo-terra tank and replaced it with shelf paper attatched to the outside back of the viv. Mealie feeding rock bowl, water dish and calcium dish complete the viv. I'm still working on it and plan on replacing the moist hide and half log soon.

 

[Lena]

Lovely set up you have there! Might want to get rid of the sand, though. It can cause fatal stomach impaction if your leo ingests it.

 

[waltah!]

Thanks. I would never use sand for hatchlings, but I don't see it being an issue with adults.

 

[zzz888]

Don't even think about getting rid of sand!!!
Sand is good!!! Sand is the best substrate

 

[Jaiden23]

Don't even think about getting rid of sand!!!
Sand is good!!! Sand is the best substrate

I've no intention of starting an arguement here, but I feel some points need to be made.

Sand allows for the risk of impaction in leopard geckos of all ages and sizes. Yes, the risk is slightly higher for smaller/younger leos, but the risk is still there for the adults as well. Most owners/breeders here are not willing to take that kind of risk with their pets.

Sand is also very unsanitary, as it is impossible to successfully clean the substrate daily. Spot cleaning does not remove the bacteria left behind from their waste.

And I'll throw this information in as well, because alot of people make this mistake, sand is not the leopard gecko's natural habitat. They are desert animals, yes, but they live in areas comprised mainly of clay, rock, and compacted sand. In the wild, they avoid loose sandy locations.

I mean no offense, but I feel that most other members of this site will agree when I say that sand is not the best substrate to use :main_thumbsup:

Waltah, you have a very nice setup and a lovely looking gecko there. I've not seen the cactus hide before, that's a very cute idea!

 

[Tommy13b]

Don't even think about getting rid of sand!!!
Sand is good!!! Sand is the best substrate

Explain how my leo is healther than ever on reptial carpet then?:main_huh: :main_huh:

 

[chaosapiant]

Don't even think about getting rid of sand!!!
Sand is good!!! Sand is the best substrate

Can someone ban this idiot so his posts don't get some poor leo killed? It's hard reading his posts, and then seeing everyone have to re-iterate the pros/cons of sand in juvenile/adult leopard geckos.

 

[tryme]

sand isnt the best substrate it can be risky. theres risks with everything though

 

[SubNoiZe]

i use the same mealie feeding dish, and i love it. the superworms i put in there cant even escape!

your setup looks great, but like the others have said, sand can be bad...

 

[waltah!]

Thanks guys. I'm trying tiles in another tank to see how it works out. I'm not married to sand, but I do know people who have used it for years without issue. I know it's always been a big debate. If the tiles work out well in the other exo terra tank, then i'm going to switch this one to it too. I like the look, but need to see how practical it is and if the leo seems to like it.

 

[jblayza]

Every one has their opinions on substrate. I've heard the debate on sand a thousand times and some people have kept their leos with great success on sand. I've also heard not to use repti carpet either because it may cause injury to the nails and toes. Bottom line is every one should offer their input and opinions, but just cause some one chooses not to use your methods doesn't mean they should be bashed either. It's hard to find 2 caresheets that are the same these days and that's because what works for one person, may not work for the other, so you should do what works for you as long as your pet is healthy. And although some people have kept their leos on sand with great success I don't believe it is the best substrate.

 

[tryme]

Put it this way...

You CAN have accidents.
You CAN have a car crash.
You CAN drown swimming.
Leos CAN get impacted from sand....

It's down to you to take any of these choices in life and decide if it's worth the risk.

 

[Crazygecko]

ughhh.....My Brain hurts.

 

[Bling_my_leo]

Yes, take the sand out. But eitehr than that, it looks great.