repti-carpet

[ARC8745]

Hello im a new to reptiles enthusist, and it just so happens my first one is a leopard gecko. He's a awsome looking male thats about 5 inches long but my real question is that i just bought some zilla repti-carpet for his tank because i was housing him in ground walnut shells but i read that is bad because it cuts up their intestines. but the problem is its been in there for about 2 days now and Cesar has been crawling up on the glass of his tank like he is trying to escape but he never did that when i had the walnut shell in. is he just getting used to the stuff or should i be worried?

 

[LeopardShade]

i was housing him in ground walnut shells but i read that is bad

Yes, any loose substrate should be considered dangerous for leopard geckos, as it causes impaction. Sand, calci-sand, ground walnut-shells, etc. don't necessarily "cut up" their intestines, but rather clog them due to the fact that they cannot be digested. Minor impactions can often be treated at home, but in cases where the gecko has been left on sand for prolonged periods of time, serious obstructions can occur, and can prove lethal unless treated immediately by a vet. I would imagine ground walnut being particularly bad due to the large grain size.

Regardless, you shouldn't ever risk impaction, and should always stick to a solid substrate that cannot be ingested. I would replace it ASAP.

Reptile-carpet is...erm...okay. Is it better than all the loose substrates out there? Certainly so. However, reptile carpet does have its flaws, such as having a propensity to easily harbor bacteria and snag the claws and teeth of geckos. IMO, you're better off with slate tiles or paper towels.

 

[ARC8745]

thank you so much. but what about somthing like cocnut fiber?, because i would like the tank to have a natural look and i dont what tile to ge for a 10 gal. tank that would let the heat from the heat pad through. sorry like i said im kinda new to this

 

[LeopardShade]

It's no problem, but unfortunately, all loose substrates pose a risk of possible impaction in your gecko. Coco fiber isn't a good substrate for Leopard geckos to begin with due to the high moisture content and them being desert reptiles. I know natural tanks look nice, but is a aesthetically-pleasing tank worth more than the life and well being of your gecko?

 

[ARC8745]

yes im sorry i was thinking about that all day . which is worth more, but i just so happen to be very lucky. i went to the store today after school and found paper towel made out of recycled paper and they are a tanish brown color wich looks great in his cage! i was so happy because i want the best for my leopard gecko( he's like my son) and i wanted a natural looking tank and i got both. thanks again for all your help, i really appreciate it!