Repticarpet

[MobiusTheFrost]

So I got a new leo last week and he's been doing fantastic. I love the little guy already. But when setting up his tank I got him repticarpet not sure of the brand but it was what the guy at ++++++++ suggest, him being an owner of reptiles himself. He explained how he owned quite a few leo's and bearded dragon's himself. He was pretty knowledeable on them unlike most ++++++++ employee's. But I've noticed that while eating he seems to get his mouth caught on it when he grabs for a cricket and misses. And even on occasion when he grabs them. It seems to be very uncomfortable for him. When he was in the Jack's Aquariums I got him from he was on sand, which was initially what I wanted to put him in. Should I switch to sand? He's like 3-4 months old. And the girl at Jack's when talking to me explained that he was raised on sand from the time they got him to when I bought him. Is the carpet ok? Is there anything I can do to it to help him out? I don't want there to be any discomfort to my little guy.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Definitely don't switch to sand, but I'd remove the carpet as well. Frankly, I wouldn't trust anyone who suggests carpet for reasons you just described. Young geckos can easily get their toes and teeth caught in the fibers, which could result in some actual injuries. Sand, however, poses a huge impaction risk (especially calcium/vitamin sand). It's also really not normal for them to walk on it; despite being desert animals, they really don't come in contact with pure sand (since about only 20% of the world's deserts are sand). The two best substrates are paper towels and slate tiles. They're easy to clean and pose no risks.

~Maggot

 

[Mclaughlin]

I loved Jacks Aquarium when I Lived in Cincinnati. Stinks to hear they gave you crappy info. Use slate tile!

 

[proBie3]

I've used carpet in the past and it was great. It was however messy and tedious to clean up though. Sand is an obvious no no. I switched to slate in all three of my terrariums and it is great. Heating is perfect, and clean up is a breeze.

 

[pandyana]

Slate for the entirety of the flooring in the tank? I've read in some of the other forums people do that. Currently I'm using slate tiles over the UTH and news paper/paper towels on the other parts of the tank.