Reptile sand as substrate

[starfire8472]

Ok, I've seen plenty of warnings against using sand as a substrate for young geckos due to possible impaction. Is it alright to use with older geckos, as this is close to their natural habitat (desert)?

 

[jaredm3624]

it would be safer for adults, but still not advised due to the same impaction problems. When they eat the feeders, they can get some sand with it. I would say not to put them on sand. Tile is the best that I've had. Easy to clean and looks great. Your local chain hardware store will cut your tile to fit your tank for free if you buy from them. Hope this helps.

 

[nats]

I would not use loose sand for any age leo.

 

[tommyburgerz]

How is Tile as a heat conductor? I have a UTH and the substrate is paper towel, so very little in between the gecko and the heat mat.

 

[jaredm3624]

the ceramic tile keeps heat very well. You can find some good looking tile for about $2 per sq foot and up. I can take pictures of my tank later to let you see how it looks.

 

[Musicanimal]

So just to add in here, any type of tile will be safe to hold high temperatures correct?

 

[Mel&Keith]

Hi Jim, this is an age old debate that I'm sure will go on forever. For many more answers on why solid substrates are safer than sand just type sand in the search box. It'll pull up lots of threads!

 

[nats]

Yes, ceramic tile is fine, it can get quite hot though, so it's a way different heat conductor than paper towels.

 

[Nigel4less]

But I have to disagree with you, although they are from the Middle East they do not live on 100% Sand, they live in more Montane areas such as the Hindu Kush mountain Range. So although they do live on some sand it is not as much as you think.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

NO SAND FOR LEOPARD GECKOS.

You can put sand under the tiles for good heat transfer, and if it's too hot on the surface (over 95 degrees) you can always use a rheostat, dimmer, or better yet... a temperature controller.

 

[nats]

Deserts dont always mean just sand everywhere!!

Leos come from the rocky, mountain areas. They dont run around on much sand!

 

[fallen_angel]

Deserts dont always mean just sand everywhere!!

Leos come from the rocky, mountain areas. They dont run around on much sand!

Exactly, they live mostly underneath rocks and such, where there isn't any sand :main_yes:

 

[nats]

Exactly, they live mostly underneath rocks and such, where there isn't any sand :main_yes:

You got it! :main_yes:

So you see, loose sand is not their natural condition.

Another thing, even if they did run around on sand, and eat it, chances are they are not going to live long enough in the wild to die from compaction before being eaten by a preditor!

 

[MichaelJ]

NO SAND FOR LEOPARD GECKOS.

You can put sand under the tiles for good heat transfer, and if it's too hot on the surface (over 95 degrees) you can always use a rheostat, dimmer, or better yet... a temperature controller.

Cannot state it any better.. No sand - Never.