sand?

[Leopardgecko1010]

ok, i was at the pet store the other day and was looking for reptile carpet but they were out of the size that would fit my tank.(20 gal long) I was looking at the other substrates and saw some sand that claims to be be 100% edible/digestible. it also said that the grain were spherical so it wouldnt scratch the gecko's insides. i ended up buying some and putting it in the tank. its been close to a week now and my leo is still eating fine. i was just wondering if this was ok or not. p.s. i feed him off of a flat rock with no sand on it.


Thanks!

 

[lovelovelove135]

I wouldn't risk it. Does it say "calcium sand" on the package? If it does, that's a definite no no. Can you just stick with paper towels? It's a lot easier, more hygienic (doesn't harbor bacteria like sand does), and lowers the risk of impaction immensely. You can also go with tile. That's even better than paper towel, actually.

 

[katie_]

Ive never heard of anyone having any problems PERSONALLY but I know it can happen.
Geckos can also get stuck in the fibres of reptile carpet. They all have there pros and cons.

 

[LeopardShade]

I definitely would get rid of the sand ASAP and replace it with slate tile or paper towels. Many many sands (especially "calcium sands") on the market use all sorts of alluring claims about how the vile stuff is "100% edible and/or digestible" or "safe-shapes", but they're all false. Any loose substrate, when used with leopard geckos, is always going to pose a risk of a serious and lethal condition called impaction. This is when a non-digestible substrate (sand for this example), when accidentally or purposely ingested over a prolonged period of time, eventually forms a fatal obstruction in the gecko's GI tract. The gecko won't be able to defecate, and will begin to show debilitating symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and loss of weight. If left untreated for a long time, impaction is fatal. It is sad, as it is probably the most preventable death for leopard geckos.

It doesn't matter if you feed him in conditions where there's no sand, while it may lower the risk, nevertheless it's still there. You say that he's been in there for a week and he's still fine, but you have to understand that impaction isn't something that happens overnight. It is caused by a gecko's intake of loose substrate over a prolonged period of time.

For the sake of your gecko's health, wellbeing, and prosperity, I'd ditch the sand and replace it with a solid substrate. He'll thank you for it with a longer life!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

NO SAND OF ANY KIND.

 

[Leopardgecko1010]

ok ill will switch to tile thanks for your help and the health is more important to me than looks!

 

[hamby92]

ok ill will switch to tile thanks for your help and the health is more important to me than looks!

i noticed you said you had a 20long tank if you get 2 12x12 tiles and a 6x12 tile it should fit your tank perfectly you may need to trim it a little depending on your tank. i switched to tile recently and love it its way easier to clean than any other substrate in my own opinion, and it conducts heat well when used with a uth

 

[Russellm0704]

Ive never heard of anyone having any problems PERSONALLY but I know it can happen.
Geckos can also get stuck in the fibres of reptile carpet. They all have there pros and cons.

It's not that it can happen. It does happen. Any Leo who is housed on sand WILL ingest some of the substrate. Just because you don't see them do it doesnt mean they are not because they like to explore when no is is bothering them. Some geckos handle impaction better than others but it will catch up with them later in life.

 

[nater]

I guess I'm the local heretic.

On a day by day basis I'd be more worried about sand getting stuck in an eye or under an eyelid than built up as an intestinal blockage. The scary thing about impaction (assuming proper husbandry) isn't that its an ever present, inevitable danger. Its that if it does happen its so catastrophic. It can be used, with care.

Personally, I think tile is a nice balance between appearance and safety.

 

[Dimidiata]

i noticed you said you had a 20long tank if you get 2 12x12 tiles and a 6x12 tile it should fit your tank perfectly you may need to trim it a little depending on your tank.

Your a blessing, i was just about to ask for tile dimensions on a 20l

 

[Leopardgecko1010]

yea i switched to a ceramic tile that looks like rock. he moved right in and is eating fine!