What substrate you use?

[Lindz0518]

I just redid my tanks in slate tile, so far I like it

 

[ehebert]

I just love how easy tile is to clean.

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[Lindz0518]

I just love how easy tile is to clean.

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I agree, plus it seems to hold heat really well. Now if I can only get one of my leos, Thor, to quit using his hammock as a bathroom :annoyed:

 

[Geckked Out]

I've used a few different substrates, but slate tile is by far my favourite (like many other people on here). A unique way to put in slate tile is to buy the smaller squares instead of the big tiles. If you can get them close enough to each other you can use a SMALL amount of reptile sand as a grout for the tiles. I put it in and then wet it so that it packs down instead of being loose. This way it looks great and still prevents the gecko from being impacted.

I personally find the repti carpet gets smelly and gross and I have to change it every month or two. Also, unless you have babies, I find the papertowel is a waste, not to mention unappealing to the eye. That's just my opinion though!

 

[Embrace Calamity]

I've used a few different substrates, but slate tile is by far my favourite (like many other people on here). A unique way to put in slate tile is to buy the smaller squares instead of the big tiles. If you can get them close enough to each other you can use a SMALL amount of reptile sand as a grout for the tiles. I put it in and then wet it so that it packs down instead of being loose. This way it looks great and still prevents the gecko from being impacted.

I personally find the repti carpet gets smelly and gross and I have to change it every month or two. Also, unless you have babies, I find the papertowel is a waste, not to mention unappealing to the eye. That's just my opinion though!

When I used the carpet when my leo was a hatchling, we were told that it could be washed in the washing machine. Is that not the case? I never did it. I'd just take it out and rinse it in the sink. But I only used it for about two months before I switched her to a rocky soil.

~Maggot

 

[Geckked Out]

I'm sure that you could put it through the washing machine... although personally I think the idea of that is quite gross considering there would be pee stains and such. lol Also, when I used the carpet my gecko kept getting her foot stuck in the fibers. Not sure if that happens to everyone...aha... she can be a bit "special" at times.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

I'm sure that you could put it through the washing machine... although personally I think the idea of that is quite gross considering there would be pee stains and such. lol Also, when I used the carpet my gecko kept getting her foot stuck in the fibers. Not sure if that happens to everyone...aha... she can be a bit "special" at times.

I've heard other people warn about that. One side seems to have fibers that stick out, while the other is usually flatter, so I flipped mine over. I never had issues with it. But like I said, I didn't use it for very long.

~Maggot

 

[Lindz0518]

I've heard other people warn about that. One side seems to have fibers that stick out, while the other is usually flatter, so I flipped mine over. I never had issues with it. But like I said, I didn't use it for very long.

~Maggot

I used it for 6 months and I also flipped it over and never had a issue with stuck claws and teeth. I had 2 so I didn't have to wait for one to dry, I just ran super hot water over mine for 10 minutes and never had a problem with smell.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

I used it for 6 months and I also flipped it over and never had a issue with stuck claws and teeth. I had 2 so I didn't have to wait for one to dry, I just ran super hot water over mine for 10 minutes and never had a problem with smell.

That's how I cleaned it. Just ran really hot water over it. Seemed to work very well.

~Maggot

 

[proBie3]

Currently on repti carpet but switching to slate tile.

 

[NikkiC223]

I would like to try slate. Do you know if they will cut it at Home Depot or Lowes to size? Or would it be better to get smaller pieces and fill with play sand?

 

[Lindz0518]

If you have a 20L then you can get 6X6 and you won't have to get them cut.

 

[firecracker]

I currently use Repti carpet, but plan on switching to tile after the holidays.

 

[Kylerbassman]

I honestly liked the bigger slate tiles because you didn't have to worry about so many joints. The depot and lowes by me cuts them. I have had no issues so far with slate. As many others have stated, I feel it really soaks in the heat unlike other substrates.

 

[Kylerbassman]

Has anyone used travertine. I wanted to try it because it's natural but is very porous. I know you can fill in holes to prevent catching toes, but I just always wondered if that would allow for more heat to come through. Probably does but I would be worried about hot spots. Would love some feedback if anyone has tried.

 

[DiscoPat]

Does anyone use a bio active substrate? If the gecko eats out of a feeding dish I wouldn't see the problem with it. That is what I am planning on using, grow some grass in a corner and have a natural cave for the gecko on the cold side.

Like good topsoil and leaf litter?

 

[BadKelpie]

I think the bioactive substrate needs a certain amount of moisture to work, maybe more than Leos can handle.

I just switched back to paper (from tiles). I never really liked the tiles. But I don't use paper towels. I use the brown paper lunch bags. They fit almost perfectly in a 12" deep tank (20 gallon). They look more natural than bright white paper towels.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

I think I know of someone who uses a bioactive substrate for her leos, though I'm not sure how she does it. I took soil from the woods, but it's so hot and dry in the enclosure that I'm sure nothing survived. Doesn't appear to have anyway. I still like using the soil though.

~Maggot

 

[JasonO80]

I am currently using Ground English Walnut it works great never had any problems with it. Gives the look of sand without using real sand. I am currently building a combination of substrates though to make a nice vivarium. A little natural flagstone will be placed in conjunction with the ground walnut to give them a sandy like base as well as some rock formations to climb and hide in. The flagstone will actually be built around the tank to even give them a second level to travel on.

 

[ella3000]

Personlly, I like repti carpet