[Hunted754]

Hey guys I was wondering about something because tomorrow im going to get a much larger tank for my little guy, and was wondering if is there any problem with eco earth as a substerate ,I have used it with other animals but will it cause impaction if I feed crickets to the geckos? also I was wondering if artificial moss would be good or will it be a problem. thx I really want the best for them
also what are alternatives substrates
my first post

[lauraleellbp]

Welcome to GU!!

I'd keep your crestie on paper towels till at least 7 grams. Young ones are especially prone to impaction should they injest some substrate. If you want to switch to Eco Earth after that, that's fine, but I would strongly recommend feeding live either in a small bowl (ie- roaches that can't climb out) or use a separate container (I use a KK just for feeding live).

I'd be careful with artificial moss as often it's dyed and some dyes can be toxic. Sphagnum peat moss is commonly used- but there still is some risk of ingestion and impaction. Again, feeding live outside the main enclosure can really help reduce impaction risk, though.

[Kristy]

I have a 7g 9 week old gecko in a 10 gallon tank. I have had coco fiber down. Which seems ok, because I put him in a kk to feed him crickets as lauralee said. But just last week I cleaned out the tank and decided to take out the coco fiber. I am using papertowels. I want to keep a better eye on seeing the poop so I can wipe it out better. I have so far twice, put in one or two crickets in the 10 gallon and Rex has found them easily. A suggestion would be to use undyed (not white) brown papertowels. They add a little more natural appearance. And yes it is easier to clean. You dont always see poop with loose substrate. The poop could stay in there too long. When I get an exo terra in a few months, I still plan to use papertowels.