This is a debate that sometimes gets a little heated over at the gecko forum.
There's the "naturalist" view, use a sand/moss/whatever mixture. Then there's the practical (most breeders) view, use paper!
I do know for a fact that leos will consume loose substrate. I have seen enough of it in their poop!
As much as I can understand, and to large extent, agree with the Biologist's viewpoint (most of whom ARE NOT breeders OR collectors), I do not recommend sand or any other loose substrate.
There is also a flaw in the naturalist's view. They believe that using sand mimics their natural invironment and promotes digging behaviour.
In realality, leos live mostly on hard clay like ground and rocks. They do not run around on the loose hot sands of Pakistan.
Another thing to consider is their longgevity in the wild.
Only a small fraction of leo hatchlings survive in the wild. The adults dont fair much better due to preditors (which are numerous when you are low on the food chain).
For sure, leos get their much needed calcium for D3 conversion from injesting the minerals in the sand. Weather they suffer from compaction and die as a result, would not make evolutionary sense. And not alot is known about this.
In captivity, over the years, we know how to keep our leos healthy and breeding.
So, I tend to go with the paper towel substrate view
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It gets expensive buying paper towels all of the time too, so one of these days we plan to switch to tile.
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