[RawrBabee]

Originally Posted by Riverside Reptiles

There are different opinions about using sand at all. I've been using it for 20 years with no problems. But pretty much everyone agrees that calci-sand is REALLY bad. That's why I suggested reading the substrate thread...so you can educate yourself and make your own decision on what's best for you and your animal.

Alright. So most llikely i should take out the sand just to ensure my geckos safty?

[OffshoreMetal]

Originally Posted by RawrBabee

Alright. So most llikely i should take out the sand just to ensure my geckos safty?

Not a bad idea. Personally ive been using sand since i got my leo , a little over a year ago. She's doing fine. People have their opinions , But almost everyone agree that calci sand is bad. Why Calci-sand and no other sand ? Because Calci-Sand has calcium in it. And your leo will taste it and eat it for its calcium. Bad , Can cause impaction. Normal sand doesnt taste good and doesnt give calcium so they avoid eating it.

[Karagain]

Magnaturals are nice idea, basically they are magnetic ledges and my leo's love climbing on them and I can make sure they are not to high

They also look quite natural.

[RawrBabee]

Originally Posted by OffshoreMetal

Not a bad idea. Personally ive been using sand since i got my leo , a little over a year ago. She's doing fine. People have their opinions , But almost everyone agree that calci sand is bad. Why Calci-sand and no other sand ? Because Calci-Sand has calcium in it. And your leo will taste it and eat it for its calcium. Bad , Can cause impaction. Normal sand doesnt taste good and doesnt give calcium so they avoid eating it.

Alright. So normal sand is a better idea. I will get the calci sand out tomorrow. And just put paper towel down until i get sand.

[Rum66runner]

just a tip on the sand if your gonna go get play sand from home depot wal mart and so on... I'd suggest screening it you'd be amazed at how many "big" things you'll end up with.

[Elizabeth Freer]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Freer

As far as I know, calci-sand is NOT recommended as a substrate for leos at any time!

You probably don't realize how many inquiries GU gets about sand impactions! I like to play it safe, at least for the first year of ownership and/or the first year of the leo's life. Use paper towels and/or slate tile. For an account of a sand impaction in a leo which ultimately proved fatal despite the best of first aid click: My dear Peach

How old is your leo? Peach was between 2-3 years old. I recommend at least holding off on sand for about a year AFTER you receive her for her sake and in order to gain experience as a gecko keeper .

[RawrBabee]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Freer

How old is your leo? Peach was between 2-3 years old. I recommend at least holding off on sand for about a year.

Shes about a year old.

[RawrBabee]

Originally Posted by Rum66runner

just a tip on the sand if your gonna go get play sand from home depot wal mart and so on... I'd suggest screening it you'd be amazed at how many "big" things you'll end up with.

Alright. I got a question. If i were to keep the calcium sand in the half of an inch layer in the tank, and just added the sand on top in a thick layer. Would that be okay so i dont waste the calcium sand or do i need to get the calcium sand out completely?

[RawrBabee]

Originally Posted by Karagain

Magnaturals are nice idea, basically they are magnetic ledges and my leo's love climbing on them and I can make sure they are not to high

They also look quite natural.

My gecko might accually love those if i got them. She seems to love climbing. I will look for those.
Thanks.

[MauricesExoticPets]

Originally Posted by RawrBabee

Alright. I got a question. If i were to keep the calcium sand in the half of an inch layer in the tank, and just added the sand on top in a thick layer. Would that be okay so i dont waste the calcium sand or do i need to get the calcium sand out completely?

I use slate and fine sand to fill any gaps as a substrate for my leopard geckos, but for other reptiles ... you might want to play around with this idea ... or toss the idea around with other leopard gecko owners here.

Buy some of the lowest cost cat unsented crappy cat litter available, its clay.

Mix it with water to make a very thick soupy mixture.

Mix in your calcium sand, then form your substrate in any manner you like.

When it dries it will be as solid as can be, preventing any possibility of ingestion.

You'll likely want to play around with how much water, cat litter, calcium sand you use to get results that look natural.

I like to use more peat moss and only a little sand for reptiles that like it dry and enjoy digging, when done the way I like it holds a burrow perfectly and looks nice. This does not work real well for very humid enclosures though.

Maurice Pudlo