Best Substrate?

Number1Sticky · #1 10-27-2011, 12:18 AM

What is the absolute best substrate I can get for my Leopard Geckos? Anything other the paper towel.

Thanks!!
-Erin.

**Elizabeth Freer** · #2 10-27-2011, 03:34 AM

Erin ~

For all leos under the age of 1, slate tile is the best. These tiles hold heat well, can easily be cleaned in a dishwasher, and are totally free from any impaction risk. They are quite inexpensive and can be cut to fit your tank. Your gecko will be happy on slate tiles for LIFE!

zelda · #3 10-27-2011, 07:30 AM

I have to agree with Elizabeth.

When your gecko is getting older, and if you are in to a more natural look, there are also other good alternatives.

The key is to remember that the leopard gecko lives in rocky desert areas, where the ground is hard and dry. Most likely it stays away from sand dunes, and large open areas.

So you don't want to have your leo on soft sand, but on a hard substrate. You can choose excavator clay, sand/peat mix, flat stones such as shale rock, and so on.

Yoshi'smom · #4 10-27-2011, 10:22 AM

I agree as well! I've fallen in love with slate tiles. They really are the easiest, cleanest, and conduct heat best!

Melissa · #5 10-27-2011, 11:25 AM

Hi, I think too, you can provide more than one surface on the bottom of your
enclosure to give variety and interest.

Melissa N.

Number1Sticky · #6 10-27-2011, 03:22 PM

Thanks everyone. My leos are older. One is about 4 years 10 months and the other one is about 4 years and 4 months. Estimated ages, I got them from a friend and they weren't babies anymore but also not adults.

I'm not too worried about the natural look. I'm more concerned with what is the safest for them. Are they going to be ok switching from sand to something hard like tile? They've hard sand their whole life, I thought the sand I was getting them was ok for them, but found out all sand is just bad for them.

Now I feel bad and I'm trying to do what's best for them.

I love the idea of tile, it's really easy and also good for them. I'm just worried my leos won't like it. Do you think they'll be fine with the switch?

zelda · #7 10-27-2011, 04:19 PM

They'll be completely fine!

It may take some days before they settle in, but that's normal when you change something in the tank.

Jonnyinga · #8 10-27-2011, 04:34 PM

I agree with the tile. I started with tile in my Bearded Dragon's 40G Breeder tank. I grouted it in and everything. Nice light orange colour. It looks awesome, easy to clean, holds heat well and no impaction risk. AND it helped keep my beardie's nails filed down naturally

Number1Sticky · #9 10-28-2011, 07:59 PM

Thanks for all the help. I got the slate tile.

I haven't put it in yet, but it's multi-color, so I think it will look more natural.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #10 10-29-2011, 11:55 AM

Just fyi, all sand is NOT bad for them. That's a myth. Impaction is almost always secondary to other health and/or husbandry issues. I've kept leos on sand for many years without a single case of impaction. One of the biggest mistakes people make using sand is that they use too much of it. Leos shouldn't be buried up to their knees in it...just a fine layer on the bottom is what is appropriate. These animals come from a sandy environment in nature and manage to survive quite well. Yes, there are lots of rocks and clay etc. But there is also tons of particulate matter like sand as well.