Alternative to sand, keep the natural look! Exo terra sand mat is here!

[Muffins94]

Hey everyone, I know most people wish to use sand for the natural look but impaction risks are what holds them back. I just came across Exo Terra's sand mat! It's like the terrarium liners/ carpet, but has a sandy look and feel. Haven't used it myself yet as its a new product, however it looks might have some potential. Still poses the bacterial issues, but if its replaced continuously it might work. Looks like Exo Terra is listening to their customers and making safe alternatives. Props Exo Terra.

Exo Terra : Sand Mat / Desert Terrarium Substrate

 

[kouneli]

Looks neat and all, but I'd be concerned that the stuff would come loose with "foot traffic" from the gecko...I'd have to see it in person, though.

 

[Muffins94]

Possibly, depends on quality. However a few particles wouldn't hurt like a full tank of sand.

 

[kouneli]

No, but they can build up over time if they don't pass through. But I have to agree, this is a better alternative.

 

[GeckoManiac91]

One thing just to add, have you heard of the Exo-Trea Mosst Mat Merrisa? It was a peice of useless crap, waste of money. I fear this may be the same granted the moss is a lot looser than this sand so some of the issues I ran into with the moss mat may not be present with this one. It's an interesting product and I look forward to the reviews. Just not in the mood to spend money on another Exo-Terra Product that's just come out without much feedback on the item.

I will stuck with my natural tile More like rock for there "naturalness".

 

[Muffins94]

Yes I actually used the moss may before and wasn't happy with it. Very curious myself about the sand may that's why I posted it here to see people's output. I haven't seen it in any store yet so I'm waiting to see when it will. I will also stick to my tile however when I upgrade my tank to the 40 gallon breeder I don't want to get all new tile, so I'm planning on using my current tile on one half then something else for the other side. That's (potentially) where this sand may will come in. Plus I feed my girl in a 10 gallon tank now so I'm not too worried about the tiny loose particles. However if it is shabby like the moss mat I definitely won't buy it. Any other suggestions for half the tank?

 

[GeckoManiac91]

Yes I actually used the moss may before and wasn't happy with it. Very curious myself about the sand may that's why I posted it here to see people's output. I haven't seen it in any store yet so I'm waiting to see when it will. I will also stick to my tile however when I upgrade my tank to the 40 gallon breeder I don't want to get all new tile, so I'm planning on using my current tile on one half then something else for the other side. That's (potentially) where this sand may will come in. Plus I feed my girl in a 10 gallon tank now so I'm not too worried about the tiny loose particles. However if it is shabby like the moss mat I definitely won't buy it. Any other suggestions for half the tank?

That's a smart idea! Looking forward to seeing that new setup of yours Personally once I find 6x6tiles that atleast some what look like the tiles I have now I will be going all tile. For now I have a 6x12 area that is reptile carpet. The sand mat would be a nice new alternative to that It's been in the pet-stores around my city for a couple months now actually, maybe the employees will have some feedback. Or maybe ill have to buy it just out of curiosity (Really would hate to do that and waste money) One thing I know is that it only comes with one mat. I like the carpet because its easier to clean thoroughly when you have another mat to use in the mean time. Either way, seems like a product that possibly has potential.

One benefit I see to this product is the people that DO use sand because they think its natural might think "Hey, this mat is easier to change and clean than sand, maybe ill switch to it" which would hopefully lessen the risk of impaction and in turn benefit the animal

 

[Muffins94]

Yeah I'm not 100% sure on how I'll set it up but I'll get there! I'm going to do the warm side the tile, and the cool side maybe the sand mat, or reptile carpet. I'll also be doing a small section of Eco earth for digging and burrowing purposes. Give her lots of options! With plenty of hides and decorations. Also going to buy a lot of wood. I love how beardie owners use a lot of wood, so I'm going to try to incorporate that into my tank. Should be an interesting build haha.

 

[GeckoManiac91]

Yeah I'm not 100% sure on how I'll set it up but I'll get there! I'm going to do the warm side the tile, and the cool side maybe the sand mat, or reptile carpet. I'll also be doing a small section of Eco earth for digging and burrowing purposes. Give her lots of options! With plenty of hides and decorations. Also going to buy a lot of wood. I love how beardie owners use a lot of wood, so I'm going to try to incorporate that into my tank. Should be an interesting build haha.

Sounds like fun

Perhaps getting pieces of wood outside and properly treating them?

I look forward to the pictures!

 

[Muffins94]

I was thinking about doing that but the wood around my area is very flakey and not too pleasing. I'm going to hit up the local vivarium shop for it instead.

 

[XoVictoryXo]

cute but doesnt look easy to clean.

 

[nick4821]

Hi there,

I just bought repti-carpet today. Is this safer than calcium sand? And should I throw the sand away because my leopard gecko used it for some time and I am wondering if I should throw it away. All the help you can give is much appreciated. Just an update on him: Lives in: 20 gallon long tank heat/lighting: both age: 3 years old thermometer gauge/ humidity gauge: Both hides: two dry and moist diet: crickets, mealworms and wax worms (only as a treat) Calcium supplement: yes dustings twice a week

Nick

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi there,

I just bought repti-carpet today. Is this safer than calcium sand? And should I throw the sand away because my leopard gecko used it for some time and I am wondering if I should throw it away. All the help you can give is much appreciated. Just an update on him: Lives in: 20 gallon long tank heat/lighting: both age: 3 years old thermometer gauge/ humidity gauge: Both hides: two dry and moist diet: crickets, mealworms and wax worms (only as a treat) Calcium supplement: yes dustings twice a week

Nick

Good on the 20 gallon LONG!

Excellent on tossing the sand (or clean it and use for an art project); consider slate, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. In the meantime use paper towels. Tiles make the BEST worry-free substrate.

Reptile carpet harbors bacteria from the urine and the feces. Leos tend to get their teeth and claws caught in it :-(.

Skip the waxworms. Try hornworms as a treat and for variety :idea:

Have you 3 hides in all?

What brand of calcium? D3 or no D3? Consider Zoo Med's Reptivite multivitamin with D3.

 

[nick4821]

Hi elizabeth,

Total I have two hides. I use repto-cal w/ d3

Nick

 

[Muffins94]

Nick, you will need 3 hides in total. One warm one over the UTH, a moist hide filled with coco fiber or paper towels slightly over the the UTH to keep it warm, and a cool one on the cool side.
Along with calcium you will need a multivitamin, some products such as Repashy calcium plus and zoo med repetitive contain both. Then you can toss the calcium you have now.

 

[nick4821]

Okay thank you merissa

Nick

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi elizabeth,

Total I have two hides. I use repto-cal w/ d3

Nick

Nick ~

I prefer Zoo Med's Reptivite with D3 and Zoo Med's Repti-Calcium with D3. Place the powder in a tall container, add crickets, and gently swirl to lightly coat insects. That would be 1x per week with Reptivite with D3 and 1x per week with Repti-Calcium with D3.

Some people recommend dusting only a few of the crickets your leo eats at each feeding rather than all the crickets a leo eats at each feeding 2x per week.

 

[DeekGeek]

Going back to the OP, I recently got the Exo-Terra Sand Mat online through the Serpentarium. Their shipping was slow, but overall I'm pleased with the Sand Mat. It does have the cleaning issues of more traditional reptile carpet, but it does not appear to have any of the tooth-and-claw issues. My daughter's juvenile Leo started out on calci-sand, mainly because I relied on the store personnel too much. (I've since found which salesperson in my local store actually owns reptiles, including Leos.) However, after I found the GU forums, we quickly replaced that with this Sand Mat.

Overall, I would recommend the Sand Mat for those who want the "natural" look and are willing to deal with the cleaning issues. Those not willing to clean the mat should stick to the previously mentioned alternatives.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Going back to the OP, I recently got the Exo-Terra Sand Mat online through the Serpentarium. Their shipping was slow, but overall I'm pleased with the Sand Mat. It does have the cleaning issues of more traditional reptile carpet, but it does not appear to have any of the tooth-and-claw issues. My daughter's juvenile Leo started out on calci-sand, mainly because I relied on the store personnel too much. (I've since found which salesperson in my local store actually owns reptiles, including Leos.) However, after I found the GU forums, we quickly replaced that with this Sand Mat.

Overall, I would recommend the Sand Mat for those who want the "natural" look and are willing to deal with the cleaning issues. Those not willing to clean the mat should stick to the previously mentioned alternatives.

A warm welcome to Geckos Unlimited to you and your family !

 

[Conched]

Merissa - Curious, how are you cleaning the mat ?