Sand or Zoomed excavator?

kgeckoman

New member
I am thinking about getting a new substrate for leopard gecko but I don't know if i should get excavator or sand. I have heard good things and not so good things about both.
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
I am thinking about getting a new substrate for leopard gecko but I don't know if i should get excavator or sand. I have heard good things and not so good things about both.

Hi ~

How old is your leo? What are you using for the substrate now?

Both excavator clay and sand are difficult to keep clean. Sand always poses at least some impaction risk.

Roughly textured ceramic, slate, or porcelain tiles are really the best. Roughly textured (~3/8 inch thick) ceramic, slate, or porcelain tiles are easy to keep clean! These tiles conduct heat from an UTH well. They eliminate substrate impaction, are attractive, permanent, and cheap.

I feel that there is always S-O-M-E possibility of impaction when particulate substrates are used. Who would be the loser?

Yes, there are many unknowns in life. Particulate substrates can be avoided. We are the winners! :D
 

warhawk

New member
I agree with Elizabeth ceramic tile does work nice and is easy to maintain, plus I like the looks of it. I keep all my little guys on tile or paper towel.


I don't agree with the popular belief on impaction, I know it can be bad but it isn't a huge fear of mine. There are a few things you can do to limit the risk and any reptile can live safely a loose substrate. Having said that I don't use it on any of my current tanks because it is harder to keep clean.
 

Keeboard

New member
Neither. sand has a huge impaction risk. Some people think that because leopard geckos live in the desert they live on sand naturally, which isn't true. They are used to living on rock and hard packed dirt. The clay won't work with a heat mat, which is the best way to give your gecko heat. I agree with both the posts above: tile is the best option. I just got some slate for Toothless.
 
Top