too good to be true?

[GeckoGirl1990]

Ok so, most of us have witnessed (or been a part of) fiery discussions about which substrate is the correct substrate for different species. The back and forth between natural looking, and safe looking, or others.... I personally am on the fence in this debate, changing my mind often. But I think I found something that could solve this problem for some species! (i think) :idea:
Theyre called coco tiles. While they're intended to be background tiles, I think they'd be great as cage flooring (and more comfy than tile!). I'm not sure if im allowed to say what website I found these for sale on, but I can quote the description:

Neo Terra Coco Tiles - $ 3.99

6”x6”x 1” average
Are you looking for an all natural good looking background material made from “green” sustainable materials? When adhered to the back and side walls of your terrarium these tiles provide a soft, absorbent, earthlike background approximately one inch thick. While providing a great home for plants they also add an insulating layer. As they are not an open web they do not offer hiding spots for insects or the possibility of a stuck frog. Made from all natural materials harvested in an ecologically responsible and sustainable manner.

Too good to be true? let me know what you guys think :feedback:

 

[tokeh]

i want to see the pics first before i can give you any comments.
please put the link here, so far as i know you may put them here.
jeffrey

 

[OffshoreMetal]

There shouldnt be any problem posting the link here. As long as you dont make publicity for other gecko forums. Showing a product for opinion isnt agains the rules

 

[GeckoGirl1990]

ok, I attached the only pic, and here's the link:
Neo Terra Coco Tiles - Backgrounds - Josh's Frogs

 

[Hilde]

I've used them before with dart frogs. They're great for the uses stated, but somewhat limited with geckos. If they're moist for long, as in a humid environment, they do tend to soften a bit. With dart frogs it's no big deal, they don't dig, no claws etc. When I tried it with geckos, the mats tended to crumble a bit, leaving holes after a few months. For dry environment geckos like leopards, they worked a bit longer, but again, the geckos managed to dig grooves into them.

Poop tends to really stick, making it hard to remove without leaving some residue, so you have to hope you get it all off, or pray the geckos don't stomp it into the mat before you get it. The organic residue in a moist environment is a breeding ground for mold (again, small frogs don't have that much waste, it works). Live plants would help keep the organic matter under control, but gecko sized poop does take quite a while to break down.

One place it does come in handy is with juvie geckos who don't produce a lot of waste. You can take a few small chunks of it and build a rough shelter for shedding. Keeping the chunks on the moist side works well for the little guys. Larger slabs don't work well, they sag when moist unless there's reinforcement.

I have a few pieces in hatchling crested gecko enclosures to use as a base to hold the food dishes. Just tear out a depression big enough to nestle the dish and it's almost impossible to tip with even the most awkward gecko.

It's worth a try though, your way of doing things might work, or you could improvise something to make it work.

 

[GeckoGirl1990]

thanks a lot for the reply - very informative!
I was picturing the stuff in my fat tail's cage, since I have a 'foresty' setup going for him. I figure if I keep it dry, it should last as long as sand would before it needed changed. If I like how it does in my fat tail's cage I'll probably try it in my future crestie cage as well.
Are the tiles hard as a rock before theyre moistened?