Substrate Question

[CRMason]

Due to one of my leos having sand impaction I decided no more sand. (To see xrays and more info from the vet please see my other thread "My leo has sand impaction"

I pray I got the right reptile bark (it's the only brand/kind I can find and am out of money) I got Exo-terra Forest Bark. see picture http://www.reptiledepot.com/New Folder/exoForest_Bark_Packaging.jpg

Is this a safe substrate for them? (god I hope so)

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Sorry to tell you, but bark is pretty much a no-no. For one thing, they can ingest it and become impacted just like with sand. But for another thing, it just holds way too much humidity for a desert species. There's a huge thread with tons of different opinions on substrates here: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...lepharis/33994-what-substrate-you-useing.html
Give that a read and you'll have a ton of ideas of what to use (or even more questions!!!). But start there. It's a long read but educational.

PS you can always just go with simple paper towels until you decide what to do for a permanent solution.

 

[CRMason]

besides impaction is there any other reason I shouldn't use it? It won't hurt them on the outside will it?

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

As I said, it holds far too much humidity for a desert species. Honestly just all together the wrong type of substrate. Think about what they live on in nature...dry clay, rocks, and sand.


Edit to add: paper towels aren't pretty. But they're a whole lot better than using bark for leos.

 

[CRMason]

alright, I'll use some paper towel I guess, until I can afford to get something else. What about reptile carpet? is it safe? one brand better than another?

 

[CRMason]

changed the substrate just now, they are on paper towel with no colorful markings or anything. Should I be worried about it catching fire when my undertank heater is on?

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Please read the thread that I provided the link to. It will answer many of your substrate questions...which is why I posted a link to it for you.

If your undertank heater is hot enough to catch fire to paper towels through the bottom of the tank, you have it way too hot.

 

[CRMason]

Yep I'm reading it now, didn't get a chance earlier. I figured that was the case about the catching fire thing. No worries it's at the right temp.