Leopard Gecko: Substrate change

[kouneli]

So I'm getting tired of the paper towel, and one of my new females keeps digging at it and tearing it into pieces in one corner. I know that sand is a big no, as well as any loose particles. I refuse to use reptile carpet since it can be difficult to fully clean, can catch nails, and I have known of leopard geckos to develop sores on their feet and bellies from it. Tile, unfortunately, is difficult to get into Vision cages due to the not-so-flat bottom (mine have 2 ridges to allow for stacking), causing the tile to wobble and shift, therefore making little toes not so safe. I'm not wanting to stick anything to these cages unless it's removable in case I need to change some animals around (after disinfecting the cages, of course).

I've thought of linoleum and shelf liner, but how do I prevent insects and geckos from going underneath? I'm wanting something more sturdy than paper towels and nicer looking, as well.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

So I'm getting tired of the paper towel, and one of my new females keeps digging at it and tearing it into pieces in one corner. I know that sand is a big no, as well as any loose particles. I refuse to use reptile carpet since it can be difficult to fully clean, can catch nails, and I have known of leopard geckos to develop sores on their feet and bellies from it. Tile, unfortunately, is difficult to get into Vision cages due to the not-so-flat bottom (mine have 2 ridges to allow for stacking), causing the tile to wobble and shift, therefore making little toes not so safe. I'm not wanting to stick anything to these cages unless it's removable in case I need to change some animals around (after disinfecting the cages, of course).

I've thought of linoleum and shelf liner, but how do I prevent insects and geckos from going underneath? I'm wanting something more sturdy than paper towels and nicer looking, as well.

How about putting an arboreal gecko in that tank that would be happy with a cocopeat substrate? Then pick up a 20 gallon LONG tank from Petco today for $20, the last day of their current sale?

 

[kouneli]

Sorry, but I like my stackable, front-opening cages, and these Vision cages are larger than a 20 gallon long when it comes to floor space. Three of my geckos also like the front-opening doors, as this allows them to willingly climb out onto my hand when they want out. These cages aren't tall enough for arboreal geckos.

Just wanting some help on what I could use for substrate and wondering why some people think that a leopard gecko can only be housed in a 20 gallon long glass tank.

I'm sure there are choices other than tile that I could use. I just need to know how people with regular tanks keep the linoleum or shelf liner from allowing animals from burrowing underneath.

 

[athdaraxen]

Have you tried using lots of really small tiles? Like 4x4 or 2x2? There would be gaps but you can use just a small amount of sand in the bottom to keep them all still. In mine my gecko cant reach the sand through the cracks, and he hasn't gotten stuck or hurt, he walks around without issue. The fun part is I can change and use different tiles to give him different feeling ground to walk on.

Sent from my Slimbean Cappy via Tapatalk 2.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Sorry, but I like my stackable, front-opening cages, and these Vision cages are larger than a 20 gallon long when it comes to floor space. Three of my geckos also like the front-opening doors, as this allows them to willingly climb out onto my hand when they want out. These cages aren't tall enough for arboreal geckos.

Just wanting some help on what I could use for substrate and wondering why some people think that a leopard gecko can only be housed in a 20 gallon long glass tank.

Excellent on MORE floor space with your Vision cages!

Sometimes people get 10 gallons for their leos as recommended by their pet stores or otherwise. Just passing on the sale info.

I don't think the 20 gallon long is the only option for leos. Just an excellent size for a thermal gradient, easy to heat, and quite workable .

Exo Terra has a 36 x 18 x 12 with front opening doors.

I'm sure there are choices other than tile that I could use. I just need to know how people with regular tanks keep the linoleum or shelf liner from allowing animals from burrowing underneath.

That's all .

 

[acpart]

I have one visionarium for which I actually use no substrate (plastic bottom) and it works fine. I also have a custom made 4-level enclosure (picture at the bottom) that is made from tubs which havea curved sides. I do have tiles in those enclosures and they just don't cover all the way to the edges. It hasn't been a problem.

Aliza

 

[cassicat4]

I was thinking the same^. Do you need substrate at all? Usually people just use substrate for appearance purposes or ease of cleaning anyway. I wouldn't use shelf liner because I could see that being messy. Just thinking about the shelf liner I use, liquid that isn't cleaned up can soak through. If you aren't able to immediately clean up your gecko's mess, this could be a concern.

Is there anything you could use for a filler in the gaps that could stabilize tile if you were to use it?

On a side note - how old is your female? If she's of breeding age, she could be digging to lay eggs...

 

[kouneli]

I always thought that there were some shelf liners that were waterproof, but now that I think of it, I can't think of any. So thanks for the notice on that.

As for the female, she's 4 months old, and does have a separate lay box/humid hide with peat moss.

 

[XoVictoryXo]

I have one visionarium for which I actually use no substrate (plastic bottom) and it works fine. I also have a custom made 4-level enclosure (picture at the bottom) that is made from tubs which havea curved sides. I do have tiles in those enclosures and they just don't cover all the way to the edges. It hasn't been a problem.

Aliza

Hey thats an awesome setup. Did you make it yourself? I want one!


I am now in the same boat as wanting a better substrate, since I have just learned slate tiles are causing my UTH's to short out/melt.