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

Muffins94

Muffins94

New member
Conched, I myself do not have the mat. I had a half tile, half bio active substrate setup. I currently now have half tile half carpet. I just replace the carpet monthly as well as spot clean, trim and vacuum; and that's what I'd do with the sand mat probably. I got a chance to observe the sand mat at the reptile expo a few weeks back and I liked it. I may purchase it to give it a try when I see it in my local store. It's still to be put out in my area.

DeekGeek, I recently just purchased things through the Serpentarium as well. Took them awhile to ship out, but once they did I received it the next day. So I will have to second you on that for slow shipping. However the prices are great!
 
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chillwill007

chillwill007

New member
HELLO DEEKGEEK

Can u give any updates with the sand mat? How many times have u changed it out if any? How well has it held up? Any pics of ur set up with the reptisand mat in? I ask cause I'm in proccess of setting up a 40 breeder as a leo tank and want either this or I found another store that make something like this but looks more like a slate carpet I guess I would say.
 
VivaNFLD

VivaNFLD

New member
I switched to the sand mat when I cleaned my Leo's tank about a week ago. I made sure to shake off any loose gravel pieces, disinfected it and got it in the tank. I still have a slate tile on top of UTH and below the mat. So far I have to say I am pleased with it. As for defecation, what I have done is just put a piece of paper towel in the corner that he uses, whenever the towel is soiled I remove and replace with a new one. On the package for the mat there are instructions on how to disinfect, which I plan to do every couple weeks, and I plan to replace the mat every few months. It costs like 15 bucks locally so it's not a big issue. My leo seems to like the mat, it is very rough so he gets very good traction on it, as well I have some stone in his tank that I am using to keep the mat down flat, which is great because feeder insects have a hard time getting underneath and rotting. Overall I think it's a good product, however be prepared to replace it a couple times a year.
 
chillwill007

chillwill007

New member
VivaNFLD said:
I switched to the sand mat when I cleaned my Leo's tank about a week ago. I made sure to shake off any loose gravel pieces, disinfected it and got it in the tank. I still have a slate tile on top of UTH and below the mat. So far I have to say I am pleased with it. As for defecation, what I have done is just put a piece of paper towel in the corner that he uses, whenever the towel is soiled I remove and replace with a new one. On the package for the mat there are instructions on how to disinfect, which I plan to do every couple weeks, and I plan to replace the mat every few months. It costs like 15 bucks locally so it's not a big issue. My leo seems to like the mat, it is very rough so he gets very good traction on it, as well I have some stone in his tank that I am using to keep the mat down flat, which is great because feeder insects have a hard time getting underneath and rotting. Overall I think it's a good product, however be prepared to replace it a couple times a year.
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Ok cool do u have any pics of it in ur tank? I figured on replacing so I was thinking of buying 2 sets off the back so I could do a quick switch out when I would clean it off.
 
VivaNFLD

VivaNFLD

New member
Yup I can post a pic tonight when I get home from work. I currently have him in a 24 x 18 x 12(height) so the large sand mat fits perfectly.
 
chillwill007

chillwill007

New member
Ok cool thanks. I have a 40 breeder but I am really liking that exo terra medium low tank which is the one I'm thinking u have. I know people on here say 30x12 20 gallon long tanks are better cause there 30 long instead of 24. But to me a 9 our 10 inch gecko would feel better turning around I'm that 18 inch wide tank a lot better then 12 wide tank. It's a little smaller in length but I think having the bigger over all interior diameter is better.
 
Kung

Kung

New member
VivaNFLD said:
I switched to the sand mat when I cleaned my Leo's tank about a week ago. I made sure to shake off any loose gravel pieces, disinfected it and got it in the tank. I still have a slate tile on top of UTH and below the mat. So far I have to say I am pleased with it. As for defecation, what I have done is just put a piece of paper towel in the corner that he uses, whenever the towel is soiled I remove and replace with a new one. On the package for the mat there are instructions on how to disinfect, which I plan to do every couple weeks, and I plan to replace the mat every few months. It costs like 15 bucks locally so it's not a big issue. My leo seems to like the mat, it is very rough so he gets very good traction on it, as well I have some stone in his tank that I am using to keep the mat down flat, which is great because feeder insects have a hard time getting underneath and rotting. Overall I think it's a good product, however be prepared to replace it a couple times a year.
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did your sand mat have a bad smell to it? I pick up one and i smelt really bad, almost like gas.
 
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tims95

New member
My local petsmart and petland have these, the sand/stones come off extremely easily, as if just glued on. Though if all the loose stuff is rubbed off it might work well
 
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shawn101

New member
I'm using one now with ceramic tile over the UTH as the mat alone doesnt provide enough heat resistance really. Leo only pooped once on it and I just spot cleaned it with a diluted vinegar and water solution. She mostly tends to poop on this one rock, so pretty easy to clean that.
 
VivaNFLD

VivaNFLD

New member
You can always get a lamp dimmer for your UTH. Just keep a temp probe in there. I had a slate tile under mine though, I think it's a good idea.
 
VivaNFLD

VivaNFLD

New member
I've since switched I excavator clay, made some tunnels n stuff for the little guy. I'll post pics later.
 
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Andi

New member
I have one of these sand mats.

it think it's great. Yes, some little pieces of sand or "stone" can come off....in fact, a lot of them will. But just be aware of this before you put it in with your Leo. I thoroughly rubbed off any loose bits. it's not that time consuming or difficult.

As far as smell. Mine has no smell at all.

I certainly will not be cleaning and reusing it though. A couple more months and i'm just throwing it out.
 
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mad mike

New member
Hi there new here i actually just registered to post on this spot but ive got to leos and a big beardie and i have ordered one of these sand mats it seemed cool and i had a little extra money so i thought id be one of the first to try ive looked everywhere for reviews and there are very few but my package should be here ina few days so i will let yall know thanx goodbye for now
 
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