Preferred Substrate?

[Etienette]

Hello everyone, as previously told in other discussions - I am new to the whole 'ownership' of a Leopard Gecko. I've spent years researching them from the basics, to in depth - but wanted to inquire to those who have first hand experience.

What is the best substrate to use, by witnessing it? I have sand right now for my Leo, and it is a very fine grade. My little one doesn't seem to at all be interested in it, but I still hold that 'what if' notion in the back of my mind. I am on a low income, but would love to hear about the varying substrates that you all use.

If possible, when posting - please answer the following:

What substrate do you use?
Why do you use it?
How do your Leos and/or other critters fair with it?
Are there any cons with using it?
How easy is it to wash?
Is it compatible with an UTH, without risk of burns?
Other(include any other things that you think might help!)


I got my Leo just yesterday, and I believe that it's just a little Juvenile. I've yet to sex it, and even figure out the morph - but I'm more focused on settling on a proper substrate for now. So to any and all who post, with your own opinions and experiences - my little Leo and I will be forever grateful!

 

[JIMI]

What substrate do you use?
Ceramic tile

Why do you use it?
No risks, easy to clean, sanitary, and cheap!

How do your Leos and/or other critters fair with it?
My leo does very well on it. My vet is also pleased with this substrate.

Are there any cons with using it?
Some complain that it is not aesthetically pleasing(and that it's not natural), but since you only have to purchase a few you can choose some nice looking tiles if you wish. The leo's health and safety is more important than the aesthetics.

How easy is it to wash? Very easy!To clean them some suggest just running them through the dishwasher. It's also a good idea to purchase a second set of tiles to switch with the tiles that you have in the enclosure to allow for thorough disinfecting. You can use a bleach solution, just make sure you rinse very very well and you allow them plenty of time to off gas. I use something safer: http://www.reptilebasics.com/F10SC-100ml

Is it compatible with an UTH, without risk of burns?
Yes it is, but you should always have the UTH on a thermostat no matter what.

Personally, I would not risk using sand, especially with a younger leo, because of the significant threat of impaction. It's also not sanitary. Choosing a safe substrate like this will also help prevent emergency vet bills down the road. Hope this helps

 

[Etienette]

Thanks for such helpful feedback, JIMI!
I have heard excellent reviews about Ceramic and Slate tiling, and it looks pretty darn eye-catching too!
The sand is only a temporary thing until I can switch it out on the 30th, when I get paid and can head out to spoil my little one. I will certainly take a gander at the local hardware stores for some tiling, as I do know it can be pretty cheap per square!

 

[Superleo98]

What substrate do you use?
Repti sand
Why do you use it?
I like the look of it, and it's easy to clean.
How do your Leos and/or other critters fair with it?
They love it! They rest easily on it and like to dig. I believe it is very stimulating for them.
Are there any cons with using it?
There is a risk of impaction, however to minimize the risk, I tong feed them, or feed them in a seperate container that doesn't have sand.
How easy is it to wash?
No need to wash, just scoop up the poop and urates. I change the sand out every 6 months-a year.
Is it compatible with an UTH, without risk of burns?
Yes it is compatible with a UTH, no risk of burns, they sleep over the UTH often.
Other(include any other things that you think might help!)
As much as I personally love sand, I don't recommend using it if you are too worried or unsure about impaction. I definitely do not recommend calcium sand. Don't use sand with baby leopard geckos for the risk is far greater.
Sand is what I prefer, but there is always tile, which looks just as nice also.

 

[Yuk]

What substrate do you use? Bioactive soil/eco-earth/clay mix
Why do you use it? Because it looks more natural and eventually could be self-sustaining.
How do your Leos and/or other critters fair with it? So far so good. I've had it a few weeks now and I like it. It promotes a lot of activity such as digging and exploring. Since the girls who occupy it look close to the Wild Type morph, they blend in pretty well and often I don't see them until they move.
Are there any cons with using it? Yes - I am going to have to stay on top of their parasite load while the tank is being established. I'm sending in an initial fecal to a reptile vet to check for the really bad parasites and start a baseline. From that point forward I am going to collect fecal samples from them at least monthly. More often if any of the poop is abnormal or they are acting abnormal. It's been an expensive build and maintenance has an expensive initial cost (I have to buy a microscope, take the time to do the fecals, buy the appropriate medication if needed, and dose according to their weight). It's risky, but I think it is worth it for them to have a comfortable environment closer to what they would have at "home".
How easy is it to wash? Easy once it is set up - simple, don't wash it. I have isopods and bacteria to clean it for me. At the moment, the cleaners can't keep up with the decay of feeders and fecal matter, so I am spot cleaning. It should start picking up in a few months.
Is it compatible with an UTH, without risk of burns? Yep - You can control how hot you want an area by the coverage of the substrate. I keep the entire tank covered, if only thinly in some areas, so there is little risk of burn. They can dig through it, but it isn't thick enough for them to burrow in and burn themselves. Their thick digging area is away from the UTH
Other(include any other things that you think might help!) I wouldn't use this for hatchlings or sick geckos. They need paper towels.

 

[Etienette]

Thank you both for your informative feedback!
I am taking all posts into consideration, especially if a tank expansion occurs in the future for my little one!

 

[JIMI]

Thanks for such helpful feedback, JIMI!
I have heard excellent reviews about Ceramic and Slate tiling, and it looks pretty darn eye-catching too!
The sand is only a temporary thing until I can switch it out on the 30th, when I get paid and can head out to spoil my little one. I will certainly take a gander at the local hardware stores for some tiling, as I do know it can be pretty cheap per square!

Glad I was helpful! Depending on how fancy you want it to look, it can be very cheap. If you have extra money on the side (after purchasing all of the necessary equipment and if you have enough space in your enclosure), you can try creating something for it to climb. For example, once I finish building my larger enclosure I am going to create a mountain like structure out of polystyrene(insulation foam) and grout for my leo to explore because he loves to climb and it will promote good exercise. It's an inexpensive project that you may want to consider if you would really like to spoil your leo. Check the DIY section for more ideas if you are interested.

A tank expansion is a great way to spoil a leo!

 

[Etienette]

JIMI: Fancy isn't so much of an importance to me, right now - more so preserving my little one's life. But I do know that the tiles can be pretty cheap if found at the right place. I just purchased a UTH and a Thermostat, which were the two main things that I was dreading - price wise. But surprisingly, they came out to be a good price as I bought them online! Both should be here by July 1st, and that is the day after I get paid. So I'll certainly be going out on the 30th to take a look at the ceramic and slate tiles, along with mulling over the substrates at my local pet stores.

As for that mountain-like structure idea, that is certainly something for me to consider when I do an expansion! I'll have a look at the DIY section to take a peek!

Thanks again!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi Etienette ~

A warm welcome to Geckos Unlimited!

How about a picture of your new leo? Have you some idea how old? What size enclosure? Leos grow quite quickly.

Sometimes it is more economical in the long run to upgrade right at the beginning.

 

[Etienette]

Hi Etienette ~

A warm welcome to Geckos Unlimited!

How about a picture of your new leo? Have you some idea how old? What size enclosure? Leos grow quite quickly.

Sometimes it is more economical in the long run to upgrade right at the beginning.

Thank you for the welcome!
Two 'good quality' photos can be found below - will be taking more soon! And I believe that it is still a Juvenile, as it isn't too too big - smaller than I've seen the adults where I bought this one from. I could be wrong, but judging by the looks it does seem younger. And the enclosure is a 20"x10"x12" - a bit larger than what it was in at the pet store. I intend on upgrading but right now I am focusing on getting the dire necessities to ensure that my little one is not only comfy, but safe.

 

[Superleo98]

Cute gecko!

 

[Etienette]

Cute gecko!

Thanks so much! :biggrin:

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

A beautiful leo, Etienette! I love those yellows!

 

[Etienette]

Thank you very much Elizabeth! My little one truly is a critter to be proud of!

 

[Etienette]

Just an update!
I went through with buying six nice slabs of Sandy-looking Ceramic tiling. At .79 cents a piece, who could complain?!
Thanks to everyone for the amazing feedback, I certainly think that my little Leo will be much happier now(and so will I)!