Ok IK that this thread has probably been posted 23472323428473 times, but I really need your opinion. I am on the hunt for the perfect substrate that is affordable, easy to maintain, and looks nice. I know, impossible right? I read somewhere that moss would be good. All you have to do is wet it, place it in the tank, and then let it dry and it becomes relatively hard. Is this a viable choice? Does it mold? The other option I was thinking was ceramic tile, although that doesnt look the best
Would moss work as a main substrate?
- Thread starter MaxGuy
- Start date
Iloveice~ I heard that toes can get snagged on it and potentially get pulled off and that scares me. also I dont really like how it looks and the calcium powder seems to get stuck in it easily.
Yuk~ OK thanks Ill check out some reviews. I really like it also, but I want to make sure that it is safe and easy before I buy
Yuk~ OK thanks Ill check out some reviews. I really like it also, but I want to make sure that it is safe and easy before I buy
How do you normally clean it? Do you have to take the mat up every time there is poop? I want to try to train him to go on a paper towel to do his buisness
Yuk
New member
Here is an interesting article for you - I really liked the part about the repti-carpet 
Leopard Gecko Guy: So what should you use as substrate to cut the risk of impaction?
Leopard Gecko Guy: So what should you use as substrate to cut the risk of impaction?
Completeleopard
New member
I would recommend the tile, the sand mat will most likely trap bacteria in it and be difficult to clean.
Regarding the training him to poop, just wait till he selects where he poop's then place a paper towel there !
Regarding the training him to poop, just wait till he selects where he poop's then place a paper towel there !
JIMI
New member
I believe they talk about this sand mat in this thread: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/leopard-geckos-substrates-substrate-issues/70732-alternative-sand-keep-natural-look-exo-terra-sand-mat-here.html.
I'd personally go with the ceramic tile because I can get multiple sets for very cheap (most of the time you can get all the tile you need for less than $5), they're very easy to keep clean and disinfect, there's pretty much no risks that I can think of, and the list goes on. If you're willing to spend a little bit more than $5 than you can also get some pretty nice looking tiles. This is just me, though. If you like the sand mat better, then go for it. If you end up not liking it you can always return it!
I'd personally go with the ceramic tile because I can get multiple sets for very cheap (most of the time you can get all the tile you need for less than $5), they're very easy to keep clean and disinfect, there's pretty much no risks that I can think of, and the list goes on. If you're willing to spend a little bit more than $5 than you can also get some pretty nice looking tiles. This is just me, though. If you like the sand mat better, then go for it. If you end up not liking it you can always return it!
With Leo's it's great because they only popping one spot so when he finds his spot put the paper towel there or what I did with mine, the way I cut the carpet some glass is showing the back and she likes to poop there so it makes it really easy to spot clean but that carpet is really easy to clean too! Tile also sounds good!!
hmarie186
New member
I vote ceramic tile. You can get a natural sandstone and seal it with a nontoxic sealer. What I bought for my tank is a faux wood tile available at any tile shop (I'm not sure about Lowes or Home Depot). It comes in all different grains and colors- it's really fun to pick out! I think it looks very natural.