Would moss work as a main substrate?

MaxGuy

New member
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
 

Yuk

New member
I've had my geckos swallow moss on accident while chasing a cricket into their moist hide. Personally I wouldn't recommend it because it can't be good for them to accidentally eat. It is also messy and might make cleaning a bit of a chore.
 

JIMI

New member
^I agree. Moss is not a good substrate for a leopard gecko. Not to mention it will be a breeding ground for bacteria! I've read horror stories about leos becoming impacted by moss.
 

MaxGuy

New member
OK thanks. I havent heard too much about using moss as a substrate, so I was just wondering. It's ok for the moist hide though, right?
 

MaxGuy

New member
What do you guys think of this as a substrate/bedding? I like how it looks and it's thing to help the UTH a bit more. Plus it's not too expensive...
 

Yuk

New member
Ooh I have seen those and also heard good things! My only concern would be cleaning it. Make sure it has good reviews for keeping it clean and make sure to replace it if/when needed. Otherwise it looks really natural and seems like it would be safe.
 

MaxGuy

New member
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
 

MaxGuy

New member
Ok I checked the reviews for the sand matt and they are iffy (fairly easy to clean and the particles only come loose if you scrub really hard), but I am more inclined to get tile. What do you guys think?
Tile
vs.
Sand mat
 

Iloveice

New member
It's totally your option but I have always used it and never had a problem!! I washes SUPER easy too if anything gets on it! Your option tho!!
 

Yuk

New member
Personally, my vote is for sand mat :D It is closer to their natural substrate, in my opinion. And if it is safe and easy to clean, that's the winner in my eyes!
 

MaxGuy

New member
It's totally your option but I have always used it and never had a problem!! I washes SUPER easy too if anything gets on it! Your option tho!!
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
 

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 !
 

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!
 

Iloveice

New member
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.
 
Top