Good Substrate?

[geckofan15]

Hello everybody, I am getting my first leopard gecko in the future and I wanted to get tips on what substrate is best. I heard that I should not use sand because they can swallow it and cause health problems. I also heard that with Reptile Carpet sometimes their claws can get caught in it. I was thinking of maybe using paper towel but I was hoping for something that would make the tank look cool. Do you think I could use floor tiles? Or are there some types of soil or other substrates that would work better? Thanks for the help fellow gecko fans!:biggrin:

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

A warm welcome to Geckos Unlimited, geckofan15!

I like textured slate, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. Many patterns to choose from, easy to clean, permanent, and very good heat conductors for your under tank heater. Paper towels are good till you get the tiles.

:banana: for you on researching first!

 

[MistyBleil]

If you get the reptile carpet, run a hot iron over it to make it smoother. But the tile will be cheaper and no worries about snagging teeth or claws.

 

[Ignitius]

I personally use slate tile and put down a paper towel where they poop. I love it! It looks great and makes spot cleaning much easier.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

If you get the reptile carpet, run a hot iron over it to make it smoother. But the tile will be cheaper and no worries about snagging teeth or claws.

Nice!

Some keepers use the reverse side of reptile carpet.

 

[MistyBleil]

Elizabeth, both sides of my carpet were catching my Toothless's teeth. I did some research and found the ironing suggestion. But when my husband saw Toothless get caught four times in one feeding, we decided it was tile time. Poor Toothless is a bit of a clumsy hunter, he doesn't need any more feeding issues.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Elizabeth, both sides of my carpet were catching my Toothless's teeth. I did some research and found the ironing suggestion. But when my husband saw Toothless get caught four times in one feeding, we decided it was tile time. Poor Toothless is a bit of a clumsy hunter, he doesn't need any more feeding issues.

Good to know, MistyBleil. Thank you for this feedback. Textured slate or tile will be good for Toothless.

 

[congener329]

Tiles definately. They look great, easy to clean and no health risks!