Sissa *Angelica*
New member
Would it make a difference if i didn't have sand in my leos terrarium? Does it matter? what do you prefer???
Sand or no sand??
- Thread starter Sissa *Angelica*
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Sissa *Angelica*
New member
I wonder why??
kvnsu
New member
Their is always the risk of your gecko swallowing/licking the sand and that could cause an impaction which can be fatal.
Edit: it is a highly debated topic but I would rather be safe then sorry. And tiles or paper towels are really easy to clean. And yes their have been cases of geckos swallowing the sand and dying..
Edit: it is a highly debated topic but I would rather be safe then sorry. And tiles or paper towels are really easy to clean. And yes their have been cases of geckos swallowing the sand and dying..
Last edited:
Sissa *Angelica*
New member
Oh! Wow! okay, thank you for the information! that is really helpful! 
Superleo98
New member
Yes, impaction is a possibility with sand. However, with the right husbandry, the risk lessens. Tong feeding, using a food dish, and having the proper temps are ways to prevent it. I used sand for 2 years with no problems, but you never know if and when it will happen. No calci sand, however repti sand, play sand, or jurassic sand works well. or you could use tile, with a thin layer of sand for a more natural look. There is most definitely loose particles where they live in the wild. I don't know why so many people think they all live on just rocks.
or you could use tile, with a thin layer of sand for a more natural look. There is most definitely loose particles where they live in the wild. I don't know why so many people think they all live on just rocks.
Sissa *Angelica*
New member
Thank you! I just dont want to take the risk you know? Angelica is my very first reptile and i love her to death. Last Night i totally removed all of the sand and replaced it with a cloth that i bought at Petsmart that you can place in the terrarium and it looks much better and cleaner.
Completeleopard
New member
Hello,
I do not recommend sand, especially for owners of first Leo's . The impaction risk is high, Leo's lick everything in their tank and there is no way to moderate it twenty four seven, until its too late.
There are loose particles in the wild where they live, however, a wild Leo's life expectancy is not as high as a captive gecko, of course .
Its highly debated, I wouldn't recommend taking the risk with your first Leo , especially if it is a juvenile Leo .
Textured tile or paper towels are good substrates, if your Leo likes digging, I recommend putting a sand / soil / moss mix within a contained area of the tank so your Leo can dig if they wish!
Is it reptile carpet you now have? Be careful if it is, Leo's can get their teeth and claws caught, the carpet can also harbour bacteria.
I do not recommend sand, especially for owners of first Leo's . The impaction risk is high, Leo's lick everything in their tank and there is no way to moderate it twenty four seven, until its too late.
There are loose particles in the wild where they live, however, a wild Leo's life expectancy is not as high as a captive gecko, of course .
Its highly debated, I wouldn't recommend taking the risk with your first Leo , especially if it is a juvenile Leo .
Textured tile or paper towels are good substrates, if your Leo likes digging, I recommend putting a sand / soil / moss mix within a contained area of the tank so your Leo can dig if they wish!
Is it reptile carpet you now have? Be careful if it is, Leo's can get their teeth and claws caught, the carpet can also harbour bacteria.