I know a natural substrate for leopard geckos can definitely have controversy, especially the one i discuss which i am considering getting which is loose eco earth coconut fiber, it certainly is better looking than my dull paper towel substrate currently, it is only impacted in rare cases, obviously as well every one arguing for states the youtube videos of the impaction tests with it and how its been used fine (keep in mind in my case im using loose coconut fiber, not the brick which is boiled and dried out), so is this ok is my question, im looking for it will work, or it will not work, but to explain why either answer thank you.
Natural substrate leopard gecko
- Thread starter jc555
- Start date
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Eco Earth's coco fiber is dusty when dry. Leos don't want it moist because it increases humidity.
There ARE alternatives.
You may find better ideas for "natural" substrates in these links:
There ARE alternatives.
You may find better ideas for "natural" substrates in these links:
- Zoo Med Excavator Clay Custom Build......swisswiss (Jeff) -- 27 Jan 2016
Click: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...wisss-terrarium.html?highlight=excavator+clay - Click: NEHERP - Vivarium Construction 101 - The most complete vivarium building articles online!
- Click: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/naturalistic-vivarium/
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Ok thank you, one q, how do i get a heating pad to still be effective with this substrate? Thanks
I used the bagged eco earth for a short period of time recently and regreted it. Every cricket my gecko would eat would also end up with substrate aswell. Yeah sure people say it can easily be digested but why make their body do that? I noticed my gecko seemed so much happier once it wasn't trying to navigate through sinking eco earth anymore. It's really not a good option in my opinion.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
I totally agree about coco fiber! Did you try coco fiber in just in one area or over the entire floor?I have also "heard" that Eco Earth's coco fiber is an insulator, not the conductive substrate leo's need for their heat mats.
I love feeding bowls. That way I can easily monitor a gecko's intake.
It was over the entire cage. Def would be better if used along with slate tile or even a split look in the cage with half eco earth and half repticarpet. I agree if your gecko eats from a bowl mostly or if you take them out to feed them then it probably won't be an issue. My gecko seemed uncomfortable on the loose substrate but some may love it. I USED to love the leopardgeckotalk youtube channel and I saw video after video of her saying eco earth is safe and a great substrate even for babies but then I realized even with all her experience I needed to take her advice with a grain of salt because she is basically treating eco earth like its completely risk free while it isn't but she will constantly call those out who use sand. Some say I've used sand for 10 years no problem so it must be safe and that was basically what this youtuber says about eco earth. It's just bad advice to give rather its rare it causes impaction or not. If it's a risk your willing to put on your gecko then thats a personal preference but I know I would never intentionally allow my pets or children to ingest something they shouldn't eat just to prove my point and gain youtube views.
Dogstar5988
New member
I have used different substrates and I think it is okay to use something like eco-earth if you are cautious when you feed. One thing I do is to always feed on a tile or from a dish to avoid him getting a mouth full of dirt if/when they miss. I know a lot of people disagree but I think it can be done safely with the right precautions taken.