Substrate Advice

[Slewis]

Hi

I have an adult leopard gecko. I’ve had him for about 10 years. We have always kept him on sand, either Leo Life or Desert Sand. He has recently had an impaction and is still recovering. The vet has recommended that we change the substrate. I’ve read a lot about recommended substrates and it’s all so conflicting. We currently have him on newspaper at the recommendation of the vet. I’d appreciate any help and advice about the best options. Thanks in advance.

 

[acpart]

Think of it as lots of choices, as opposed to conflict about the "one true choice". Newspaper is fine, but it gets dirty from droppings, the feeders can hide under it or the gecko can try to "dig" it up and tear it. That said, it works for some people. Paper towel is also a choice, but has the same issues as newspaper.
Here are some other things people use with pros and cons:
vinyl tiles: as long as there isn't glue on the bottom that may emit fumes when heated, this is fine. It doesn't move around and tear like paper choices
repti-carpet: green felted material that looks sort of like astro turf with a buzz cut. It's available at pet stores. Best advice is to get 2 pieces, since it can get dirty with spills and droppings. When the piece being used gets dirty, switch pieces. Take the dirty piece, wash it in the sink with a small amount of soap, put it in the spin dry cycle of your washer and hang it out to dry. Then you can switch back. It will fray after awhile, but it's cheap to replace
ceramic tile: this is my personal favorite. It's easy to piece in or cut to size basic floor tiles from the home store (get the cheapest ones). I usually go for cheap beige slightly textured tiles. I've been using it for about 20 years. It conducts heat well and is easy to clean. Some people feel that the hard surface is unpleasant for their feet. I deal with that by giving them hide boxes with something they can dig in, which brings me to my final item:
eco-earth: this comes in dehydrated blocks that you add water to. People who design bioactive enclosures for their leopard geckos use this (https://geckotime.com/holistic-design-in-bioactive-vivariums-leopard-geckos-part-2/) and it may not impact them as much as sand. If you're dealing with an impaction, this may not be a good idea now, though it could go in a humid hide.

I hope this rundown of choices is helpful. A lot depends on what the keeper finds attractive and how easy it is to maintain,

Aliza

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi Sally ~
Here are two well-respected leopard gecko keepers with their suggestions for leopard gecko substrates. Suggestions for leopard gecko substrates have come a long ways in recent years.

Keeper #1: Leopard Gecko Substrate
"There are a variety of substrates you can use. Zoo Med's Excavator Clay is good for more solid features but personally I like a mix of play sand and topsoil or potting compost, in roughly 40:60 measures. The consistency should be such that if you poke your finger into the substrate, the hole retains its shape. This enables it to retain burrows.

"You can also add a layer of leaf litter, moss. or sphagnum over the top."


Keeper #2: Leopard Gecko Substrate
"It’s a 7:3 mix of organic topsoil and play sand.

"I suggest Timberline topsoil or Scott’s. Make sure to sift the soil to take out any big chips. I use Quikrete play sand, does not have to be washed at all."