Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok. I have no idea how anyone here is going to take this one, but I work at a pet shop (not a chain pet shop though) and work the reptiles and small animals. I, as well as the other guy who works reptiles, take great pride in giving the best care and best advice we can on all reptiles. We always have leos and beardies in stock, and it goes without saying that both are sold quite readily. But I honestly don't know what to sell as a substrate. I always stay away from the 'Desert Blend' made of crushed walnut shells. People are very reluctant to set up their new pets on something as bland as newspaper or cage liners, not to mention I'd like to sell something that we carry in the store. So, what is the most suitable (preferably brand name) substrate to sell for leos and beardies? (I know, this isn't the bearded dragon forum, but I figured I'd include it). We carry both Bone-Aid and Vita Sand, which are the two substrates usually purchased, but every single substrate seems to have a down side. I honestly don't see how these things survive in the wild sometimes :-P. But any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

bone aid calci sand works well. it wont impact, though a lot of people say it will. it may not do any good for the animal, but neither does paper towels or newspaper. i say it doesnt impact because i've seen geckos eat it, with no problems. also, if it gets wet it doesnt clump together like other sand, it stays in seprate peices. so when it gets when inside a geckos stomach, it doesnt clump inside, making impaction, and can pass through.
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Yes, I've noticed it doesn't clump. We use it in the leos and beardies cages, and when water's spilled it simply floats on the surface of the sand, and when we clean the cages, there are no clumps like there was when we used the Desert Blend (thankfully we never had anything die from it, but we avoid the risk all together now).
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1.1 Albino Nelson's Milks
0.1 Dumeril's Boa
0.0.1 Albino Corn
0.1 Mex Mex
0.1 Northern Blue Tongue
0.0.1 Green Tree Frog
0.0.1 Cuban Tree Frog

I have had my adult leo's on sand since I've had them, and my fiance's little brother who had them before had them on sand since they were babies. There were never any problems. I prefer to keep my babies on papertowels, just to be safe. I would just advise them od the risk of impaction, and suggest they keep little ones on papertowels. Beyond that it is really up to them. From what I've heard, some geckos are going to consume substrate, no matter what kind it is, it is up to them if they want to risk it. Just my opinion.
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Mommy of 6 Leopards
Milo(my male) Mongo, Raptor,and Spaz
My babies Popeye and Boo(named after Monster's Inc. Character)
2 Dogs
Baby a Peekapoo and Meshu a terrier mix
And a Cat named Mr. Kitty