Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Eco Earth as a substrate... How is it? Can it cause impaction? We were using repti-bark which seemed too large to ingest, but my husband switched because it is easier to grow plantsin their cage with the eco earth.

All opinions are appreciated, and any links about it as well!

Thanks!
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Greg 'n' Jenee
^1 Frilled Dragon *Pat*
^2 Chameleons *Captain & Commando, The Chameleon Squad*
^2 Mali Uromastyx *Mr Pink & Chica*
^3 Pictus Geckos *Beastie Boy & His Harem*
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The truth is that any substrate can cause impaction. This risk is greatly reduced with proper husbandry... a happy, healthy, and hydrated gecko will be able to pass pretty much anything it ingests. So the question is whether you want a naturalistic or sterile environment.

I'm a big fan of the naturalistic vivaria, although I do realize there is some minor risks associated with it, I believe the benefits greatly outweigh them. Things to consider when setting up your vivaria... 1) substrate doesn't really matter all that much, because you'll want a plant cover like moss or weeds anyways. 2) If your geckos are arboreal, again substrate doesn't matter much, because you'll want enough vertical structure where most predation happens above ground.

Good luck and have fun with your geckos

Ian

Eco-earth is kind of an all purpose tool for me. I use it with my cresties and have used it with AFT's. I also it in my Leopard Gecko and African Fat Tail Gecko nestboxes and humid hides. But like any substrate it can be ingested. As long as your geckos are well fed and have all their needs taken care of though, there is barely any chance of substrate ingestion.
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1.0 Hypo Tang Leopard Gecko
0.1 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHTCT Baldy Leopard Gecko
1.0 African Fat Tailed Gecko
1.1 Crested Geckos
0.1 California Kingsnake
1.1 Cornsnakes

I've never had any issues with eco earth. I've used it with Tokays, Goldens and AFT's.
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My posts and replies are my experiences only
1.2.15 Tokays
1.4.10 Leos(13 albino)
1.2.0 AFT's(amel male)
0.2.0 Stenodactylus Petrii(Dune Geckos)