Iv'e posted elsewhere on the gecko forum, but 'm trying to reach a lot of people. This morning after battling for three weeks I lost my baby to sand impaction. Warm water soaks and feeding by dropper did not help. Do not place your leopard geckos on sand! Impaction is a real threat and Iv'e just experienced it first hand. Do not take this lightly. Everyone told me, but I didn't listen. PLEASE HEED THIS NOW! SAND IS BAD FOR LEO'S!! I wish i had listened when I had the chance. I have one more that may also be impacted, fortunately I have replaced all my tanks sand with newspaper and paper towels. Switch now, you may save a life..
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Leopard gecko substrate warning
fifenashia
Oct 29, 2003 08:16 AM
Replies (6)
zoodude
Oct 29, 2003 10:31 PM
To clarify, you were using "play" (silica) sand from a hardware store as opposed to a "reptile" (calcium carbonate) sand, correct?
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Zoodude
1.1 Acrantophis dumerli
0.1 Python molurus bivittatus
0.0.1 Morelia veridis
1.1 Elaphe (panthertophis?) obsoleta lindheimeri
0.2 Bogertophis subocularis
1.0 Pogona henrylawsoni
0.1 Geochelone carbonaria
3.2.1 Phelsuma laticaudal laticauda
1.5.1 Eublepharus macularius
0.0.1 Lampropeltis gutulus hobrooki
2.1.12 Elaphe guttata guttata
pinatamonkey
Oct 30, 2003 04:15 PM
I don't know if it matters much. Either sand can cause impactions.
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-audri
Webpage/Pics
fifenashia
Nov 02, 2003 05:50 PM
It sure can, I used a mix of play sand and calci-sand, it doesnt discriminate, sand is sand..
fifenashia
Nov 02, 2003 05:47 PM
It was a mix of 1 part calcium to 5 parts "play" sand. Both can cause impaction
jusmebabe
Oct 30, 2003 04:47 PM
Like everything some people have sucess and some don't. I've used sand for over 10 years with babies and adults and not a single case of impaction.
fifenashia
Nov 02, 2003 05:50 PM
I'm glad that you haven't had a problem yet and I hope you never do, The fact remains that it can happen and are you willing to put the lives of your animals at risk because it hasn't so far? It's your decision, I am not trying to push ar argue the point, Just making it known that it can happen, thats not a risk i'll take again..
