I'm reviving a topic that's been beaten to death, just because of a post I saw about Calcisand.
We know that there's a decent risk of impaction using granular substrate. It's been proven time and time again. We know it's better for the gecko to use just a solid, non-granular substrate. But people still use them. As long as you're going to keep them in captivity, then we have to do our part and not just go for what's most pleasing to us (I.E. calcisand/sand in general being visually pleasing), but what's best for them.
That doesn't mean it has to not look good --- there are some great alternatives. Paper towels are very convenient and IMHO don't look that bad. For those who are looking for something a little extra, try Duck Shelf Liner. It gives good traction, and is easy to clean. You just pick up waste with a paper towel, and then spot-clean it with a solution (Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar diluted is what most people use). Every so often just toss it and replace it. You could fully clean it, but it's so cheap, just replace it.
And please, don't try to compromise. Reptisand is very fine grade sand, sure. But what it's made of is known to cause cancer and other bad things. Vitasand is so fine/dusty that it is a known cause of respiatory problems.
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0.0.1 Bearded Dragon (Zeo)
0.2.0 Leopard Geckos (Vienna, Chomps)
1.0.0 Golden Retriever (11 Years)
