Reptile & Amphibian Forums

someone please explain what this is to me please.ive been keeping my leos on calci-sand since day one, ive never had a problem (knock on wood). i don wanna sound ignorant but i just donno what it is.
thanx nevin

Basically it is when an animal swallows a large amount of something and can't pass through the digestive system, it then basically clogs up the organism... You can imagine all the problems this could cause...

I have had fish die of this before

thank u, i understand where they all come from now wen they say that sand is bad.
nevin

Impaction is where solid material other than feces builds up in the intestines to the point that it cannot pass. This can cause the blocked intestine to perforate, or explode.

There are studies implicating the use of calci-sand as a major contributor of impaction. Cali-sand is mad up of calcium carbonate, wnich is the same calcium that is used in powder form to 'dust' food items, and is a necessary mineral for bone development in all living things. The calcium powder we use is vary fine, and is designed to be absorbed into the system very quickly. The problem with calci-sand is that it does not dissolve completely in the GI system of leos, and actually becomes sticky as it travels through the intestines, causing it to clump up. Leopard Geckos have a relatively short GI system, and this can cause intestinal impaction... which can cause death.

Also, since calci-sand is made of calcium carbonate which is the same ingredient in Tums and other stomach acid reducers, a constant, undissolved supply of it in the digestive system can neutralize the acids that break down food, which can lead to incomplete digestion. This can add to the problem of impaction.

This is just my professional opinion based on laboratory studies and case histories.
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Marcia McGuiness
Golden Gate Geckos
www.goldengategeckos.com

wow omg i deff think im ganna change it my substrates in my tanks now that i kno that
thanx again
nevin