Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've heard most people use large pieces of bark or plain newspaper for their leo substrate to avoid impaction. However, I also heard that if a calcium based sand is used impaction would not be a problem due to the leo's ability to digest this specific type of sand.

Anyone know about this subject or substrate preferences to share?

thanks,

Sean

Even though it says that they can digest the calci sand its not true. It does cause impactation... i personally am currently using paper towels and im gonna switch to tile asap. Good luck with ur leos.
-Kinik
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I have decided to name my 1st leo Maverick. His last owner didnt want him and neglected and underfed him.

The product says it is safe and digestible. However if you look at care sheets of a lot of the big breeders, almost all of them do not recommend using sands as a substrate.
I was using calcisand. I've now switched to using tile with a rocky texture. It looks attractive, easier to clean, and far less expensive than the bags of sand. Less than a dollar per tile at the hardware stores. And if your worried about calcium, put a shallow dish of calcium powder in the cage.
Hope this helps.

never trust the company, im big about sticking it to the man, but really who knows if they're tested. What tests does their product even have to pass? I could very well go outside grab a bag of dirt, dye it and market it.

Also if a Leo dies from impaction whos going to know it was directly a cause from sand. Very few people will afford autopsies(sp).
Thanks just my ideas

I use ceramic tile, cheap, safe, conduct heat well and almost unusable. I dont trust calci sand. I know a vet assistant who have seen a case of calci sand impaction. Just one case...but one too much.
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Mizar 21
1.0 Collared lizard (Ganymede)
1.0 Leopard Gecko (Gethsemani)
1.0 Nerodia Fasciata (Serpentard)
1.0 rescued iguana
1.2 Cats