Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I've read that washed play sand is the best sand option for reptiles (least likelihood of impaction). Is this the case? If so, where can I get washed play sand?

I would reccomend vitamin sand over playsand. (Actually I wouldn't reccomend sand at all) Its a super fine grain and it breaks down in their system. It's less likely to cause an impaction than playsand. But if you really want it, play sand can be purchased at Homedepot, Lowe's and those kind of stores.

Emily
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2.4.2 leopard geckos (Nelson, Zander, Zoe, Baby, Houdini, Munch, Gizmo & Zig Zag)
1.1 ferrets (Oliver and Delilah)
1. budgie (Max)
0.0.1 Ring neck Parakeet (Kiwi)
1.1 German Shepards (Jake and Abigail)

The Spotted Gecko
**Updated 9-21-04**

vitmin sand is the worst, it causes them to lick it and it is not digestable so they end up getting impacted and dieing, i would not reccoment sand at all as leos are rock dwellers and live in rocky crevices with little dust like sand, commercially made sand is very dangerous, if you want a natural look go with unglossed tiles that have a sandy color

I would have to agree. Sand isn't the best option. The first leo we ever owned was on sand because we didn't know any better and she died of impaction.

well, the thing is, I've always used paper towels but they do not conduct heat well at all. Temperatures are always off no matter what kind of thermometer I'm using. Tile has the same problem. I want a substrate that I can bury the end of a digital thermometer in, something that is not flat.

Well I'm not sure what to tell you to use then. Your leos safety is the number one concern and I just don't think sand is a good idea. How old is your leo anyway?

they are both about 13 months old.Fully grown by all means.

>>if you want a natural look go with unglossed tiles that have a sandy color

Yeah check out my tiles, $0.88 each at Lowe's. So you figure go buy paper towels at the store for $1 a roll, after a couple rolls tile pays for itself, not to mention I think it looks better and they can't eat it.

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==== Tim W =======================
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0.1 Dumeril Boa "Visara" ==
0.1 Domestic Housecat "Kiki" ==
0.0.1 Leopard Gecko "Unnamed" ==

Your tiles really do look cool.

You said you got them at Lowes?

Do you know what they call the tiles in your cage? (some tiles have a certain name like sand or limestone just names to coordinate with their colors).

I'd like to get some of those.

And are your tiles like slate tiles or like tiles you'd put on a kitchen floor (laminated).

Thanks for any info.
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Yeah I got them at Lowe's. I'm not to sure on the name of the tiles, I didn't pay much atention to that at the store. They are rock like not plastic like kitchen kind. They are have a sticker on the bottom of them it says "Rialto Terra" but im not sure if that is the brand or color or what and the UPC code is "020841 480344" and they are stamped/engraved "Made in Italy". Don't know if that will help but maybe they can look it up in the computer to see if they got it. Im going out shopping and if I end up at Lowe's I'll check on name for you.

>>Your tiles really do look cool.
>>
>>You said you got them at Lowes?
>>
>>Do you know what they call the tiles in your cage? (some tiles have a certain name like sand or limestone just names to coordinate with their colors).
>>
>>I'd like to get some of those.
>>
>>And are your tiles like slate tiles or like tiles you'd put on a kitchen floor (laminated).
>>
>>Thanks for any info.
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==== Tim W =======================
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0.1 Dumeril Boa "Visara" ==
0.1 Domestic Housecat "Kiki" ==
0.0.1 Leopard Gecko "Unnamed" ==

Thanks that helps me out a lot. I think I may go buy some today and take the kitchen tile out of the 2 terrariums I have it in.

Is there anything I have to do to it before I put it in besides washing it off?

Thanks again!
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Signature file edited; oversized graphic removed. Please update/correct to an acceptable smaller size. Thank you. [phw 9/26/04]