Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, yesterday, when I got my Leopard Gecko, the pet store guy asked me what I was going to keep it in, feed it and use as substrate, etc. He didn't like any of my answers. I told him that I was going to use paper towel and he basically wouldn't let me leave the store without getting the T-Rex brand Calci-Sand.

I read that sand as a substrate is NG, but this stuff is different. It's not "real" sand. You could read about it on the Petco site. Also, from what I read, sand is NG for young'uns but ok for adults. My Gecko is 8" so I'm assuming it's an adult.

Is it ok/good to use or should I stick to paper towel?

White paper towels are perfectly fine! and safer than any sand, tho not as natural looking. try to return the calci-sand if you'd rather use paper towels.

And calci-sand even tho it is calcium carbonate, is not really digestible. I've heard lots of stories of impaction with calcium sand products, and even had one experience of it with one of my leos. (She survived with vet's help)

However many adult leos are totally fine on calci-sand. A tendency to lick up the substrate like candy is actually a symptom of mineral deficiency. the leo craves calcium because he needs it. So if your leo is adult, healthy, gets plenty of calcium in dust form, and doesnt try to eat the substrate while you watch, its probably gonna be fine.

T-Rex is not lying when they say it's digestible. But they're not telling the whole truth either. Its' not EASILY or WHOLLY digestible. If a leo eats a few grains, I'm sure he will absorb some calcium as the grains pass thru his system. But if he licks up a whole bunch, it will block him up like a great big lump of cement!

stick to paper towels unless you want your leopard gecko impacted.
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