Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive been checking through all the comments and opinions about sand v.s paper towel. Sand can be harmful(can be, not will be) but it provides a natural look on the geckos, easier to scoop(the wastes), and gives them the possibility to dig(which they seem to like alot, in my leos case). Paper towel might be safer, cheaper and easier to remove and clean, but i think it would stress a great deal of the leos by removing them first, then their shelter,logs, stones, etc..., then back again in the tank periodically. Im not sure about the conclusions, but in my opinion sand would be a good enough choice, although you do have to keep a good eye on your pets to make sure nothing goes wrong...I leave this topic open and any other conclusions and opinions are welcomed

You just stated all the past 3 years arguments into one page.
You are correct and Im the same as you, I use sand in my breeder tank and paper for the babies.

o ya, and FIRST!
-----
___________________________________________________________
Austin-WiteLeo
Leopard Geckos
3.2.2
Brothers
2

I will defend to the death a person's right to put their leos on sand.... but every last one of mine are on paper towels

Austin:

I am in the process of setting up my leos tank and tho read good reasons not to use sand. I also read lots use it for yrs never a problem and it does look natural.
I am probably going to order the white calci sand .
Ritas

I am one of the breeders that uses sand as a substrate and I have for 10+ years. While I have taken some heat for my opinions about this matter in the past, I still believe sand to be one of the best substrates to use.....I will also defend anyone's right to use sand, just not to the death...really not even to the point of slight pain
NOW FOR THE DISCLAIMER:
If you are not an experienced keeper you may be headed for trouble. As with ANY substrate, but especially with sand or "calci-sand" substrates, you must pay VERY close attention to ALL husbandry issues. You need to be vigilant about temperature, calcium and water availabilty, humidity issues and you MUST watch what your leos is passing (that means you gotta look at the poop!) I have said it before but I'll say it again, IMPACTION IS A SYMPTOM. And usually it is a syptom that you are not meeting all of the needs of your leo.
another option for those of you who like the natural look maybe try tile/sand.

-----
www.hullabalooherps.com

So are you telling us that you have never had a leo die from the sand?

Is tile completely safe? Can I get tile from any local hardware store without concern?

Michelle1010, in 10+ years I have never had a leo die due to anything remotely related to sand...BTW the grand total of leos to die in my care in 10+ years = 2. I still have my original leos from years back, they are retired breeders and just eat and take up space.
Leoking- you can find the laminate or heavier ceramic tile (my personal preferance) at Lowe's or Home Depot.
-----
www.hullabalooherps.com

Out of all the people that use sand, compaired to all the leo's that have died of it, thats like not even 1% death from sand.(I may be off a little.) I use sand for my large tank like I said, its looks good, but not for my babies, only becuase its not as cheap as there paper towels.

And LeafTail, where did you get that cage setup, I have been looking for one like that but doesn't cost $500.

Thanks
-----
___________________________________________________________
Austin-WiteLeo
Leopard Geckos
3.2.2
Brothers
2

WiteLeo, what setup are you talking about? I think it must be someone elses.

Wjere did you get that cage rack from hill? It looks like what I have been looking for. And how much was it?

Thanks
-----
___________________________________________________________
Austin-WiteLeo
Leopard Geckos
3.2.2
Brothers
2

I built it and if you build it yourself you will probably spend about $250 - $300 in materials. If you need instructions I put info on a different website from my business website (I sell these cages locally in Atlanta): www.freewebs.com/herptips/
they are not really hard to build but it is a little time consuming. Several others have built these from my instructions with really nice results.
-----
www.hullabalooherps.com

Congrats to your leos. I am still uncertain about the sand no matter how good it looks. Too many forums say that sand is bad for them. Your homes for your leos look good but I will not use sand. The truth about the deaths of sand are only what you tell us. No insults.

I am glad you have been doing research, that is a great 1st step. I recommend people use whatever substrate they are most comfortable with. Keep in mind you will still have to pay a lot of attention to your husbandry, no matter what substrate you use, to make sure your leo stays healthy. Good luck with your leos!
-----
www.hullabalooherps.com