Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking to create a more natural and attractive setup for my leos... provided i feed in a seperate container, am i okay with sand (i would use the "calci-sand" that CLAIMS it's safe for ingestion)

In my expierence i really wouldn't. Even if your not feeding them in the enclosure they will still ingest some sand.

It really isn't a good idea. Especially if you are planning to use calci-sand. Leopard geckos lick their surroundings constantly. If you change something they will lick even more because it is new. Not only does this mean they are likely to ingest some sand but cali-sand encourages the leo to lick it as it contains calcium. Forget what it claims, it is NOT digestable and unlike play sand it clumps when wet, just as it will in your leo's intestines. Please, I urge you not to use these types of products. Here is a link that shows how indigestible it is, if you are having any doubts http://coloherp.org/cb-news/archive/vet-med/CalciSand.php

If you want something more natural, why not go for slate tile? Leopard geckos don't come from sandy areas, but hard packed soil and rocky areas. Slate tile is inexpensive, easy to clean and holds heat well. I think it looks lots better than sand too as it doesn't get dug up or kicked around as sand does.

Good Luck with your leo

OK, I use sand!!!
a few things if you decide to go this route, and know it is risky, even with the precautions listed:
1. feed often in a seperate container
2. adults only!!! no hatchlings, no juvies, not really any under full size
3. maintain a full and fresh calcium bowl at all times
4. change the substrate gradually
5. constantly monitor poop and check bellies often for any early signs of impaction. while this may or may not save the geckoes life if it does impact, it doesn't hurt
6. if you are new to geckoes, try something else like tile, paper towel, etc first
7. do not use that calci sand crap, I like the vita sand, I think it is. it is superfine, and not calcium based, I think its quartz sand
8. if your gecko due to personality is one who insists on eating sand consistently, you may need to change the substrate back
that is all I can think of at the moment hope it helps, and let me know how it works for you. I am one of the few who still maintains its OK if done correctly. And before I get reamed, I said its OK, not good
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1.0 Hypo stripe, Het Rainwater from JL (BJ)
1.0 HypoTang from Crested (Apricot)
1.0 Tremper Albino (Cloud)
0.2 Hi-Yellow Leopard gecko (Beatrice, Pepper)
0.1 Normal (Freckles)
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko (Brite)
0.1 Tangy Mutt Leopard Gecko (Rainbow)
0.1 Tremper Albino (Leucy)
RIP Peaches, Ghost, Bill
Hatched: ~25
Holdbacks: 1.0 SHCTB- nice surprise! and 0.1 jungle
Available:
1.0 aberrant m, 0.1 pastel F, 9 month male circleback tang

one quick question. i am just curious.their should be plenty of sand in there natural habitate,if leo's get impactions so easy in captivity. how do they keep from impacting in te wild. if one was too feed leo's from tweezer or bowl. u know just off te sand andcontinue practicing that method,why is sand so dangerous

ok, read the earlier posts here. leos' natural habitat is really mostly rocky, not beachy. think of a leo living in a natural stone wall with densely packed, hard, not loose sand in between the cracks.
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1.0 Hypo stripe, Het Rainwater from JL (BJ)
1.0 HypoTang from Crested (Apricot)
1.0 Tremper Albino (Cloud)
0.2 Hi-Yellow Leopard gecko (Beatrice, Pepper)
0.1 Normal (Freckles)
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko (Brite)
0.1 Tangy Mutt Leopard Gecko (Rainbow)
0.1 Tremper Albino (Leucy)
RIP Peaches, Ghost, Bill
Hatched: ~25
Holdbacks: 1.0 SHCTB- nice surprise! and 0.1 jungle
Available:
1.0 aberrant m, 0.1 pastel F, 9 month male circleback tang