Can I Use Sand for My Leopard Gecko?

Wondering if you can use sand for your Leopard Gecko? This guide is for you!

If you’re considering setting up a leopard gecko tank, you’ll come across the question of the best substrate.

If someone recommends using sand, think twice before you implement that advice.

More and more leopard gecko keepers are coming out with sad tales of how sand has made their leopard geckos miserable.

Sand is not the best choice for your leopard gecko tank because of the risks involved. Your leopard gecko will likely consume this material and develop health complications, such as the dreaded impaction. Also, sand causes abrasion and irritation from the dust it produces.

So, while some people will recommend using sand, the risks clearly outweigh the benefits.

Apart from the potential risks associated with sand as a substrate, this material does not provide the added benefits other substrates are known for.

Can You Use Sand for Your Leopard Gecko Tank?

Some keepers claim to use sand for their leopard geckos with no adverse results.

Although they could be telling the truth, it does not guarantee that this substrate will not affect your leopard gecko.

Industry experts warn against using sand as a substrate because of the potential risks. For example, this material may seriously affect your leopard gecko even when other leos are not affected.

This is because, like humans, every leopard gecko is different and reacts differently to various situations.

The biggest risk associated with sand is impaction.

Although there have been reports of leos being injured in the sand through abrasion, impaction remains the biggest risk to your pet if you use sand.

Impaction happens when your pet deliberately or inadvertently consumes the sand in the tank.

Since sand is not digestible, it blocks your leopard gecko’s digestive tract, which is when the nightmare begins.

Everything in your pet’s digestive tract comes to a standstill. Food and water consumed stay in the stomach and intestines since the sand has blocked their passage.

Your leopard gecko becomes impacted and constipated. In addition, the stomach becomes swollen as the food starts to rot and produces gases.

This situation creates the perfect environment for dangerous bacteria and viruses to thrive. Before long, your leopard gecko gets attacked by all sorts of opportunistic infections.

If this situation is not resolved fast (usually through surgery), it will just be a matter of time before your little friend painfully succumbs.

With this kind of risk involved, it would be unwise to use sand – mainly because safer alternatives are available.

One may argue that a leopard gecko is unlikely to eat sand if well-fed. But what about if the pet eats the sand while chasing or swallowing prey?

Consumption of sand – even in small quantities – is guaranteed to cause constipation. This is another condition you’d not like your leopard gecko to undergo if it is avoidable.

We can go on and talk about the irritation sand dust can cause to your pet’s eyes, mouth, nose, and other cavities.

But, we’re sure you get the point!

Are There Safer Alternatives to Sand?

There are tens of safe substrates you can choose for your leopard gecko tank flooring. As such, it wouldn’t make much sense to use sand, a material that can put your pet at risk.

Some materials that are far safer than sand include:

• Slate rock
• Stone tiles
• Paper towels
• Newspapers
• Tissue paper
• Kitchen towels

Although hundreds of safe products purport to be genuine and safe, it’s wise to purchase tried and tested products.

You can get these from reputable online and live shops. Such products will be safe for your leopard gecko – and any other lizard you have in mind.

Also, it’s crucial that you pick a readily available substrate. If the specific product you select keeps running out of stock, you may be stuck when you want to change your pet’s substrate.

This is because leopard geckos hate change. So if you introduce them to a particular type of substrate, stick with it even when it’s time to replace the substrate.

However, this is not to say that you can’t change from one type of substrate to another. Of course, you can, but you need to be gentle and patient with your leopard gecko as you go about it.

Some keepers prefer to cover the substrate with a suitable material. If you opt for this, go for something that will not cause the same problems as sand, the substrate you’re running away from.

Substrates You Should Avoid in Your Leopard Gecko Tank

We’ve agreed that sand is a no-no as a leopard gecko tank substrate. However, most keepers don’t know that sand is not the only bad substrate.

A few other substrates seriously risk your leopard gecko’s health and overall wellbeing.

From scrapes and abrasions to cuts and respiratory problems, harmful substrates make life for your leopard gecko a living hell.

Here are more commonly used substrate materials you should avoid:

• Silica sand
• Calcium sand
• Bark chips
• Pine substrate
• Sawdust
• Cedar shavings
• Walnut shells
• Gravel

Because of the many opinions concerning the suitable leopard gecko substrate, it’s common for newbies to be confused.

Unfortunately, many learn when it’s too late that the material they have been using is harmful. As such, you must thoroughly research a product before purchasing it.

Be very keen on the testimonials and customer reviews concerning the product. This gives you insight into what you should or should not use for your pet’s enclosure.

Also, keep in mind that your leopard gecko is a unique animal. So what works for another lizard may not work for your pet.

It is your responsibility to conduct all due diligence before investing in any leopard gecko product. Weigh the pros and cons of the product to arrive at the way forward.

But, it’s evident that you should not consider using sand because of the attendant risk to your leopard gecko.

Impaction is real and comes with dire consequences for the pet and the pet owner.

How Do You Know Your Leopard Gecko Is Impacted?

If you use sand for your leopard gecko enclosure, this animal stands the real risk of being impacted. As noted earlier, impaction is a serious condition that springs a myriad of health issues.

Look for the following signs to know a leopard gecko is impacted:

• Swollen stomach
• Lethargy
• Bruised colored spot on the belly
• Failure to eat
• Sluggish movements
• Not pooping
• Hiding

It’s important you acquaint yourself with your pet’s normal behavior to know when he deviates from it.

Some beginner reptile keepers make critical mistakes because they don’t take the time to study their pet’s behavior and personality.

As such, they mistake distress caused by impaction as normal behavior. So, don’t adopt a wait-and-see attitude whenever you see your leopard gecko acting out of the normal.

What to Do When Your Leopard Gecko Is Impacted

You can lessen the risk of impaction by using the right substrate for your leopard gecko tank. Avoid sand and other substrates that carry known risks.

The good news is that impaction can be prevented. Also, it can be treated if arrested in good time. Here are a few steps you can take to provide relief if your leopard gecko is impacted:

Use a Warm Bath

Warm baths relieve tension in the stomach and get the digestive system up and running again.

This method of relieving impaction works not only for leopard geckos, but other reptiles as well. This should be the first remedy to try because it works most of the time, you won’t have to try the rest.

Gently Rub Your Leopard Gecko

Gentle belly rubs work wonders in alleviating impaction. You can combine belly rubs with a warm bath.

Gently rub your leopard gecko’s stomach as he sits in the warm bath. This will help to break up the stomach contents and get the digestive system moving once more.

A combination of a warm bath and belly rubs rarely fails. This method dislodges the sand or object stuck in your pet’s intestines, allowing waste and other materials to come out.

Visit Your Vet

This is a solution of the last resort. Only a vet can save your leopard gecko if the warm bath and belly rub fail.

Don’t wait for too long before taking your pet to the vet. If the signs of impaction do not clear within two days despite your efforts, it’s time to visit your vet.

Impaction is a serious condition that easily causes death if not promptly dealt with. An expert exotic animals vet will give your pet something to clear the system and get it working again.

In the worst-case scenario, the vet may perform a surgical procedure to remove the offending object and clear the digestive system.

What’s the Best Substrate for Your Leopard Gecko?

The best substrate product is the one that works best for your leopard gecko. As noted earlier, every leopard gecko is unique.

What may work for one leo may not be suitable for the next. So at the end of it all, it boils down to how well you know your pet.

If your primary concern is your pet’s safety, you’ll not care so much about looks. In this case, you can use newspaper, kitchen towels, and tissue paper.

The best substrate for your leo’s tank also depends on your taste. What kind of look would you like in the enclosure?

For example, if you want a neat look, you may want to use tiles and slate rocks. Besides being comfortable for your leopard gecko, these substrates give the enclosure a touch of class.

Some leopard keepers prefer an earthier look. This class of keepers goes for substrates their leopard gecko can burrow into.

It’s important that you take pride in the setup you have made for your leopard gecko. The substrate should look good and appealing to the eye.

However, this should not be your primary consideration. Instead, the main concern should be your pet’s safety and convenience.

But, if the substrate can look good and is safe for your pet, good for you!

What’s the Worst Substrate for Your Leopard Gecko?

Some of the worst substrates for your leopard gecko tank are the ones mentioned earlier in this post.

These substrates put your pet at risk and should be avoided.

However, every substrate you can use in the tank has pros and cons. There’s none we can say is either 100% good or bad.

However, a lot of things being recommended by some unqualified fellows in the industry are unsafe and likely to cause impaction.

Don’t make the mistake of taking everything you hear from unverified sources as the truth. Instead, you need to be proactive and carry out your own research.

Of course, you should consider your pet’s unique needs as you go about this. But, again, we reiterate that what works for one leo may not work for another.

Do not rely on forums or untested sources for information. Instead, look for credible sources who know what they’re talking about because they’ve been there and done it.

Double-check every piece of information you receive about substrates for your leopard gecko.

Without verifying the truth behind the adverts you see everywhere, you stand to put your leopard gecko’s life at risk.

Look deeper into the recommendations you’re given. This will enable you to avoid making critical mistakes, such as putting sand as your pet’s substrate.

Talk to your vet if you cannot find reliable information about a particular substrate you want to buy for your pet.

Expert vets are professionals and will advise you to do what’s best for your leopard gecko.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Should I Replace My Leopard Gecko Substrate?

Any responsible leopard gecko keeper knows that cleanliness keeps many problems at bay. It protects the leopard gecko from parasites, pests, and diseases.

Also, your leopard gecko is happier and more comfortable staying in a clean environment.

Part of your cleaning routine is to check on the state of the substrate. At some point, you’ll have to replace the substrate with a new one.

How often you do this depends on how much your pet poops and pees. This should not be hard to determine, considering that leopard geckos poop and pee on the same spot in the enclosure.

In this aspect, they behave like dogs, which tend to pick a favorite peeing or pooping spot. Leopard gecko’s toilet behavior makes it easy for you to clean up after them.

This means you don’t have to change the substrate daily, weekly, or monthly. The best criterion to determine how often to replace the substrate is cleanliness.

You don’t have to change it if it is clean and not smelly. However, it’s time to replace it with a new one if it becomes dirty and overly smelly.

This varies from tank to tank, depending on the behavior and conduct of the occupants.

What’s the Effect of Dirty Substrate on My Leopard Gecko?

A dirty tank becomes a magnet for all kinds of unwanted visitors. Likewise, harmful pathogens will thrive in a dirty, unkempt enclosure.

If the substrate is dirty and smelly, you can be sure it will be home to disease-carrying parasites and pests.

It won’t be long before your leopard gecko’s tank becomes compromised. This is why it is particularly important to clean your leopard gecko’s tank regularly.

Equally importantly, replace the substrate when it becomes dirty and smelly.

Fortunately, it is easy to tell when the substrate has outlived its usefulness. You can tell by looking at it, although this works only with bright-colored substrates.

Also, you can tell by the smell. Leopard gecko’s poop does smell quite a bit. However, if the tank is the correct size, the smell will not be too much unless the substrate is saturated.

If the smell becomes too pronounced, know it is soaked in pee. Then, it’s time to replace the substrate. Generally, this should be about once monthly – though it varies with the pet.

Is It Okay to Use a Dark Substrate for My Leopard Gecko?

There’s nothing wrong with using a dark substrate for your leopard gecko tank. Actually, a good number of seasoned leo keepers prefer darker substrates to lighter ones.

This is a matter of personal choice.

However, detecting dirt in bright-colored substrates is easier than in dark ones. So, for example, you’ll easily spot poop and pee in white paper towels and tissue papers than in dark ones.

This means that enclosures with bright-colored substrates are easier to clean.

Are Bioactive Substrates Good for My Leopard Gecko?

Bioactive substrates include clay, soil, live plants, and microorganisms. For water drainage, you can use gravel.

Leopard geckos favor this substrate because it simulates their natural environment. They are also good and keeping the environment clean because they break down biological waste.

However, their initial and maintenance cost is relatively high.

Can I Use Blended Substrates for My Leopard Gecko?

You can blend clay, soil, and rock to create a good substrate environment. Ensure that you blend materials proven safe for use in leopard gecko tanks.

Don’t use any of the material we’ve listed as inappropriate.

How Good Are Tiles for My Leopard Gecko Tank?

Tile substrates can be slate, ceramic, or stone. They are easy to get and clean. You can also customize them to fit your leopard gecko enclosure’s desired shape and look.

Tiles need to be heated regularly as they can grow pretty cold.

Conclusion…

Do you plan to use sand for your leopard gecko enclosure? I suggest you think otherwise. Although some keepers claim to use sand without complaints, you may need a different solution.

The truth is that a leopard gecko is likely to consume sand, either deliberately or inadvertently. When this happens, you’ll be dealing with the more severe problem of impaction and other health issues.