Substrates are a vital accessory for the leopard gecko. Even so, selecting the best substrate for your leopard gecko is more than enhancing the aesthetics and themed décor of the habitat. Not all substrates are suitable for leopard geckos, so;
Is reptisoil safe for leopard geckos?
Reptisoil is good for plants in the leopard gecko’s tank. It is also a good choice for leopard geckos because it combines clay, soil, and sand. However, it is not the best choice because it always needs to be moist. When used dry, reptisoil can be very dusty, making your pet leopard dragon sick.
REPTISOIL Blend 24Qt
Reptisoil is a mixture of carbon, soil, and peat moss. You can use it to grow safe succulents in the leopard gecko’s tank, such as aloes, Christmas cactus and echeveria.
In addition, it makes a good choice for egg-laying reptiles and those that burrow. Even so, reptisoil is not an excellent choice for leopard geckos because should the gecko ingest it, it can cause impaction. Impaction refers to the blockage of the digestive tract, which ultimately makes the lizard uncomfortable.
When effectively used, reptisoil enriches the leopard gecko by giving it burrowing space. It also provides the leopard with gecko space for laying eggs. Reptisoil is best when used in combination with a non-loose substrate. The soil should be put in a digging box to avoid messing with the tank.
Best Substrates to Combine With Reptisoil for Leopard Geckos
While soil is a good substrate, it is not the best, and it would be ideal not to use it in isolation. Therefore, here are substrates to add to the leopard gecko’s enclosure besides having the substrate in the digging box.
Slate Tile
The advantage of slates is that they are beautiful and are not damaged by the high heat in a leopard gecko’s enclosure. In addition, slate tiles are easy to remove from the tank and clean.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are cheap, but they need to be replaced quite often each time they get wet. However, they are absorbent and easy to remove from the enclosure for replacement.
Newspapers
As with paper towels, newspapers are cheap and easy to maintain. Even so, they might need more frequent changing compared to paper towels since they are not as absorbent.
Others
Other safe leopard gecko substrates include stone slates, ceramic tiles, and big river pebbles.
Leopard Gecko Substrates to Avoid
Some substrates are unsuitable for leopard geckos as they pose a threat of impaction, while others emit toxic substances that can make the lizard sick. Such include shelf liners, coconut fiber, retile carpet, and ground walnut shells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is The Best Leopard Gecko Substrate?
The best leopard gecko substrate should not have sharp edges, pose a risk of impaction, or emit toxic substances. As such, you can choose between river pebbles, ceramic tiles, newspapers, and paper towels, among others.
Should I Bathe My Leopard Gecko?
Unlike most pets, leopard geckos do not need a bath. It is only wise to do so if the lizard is shedding or when recommended by an exotic vet.
Can I Use Loose Substrate For My Leopard Gecko?
A loose substrate enriches a leopard gecko by providing room for burrowing and laying eggs. However, it can make the enclosure look messy, besides posing a risk of impaction to the lizard.
Conclusion
Reptisoil provides leopard geckos with a suitable environment for laying eggs and burrowing. Digging enriches the lizard’s life as this is something they naturally do in the wild.
However, reptisoil can cause eye problems when used dry as it gets quite dusty. Weighing these advantages and disadvantages will help you decide if it is a good choice for your leopard gecko.