Many questions have been raised in the past as to what substrate should be used for leopard geckos. Some are confused as to which substrates are safe. Now sand and calcium sand are two dissimilar things. Ordinary sand is made out of rock which can create problem like impaction if swallow with food. Calcium sand is mainly calcium carbonate the same chemical in chalk which is not dangerous for your gecko.

Learn the 10 Secrets to Save Your Leopard Gecko

Gastrointestinal tract sucks up calcium carbonate if ingested in little amounts, the body will use the chemical for other functions as it needs. Concerns are raising when larger amount of sand is swallowed which could make a cause for panic.

Paper towels, are sometimes use even though it is not as pretty as other options, are the best substrates available. For Juveniles and little baby hatchlings paper towels are the best selection in substrate. For adult leopard gecko there are more selections but we are going to focus more now on sand.

For some when it comes to using sand the answer is no, but that mainly depends on which sand one is referring to. Sand is considered unsafe by many, mainly for the risk of impaction when ingest food. Impaction happens either accidentally or intentionally ingests to meet calcium needs. This poses a bigger risk for hatchlings that are under a year old. Sand also has dust which can lead to respiratory harms. Bacteria and other forms of micro organisms grow in wet sand.

Calcium sand on the other hand is said to be safe for your leopard gecko so check with your veterinarian for better advice on this. Some I’ve had absolutely no problems using it for their reptiles. Many stories have been told about impactions but not so much with calcium sand.

Even though geckos are original from hot and deserted regions, it’s not necessarily suggested that ordinary sand not be kept at the bottoms of their tank in captivity. Being in a tank can not mimic a natural habitat so it is highly suggested not to use real sand as that can be swallowed and cause problems. Many breeders like to use newspaper and paper towels in their tanks to keep better eye on their leopard gecko droppings. Calcium sand is not dangerous to use in your tank. Calcium sand is argued to be digestible and over all safer. Provide your gecko with a dish of calcium to help meet all their calcium needs.

Learn the 10 Secrets to Save Your Leopard Gecko

Another option if you still don’t think it is safe to use sand is to use it only with well supplemented and healthy adults’ leopard geckos. Only select smaller grains as to prevent any digestible issues. If you notice your gecko is eating any of the calcium sand, make sure to watch it closely to be certain it doesn’t swallow to much. This could result in an impaction. Also If sand starts to show up in bowel movements just stop using sand immediately or consult your vegetarian for more help.