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Substrate
Substrate is whatever you choose to line the bottom of your tank with. There are many choices and the substrate debate is a hot topic; one which is guaranteed to cause disagreements between keepers! You should do lots of reading round about substrates to make yourself aware of the risks associated with each type, then make your own decision. DO NOT rely on the what is written on the packaging! remember, the manufacturers are businesses! and in some instances what is written on the packaging is inaccurate.
Most cases of substrate impaction are likely due to inadequate supplementation. If the leopard gecko is deficient in vitamins or minerals, it will purposely eat the substrate, therefore it is essential to provide the correct supplementation. However, substrate can also be swallowed by accident during hunting, which is why large indigestible substrates are not suitable and also why particulate substrates (e.g. sand) should never be deep.
The following is my opinion on substrates (you'll notice it's mostly a list of negative points!!):
kitchen roll is THE only substrate that should be used for babies and juveniles (their digestive tracts are small and narrow and therefore very vulnerable to substrate impaction). It is suitable for adults too but most people prefer to have a more natural look in their vivarium.
repti sand (by zoomed) is the substrate I use for my adults. It is a very fine sand. It is, however, quite expensive
slate tiles or pieces are great! any gaps between the tiles can be filled with sand but these will make your tank very heavy.
childrens play sand is successfully used by many keepers, my only reservation about play sand is that it clumps (clumping substrates are not great! even though manufacturers will tell you so on the bag!, yes, they may be great for cleaning out BUT it clumps when swallowed too, yes?)
reptile carpet is available in several types. Some are ok, others are not. Only the non-looped type should be used (as leopard geckos can get their claws stuck in the looped type, resulting in them losing toes). Reptile carpet may also be more difficult to clean
bark chips, gravel, pebbles, cat litter and other substrates which are totally undigestible are not suitable, these obviously have a very high impaction risk
calcium sand is not the ideal substrate it is made out to be!. Some varieties are very dusty and may lead to respiratory and/or eye problems. Some (perhaps all) calcium substrates are not digestible, despite what is says on the bag!... in fact, leopard geckos recognise the smell of calcium and will purposely eat the substrate. If the substrate is not digestible this is obviously going to lead to trouble.
crushed walnut (packaged as Desert Blend) gets a big thumbs down. Firstly it is sharp! and the pieces are quite large. If swallowed, it can irritate and cut the digestive tract and can also cause impaction. It is also great for culturing mould! should it get damp in the vivarium
corn cob is not digestible (as anyone that eats sweetcorn will know!) and could, therefore, cause impaction. It is also good for culturing mould and bacteria in the tank if it gets wet!
saw dust is also not suitable as it is dusty and not digestible
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