Good source for sand

[MartinW]

I need to replace the sand in my 33 gallon leo tank. This is the first time changing the sand since I got them earlier this year. They've been on sand since the previous owner got them and there's been no problem with impaction. Is it safe to go down to the beach (freshwater -- in Ottawa) and get some sand there or should I buy some new playsand? The previous owner got the sand from a pet shop (it's not calci-sand) but it costs a fortune there.

Martin

[reptilez]

I wouldn't go down to the beach, if you need sand that bad and worry to much about the prices of substrate for your leopard geckos then just get playsand.
-Reptilez

[Samba]

I agree with Repilez, buy the sand. If you don't want to fork over an arm and a leg go for paper towels. You can also try 'Lizard Litter' I personally get this product whenever I have extra cash to spend on my geckos. There's many benefits to it and it doesn't cause impactation.

[damzookeeper]

I'd try to stay away from sand if possible but if you really want it and feel you have no and will have no problems with it, go for the play sand in the hardware store. Make sure it isn't the constrution sand but real "play sand" and make sure it is the washed play sand. You should sift through it even though it is washed, I used this stuff for my beardies and it still had a few larger pebbles and shell pieces in it.
Getting it from out side you will most likely get more than you bargained for, like parasites, ants, or small microscopic bugs you don't know are there that can cause harm to your leos.
Good luck with it. And don't forget to post a new pic of the tank set up.

[Mr. Gray]

I actually use newspaper for my leo's and it works just fine. Only thing you have to worry about is the crickets getting under it, which is easily solvable. I simply tape all the corners down so they can't get under it. It's also easy to clean and since my parents get the newspapers, the supply for me is free I can change it weekly and have no problem.

[MartinW]

I'm trying to decide between sand and paper towel. I use paper towels for my babies. I know a lot of people use newspaper so it probably isn't a problem, but isn't the ink on the newspaper bad for the gecko, especially if it runs?

Martin

[Samba]

Just use paper towels if you are concerned about newspapers. I only use newspapers when I'm out of paper towels! I don't think the ink harms them, but you never can tell... Good Luck!

[Neo]

if u insist on sand, never get it from just outside. there's a lot of parasites and bacteria the may be unfamiliar to the leo immune system.

[Alicewave]

Use ceramic tile...best of both worlds, safety and aesthetics.

[Rebecca]

Papertowel, no risk then. I also agree with Alicewave tile looks great and it is easy to clean.

[drewlowe]

yep i agree with meg tiles work great and easy to clean!!! cheap also 10 dollars for one cage( for me) and as long as you don't drop it it will last forever.

[Samba]

LOL Jaime! I would try the ceramic tiles someday, but I'm afraid of just that; breaking them (or my tanks)! Hehee =)

[Repti]

I was using sand.
Now i'm using paper towel and it's just great.

For the ceramic tiles. Will the UTH work fine?? Will my geckos get the same amount of heat as if it was paper towel??

Repti

[Alicewave]

Ceramic tiles heat up nicely under lamps. To keep it from braking your tanks put a layer of paper towl under them for protection.

[Linds]

Originally posted by MartinW
This is the first time changing the sand since I got them earlier this year. They've been on sand since the previous owner got them and there's been no problem with impaction

Yet. Do you really want to take your chances? It WILL eventually catch up to your leos systems. These animals do not come from sandy areas, their systems are not designed for it. As forementioned by several people, tiles/flat rocks are great in that they don't have any risk of impaction and stlil look great, or if you don't care about looks papertowels work well.