The Great Sand Debate?

Question

I just think it's funny how us reptile enthusiasts have created the schism between those of us who prefer sand based substrates and those of us who prefer non-sand substrates. I mean, some people take it really seriously! I feel that both types of substrates have their pros and cons. Tile is nice because it's easy to clean and there is no risk of impaction, but without the ability to burrow some reptiles become stressed. Sand is nice because the reptile is free to burrow, but a little bit harder to clean, plus there is that risk of impaction (though it hasn't ever happened to any of my herps whom are all kept on sand). I dunno, I just though it was funny how we're so concerned for the well being of the animal that we debate each other on topics like this (still, it's good that we care). So, my question (yes, I have one!) is this: Which type of substrate do you use for your reptile, what type of reptile(s) do you have, and why do you use the substrate that you do?

While I'm on the topic of substrates, would someone mind also explaining to me how reptile carpet works? Is it supposed to be used with sand or on its own or what? Thanks =)

Answer 1

Wow, it's REALLY nice to see a truly well thought out question, and some great responses as well.

I keep Beardies and Leopard Geckos (among other reptiles, but those would be what apply in this area). I use paper towels for sunstrate mostly, but am working on getting them all switched over to tile.

Once you have seen an animal that has suffered from impaction, you have to wonder, why do folks take the chance at all? Even if the chance is slight....it's there. And it is not a pleasant way for an animal to die, most pet owners don't recognize the signs of impaction (if they ever do) until it's too late, and the animal has been suffering for some time.

The most common argument I see for the use of sand is that since Leos come from Afghanistan or Pakistan as their natural habitat, they must do fine on sand, since that it what they naturally live on......which is far from the truth. Yes, they originate in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but the areas they inhabit are not sandy areas we commonly think of, their areas are usually hard, clay-like rocky soil, not sand. Bearded Dragons do not live exclusively in sandy areas either, in fact they occupy a variety of habitats including subtropical woodlands, scrublands, savannas, shore areas, and into the great interior deserts.

Even if they did live in the soft sand desert areas people think they do...which they for the most part do not...once have taken them into domestication, and they are at our mercy, don't we have the responsibility to give them the safest and healthiest environment possible? Do we know how many wild lizards suffer from impaction?

Answer 2

It would depend on the type of reptile you have . It is a very serious subject since calci sand can cause impaction and even the death of many reptiles .Calci sand is the worst possible substrate you can use .( And recommended by pet shops) It works like an antacid and prevents the reptile from processing the calcium from its foods . It can cause eye irritation and respiratory problems also . Now washed sifted play sand found at home improvement centers is much safer . You can buy a 50 pound bag for about $2.50 .Some reptiles lika a Uromasyx Mali or Egyptian like to dig and make hides . Plus sand holds in the heat well if your reptile needs a high temp . Uro's need to be kept at 80- 120 % F . Young animals should not be placed on sand , even play sand since the possibility of ingestion is greater than for an adult . Then plain layers of paper towels can be used . For many snakes news paper works well .If you are going to feed a snake in the same enclosure you do not want to use a loose substrate like shavings . I have seen snakes ingest shavings and end up with mouth rot and impactions . So this is a serious subject if you want a health pet .So it depends on the species ,age and natural environment as to what type of substrates you should use . Even a combination of substrates can be used . Read up on the reptile you want to keep before deciding on what to use . Go to www.repticzone.com and take a look at the care sheets there . That might help you decide .

Answer 3

I have 5 leopard geckos, and I have used paper towel, reptile carpet, and tiles. I prefer tiles by far (with paper towel in the "bathroom corner")! They are easy to clean and sterilize, hold the heat from the UTH well, and look lovely. I have humid hides with sterile moss in them, so if my geckos want to dig, they can do it in there.

I still use paper towel for hatchlings and whenever I get a new animal (to assess its health, I keep it in isolation for a month in sterile conditions, and I find paper towel is best for this purpose).

Reptile carpet is to be used without sand. I found that the carpet was hard to get completely clean, but it worked ok. I have heard concerns about the little thread loops catching toenails of small lizards and causing them to pull them out, but I do not have any firsthand experience with this.

I am vehemently anti-sand - harder to clean, and why take the risk of impaction? I feel that if there are other options out there, there is no point to putting your animals at risk.

Answer 4

I use non-adhesive shelf liner (no glue, which can give off fumes when heated). Easy to clean. I work for a vet and sand impactions are one of the most common things we see in lizards. So, the debate is really ridiculous--why would anyone want to chance an impaction? These species are not forced to eat off of loose sand in the wild. Hiding places usually decrease stress--use those instead.

Answer 5

I use paper towel or newspaper. My snakes and bearded dragons get newspaper. My leopard geckos get newspaper. I provide them with multiple hides and if they appear to be stressed, I can always shred extra newpaper to give them someplace to burrow. I learned my lesson about sand many years ago. I had a blue tegu that I had for 2 years, one day he got a prolapse and they were not able to save him and it was due to being kept on sand. I see no pro to using sand. There are many other options available, so why use one that endangers the life of your animals? Most people who use sand do so because the petstore told them to when they bought their animals. I got a leopard gecko from guy who bought it from a petstore. It was kept on sand and most of its toes were missing and infected due to improper conditions and the bacteria in the sand.

Answer 6

I use paper towel. For the reptiles that I have that like to burrow I have a tub or shoe box in their tank with peat moss and pine shaveings or bark bits for them to burrow in. It's like a hide box that they can dig in. This way I don't have to feed them on the messy substrate.