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Sand alone can't hold burrows and the loose, slippery texture is unnatural for leopard geckos.
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Pre-washed, dust-free play sand or fine-grain dune sand is perfectly safe, although we strongly recommend mixing it with organic topsoil for a substrate that most closely replicates their natural environment. Leos require a certain range of basking heat in order to properly digest their food and pass any bits of substrate they may have ingested.Īfter extensive research and thought on the matter, ReptiFiles has concluded that sand is safe for leopard geckos, but only if it is used correctly. The leading causes of impaction are improper temperatures, dehydration, and high parasite loads, not loose substrate. Many sources recommend against using any kind of loose substrate, out of fear of causing intestinal blockage via accidental ingestion.
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All above substrates can easily support bioactivity with the addition of a “cleanup crew” of isopods and springtails that clean up uneaten food, fallen leaves, and fecal remains, making bioactive substrates incredibly low maintenance. Bioactive enclosure setups are designed to mimic a reptile’s natural environment and stimulate natural behaviors.