Leopard Gecko Substrate Guide 2025

These substrates are safe and recommended for leopard geckos. Choose based on your experience level and preferences.

• Paper Towels (Best for Beginners): 100% safe, easy to clean, inexpensive, and allows you to monitor your gecko's health. Replace weekly or when soiled. No impaction risk.
• Slate Tile: Natural, easy to clean, provides good traction, and maintains heat well. No impaction risk. Can be textured for better grip.
• Textured Reptile Carpet: Safe, easy to clean, provides good traction. Needs regular cleaning to prevent bacteria. Claws can sometimes get caught.
• 70/30 Topsoil/Sand Mix (Experienced Keepers): A mix of 70% organic topsoil and 30% playsand is safe for experienced keepers. Allows natural digging behavior. Must be properly prepared and maintained.

These substrates are dangerous and can cause impaction, illness, or death. Never use these for leopard geckos.

• Calcium Sand (CRITICAL DANGER): Geckos are attracted to the calcium and will ingest it, causing deadly impaction. Also clumps when wet, creating hard masses. This is one of the most dangerous substrates.
• Wood Chips/Bark: Can cause impaction if ingested, may contain harmful chemicals or oils, and can harbor bacteria and mold. Difficult to clean and maintain.
• Pure Sand: Too loose and can cause impaction. Sand can stick to food and be ingested accidentally. Only safe when mixed with topsoil (70/30 mix).
• Colored Sand: Contains dyes and chemicals that can be harmful. Also has the same impaction risks as regular sand.
• Walnut Shells: Sharp edges can cause injuries, and ingestion causes impaction. Also can harbor bacteria.

Impaction is a deadly condition where substrate blocks the digestive tract. Understanding the risks helps you choose safe substrates.

• What is Impaction? Impaction occurs when substrate is ingested and cannot be digested, creating a blockage in the digestive tract. This prevents food from passing and can be fatal.
• Signs of Impaction: No eating, no defecation, lethargy, bloating, difficulty moving, and loss of appetite. Requires immediate veterinary care.
• Why Some Substrates Are Dangerous: Loose substrates (sand) can stick to food, clumping substrates (calcium sand) form hard masses, and attractive substrates (calcium sand) encourage ingestion.
• Prevention: Use safe substrates (paper towels, tile), ensure proper temperatures (88-92°F warm side) for digestion, and feed in a dish or on a platform to reduce substrate ingestion.

Proper substrate setup and maintenance are crucial for your gecko's health. Follow these guidelines based on your chosen substrate.

• Paper Towels: Lay flat on tank bottom, replace weekly or when soiled, easy to spot clean. Best for monitoring health and beginners.
• Tile: Cut to fit tank, can be textured for grip, easy to clean with reptile-safe cleaner, maintains heat well.
• Reptile Carpet: Cut to fit, clean weekly with reptile-safe cleaner, replace when worn or soiled. Check for loose threads that could catch claws.
• 70/30 Topsoil/Sand Mix: 2-3 inches deep, spot clean daily, replace every 3-6 months, ensure it's dry and free of chemicals. Only for experienced keepers.
• Feeding Considerations: Feed in a dish or on a platform to reduce substrate ingestion. This is especially important with loose substrates.

The best substrate depends on your experience level and preferences. Here's how to choose:

• For Beginners: Start with paper towels. They're 100% safe, easy to maintain, and allow you to learn proper care without substrate concerns.
• For Natural Look: Use slate tile or textured reptile carpet. They look natural, are easy to clean, and are completely safe.
• For Natural Behavior: Once experienced, consider a 70/30 topsoil/sand mix. This allows natural digging behavior but requires proper maintenance.
• For Easy Maintenance: Paper towels or tile are easiest to maintain. They're simple to clean and replace, making maintenance quick and easy.
• Never Compromise Safety: No matter your preference, never use dangerous substrates like calcium sand or wood chips. Safety always comes first.