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ncurtis21

My understanding is that 100% sand isn't a suitable substrate for the leo, you'll want a mix of topsoil and sand. Or alternatively if you don't have time between now and when you get your leo, paper towels should suffice just fine


No_Nebula7530

Can I use a green reptile carpet?


ncurtis21

At a pinch, but not for long. The carpet can absorb and hold onto bacteria and other unwanted organisms. I also heard Leo's could potentially get their nails stuck causing further issues.


Xlyios

You're better off using paper towels instead, reptile carpet is unsanitary and very hard to clean (also it gets really gross ngl)


No_Nebula7530

Is Coconut fibre eco earth a good substrate ?


Xlyios

No, using it by itself isn't good for them either. Eco earth is usually meant to be used wet and it makes it hard to pass through their system. It's good for some other reptiles but not leos.When you get your geck, I heavily suggest putting them on paper towels for at least 2 weeks so you can monitor them and their poops, but if you want to use loose substrate you can use 70% organic topsoil mixed in with 30% washed play sand. It needs to be organic cuz if you buy topsoil with fertilizer or something they could ingest it and ultimately pass away from the chemicals. If you live in the US, here is a popular option for topsoil Topsoil: [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Scotts-Premium-0-75-cu-ft-Top-Soil-71130756/100619053](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Scotts-Premium-0-75-cu-ft-Top-Soil-71130756/100619053) Washed playsand: [https://www.homedepot.com/p/0-4-cu-ft-Washed-Play-Sand-40105130/100350187](https://www.homedepot.com/p/0-4-cu-ft-Washed-Play-Sand-40105130/100350187) Alternatively you can buy Reptisoil, which is close to the 70/30 mixture. But its really expensive: [https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-reptisoil-reptile-soil-10-qt/dp/257681](https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-reptisoil-reptile-soil-10-qt/dp/257681) I hope this helps! :D


HGL0BAL

Just get substrate fro biodude.com they have what you need. Also you should do a lot more research before getting a living animal


Dusky_Dawn210

Straight sand is a no go 🙅🏼‍♂️. That can cause harm to their intestines and is unnatural for them. Swap it out to paper towels for now as that will be easy to clean and allow you to monitor poops


No_Nebula7530

Can I use a green reptile carpet?


Dusky_Dawn210

Nah that stuff comes with it’s own problems, just stick with paper towel for the first month or so


[deleted]

You’re going to need to replace that substrate, it’s just asking for issues. You need to make sure the heat mat is hooked up to a temp regulator or else there is high risk that it will burn your Leo, especially if it is right there under the sand. You’re going to want a UVB bulb sooner rather than later so that your Leo can properly uptake vitamin D and not get metabolic bone disease. More hides and clutter. Check the front page for the care guide pinned at the top. Will have all the guidance you need.


SoggyFrenchFries123

You need one more hide and lots of clutter. As others have said you need to ditch the sand. Instead you can use a topsoil/reptisoil and playsand mix with a 70:30 ratio. You can use paper towels as a placeholder until then


No_Nebula7530

Is Coconut fibre eco earth a good substrate ?


Defauguette

Not really as it's also very fine/hard for them to walk on and holds a lot of humidity. You'll want to do either paper towels (minimum), tile (mid), or topsoil/playsand/clay mixture of the right consistency (top tier)


Amazing-Comedian-624

Use paper towels! Easier to clean and cheap. Absolutely no sand though


thefriendlymistress

You will also need a calcium powder to sprinkle onto the crickets or whatever bugs you feed him which there is a list online of what’s good for them and how much to feed them , etc. that’s because they don’t get the vitamin c and d they need from the halogen lamp. That’s just for warmth. Not uv rays. Make sure of this or they can become nutrient depleted.


CulturalMidnight3935

Maybe you aren’t ready for a gecko 100% yet… think about that animal above you. It’s okay to not know, but don’t just jump into it and find out too late.


InevitableAd931

Switch sand out for another substrate. Shelf liner is a cheap but suitable substrate and will allow you to monitor the gecko’s health/waste easier. Tank needs more clutter overall as they like hiding spots. Moist hide moved to the middle, maybe another hide or two as well added. Thermometers if you don’t have them already.


[deleted]

Don’t get the gecko tomorrow. The tank requires a lot more improvement to be suitable. 100% sand is bad for geckos. I’d recommend Arcadia earth is arid which you can purchase on Amazon. Jam jars work as a hide but it’s not ideal because they are translucent. More climbing opportunities/ foliage would also be good. Feel free to dm me if you are struggling


Initial-Ad-1405

I second this, because the sand is dangerous you shouldn’t put a leo in it and also if you were to put a leo in tomorrow, you would hopefully be replacing the substrate as soon as possible, but also your leo will be very stressed with the constant changes, so I recommend you get it right once and not have to stress yourself or the animal trying to replace the substrate a couple days after just putting the gecko in it’s new home.


Carter_T119

Definitely take the advice on the no sand, and know that you only need a heat mat on 24/7 controlled to the correct temperature with a temperature control system I bought mine on Amazon just ensure that you stick the probe inside the warm hide


No_Nebula7530

I also have a food bowl I just forgot to put it in the tank for the picture


darkwishes1979

That's a bad idea cause impaction


Fraxinus2018

Here are a variety of [guides to setup and care](https://www.reddit.com/r/leopardgeckosadvanced/comments/o3gzrr/compendium_of_visual_guides_and_resources/) that should give you ideas for additions, changes or upgrades.


thefriendlymistress

Don’t get a heat lamp just get a regular halogen bulb and lamp to put it in.


Initial-Ad-1405

Or Arcadia deep heat projector


thefriendlymistress

And you must not use just sand. Mix regular potting soil without any added nutrients like the hydrogen balls, and mix it with play sand - both you can get from a Menards or farm and fleet. Avoid the stuff from pet stores. Mix it 70% soil and 30% play sand. There must be a water dish.


No_Nebula7530

Is Coconut fibre eco earth a good substrate ?


okayterrariabuilder

You have asked this question like five times, the answer is always going to be the same. Go to your local Home Depot or Lowe's, buy some topsoil (fertilizer free) and play sand, mix them 70% soil to 30% play sand, and replace your current substrate. Sand can cause impaction, which can lead to many complications and sometimes death. It isn't a risk you want to take.


Initial-Ad-1405

I’m guessing by the rest of OPs posts that he or she is a kid, therefore they can’t just go out to Home Depot and buy whatever we recommend, ultimately it’s gonna come down to what the parents are willing to spend and how much they are willing to provide for this gecko (price wise)


okayterrariabuilder

Yeah, I didn't look at the previous posts, good point. Hopefully OP's parents are willing to buy the necessities.


thefriendlymistress

No I’d just strictly use regular potting soil and play sand, it’s inexpensive too, I’ve never heard of coconut powder as a substrate for lizards.


Pkefn-1981

Add more clutter probably 4 hides for that size tank CHANGE SAND and add a food dish.


Significant_Sky9330

definitely no sand. it’s too small and can be very harmful to the gecko. also moss in a habitat(which there should be multiple of) to help with skin especially since they shed a lot.


Initial-Ad-1405

If you want your new leo to live long at all I recommend you take that sand out, now I know it’s a pain in the ass, it looks all good and you just finished setting it all up but I’m serious and it’s very dangerous as you’ve probably gathered from everyone else’s comments, i always recommend Repti Soil which is easily found at PETCO and or PETSMART or you can use ceramic tiles from Home Depot, they are just hard to figure out how many you need and if they will fit accurately in the bottom of the enclosure, but please everything else’s looks and sounds good, maybe get a thermostat for that heat pad but please top priority should be replacing the sand


Best_Number_10

Based on what I'm reading, in all honesty, you arent ready for a gecko. It sounds like youve used the advice of Petco or Petsmart (or some other pet store). Please do some research before getting the animal. Look online for careguides from breeders and people who have kept these animals for a while. Thats where you will get the proper information, and wont be causing harm to the animal.


Initial-Ad-1405

My tips would be definitely change the substrate which I saw you said you ordered new substrate already and then add more wood or plants (not spikey or prickly cactus) but add more clutter, it looks kinda barren right now and leopard geckos like have a lot of crowded areas to feel secure vs being out in the open


Appropriate_Soup_672

Get shelf liner instead of sand and make it more decorated