is there ANY substrate that...

...I can use for a leo besides newspaper/paper towels/astroturf/tile? Ive been using astroturf and I just really want a substrate that looks more natural. Leos are like little kids who put things everything in their mouths :mad:. Why can't I just have a loose substrate?! I know now obviously not to use sand, but is there ANY loose substrate out there I can use?

Wait.

You cant use loose substrate with leos?

That's pretty boring.

They look so pretty in the glass tanks at the petshop when there all hooked up.

Not really, I use tile. That way I don't have to worry. I don't like to promote the use of a loose substrate but I know a lot of people who do use fine sifted play sand without any problems. I think alot of it all comes down to how well they are fed and you husbandry has to be spot on. Plus it doesn't have calcium in the substrate. I have also heard of people using a playsand/soil mix. Its all up to you really. I personally don't want to risk it, I don't want to monitor mine 24/7 to make sure they aren't eating sand, and trust me I would be glued to their cages lol.

whats their natural habitat anyways, dont they live in pakistan and whatnot? sand? rocks?

There is a digestable, hypoallergenic substrate made by a company called Fibre Core. The name just escapes me at the moment.

I have never heard of anybody having any problems keeping their leos on it, but ofcourse you would want to wait for them to get atleast above 4" before using anything that might be ingested, just in case.


Thats just my opinion though. Hope that helps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pwilliams58

whats their natural habitat anyways, dont they live in pakistan and whatnot? sand? rocks?

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rocky outcroppings

With small leos paper towels and newspaper it the best save them from getting impacted. I just exo-terra sand stuff. I enjoy it, real easy to spot clean and change. My leo has been on it for 4 years and no problems what so ever.

I should add that with the sandy substrate a humid hide is a must for when they shed.

Leos live in rocky areas, although sand is natural for leos, not LOOSE SAND. The sand in leos natural habitat is hard packed sand/clay. The most natural choices for leos would be slate rock or a hard packed sand/clay..

what about the coconut husk stuff that comes in a brick?

Those rough slate tiles actually look very cool. You can get all sorts of colors, patterns, etc. Leos just don't do well with a loose substrate as they will constantly lick their surroundings.