r/leopardgeckos • u/Awkward-Sherbert-692 • 14h ago

Enclosure Help Substrate

Hi, I’ve had my gecko for 10 years now. He used to be on dirt but was switched to mostly tile early on as he would often end up eating the dirt with his bugs. At the time, tile was recommended but after buying him a new tank and looking for inspiration here I’ve seen people using a mix of playsand and topsoil. Is this an impaction safe choice? I would love to give him a more natural enclosure but I do get nervous of the risks of loose substrate. Also can plants be planted in this substrate, and if so does anyone have any recommendations of some that last? It is amazing that the care requirements keep evolving to be best for them. Things have changed a lot for the better in the 10years of owning him but I seem to have been left behind in the substrate department. Thank you

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u/violetkz 13h ago

Hi! Using loose substrate is generally safe as long as the rest of your husbandry is in order (eg overhead heat to a proper basking temp, UVB/D3, calcium, multivitamin,etc.).

Also, you can feed using an escape proof dish or with silicone tipped tweezers if you are concerned about him eating any dirt.

Here’s a plant guide— I have been told that some of these get pretty big so they might not all be practical.