| Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience. If you | | | | Cheap, durable, and easy to clean are the three |
| are the proud owner of a Leopard gecko, then you | | | | words that best describe this possible substrate. |
| must know about the great debate about deciding | | | | Another benefit of using a vinyl tile is you ability to |
| which is the appropriate substrate to use in your | | | | cut them to size to fit your tank (does it get any |
| Leo's cage. There is no clear cut answer to this | | | | better)? Those aren't the only cool reasons to use |
| question, and is mostly based on personal choice. | | | | vinyl tiles. Just think about all the decorating |
| Here are my list of the "TOP FIVE" acceptable | | | | possibilities with the different colors and types of tiles |
| substrates. | | | | available. |
| 5. Unprinted Newspaper | | | | The only negative about using vinyl tiles is the glue. |
| Unprinted newspaper is a great choice as a substrate | | | | You are going to want to find tiles that do not have |
| for your gecko's cage. The texture of newspaper | | | | any glue already applied to the back because if you |
| makes it more absorbent than other types of paper. | | | | use an under tank heater, the heated glue will release |
| This makes cleaning your Leo's cage just that much | | | | toxic fumes which could be deadly for your pet. |
| easier! Can you use regular newspaper? You could, | | | | 2. Reptile Carpet |
| but I wouldn't recommend it because of the ink. The | | | | This is Astro Turf for your gecko! Specifically |
| ink on printed newspaper will quickly transfer to your | | | | designed for reptiles, this is a great product to use. |
| pet's feet and stomach causing unnecessary irritation | | | | Easy to clean and comes in a variety of sizes are |
| and dry skin. Where can you get unprinted | | | | some of its benefits. The only drawbacks of this |
| newspaper? This can usually be purchased rather | | | | product are its price because it is more expensive |
| cheaply as end rolls from your local newspaper. | | | | than the other options, and safety. You just have to |
| 4. Bath Towel | | | | watch out and make sure your Leo isn't getting its' |
| If you are a "GREEN" person, this will be your best | | | | mouth stuck on the carpet fibers just like the towel. |
| choice in a substrate. Bath towels can be purchased | | | | 1. Slate Tiles |
| very inexpensively at stores like Target or WalMart. | | | | This is my favorite substrate. Hard, natural, and has |
| Not only are they inexpensive, they can be washed | | | | thermal mass. Using slate tiles as a substrate is a |
| and then re-used to save you money. Keep these | | | | more natural material that would be found in its |
| two things in mind when using a kitchen or bath | | | | native environment. I like slate because I can have |
| towel. First, make sure it is tightly knitted so that | | | | them cut to the size of my tank but also that they |
| your Leopard gecko doesn't get its mouth caught in | | | | absorb heat. My geckos love to lie on them to stay |
| the fibers. Second, make sure you use a very little | | | | warm. Another benefit is the can also be used to |
| detergent, if any, when washing the towels so not | | | | create hides and other creative things for your Leo |
| to irritate the skin of your gecko. | | | | to play one. |
| 3. Vinyl Tile | | | | |