Which is the best substrate for leopard geckos?

One of the most confusing and stressful parts of planning your leopard gecko’s enclosure is knowing which substrate to buy. I have used several of these, so I am going to list the pros and cons of each type below.

It is quite well known that loose substrate (such as sand) can cause impaction when ingested, which is fatal to leopard geckos, yet it is so commonly used because pet stores push the product due to its high profit margins, and also because it will ensure return customers every time the sand needs to be replaced.

Please also read: Does sand/ loose substrate cause impaction in leopard geckos?

I am going to start with my favourite substrate which I currently use – lino/ linoleum/ vinyl (yes – just the type you’d put in your kitchen)!

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Linoleum/lino/vinyl, tiles, slate
RECOMMENDED

Pros

• Doesn’t cause impaction
• Very easy to wipe clean
• Mimics natural habitat of leopard geckos
• Conducts heat well
• Easy to source
• Easy to cut to size
• Geckos won’t get toes caught
• Looks good, lots of styles to choose from
• Doesn’t wear out
• Doesn’t harbour germs
• Geckos won’t get toes and teeth caught

Cons

• Usually have to buy a minimum quantity therefore…
• …slightly more expensive than other substrates
• Doesn’t absorb smell of gecko droppings

We are now selling Vinyl substrate: click here to purchase some

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Paper towels/ kitchen roll

Pros:

• Doesn’t cause impaction
• Very cheap
• Readily available almost anywhere
• Easy to replace
• Geckos won’t get toes and teeth caught
• Great for housing babies on
• Link to buy some here

Cons:

• Doesn’t look particularly nice
• Can go soggy quickly in a humid vivarium
• Doesn’t absorb the smell of droppings

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Sand (and other loose substrates)
NOT RECOMMENDED 

Pros:

• Cheap
• Readily available in most pet stores
• Easy to sieve droppings out
• Absorbs smell of droppings
• Geckos won’t get teeth and toes caught
• Various colours

Cons:

• The leading cause of impaction in leopard geckos – this can cause them to die
• Messy – sand can get everywhere if you’re not careful
• Uneaten insects can bury in it
• Has to be replaced quite frequently

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Reptile Carpet

Pros:

• Cheap
• Easy to source online
• Easy to cut to size
• Conducts heat well
• Looks natural

Cons:

• Can cause impaction
• Geckos can get toes and teeth caught
• Doesn’t absorb the smell of droppings
• More difficult to wipe clean
• Can harbour germs
• Needs to be replaced frequently

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We are now selling vinyl substrate: click here to purchase some