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Leopard gecko substrate is a controversial topic. Many sources recommend against using any kind of loose substrate (sand, soil, etc.), out of fear of causing intestinal blockage via accidental ingestion. This is an example of folklore husbandry — popular myth and pseudoscience that have become a standard of practice in leopard gecko instead of science and facts. Here at ReptiFiles, we base our recommendations on scientific fact, not hearsay.
Loose, naturalistic substrate can actually be the best kind of substrate for housing leopard geckos. A more detailed explanation is provided further down the page, which you can jump to here.
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards, and for good reason. They are low maintenance, have charming personalities, and their unique look is irresistible. However, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a leopard gecko owner is choosing the right substrate.
Substrate refers to the material that lines the floor of the tank or enclosure. There are many options when it comes to substrate each with their own pros and cons. One substrate that is growing in popularity is tile.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using tile as a substrate for leopard geckos.
What is Tile Substrate?
Tile substrate refers to using ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles as the flooring in a leopard gecko’s enclosure Tiles come in a variety of sizes, textures, and colors Tile substrate has become popular because it mimics the natural terrain leopard geckos would encounter in the wild. It also has many benefits over loose substrate options.
Tile substrate is exactly what it sounds like – tiles that cover the bottom of the tank or enclosure. Many leopard gecko owners opt for 12” x 12” ceramic, porcelain, or slate tiles. However, tile substrate can be created using any type of non-porous tile.
The Pros of Using Tile Substrate
There are many benefits to using tile as a substrate for leopard geckos:
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Minimizes Risk of Impaction: Loose substrates like sand or coconut fiber pose impaction risks if ingested. Tile eliminates this hazard.
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Easy to Clean: Tile substrate is easy to spot clean daily and disinfect fully with reptile-safe cleaners. This reduces bacteria growth.
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Absorbs Heat: Tile holds heat effectively, helping maintain optimal temperatures when used with under tank heat mats.
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Naturalistic Look: Tile comes in a variety of natural looking colors and textures to mimic the leopard gecko’s natural environment.
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Prevents Nails from Overgrowing: The texture of tile substrate helps naturally trim a leopard gecko’s nails as they walk around.
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Long Lasting: Tile substrate only needs to be replaced on rare occasions if a tile chips or cracks. This makes it very cost effective long term.
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Does Not Harbor Odors: Tile does not absorb odors like other substrates, helping the tank stay smelling fresh.
Overall, tile substrate provides a safe, naturalistic, and low maintenance option for leopard geckos when used properly.
The Cons of Using Tile Substrate
However, there are some downsides to tile that should be considered:
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Heavy: Tile can be heavy, especially natural stone tiles. Weight should be considered based on the tank.
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Difficult to Cut: Adjusting tile to fit the tank perfectly can prove tricky. Many owners get help cutting tiles.
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Limited Burrowing: Leopard geckos can’t exhibit natural burrowing behaviors in tile like they can in loose substrates.
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Cold Surface: Tile feels colder to the touch than loose substrates. Providing ample heat is important.
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Risk of Cracks: A falling rock decoration or dropped tile could potentially crack the glass bottom of the tank. Use caution.
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Drying Out: Tile doesn’t hold humidity like other substrates. Humidity must be monitored closely.
With some adjustments, these cons can be managed. The benefits of tile typically outweigh the drawbacks for most owners.
Best Tiles for Leopard Geckos
The most common types of tile used for leopard gecko substrate are:
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Ceramic tile: Glazed ceramic tiles are affordable, easy to clean, and great heat conductors.
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Porcelain tile: Porcelain is dense, stain resistant, and mimics natural textures well.
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Slate tile: Slate is natural looking and retains heat effectively. It can be heavy.
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Quarry tile: Quarry tiles made from clay and shale hold heat well and provide texture.
Tile thickness should be around 1/4″ to safely allow heat transfer from under tank heat mats. Textured tile gives leopard geckos better traction. Matte or natural looking tiles best replicate their native habitat.
Tile size depends on the tank dimensions. 12″ x 12″ tiles are commonly used as they provide flexibility for fitting most enclosures.
Important Tile Substrate Tips
If using tile with your leopard gecko, keep these tips in mind:
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Spot clean daily and disinfect tile monthly with reptile-safe cleaners.
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Use a digital thermometer to ensure tile isn’t getting excessively hot from the heat mat.
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Place tiles over a towel or yoga mat to prevent cracking the tank bottom when removing tiles for cleaning.
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Avoid adhesive tiles, as adhesives can be toxic. Use grout sealant instead to hold tiles in place.
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Provide ample supplemental heat and humidity, as tile retains neither very well.
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Include a dig box with loose substrate for natural burrowing opportunities a few times weekly.
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Separate feeding from the main tank until feeding response is reliable to prevent accidental ingestion.
Following these tips will help you successfully use tile substrate in your leopard gecko enclosure.
Is Tile Substrate Right for Your Leopard Gecko?
Tile substrate can be a great choice for leopard geckos when set up properly. The benefits of tile often make it one of the best options out there.
However, tile may not be the right fit for every leopard gecko. Loose substrates more closely mimic their native environment for geckos who enjoy burrowing and digging frequently.
Tank setup, heating, and leopard gecko personality should always be considered when selecting substrate. Tile substrate requires some adjustments from other loose substrates but offers many advantages long term.
If you choose tile, buy high quality tile, use caution when installing, and provide ample heat and humidity. This will help ensure tile substrate provides a safe, enriched home for your leopard gecko to thrive in!
Good leopard gecko substrates:
These are the best substrates that ReptiFiles recommends for use with leopard geckos. Pack these substrates at least 3″ deep to facilitate natural burrowing behavior.
- Zoo Med ReptiSand: This substrate is made of natural, very fine quartz desert sand. It comes in two colors — white and orange — but is free of dyes and chemicals, and is not the same as calcium sand. (If you are concerned, see our note about sand further down the page.)
- Jurassic Sands Reptile Substrate: This substrate is pre-washed, natural dune sand. It boasts exceptionally fine particle size, low dust, and reduces risk of impaction and abrasion. It clumps like cat litter for easy removal of waste and helps eliminate odors. (If you are concerned, see our note about sand further down the page.)
- Lugarti Natural Reptile Bedding: This substrate can be wet down and allowed to dry, creating a hardened substrate very much like packed earth. Geckos can still dig in it to create burrows, and it’s fairly easy to clean.
- DIY Naturalistic Mix: 40% organic topsoil + 40% sand + 20% Excavator Clay. Mix well, soak until muddy, then pack it firmly at the bottom of the enclosure. Make sure it is 100% dry before introducing the gecko to the setup in order to avoid illness related to high humidity.
- Bioactive: Bioactive terrarium setups are designed to mimic a reptile’s natural environment and stimulate natural behaviors. If you are interested in creating a bioactive habitat for your leopard gecko, great! Read my blog posts on the subject and join this group on Facebook to get started.
What’s the big deal about loose substrate?
Sand and other loose substrates are very controversial as a leopard gecko substrate. Many keepers argue that sand can kill a leo within 6 months of making the switch; some others argue that they’ve never experienced negative effects. The most vehement opinions are usually supported by claims that sand causes fatal impaction in leopard geckos by turning into a cement-like sludge inside their intestines. It is true that even though it’s claimed to be “digestible,” calcium carbonate-based substrates (Zoo Med Vita-Sand, All Living Things Calcium Sand, etc.) can neutralize stomach acid, causing other digestive issues.
High-dust sands also have a nasty habit of getting in reptiles’ eyes, causing injury and infection. The dust particles can also get stuck in a leopard gecko’s lungs, which is particularly problematic if the sand contains silica.
So sand is bad, right?
After extensive research and thought on the matter, we at ReptiFiles have concluded that sand is safe for use with leopard geckos, but only if it is used correctly. Leopard geckos should not be housed on loose substrate unless they have passed quarantine and are healthy. Pre-washed, silica-free play sand or fine-grain dune sand like Jurassic Reptile Substrate and Zoo Med ReptiSand (linked above) is perfectly safe to use with leopard geckos, although I do recommend mixing it with organic topsoil unless you have a way to pack it down.
Loose substrates that do not mimic leopard geckos’ natural habitat (tree bark, wood chips, paper substrate, etc.) are not safe for ingestion and should not be used.
BEST and WORST Leopard Gecko Substrates
FAQ
Is tile ok for leopard geckos?
Safety – Using slate/ceramic tiles, there is zero impaction risk. Unlike sand and other loose substrate, tiles won’t get ingested by geckos. Too often people mistaken leopard geckos with other sand lizards. Leopard geckos are arid creatures, they do not live in sand, they actually live in rock crevices and burrows.
What kind of flooring is best for leopard geckos?
However the best options seem to be tiles, slate or vinyl/lino. They are cheap, easy to clean, last for a long time, are similar to the rocks in the geckos’ natural habitat, but most importantly — have zero risk of causing impaction!
What are the red flags for leopard geckos?
Lethargy: If your usually active gecko seems sluggish or hides more than usual, this could be a red flag. Lack of Appetite: Impacted geckos often stop eating, as food can’t pass through their digestive system properly. Swollen Belly: A distended or bloated abdomen is a clear sign that something’s wrong.
What does it mean when a leopard gecko sploots?
When they are super comfy they “sploot”! This is when they lay with one to all arms back, kind of like a baby. If you see your gecko doing this, they are okay and are actually very comfy! It is also important to note that they may be awake every once in a while during the day.