Switching Leopard Gecko substrate any ideas?

Question

So I got him on 7/24 and put him on sand (repti-sand) but would like to switch him off the next time I clean the tank. I am worried about impaction as well as dehydration. I work at the Petsmart I bought him at and we had him on sand. He’s 8inches long. Right now he is in a 30 gallon tank with a under tank heater. I also have a 60 watt heat lamp that I turn on in the morning and turn off at about 9:30 or 10. Most of the time he stays in his hiding place that has damp moss, but moves at night to the warmer side with the heater. At night the tank temperature gets down to about 70.

I have read in several books and on web sites as well as here that paper towel, tile(?), wrapping paper, carpet, newspaper and book case liner is ok for them. I am worried that he could get under the substrate and the heater burning him. With the sand I have some of the reptile carpet on top of it so he can't burrow down on top of it. I have decorations to weigh the new substrate down but how thick would it have to so it would not get too hot?

He's also been rubbing his head on the wall of the tank as well as his log hide. Would sand do this? I'll be taking him to a vet to get checked out next week.

Answer 1

yeah you most deffinately don't want sand in the terranium at a young age due to the risk of impaction, actually most people would prefer never to use it, I prefer reptile carpet all the way, and not sure exactly why he would be scratching his head on the log, cautiously never used it before, its prob. either he's shedding his skin and this helps the process, or he is not getting enough moisture for the heat he is getting, eighter way I don't think you have much to worry about, also they prefer to have their cages around 80 degress all day,   hope this helps