Substrate Leo

Question
QUESTION: Hey i asked you a substrate question earlier and you gave me some great
feedback.  I bought my leo calcium sand as a new substrate today as opposed to
her crushed walnut shells. Is this a safe alternative?  Shes about 7 inches long
Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Aaron,
I'm sorry to say that calcium sand is not a safe one at all.  In the care sheet I sent you was a link to show just how bad the calcium sand is. Here is the link again...
http://homepage.mac.com/exoticdvm/reptile/PhotoAlbum181.html  
It does not digest and will cause severe blockages.  What makes it even worse is that with the calcium in it, it encourages the leo to eat it!!!  The sad thing is even though the companies know that many of the products they sell can cause blockages, they continue to sell them.  Many have put little fine print disclaimers on the back of the bags warning people of the risk of this and suggest removing the reptile for feeding. Safe is slate or granite tiles...the ones with a rougher texture are wonderful. Home Depot or Lowes carry them.
As to the calci sand you purchased..you can use it as a base under the tiles as I state in the care sheet.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok thanks again Ill return it tomorrow. How about reptile carpet? It seems that
would be a little easier to fit into a cage rather than buying tiles. So yeah, reptile
carpet ok? and will my gecko adapt to it ok since it will be so different? Thanks
again

Answer
Hi Aaron,
The reptile carpet is fine, as long as your leos claws don't get stuck in it, which can pull out the claws. If you go with the carpet, get two pieces so that when you wash one, you have another to put in...again, that's where the tiles are easier to clean.  Depending on the size of your tank, many tiles will fit right in with no cutting.  In the 20 gallon tanks I have, two of the large and 2 small tiles fit perfectly with no cutting.  Just measure your tank to see what length/width it needs...the tiles come in various sizes.