new question about our leo

Question
Hi Kristi,

Me again! I actually have another question for you. I think I'd mentioned that we'd changed our leo's tank to have newspaper instead of sand. Now that he seems to be adjusting, we're thinking that we either need to change the newspaper lining (to fresh newspaper) or we were thinking about getting him that reptile carpet. My questions for you are: 1) what do you think about newspaper vs. reptile carpet for the substrate and 2) if we DO change his substrate to the carpet, is he going to have a hard time adjusting to that too? The last thing we want to do is make him uncomfortable again.

Answer
Personally, I'm not a big fan of reptile carpet for several reasons.  It is a good medium for bacterial growth.  You really need two pieces to alternate when you are cleaning.  Reptile carpet would need to be cleaned every week.   

The other reason I don't like reptile carpet is because when I have used it before with leos, I've seen them snag their jaws in it when trying to catch prey.  

I would stick to newspaper, paper towel or non-stick shelf liner for now.  I don't think changing the paper will stress him out too much. Just minimize the handling again for several days after switching things around.