What is the best substrate for leopard geckos?

The best substrate for leopard geckos is considered to be non-adhesive, non-impaction causing substrates such as reptile carpet, paper towels, slate tiles, or non-coated play sand. These substrates reduce the risk of ingesting harmful materials and are easy to clean and replace when soiled.

Substrates to avoid for leopard geckos include loose substrates such as loose sand, wood shavings, gravel, and walnut shells, as they can easily be ingested by the geckos and cause impaction, leading to serious health issues.

It is also important to ensure that the substrate is kept clean and dry to prevent bacteria and mold growth, which can lead to respiratory and skin issues for the geckos. Regular spot cleaning and full substrate changes should be part of the routine habitat maintenance for leopard geckos.