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 #1726533


Gottee guy
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 Debate on calcisand

does calcisand really cause impaction? i tried a few pieces(don’t ask why) and they kind of dissolved in my mouth so i don’t see what’s so bad about it? why would they lie to millions of people anyways? is it bad though?
05/05/08  10:20pm

 #1726540


Reflex
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   Message To: Gottee guy   In reference to Message Id: 1726533


 Debate on calcisand

yes, it is one of the worst when it comes to impaction. Instead of putting it in your mouth, dampen it and squeeze it gently in your hand. It clumps.
05/05/08  10:26pm

 #1726581


AditiLuna
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   Message To: Gottee guy   In reference to Message Id: 1726533


 Debate on calcisand

It really does cause impaction. It does dissolve in water, but if a gecko- especially a small gecko (or any other reptile) gets a big enough mouthful of it - there is just too much. Geckos are not filled with water. Try a whole mouthful of it and see how that works out ( not really- just making a point ;) ).
People can debate it all they want, but the reality is, that hundreds, maybe thousands of reptiles have died or gotten very ill while on that sand- with the sand coming out in their stool - not dissolved.
On the other hand- many reptiles live out happy healthy lives on calci sand - which is why it is sold and bought in stores. I like to believe that those who make and sell the sand are simply ignorant to it’s possible ill effects. I choose not to take the chance. If you frequent reptile forums as I do you will see countless pictures and stories of pets impacted with all sorts of substrates - but most of all, calci sand because it is still recommended even by some vets.
A problem that calci sand has that makes it MORE dangerous than other sand, is that if the gecko does not have a dish of calcium, and becomes calcium deficient, they begin to eat the sand to supplement the calcium. Most calci sand advocates argue that a properly supplemented gecko is safe from impaction.

I am particularly passionate about this subject because I housed my first gecko on calci sand - not knowing the risks. She became impacted - even with calcium supplement - and got very sick and thin. A vet helped me get her through it and I quickly switched to paper towels which were cheaper and easier to clean anyway. Now I have a natural style vivarium with repti-carpet that looks like sand and with no risks. She has been healthy ever since.

just wish that the risks were made known so that pet owners could make educated decisions whether or not to take the chance - what symptoms to look for - and how to recognize and treat it if impaction occurs.



Sorry about the rant- but I hope that helps you understand the subject better :)
05/05/08  10:49pm

 #1726610


Americanchld
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   Message To: AditiLuna   In reference to Message Id: 1726581


 Debate on calcisand

I posted this to your question and I guess I’ll post it here

Calcisand can cause impaction, but not necessaily right away. Some leos are fine on it. I use paper towel; as I feel it is cheap and easy to clean.

Even the experts debate this issue, so nothing will be settled right away. Its whatever you think is best for your leo.
what the experts do agree on is that juvi’s should not be housed on sand

Also stay away from the calci/repti sand. If your going to use anything go with the playsand sold at home improvement stores. It is also alot cheaper. Make sure you have high belly heat so they can pass it.

Personally I wouldn’t want to risk impaction, but nobody can change your mind, we can only give you the facts. The fact is it can cause impation, as well as other medical complications. And really which is more expensive, a $50 vet bill + medicine. Or getting a solid substrate.



05/05/08  11:10pm

 #1726831


Acgecko
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   Message To: Americanchld   In reference to Message Id: 1726610


 Debate on calcisand

I have to agree with every one who has posted so far. When I got my first Leo I did not know all the risks and she was housed on sand. Within 2 weeks of having her this is what she looked like.

it took me almost 2 weeks of her not eating and alot of weird noises coming from her for her to get better. She did make it through and now is much happier.

This is her now

as you can see she is on retile carpet. Since she got over this impaction she has shed 3 times and eats like a small horse (like 15 to 20 crickets and 8 or 9 melies- my little pig).

I have since gotten 2 more Leos and they are on carpet as well and doing very well.

but that is just my 2 cents.
05/06/08  09:00am

 #1726979


Yeroc62
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   Message To: Acgecko   In reference to Message Id: 1726831


 Debate on calcisand

I flat-out refuse to get involved in another debate on sand/calci-sand. Search through the archives or google the dangers yourself. The one reason I will not get involved is this is something that I am passionately against, and I will NOT risk getting myself banned for speaking my mind on the topic. There have been more than enough debates on this topic as it is.......
05/06/08  01:18pm

 #1730855


B_man8486
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   Message To: Yeroc62   In reference to Message Id: 1726979


 Debate on calcisand

calcium sand is that bad. i did not know that i use it but now that i hear all of this i thinking about changing over. what about orchard chips i think it is called is that good for them.
05/10/08  02:08am

 #1730863


Leojohn
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   Message To: Gottee guy   In reference to Message Id: 1726533


 Debate on calcisand

i use calci sand it works awesome for my 1 boy and three girls oh yeahhhhhhhhhhh
05/10/08  03:04am


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