I think that Rich touched on that point briefly....lemme see if I've got my head wrapped around it.... the "sand" we purchase is basically manufactured, on a microscopic level it is square and/or jagged, whereas true natural sand is usually worn and smooth. So the jagged sand can build up like building blocks, locking together. But than again your right Kriminaal they do pass rather large chunks of crickets.
I think I opened up a can of worms so to speak.

Scaley, I used to sand for years but after much research and viewings of impactions, I switched to non stick thick shelf liner. Its washable and I just toss mine in to the wash machine. I spot clean daily, wash once a week and replace it about once amonth. Its easy to clean, looks good and you can get a variety of colors etc. I am so glad I switch, its alot easier to care for and safer for my babies.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Sorry for hijacking your thread Scaley. Hopefully you're getting your questions answered.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

Not at all, I like the bouncing of ideas. I am new to herp keeping, so this is great for me to learn from others. I mean c'mon books really dont give us too much info, besides every herp is different and trial and error is sometimes the only way to learn.

Most books are outdated I find. The internet is up to date info as it's happening. Although you have to scrutinize it more.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

I've never used sand though I have used a sand clay mix that is very good for tunneling and savana reptiles. The draw backs are it's heavy and gets very hard so tank cleaning can become hard work chipping away at a rock hard ground. The pu sides is it can be washed out and reused. And weekly clean up is just a broom and scoop.

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"Tonights forcast..... Dark." Al Sleet, the hippy dippy weather man, George Carlin. You will be missed.
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I thought about using a clay mix, but the cleaning and replacing are what deter me from it. I think I may just go with my sheet vinyl idea. They cant dig, but than again they cant dig in 2 inches of sand either.

I will have to say I don't prefer sand for anything ever. I have never used sand personally, But the necropsy's I have seen and things I have heard from people, (including one of my partners who used sand once) I will never use sand for any of my animals, and would NEVER reccomend it to anyone.