I recently took a trip down to a local petshop to pick up a new Under Tank Heater for my leo. When I got there I found a substrate that was new to me. I can't remember the name but it was small crushed particles of english walnut shells. Is this stuff safe? Please throw me some views you may have on it. Thanks Guys, PJ

i don't know about other lizards, but it is NOT for leopard geckos. any particulate substrate can cause impaction and kill your leo.

i had heard that walnut shells were particularly bad, but I couldn't remember why, so I did a search on google for- "walnut shells" leopard gecko -and found SEVERAL links supporting that theory. i think that mostly the "particularly bad" part was because it claim to be so safe and much safer than sand and it provides a false sense of comfort. not to mention the fact that it supposedly clumps when wet...that would make me nervous about putting the gex on it for sure!

here is one of the links that knock the product down off it's high horse...

http://www.drgecko.com/substrate.htm

lola

any particulate substrate can be bad especially for Leopard Geckos. I heard the walnut shell stuff can be scratchy

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I have an innate love for all creatures big and small, no matter if they are furry, scaled, slimy, or feathered.

It is not safe, people with Bearded Dragons have had problems with it as well Leopard Geckos.

Crushed walnut shells, just think about walnut shells being crushed and sold...

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The more you whine, the worse it will get.

Crushed walnut shells have 2 main problems 1 they are very hard and not digestable. 2 They are full of sharp points and edges.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Thank you all very much. I had doubts and u have backed them up. Is there really a safe, natural and dependable substrate for Leo enclosures? Hope your holidays are safe and happy, from my family to yours. PJ

Try slate tiles or linoleum they are safe and look great.

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The more you whine, the worse it will get.

ya never use it.....it is what killed my breaded dragon....