Is calcium sand safe for my reptile, or should I use eco earth?

I agree with the sites claiming sand is dangerous for your beardie, i have seen many beardies with sand impaction, many of them too far gone to be saved, i strongly recommend any of the other alternatives for bedding as they are all safer than sand.

Thanks for reaching out about your RES. Anything can be problematic if overdone. The benefits depend on the type of calcium compound and how well it is absorbed through the intestinal tract. Exposure to UVB radiation (i.e. sun bulb) is necessary for vitamin D activation and intestinal calcium absorption. Natural sources of calcium, fish with bones or green vegetables, are a more appropriate calcium source. Good luck.

As long as it is a calcium carbonate based supplement and phosphorus free, you can use it. If Sheldon spends time outdoors in unfiltered sunlight, you won't need a calcium supplement that contains Vitamin D3. Read labels very carefully.

As long as the bark pieces are large enough, the chosen substrate should be fine. Small bark pieces could be accidentally ingested though, so care must be taken when feeding. Other options include reptile carpet or a moss/soil mix.

Leopard geckos can be very finicky. I probably wouldn’t change his substrate unless he is having problems with the current one. You can attempt to change it but you need to monitor his activity, appetite and attitude closely. I also don’t recommend any sand substrates as they commonly cause intestinal obstruction because they like to eat it. Honestly, the best substrate is an AstroTurf type material because they can’t eat it and it is easy to keep clean, but this can be a big change if he isn’t use to it. I hope this helps!

Thanks for reaching out about Oakley. Both Repashy and Pangea are known brands in the industry but there are concerns on whether they are complete diets for a lifetime. It would be recommended to switch from one to the other, periodically. One might have more of one nutrient, where to other might be better supplemented in others. Both should be well fortified in calcium. It is possible to over-supplement with calcium so probably wouldn't add more than once weekly. Good luck.

Reptile carpet, paper towels, butcher paper or even slate can be used as a substrate in iguana enclosures. If you choose reptile carpet/turf, be sure there are no strings or loose ends which could snag a toe or limb.