Phosphorus?

[Pokersnake]

So I ordered my calcium supplement online from Flukers, but I accidentally ordered Calcium + D3. Repta Calcium.

OK, no big deal. It will cost more in shipping to return it than to replace it with their calcium formula... However, their calcium formula is a 2:1 ratio of calciumhosphorus. I'm not sure what the benefits/detriments of having phosphorus is. I was trying to obtain the pure calcium that leos need sitting in their tank at all times. Is this phosphorus supplement recommended or should I just avoid it?

/confused
~Kitty~

 

[UnicornSpirit]

Read the "Calcium and Phosphorus Ratios" article on this page...
http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/mbd.htm

Also, LLL Reptile has a nice article on the phosphorus:calcium ratios in common reptile food items: http://lllreptile.com/info/library/care-and-husbandry-articles/-/feeding-insectivorous-reptiles/

Many insects already have plenty of phosphorus naturally in them as you can see by the charts the phosphorus ratio is much higher than the calcium normally... so I don't see a reason to get Calcium powder with phosphorus. However, as long as you're just leaving it in a dish at your gecko's own disposal I personally don't think it will be a problem. A 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus seems 'ideal' although I'm sure there are still many skeptics out there on the subject. In the future, aim for getting the phosphorus free stuff. :]

I use Fluker's Calcium with D3, phosphorus free! It's decently priced and sticks to the feeders well!
http://www.flukerfarms.com/calciumd3freeandphosphorusfreediet.aspx

 

[Pokersnake]

Thanks.

I ended up keeping the calcium+D3 just because. I bought plain calcium at a reptile show. I was going anyway.