coconut husk instead of paper towels/sand/tile?

In the local reptile and pet shops leopard geckos are kept on sand or shredded coconut husk. I'v read all the bad things about sand, but nothing about coconut husk. If i were to put some in my tank, mist it, and pack it down, would my gecko be in danger?

i just hate the look of paper towels or tiles.

sand is a very bad choice and so is coconut husk and it can still be accidentally ingested by your leo and cause impactation. and if mist it it will make your tank humid for your leo and cause your leo respiratory problems. paper towels or tiles or an non particle substrate is a must. have you thought of slate tiles that what I use and it looks nice.

i would't leave it wet all the time, only to pack it down. but i guess it could still cause impaction so i'll look to something else.

there is a proper housing guide on the forum somewhere it is full of really useful info it will give you ideas for your viv. still even if you didint wet it all the time it would still create humidity

As James said sand is definitely bad. Any loose substrate is bad as it can cause impaction (no gravel, sand, etc).

Paper towel or tiling is best.

If you are going for a more natural look, leos actually don't live on loose substrate. Here is a thread showing their natural habitat.

And here is a thread on proper housing with substrate ideas.

A member on here, Karagain actually made a pretty cool flooring using styrofoam and groat. You wanna see that, go here and here.

Oh i'v read tons on this site already, the housing guide, etc, i'm just not really satisfied with tiles and stuff. i'm going for a certain look i cant put to words.

Well, in all safety, paper towels and "tiles and stuff" are the best things to ensure no accidental impaction. Having a certain look to your tank is cool and you can find tiles of a multitude of colors which can fit this look without having to sacrifice the safety that these substrates provide.

I suggest going down to a tile store to look at there tiles, ive used old slate roofing tiles (sterilized) and used large stones and vine wood and bog wood as décor and ive achieved what i think to be a nice looking "safe viv" for my leo.