I'd remove the sand entirely from his current tank, even if you feed elsewhere he still will get sand into his digestive system. They lick their surroundings on a near daily basis, even adults. So over the years sand builds up over time and causes impaction and then death if untreated. Sometimes it only takes a month for it to happen. Maybe a weak, depending on how old your beardie and its health it may be sooner or later.
Here is a list of substrates to avoid and the reasons,
Calci-sand / Vita-sand - Turns into concrete in the stomach of the animal slowly killing it over time and causing impaction, a prolapse, possible eye infections and fungal infections.
Ground walnut shells - Quite sharp, usually cuts the animals eyes and intestines when ingested. Usually ends in death, and eye infections. (Imagine walking on sharp tiny needles poking into you 24/7)
Colored sand - Causes impaction, can cause a prolapse, eye infections, fungal infections, and stained scales.
Washed playsand - Impaction, prolapse, eye infection, fungal infections.
Reptibark / Cypress mulch - Impaction, prolapse, possible fungal infections.
Gravel / rocks - Impaction, prolapse, possible fungal infections. (depends on size most likely)
List of safe substrates and reasons,
Paper towels - Easy clean up, no bacteria breeding grounds, no impaction, no eye infections, no prolapses, usually a house hold item.
Tile - Easy clean up, no bacteria breeding grounds, easy to sanitize (bake at 250*f for 30 minutes), no impaction, no prolapses, keeps nails trimmed.
Non adhesive shelf liner - Easy clean up, no bacteria breeding grounds, lighter than tile, no impaction, no prolapses.
News paper - Easy clean up, no bacteria breeding grounds, no impaction, no eye infections, no prolapses, usually a house hold item. (make sure the ink is non toxic, dont get it wet)
List of risky substrates,
Organic soil - Possible impaction, fungal infections, prolapses, eye infections, raises humidity, breeding ground for bacteria.
Eco earth - Possible impaction, fungal infections, prolapses, eye infections, raises humidity, breeding ground for bacteria.
Reptisoil - Impaction, fungal infections, prolapses, eye infections, raised humidity, breeding ground for bacteria.
Jungle mix - Possible impaction, fungal infections, prolapses, eye infections, raised humidity, breeding ground for bacteria.
I really like using mostly paper towels and tile, i prefer a mix of both, tiles as the main flooring and paper towels underneath the hides for digging.
