Hello! So I'm thinking about converting a old aquarium into a tank for a lizard of some sort. I really want to have some kinda connection or "friendship" with the lizard so a bearded dragon seems ideal (let me know if you have other suggestions, keep In mind I'm a beginner and only have extensive experience with fish). But my question is, can I use the sand in my tank currently for the dragon. I'm guessing no. But want to make sure since it would save me some money. It's Rocky sand and isn't very fine, but not gravel. I don't know the brand off the top of my head so if you know of ingredients or specific brands of aquatic sand that would harm the dragon let me know.
No sand is recommended for bearded dragons. However, recommended substrate is still cheap. You can use paper towels, tile, and my favorite are the vinyl shelf liners that are soft on the feet and easy to clean and comes in variety of colors/design. I suggest you do a lot of research here on proper lighting and setup before you get one though. Using an old tank is fine but it is better if they are in a minimum 4x2x2 enclosure.
You can get a roll of Duck Brand Smooth Top shelf liner from Walmart for about $6. It makes a great substrate. Not too slick. Easy to clean. And easy to cut to whatever shape and size you need.
I's advise against any with a print or pattern, because I have noticed the printed ones have a "chemical" smell to them that might be toxic to a beardie. And I specifically recommend Duck Brand, because I have been successfully using it in my vivs for years.
Here are some pics of what the taupe looks like in my vivs: