If you 'must' have two beardies, and you 'must' enclose them together, your only option is 2 females. However they will still fight over Dominance issues. Which will effect their eating, sleeping, and basking habits. If honestly not a good idea to house them together, if you can avoid it. Is silica free sand the same as child sifted play sand? Also, how old is the bd now? It isn't recommended to keep a baby under 16 inches on sand. They generally are sloppy eaters, and like to taste every thing. Generally, slate tile or reptile carpet is the best for babys under 16 inches. Sand causes a high risk of impaction. However, sifted childs play sand is the best, if you'd like to have sand. Also, a great idea is to provide your beardie with a small flat spot for his/her salad, with the bowl, of course. A slate tile works great under the bowl! Hope maybe that helps. If another experience bearded owner would jump in with the questions for you to answer, its like a survey, works great!