Newbie needs help (set up mistakes)

[Sentinel]

Hello,
at first i want to apologize for my english i am still learning but i belive you will understand what i meant.

So, I probably did mistake making vivarium and I need your help. I ordered it bespoke from one breeder (I did a lot of research before but looks like it wasnt enough and it wasnt on good places (in my country for example nobody is going to told you sand is bad for beardie))
However i now got my setup with 6 mo beardie. And i found out that it can possibly be bad for him. But i dont have a lot of money left which means i cant completely remake it.

So, I am asking you for help how can i make my set up better for my dragon.


Informations about my set up :
its 100x50x50 cm (39x19,7x19,7 inches)
Substrate - Exo Terra Desert Sand
3D Backroung - Something like concrete covered with sand
Lights - Exo terra 200 UVB 25w, Exo terra Basking spot 75w, LED belt
Temperatures are 45-40 C (113-109 F) under basking spot and about 25 C ( 77 F ) on coolest side i am measuring it with http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-thermometers-hygrometers/11442-501969/rept-o-meter-thermometer.html and with another that looks similarly.

Photos ( edit: camera on my mobile is making it alot darker) :

Its not problem to add any informations or photos

I thank very much everyone for any tip or information

 

[Picklepies]

Hello, your English is great, and your bearded dragon is a cutie the basking temperature should be lower, around 38°C to 41°C
You already mentioned the sand probably isn't good for him, but it can be replaced with kitchen paper until you get more money, or tile, or shelf liner
Other than that I think everything else is fine, though someone else might know more than me x

 

[Sentinel]

Thanks do you have any ideas with what can i replace that sand ? is there any way i can make it look natural and safe for him ? Like mixing sand with somehing or i dont know...

 

[Picklepies]

once his older I'm sure sand could be mixed with something to form an environment, but I'm afraid I have no idea what that might be! I personally use slate tiles which look pretty good

 

[CooperDragon]

I agree with lowering the basking temperature slightly. I would set it to 43 at the hottest. You may be able to use a lamp dimmer to cut the output slightly to achieve this. The cool side temperature is good.

I like how your enclosure looks. I don't think it needs much change. There are places to bask and some shade areas to hide in. The UVB200 bulb is OK but it is relatively low output. You want to be sure it sits about 15-20cm above the basking area in order to provide proper output. Over time, I suggest saving money to buy an Arcadia 22 inch T5 tube if you can. It doesn't need to be installed right away but if you can save for one, it is a good upgrade. https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-complete-uv-light-kit-desert-reptiles/ These have an optimal output at around 30cm.

I agree with replacing the sand as well. Using a solid substrate will make it easier to clean and keep sanitary. Sand can harbor bacteria which can cause illness if it isn't cleaned very thoroughly. You may be able to find shelf liner that matches the color of the tank. That is easy to clean or cheap to replace. Given the way the sides of the tank are set up, perhaps a hard clay or a ceramic tile substrate would be a good choice. There are lots of options. I suggest using something that is solid and easy to clean and sanitize.

 

[SDragons]

We use tile for the bottom of the tank.

 

[Sentinel]

Thanks for your informations i Will buy arcadia uvb tube later
Now i am thinking About two versions : mix that Sand i have with top soil (bit i think it will just be more dusty) or make half excavator clay And half Sand. Do you have any experince with these substrates?

 

[CooperDragon]

Excavator clay might be the better choice out of the two. If you want to get into topsoil and loose substrate, you will want to take the time to set up a proper bioactive substrate so it remains balanced and safe.