sand vs. tile

[youheartsme]

So I have sand as a type of substrate for my bearded dragon right now. I know about all the health problems and everything. I personally do not like it that much cause my little guy smells pretty bad from the cali-sand and it's expensive. The only reason why I use it is because my little guy likes to dig a lot. When I just put the repti-carpet in the tank he would try to dig and he looked so sad. So I was wondering what you guys would suggest?

 

[Sammy28]

you use calcium sand? don't do that. It ISN'T edible for the beardie, and can cause impaction at all ages, ESPECIALLY when they're young. The lizard wants to eat the sand, but it's NOT good for them. take it out instantly is my suggestion.

How old is your beardie? based on age, if he's a true "little guy" a.k.a. a baby, the ONLY substrate i would recommend is brown paper bag or newspaper. It's easy to clean up, you just put more in, and there is a much smaller chance of getting an infection or impaction. Of course, I've heard of people using the repticarpet with no problems.

If he's older and you really like the sand idea, play sand or crush english walnut shells (looks like sand) are okay, there's still a danger of impaction, but hey I use it and i know other people do.

hope that helps,
-sam

 

[DistDrag]

I have to correct Sam here as the crushed walnuts are also a bad idea. If you want sand use only cleaned play sand and only with older dragons.

Kevin

 

[Eadig]

I use Slate tiles. They are easy to clean and the texture helps keep their claws from growing out of control.

Sands are poor choice for more reasons than just because they can eat it and get impacted, which they can.
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But they also tend to build up Bacteria to an unhealthy amount... that's where the stink comes from, more often than not, as opposed to the beardie. Nesoberu Carries no noticable odour about him with the tile.

But it's your choice weither you do everything you can to keep them out of harm's way or not.

My Boy's my Baby, and I wouldn't let my kid stick a paperclip in the light socket just because I don't want to ruin their fun. Can't have fun at all if you die.
It's a little strong, and I apologise ahead of time. But I feel kind of strongly about the subject. sometimes I go too far in my detail.

 

[youheartsme]

I want to thank everyone for their response. When i build his new tank he is going to have a little sand pit with a hiding spot where he can go to dig if he wants, but the majority of the tank will be tile. Hopefully this would work out.

 

[Seven65]

I want to thank everyone for their response. When i build his new tank he is going to have a little sand pit with a hiding spot where he can go to dig if he wants, but the majority of the tank will be tile. Hopefully this would work out.

I've seen that often and i think it's a good compromise. One thing though, when you make the sand pit, use playsand not calcium sand. The calcium sand encourages them to eat it and that's a really bad idea because as previously stated it is not edible and can cause serious impaction.

Good luck, post some pics when you're done : ]