Slate tiled enclosure w/ place to dig

[Skipper7]

Hello all,

This is somewhat of a repost from my other topic, but I wanted to put it here to get more input.

I currently have enclosure with a walnut shell substrate. I know this is bad so I want to change it. However, my beardy loves to dig. I'm not quite sure how to word this, but I'll give it a go.

This is a general idea of my layout.
Tiles marked with a yellow 1 will be a single 6x6 slate tile.
Brown S indicates the area with sand or another substrate for Skipper to dig in.

Red B will either be a brick (If I can find a 6x3 brick) or stacked 3x6 slate tiles.
Green question marks will either be a 6x6 slate tile underneath the above OR 3x6 slate tiles around the above.

I edit this as I come up with different ideas or when I figure out a way to clarify what I mean.

For now, if you can understand what I'm saying, what do you think? Is it worth putting a "sandbox" in? Does anyone have ideas on how to make this simpler?

Thank you

 

[SpacialCoogs]

There are some people on here who have a full bioactive tank so it's all planted or soil based. You can mix play sand with soil, no fertilizer/vermiculate etc similar to a laybox. Alternately you could try a full bioactive setup.

I think Taterbug would be your best bet for that. The tank she made is beautiful.

 

[Skipper7]

My tank isn't quite deep enough for a bioactive setup.

 

[SpacialCoogs]

I'd make a laybox then. Soil and playsand mixed together.

 

[Skipper7]

Within the tank or outside?

 

[Taterbug]

I'm biased but I absolutely think it's a good idea to offer digging enrichment. If a sandbox is what your most comfortable with go with that, if you are game for a more involved setup bioactive is a great choice. (I had to add a plinth/litter dam to my first setup so it could accommodate the extra depth)

Some people also use litter trays for dig areas or other sorts of tubs. I found dirt/sand or whatever just gets flung out during the digging or that where the bin is isn't were the dragon wanted to dig. If your going for a more aesthetic look than a litter box using bricks or paving stones to make a pit and then putting a tub in it (so the tub is hidden) may be an easier to clean option.

 

[Skipper7]

Thanks to both of you. I'll try your idea with the hidden box tater.

 

[SpacialCoogs]

I;m thinking about that too. it's a great idea.