Substrate depth and type

[TrainerRuby]

I'm no stranger to lizards but I'm getting my first bearded dragon and I want to make sure everything it perfect for it. I've been looking around online for the best substrate to use but no one seems to agree on any. Any suggestions? The dragon I'm looking at getting is about four inches long and I have a 55g for it to inhabit but that's all right now

 

[Gormagon]

Floor tile, 3/8" deep.... Your choice of color and size. Easier to keep clean and, no chance of "substrate" impaction which can lead to death.
Other options are:
Nonadhesive shelf liner
Paper towels
News print

Repticarpet is OK but, holds bacteria and moisture and, has to be replaced quite often....$$$$$$

Loose substrates should not be used, they can be ingested and cause impaction (especially calci-sand it turns to a concrete like substance when ingested).

 

[TrainerRuby]

Floor tile? Like what you'd use in a kitchen?

 

[Gormagon]

Floor tile? Like what you'd use in a kitchen?

I use 12"x12" rough textured tile (looks like stone). It is easier to sanitize and, keeps their nails trimmed naturally.

 

[Romicron]

We got our tile at Home Depot and got a cheap tile cutter to cut the lengths down to the exact width so that they fit together perfectly (with just enough tolerance to make them removable for easier cleaning). It would file down his nails if he ever walked on it - he stays on his basking log most of the time!

Edit: My brain did not recognize the difference between sharpening and filing down, oops... :mrgreen:

 

[Gormagon]

We got our tile at Home Depot and got a cheap tile cutter to cut the lengths down to the exact width so that they fit together perfectly (with just enough tolerance to make them removable for easier cleaning). It would sharpen his nails if he ever walked on it - he stays on his basking log most of the time!

Trust me, it will not sharpen his nails, it files them down, takes the sharp nail ends off.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[Romicron]

We got our tile at Home Depot and got a cheap tile cutter to cut the lengths down to the exact width so that they fit together perfectly (with just enough tolerance to make them removable for easier cleaning). It would sharpen his nails if he ever walked on it - he stays on his basking log most of the time!

Trust me, it will not sharpen his nails, it files them down, takes the sharp nail ends off.

You said what I meant to say :mrgreen: Editing the original post.

 

[Gormagon]

Ya, I have been known to have brainfarts every now and then as well, lol!