Substrate issues

[mamajamamomma]

When i got my beardie, she was 3 months old and the place i got her from had her on sand. The tank setup i have for her now has 3/4 repticarpet and 1/4 sand on her basking side. Honestly, i really don't like the repticarpet. Its a pain to get fully clean and still seems to have a smell to it no matter how many times i wash it. I know sand isn't the best thing to use but she loves the sand and i just want to make her as comfortable and happy as possible. Any ideas?

 

[ruben0311]

tile instead of the carpet. you can keep the sand section if you like, just make some type of barrier to ensure that the sand doesnt get everywhere when they dig...

small left section has sand, its where he sleeps at night, but i have a thin brick on its side in order to block the sand he flings about when he gets comfy. right side is where he eats and what not

 

[mamajamamomma]

Is there any specific type of tile i should use orr one that's better than others? I went to a reptile expo a few days ago and i asked a few venders what i should put her on. I was told tiles, paper towels(which i can't see doing) or nothing at all, just leaving her on the glass tank bottom.

 

[ruben0311]

you wouldnt really want to have just the glass bottom as it will provide no traction and your beardie will most likely not want to even go onto it. something with some grip is preferable so any kind of slate (thats what i have), ceramic or something not too crazy porous, to make cleaning easier. shelf liner is used by alot of people also as it can be relatively water resistant, and easy to wipe up.