Substrate question?

[Sassy123]

So I am getting a baby beardie soon, and I've been reading everything I can find on their care. I keep reading on substrate materials, and everyone has different opinions, but I think I know what i'll do, I just wanted to know what all of your opinions are of it. I plan on using tile for half of the tank, and for the other half play sand. When I feed, I will be feeding on the tile side, and I will be staying with the beardie throughout the whole mealtime. I won't allow the insects onto the sand. I've read the pros and cons of sand, and most of the issues seem to stem from impaction. I definitely believe I can prevent impaction with this 50/50 split tank. I want to know everyone thoughts on this?

 

[VenusAndSaturn]

It might work, however when i used sand before on a very very small portion of the enclosure my beardies got it in their eyes and it bugged them a lot so they had to get baths every day and sometimes up to 3 times a day. Its not only impaction that particle substrates cause, it can be bad joints, sand in their eyes, ears mouth etc and it harbors tons of bacteria. Some of the sand will also get on the tile trust me.

 

[CooperDragon]

I agree that irritation as well as bacterial buildup is a concern with loose substrate. Young dragons poop a lot and it's tough to get it all out of the sand before it starts to harbor bacteria. It's easier to keep a solid substrate like tile or shelf liner sanitized because you can easily spray it, pull up the debris, and sanitize it.

I've found that using fleece on solid surfaces provides a decent artificial burrowing option. Otherwise I'd plan out a full bioactive substrate that would handle the sanitation issues and allow for some burrowing if done properly. This requires more space and more prep work and maintenance than a solid substrate does.

 

[AHBD]

Hi Sassy, I just wanted to mention that it's really hard to read the light blue print, maybe better to use regular to make it easier.

 

[Sassy123]

Hi Sassy, I just wanted to mention that it's really hard to read the light blue print, maybe better to use regular to make it easier.

lol after I posted the thread I saw that and meant to change it XD

 

[nathb1]

So I am getting a baby beardie soon, and I've been reading everything I can find on their care. I keep reading on substrate materials, and everyone has different opinions, but I think I know what i'll do, I just wanted to know what all of your opinions are of it. I plan on using tile for half of the tank, and for the other half play sand. When I feed, I will be feeding on the tile side, and I will be staying with the beardie throughout the whole mealtime. I won't allow the insects onto the sand. I've read the pros and cons of sand, and most of the issues seem to stem from impaction. I definitely believe I can prevent impaction with this 50/50 split tank. I want to know everyone thoughts on this?

hi Sassy,

I wouldnt go for sand due to what other have suggested and also you will notice that dragons lick everything! That's how they explore so even when not eating where ever they go they will lick any surface.
Sand is hard to clean up properly. So either you have newspaper , tiles etc.. you will see they not happier in sand or tiles doesnt matter to them. I for one prefer tiles easier to clean can use hand vaccuum to clean up messes , also more sanitary.