substrate thoughts for new owners

[mchip412]

Being a new beardie owner, there’s a ton of information on what to use for substrate. Whether to use loose substrate or not. I currently have my tank set up with half excavator sand and half millet seed. I see people saying stay away from and loose substrate, and I see other saying how they have never had problems before. What’s everyone’s thoughts? Thank you!!

This is Spyra, 5/6 months old

 

[KarrieRee]

Personally I am using ceramic slated tile--- others use non adhesive shelf liner -- both are cheap easy to clean -- vinegar/ water in spray bottle--- I also use paper towels under my tile as it tends to catch the loose watery / urate --- the tile is to my opinion for a permanent enclosure as it needs to be cut to tank size -- same w/ shelf liner but easier to do than the tile-- I had sand at first hated it -- then went to a sand mat expensive to buy all the time -- finally to tile and love it -- I have put a fleece blanket in Hiccups cave/ platform hide for him to sleep w/ some paper towels for his digging-- the tile keeps the nails not so sharp--
Karrie

 

[mchip412]

Thanks Karrie! I've been seeing a lot of people talking about using the ceramic tiles. Can you add a pic I would love to check it out! Thanks...

 

[KarrieRee]

Sure here is Hiccups tank

Karrie

 

[Claudiusx]

I don't use loose substrates with dragons anymore. However I did (and would again) use bird seed with my uro. But the bird seed was meant to be ingested. It provided valuable protein and roughage for her. Dragons dont need that so I don't personally see the purpose of millet seed in a dragon tank. And then sand has the issues of dust.
For me it's just a better system all around to just use solid substrate.

I too use tile.

-Brandon

 

[mchip412]

Thanks Brandon! What ill do is just keep an eye out on if she's eating it or not. I'm not feeding her in her tank anymore now that I put the millet seed down so that should eliminate her eating it a little more. If I feel she is then I'll take it out completely.