Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What substrate is most recommended, because i wanted to use sand but everyone says not too and I dont want to use up all my paper towels.Is there a sand that I can use or something else that I can use?Thanks.

I recomend the reptile carpet you can just clean it by putting it in the washer on as slow as it goes and with cold water. It eliminates all the odor and the stains.
I tried sand for a while but my bearded dragon usually would get it in his veggies or in his water bowl.

I use childrens play sand from Toys R Us in my enclosures. I wouldn't use sand till your dragon is at least 12" though. I place a piece of tile under their food dish so that any food outside the bowl is not in the sand.

I can honestly say I've tried just about every substrate you can think of. I've tried sand, crushed walnut, shelf liner, calcium sand, carpet, etc... I've had the best experience with packing paper. I bought a 360 foot roll of packing paper for $20 and cut it to the size of my tank. I like it because it's cost effective, it look neat, easy to clean up (just throw the paper away), it should last me for at least 2 years, and you don't have to worry about parasite like you do with other substrates. Once I started using packing paper I realize how much of a hassle all other substrates are.

To make a long story short Packing Paper is the way to go!!!! That is the only substrate I'll use as long as I own a dragon. Sorry about the rambling.

I hope this was helpful,

Khando

But your dragon can't dig in like mine can. Also packing paper and other lay down substrates only really work when you have small uncomplicated cages and usually only one dragon.

I guess your right. I guess you have to find what works for you.

Khando

Sounds like you've been on the wrong forum. Ha! Ha!

Nah, seriously, BDlvr made a good point in his 2nd post of this thread, replying to someone else: "But your dragon can't dig in like mine can."

Digging is natural to beardies, they love to dig. Some might argue that sand is not natural to them, that their natural soil is a dirt mix. I keep mine on sand instead of dirt because I don't like looking at dirty dragons and sand is easier to spot clean.

I feel that a pre-washed children's playsand is a good choice.

On the playsand, you'll hear/read stuff about silica being bad. That's old news. The problem was/is with unwashed silica-based sand. I believe that its now a Federal requirement for all silica-based sand to be prewashed, prior to packing/shipping.

Unwashed sand contained a lot of dust, the dust irritated eyes and caused respiratory problems among humans, as well as animals.

Have a good one!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

I use a dirt/sand mix. Works great!. If you make it deep enough the females won't need a lay box.