Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
I would like to use sand as the substrate for my bearded dragons enclosure. Seems there are quite a few brands on the market. Anyone know of a good brand? Is playsand okay or calci-sand?

Thanks
Stacey

If you must use sand, use washed sifted playsand. Calcisand is really bad stuff that can cause impaction.

Sean
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Heart Mountain Herps

Finely sifted playsand is what you want, if you must use sand at all. Calcium based sands are known to have a high risk of causing impaction. Here is an article addressing substrates that are known to be a danger.
www.anapsid.org/substrates.html
Here is another article from the same source which takes an overall look at the most popular substrates, including the safer ones.
www.anapsid.org/substrates2.html
I suggest reading thoroughly through both so you can eductate yourself on all of them and from there make the choice you think is best.

Personally, I don't use sand at all. Though the risk of impaction can be greatly reduced by using sifted playsand rather than calcium based sand, and taking certain precautions can reduce it even more, it's still a risk that exists. That is enough for me to take the more conservative route and not use particle substrates at all. It doesn't look as "natural" but my lizards don't care, and I know they are safe.

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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)
0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)