Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I'm getting and my first bearded dragon, and i am starting to get all of the cage materials and such ready. I was told at my local pet shop that "calci-sand" is the best stuff to use for substrate. But on the other hand i have read many articles contradicting this. The best argument i heard about it is that you cant monitor the amount of calcium intake. So i am wondering if washed or sifted play sand would be ok as a substrate. A friend of mine kept his on this all their lives and they were fine, I am just wanting expert opinion.

thanks

kevin

You're right, calcium sand is BAD stuff. Avoid at all costs.

Washed and sifted playsand is a very commonly used substrate. However if you are getting a young beardie, keep it on paper towels or non-adhesive shelf liner. The small ones are still at risk for impaction even on playsand. Wait until he's full grown, then if you want to switch to playsand go ahead. I found, however, that I like the non-adhesive shelf liner so much I just kept it for the adult too.
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Amanda
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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)

Amanda is right - don't be too quick to put them in sand. I started using it for mine at about 8 to 9 months old. The non adhesive shelf liner is great -really cheap, and you can just wipe it clean. I do like sand now that they are full grown though. It's really easy to clean. I got some liner that wasn't real slippery but it was still wipeable, and the dragons didn't slide around on it as much.