Reptile & Amphibian Forums

okay the place where i am buying my dragon says that they use zoo meds repti sand for their young dragons, but some people on here say not to use that...so my question is..

if you do not use the sand what do you use? thanks, ill post some pics when my baby gets here next week

AHHHH! I am new here and have quickly learned that this is a really sticky subject. Some people who use sand only use washed playsand that has been sifted through a screen to remove any pebbles. Other non-sand users use shelf liner, paper towels, and newspaper. There seems to be a big controversy on this subject, but I hope you can get a little from EVERYONE'S advice. There are soo many knowledgable people on here that have many great and different ideas.
Hope you find what works best for you and your dragon.

lol...I always wince now when I see a post on substrate.

joi

well, the sand that they use is repti sand they say it doesnt need to be sifted or washed blah blah blah, i mean they seem like a pretty big dealer and are a sponser of this site...www.fireandicedragons.com...so i mean they say they have had no problems of impaction with the product but at the same time i dont want to take a chance...and i think that i want the habbitat to have the real feel so idk what i will do as of yet..

I'm sorry if i was misunderstood. You don't have to wash the playsand (it comes that way) but even sand users stay away from calci sand and reptile sand. many pet stores recommend it, but they are also "selling" it. But again, use what you feel comfortable with.

joi

The big thing is there is a risk of impaction with any kind of sand, some must has a greater risk than others. Even if repti-sand is no more risker to use than washed playsand, the big difference is the price. $8 for 5 pounds of repti sand vs $5 for 50 pounds of washed play sand.
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PHLdyPayne

hi...i use washed playsand from toys r us its 5 bucks for 50 pounds...its washed and screened so all you have to do is dump it in...its pure white and dust free its also very fine..i think its called best playsand...goodluck

okay ill give that a try

Hi!
O.K Know I'm the person that is going to come in and suggest the paper towels. Thats what I use. I work in a exotic animal hospital and I have seen so many sand impactions in lizards of all ages. Every time a bearded goes after a cricket they are going to get some sand in there mouths.

Kris