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Should we use sand?

grama_to_dragon Dec 08, 2004 03:04 PM

We just got a 55 gal. aquarium. The dragon is about 6 months old probably and is about 12-14 inches from nose to tail. My questions are about substrate. We've been using plain paper towel for the bottom of the small tank, but now that we've gotten a bigger one and he/she's older can I use sand now? Or what should we use? And, if you use sand, how do you keep it clean?

The other questions is: now do we need a longer UV light - the one we have is only about 2' long.

Thanks

Replies (2)

heartmountain Dec 08, 2004 04:44 PM

Boy this can be a touchy subject lol. The 2 most popular substrates are washed sifted playsand and non-adhesive shelfliner. Personally I prefer the shelfliner, I think it's easier to keep clean and is safer than sand. A lot of people still like sand though. I don't think you can ever get it truely clean but scooping out the fecal matter and all the sand surrounding it is the best method I know of. As far as your light goes, the 2 footer will work fine until you go to replace it and then I'd go up to a 36" or 48" depending on what will fit best.

Sean
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Heart Mountain Herps

Wake42 Dec 08, 2004 06:39 PM

i use and really like the shelfliner...works great easy to clean and doesnt hold the smell that much :D

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