Bearden dragon aquarium ground cover

Redsquigy

I have a bearded dragon and am wondering what other owners use to cover the bottom of their aquarium. I have been using chipped bark but it is costing me a fortune every week. I have asked 2 different pet shops for sand but they do not stock it.

Cookie_Monster

you could get a bag of sand from your local builder merchants / woodies type shop or fish shop. Should be suitable once washed and re dried I would think

monty_python

woodies do a 70ltr bag of bark chips for 9 euro. I use it myself. Just bake it at 200 degrees to dry it out a bit and kill any nasties

Redsquigy

thanks for the replies think I will look into getting the washed sand.

Hellrazer

Depends on the age of the Dragon.Bearies under one year of age should never ever be kept on sand as it can cause impaction.

I used to use a4 sheets spread out along the bottom of the cage until they reached a year. Then I made 2 fake rock bottoms that could be cleaned easily.


You just get some aeroboard stuff,some thinners,Use the thinners to create your effects--bumps and ruts etc.Let it dry off.Coat the whole lot in a mixture of sand and cement(3-4 coats) with a painbrush and thats it.I coated mine in a water based varnish so it could be wiped clean.

The second one was made so that I could have one clean at all times.

scottie pippen

both sand and chipped bark are not ideal for bearded dragons.
these can both cause problems such compaction.

best option would be a bag of organic top soil (not fertilizer of compost)
pack this down tight, when It dries out from the heat of the lamps, it will be quite similar to their natural environment

hope this helps

pitbull_fanatic

get ridda d bark and sand bud. waste of money and they cause impaction. especially to beardies under 1. i use newspaper. and a free paper comes through my door every week and that does me. a free substrate, handy. mightnt look the best but as i say...its free and does the job. stops food hiding too

antocann

i agree with the above ,
newspaper or kitchen roll usualy is great and cheap aswell

RRaff

Sand is no problem provided u use the right type and grade (don't get builders sand) but I would agree with above that it not ideal for a dragon under a year old. It is also very easy to clean and looks better too. Where about's are u living? If ur in Dublin call into Reptile Haven on Fishamble St, Temple Bar West, Dublin 8 and they will answer any questions u have. Ben in there is a legend!

antocann

also you will get as much info as you need from the friendly members at www.herpireland.com

chris139ryan

just use porridge oats thats what i use in my beardie viv as it has no negative effects to the beardies health if the swallow it. alot of specialist and breeders are using it too. you can pick up a kg bag in tesco for a euro and that should do you for a month

Limerick Bandit

I use porridge too