Non-particle Substrate project help

[Pyrate81]

I've been doing a lot of reading on bearded dragon substrates the last week and would like to do a non-particle substrate. I'm looking for thoughts and ideas on what I can do as I feel I'm at a dead end to some degree. This is an experiment of sorts for a bearded dragon at the nature center I volunteer. It will be on display and if it goes well, I'll be making similar ones for another beardie, a skink, and leos.

Here is what I'd like to do but am having problems finding a suitable base:

Use a stiff piece of linoleum or vinyl tile which to silicone/glue sand and a few rocks. Similar to what I've seen here and on bearded dragon.com. I was thinking of using self-adhesive tile, but with the light/heat mix, fumes can be a side effect of the adhesive drying out and/or melting. This is for a 40gal breeder tank which will probably get moved on a semi-frequent basis and may not house the dragon if/when a new enclosure is acquired. So grouted stone into it or using heavy objects is preferably out of the equation.


Requirements of the substrate:

-light weight
-cheap
-removable
-nontoxic
-easy to clean


My latest idea is using a piece of plexiglass and painting the bottom tan while gluing the sand and rocks to the top. this will give me the natural look I want while giving me the natural look I'm going for. Thoughts and ideas welcome. Does this sound feasible?

[telliott4]

I think you should save yourself a lot of work and hardship. Check this out http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/sand_mat.php

[Pyrate81]

Interesting, definitely something to think about. This might be good for the short term. I'll add it to the idea list. Ty.

[Jt balls]

Thats a mojo alryt! Mojave can b very polymorphic but are easy to tell when uv seen enough of them.this for eg is a ver different looking mojo but still has the blushing and patterns of a mojo


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[Jt balls]

Sori wrong thread


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[adam5906]

I currently have a 75 gallon bearded dragon set up. What I find to be best is ceramic tile. I lay it down and silicone the edges where the tile meet. Is cheap, durable, and super easy to clean. I also know this works for Leo's also because I have a 20 long that I currently have tile in also. Both have been on tile for a year now and have not had any problems. Hope it helps.


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[Pyrate81]

Unfortunately, most tile and stone is out of the question as it is a 40br glass tank which will be getting moved on a semi-frequent basis. Hence the light weight requirement. Ty for the suggestion.