Substrate Question (Whats your opinion?)

[Montypython696]

I've had my Norbert now for just a little over two years. When he was just a wee little dragon I kept him on cage carpet. When he upgraded to a bigger cage, he upgraded to sand as a substrate. He's been on sand now for almost a year and a half. My question is what kind of substrate do you beardie owners use? I'm thinking about switching substrates because sand is rather expensive $15 for a 10 pound bag, and I need 2 bags. Sand is also real dusty and its a pain to get it all out of his cage. So any recommendations would be lovely. Thanks!

[The Serpent Merchant]

I "tiled" the floor of my cage with slate rock. I then sealed it. So now it's easy to clean up and doesn't require any changing.

[Pyrate81]

This doesn't answer your question but in regards to cleaning an enclosure I use a vaccuum to get the remnant dust and debris out.

[Montypython696]

That's an interesting idea Serpent. Any chance you can post a pic?

[The Serpent Merchant]

I don't have any of mine currently, but here is something similar:

(picture from google)

[Diamond Serpents]

I had my beardie on sand his whole life. Had him for 5 years and he just passed away in February from impaction. I wish I could rewind time and put him on carpet it's cheaper just more work and it doesn't look as nice as sand.

[Montypython696]

That's a real cool looking cage. I kinda like it not gonna lie. So its either that idea, or put him on newspaper.

[Montypython696]

Another question for you Serpent. What did you use to seal it, and how long did you wait before putting your dragon back in after sealing?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Another question for you Serpent. What did you use to seal it, and how long did you wait before putting your dragon back in after sealing?

Here's what I did:

1. Purchased and had cut to size slate rock at a local gardening center.

2. Cleaned/disinfected the slate with dish soap then F10.

3. I assembled the cage (an AP T25 72" x 30" x 18" (L x W x H)) but left the glass doors and top of the cage off for better access.

4. I placed the slate into the cage and grouted it.

5. As per the instructions I let the grout cure for 48 hours.

6. I then used 2 coats of this stone/tile sealer: http://www2.dupont.com/Stone_Tech_Pr...of_sealer.html (link includes instructions for application and safety information)

7. I let the cage air out without the doors or cage top on for 2 weeks.

8. I finished assembling the cage (put the cage top/lights in) and started to get my temperatures set up.

All in all it took about 3.5 weeks to complete. In the near future I'm going to be making a collection update thread so I'll try to remember to get some good pictures of the cage then.

[reptileexperts]

I kept and bred Bearded Dragons on Desert Blend (Crushed english walnut shells) for years and years and years (9 to be exact). Never had any issues at all. Has a SMALL dust problem, but not that bad IMO and for sure not as bad as sand! It's not too expensive when you buy the largest possible bags locally, or buy in bulk ad pay lower rates on shipping through places like petco.com