Here's my thing with sand...yes, people keep beardies on sand and never have a problem. Some people have had problems (impaction) with keeping them on sand. Why risk it? I have seen some threads saying that actually beardies don't live the majority of their lives on layer upon layer of sand in the wild, that it's actually rock or forest-ish areas that have a thin spread of sand. I hate to even write that though since I don't have it handy to quote. In the end, it's a risk...not one I would be willing to take with a pet.
On the "keeping it natural" note, I really don't think anyone is trying to keep beardies exactly like they live in the wild. Or any animal, for that matter. Life in the wild is tough! Life expectancy in captivity is much higher. We are actually trying to provide them with ideal conditions, conducive to long, healthy lives. My beardie eats all kinds of veggies and insects that I am positive are not native to Australia.
Anyway, I'm glad your bearded dragon never had problems living on sand. We are all just trying to provide excellent lives for our scaled friends, aren't we? My advice isn't the only way, just one. Take everything with a grain of salt...or sand!
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