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?