SUBSTRATE ONCE AND FOR ALL!

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Posted by bexley on May 06, 2003 at 11:20:06:

In Reply to: SUBSTRATE ONCE AND FOR ALL! posted by TheNakedCowboy1 on May 06, 2003 at 00:50:58:

There's alot of different things people use, with pro's and con's to each. I think most will tell you paper for babies up to 8" or so. I myself use bran, my beardie loves it and its very economical for me ( I buy bulk at a health food store ), but it can be dusty if it comes from a feed store. Many people use washed playsand as well. I think everyone will agree for the most part that *calcisand is bad*, as beardies may decide to eat it and get impacted. I tried rabbit pellets for a while too, the smell was nice but I find wheat bran easier to clean and my beardie likes bran better.

So, the answer, is read and try a few things, be smart and settle on what you like to use :) My little guy loves bran, he digs in it and tosses it around, I put it down about 4" deep, but I also make sure that all cage accessories are on the very bottom of his cage before putting bran in. Because it is so easy to dig, there is a risk of things falling and squishing beardies if they dig under it. I use flat rocks underneath ornaments so they aren't buried in bran (till he starts digging), and it works out well.

And, btw, beardies are the most wonderful pet :) You won't regret your decision!

:Okay well I have done about 10 hours of research and I think that I am going to get a Bearded Dragon. Not sure what color or anything yet but I know it's gonna be a BD. He is going to be spoiled too! A nice 75 gallon tank with anything he wants! I am only gettin the 75 because I am custom building the tank and I want to add a few females once I get used to the male. Anyway ... I have a question!

:WHAT SUBSTRATE SHOULD I USE?!?!

:I looked on one very very good site (http://www.biology.lsa.umich.edu/research/labs/ktosney/file/BDcare.html) and it recomends rabbit pellets or calcium carbonate sand. These both have their downsides (Rabbit pellets mold easily when wet and calcium has been linked to death in lizards). I want something that is natural looking (NOT NEWSPAPER OR PAPER TOWELS) and has good benefits. If it is some sort of carpet that is non-absorbent, it is okay because I designed a really cool tank that is semi-sloped down into a thing I can drain very easily. So0o0o0 I'm waiting for some help! :)

:Thanks again guys, God Bless!
:-- Kevin

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