Cleaning Substrate

[MotherOfRhubarb]

Hello! Looking for advice, should I completely replace the loose substrate in my tank if my bearded dragon poops on it? Is spot cleaning or sanitizing the substrate a safe option? TIA.

 

[Sadie]

Hello! Looking for advice, should I completely replace the loose substrate in my tank if my bearded dragon poops on it? Is spot cleaning or sanitizing the substrate a safe option? TIA.

I personally dont use a loose substrate for that reason -- bacteria etc grows in it along w/ impaction issues etc so I stay away from it and use a black mat from Zen Habitats - you can also get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner cut to the size of the tank and clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 -- if you want a dig box in the tank w/ some plain top soil NOTHING IN IT like fertilizers etc -- mixed w/ some play sand for him you can do that -

 

[MotherOfRhubarb]

I personally dont use a loose substrate for that reason -- bacteria etc grows in it along w/ impaction issues etc so I stay away from it and use a black mat from Zen Habitats - you can also get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner cut to the size of the tank and clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 -- if you want a dig box in the tank w/ some plain top soil NOTHING IN IT like fertilizers etc -- mixed w/ some play sand for him you can do that -

Thank you so much! I was having reservations because of the bacteria issue. I currently have non adhesive shelf liner in the tank and a small dig box, but I’ll plan to just get rid of the substrate since she pooped in it. Thanks again for the help