New mum does this set up look right

[Christinedv]

hi everyone, I am a brand new mum to this little one. I have been told he is about six months old. Any way we bought the whole set up but have been given conflicting advice about substrate and after reading posts am worried that I need to change the substrate on the bottom to the sheets I have on the shelves. Also does the set up look ok. I am thinking I need to move the rock from the shelf as it may put him a bit too close to the heat lamp. Also he doesn’t seem to really go to the basking area tends to stay in the cool area the most or in his water pool.

 

[BeardedHippy]

The substrate is a desert mix, mostly sand which is not good. If anything it needs to be an 'outback mix' which is mostly clay soil and passes much easier if swallowed. All in all though, loose substrates should be avoided. Aside from impaction risk it is also a breeding ground for bacteria and makes a heck of a mess.
Shelf liner or tiles are much easier to keep clean and cheaper.
Overall the vivarium you have looks good. Get an Infra red temp gun, they arent expensive. This will be able to tell you the surface temperature of basking spots etc and you will be able to move things about untill you get it right.
I would consider removing the water bowl, it raises the humidity especially in an enclosed viv like that and its not necessary. You can always give your beardie a bath when needed.

 

[Christinedv]

Thankyou will go and get some more matting and change the substrate. Our little Beardie does like to lie in his water ball but am thinking I should probably remove and supervise this activity