Sand?

[Carlos Delgado]

Hey I have a beared dragon that is about 4 months. He doesnt eat as many crickets as he used to he eats about 10 or less now. He doesn't seem too skinny so I don't know if I should worry or not? Also would it be ok to put sand in his tank? Usually before him going to sleep he tries to dig through the news paper? I know sand causes impaction but I don't feed him in his tank.

 

[CrazyLeopardGeckoLady]

I wouldn't put sand in, they tend to "taste" their environment and can ingest sand in the process.
If you want to use sand you could use washed play sand, it packs down better then calcium sand

 

[BeardedDragon65]

I believe I read in another forum that over a long time exposed to calcium sand, it can become poisonous. I personally use sanny chips, as they seem to pass through much easier than sand. Playsand is the safest sand if rinsed carefully .

 

[Canicke]

please don't use sand. paper towels, newspaper, reptile carpet, and tiles are all much better alternatives.

 

[Hdrydr31]

I ditto Canicke I wouldn't use anything that can be ingested as they do taste their environment that's how they learn their environment. Over time it will accumulate in their bellies causing issues. We need to remember they are not wild anymore so doing our part to keep them safe to live long healthy lives. paper towels, newspaper, tile, shelf paper are the best safest options..

 

[Carlos Delgado]

Ok I'll stick to newspaper then. That is what he has currently. I'll use reptile carpet when I move him to his 40 gallon tank.

 

[Hdrydr31]

It's just soo much easier to clean up, it won't hurt them. I myself use the shelf liner looks like pebbles and on each end (I have a 55 gal) I have repti carpet..