Substrate help!!!

[KrissyLeigh]

Hello everyone, I have some questions about substrate. There seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there.... So here is the deal - Skittles is 13 inches long and he has no substrate, I worry that he isn't getting enough exercise in his tank because he slides around on the glass and can't properly run. He does have some flat rocks he runs over, but I don't want to cover the floor in rocks because it's difficult to clean because his poo seeps underneath.

I tried paper towels twice but both times he ate a lot of it and I worried about impaction, so no more paper towels. I worry about impaction issues with sand. Reptile carpet seems difficult to clean and keep bacteria free. What other options are there?

He doesn't have a designated "poop spot" that I can leave bare for disinfection. He poops EVERYWHERE, which is another reason reptile carpet is out. It would get so nasty.... He runs and poops, I've found it on his hammock, the sides of his tank, his perch.... Everywhere. So, to summarize: the lack of substrate makes it easy to keep the tank clean, but he can't run easily because he slides around.

Thanks for any feedback, I am at a loss!

 

[PatsyB]

He needs to have something under him or it will cause a problem I think it's called splayed leg. I use non adhesive shelf liner. It comes in different colors and it is very easy to wipe clean.

 

[Eavlynn]

I tried repticarpet, which looked good, but snagged nails and needed washed a lot. I wandered around lowes for a while and happened upon some bulk fatigue mat. I love it! It's easy to clean, cushioned for my boy who likes to jump around like a stunt man, and good for grip for my adult with mobility issues. I highly recommend it

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[KrissyLeigh]

I tried repticarpet, which looked good, but snagged nails and needed washed a lot. I wandered around lowes for a while and happened upon some bulk fatigue mat. I love it! It's easy to clean, cushioned for my boy who likes to jump around like a stunt man, and good for grip for my adult with mobility issues. I highly recommend it

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Hey thanks, Can you clean it by wiping it or does it absorb?

 

[KrissyLeigh]

He needs to have something under him or it will cause a problem I think it's called splayed leg. I use non adhesive shelf liner. It comes in different colors and it is very easy to wipe clean.

Thanks, that sounds promising. What stores sell it?

 

[PatsyB]

I get mine at Target. You can also order it on Amazon.

http://www.target.com/p/con-tact-br...hesive-shelf-liner-beige-granite/-/A-11172255

 

[Ron G]

I also use is some areas of my tank ceramic tile. You can get single pieces at Home Depot or Lowes. The textured sand looking tile looks nice in the tank and cleans easily. In addition, I normally get mine to go to the bathroom in our bathroom sink while soaking in warm water. This works almost every time and he rarely now goes to the bathroom in his tank.


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[Eavlynn]

Hey thanks, Can you clean it by wiping it or does it absorb?

You can wipe it off. I wipe it down, and clean it with chlorhexidine to keep things nice and sanitary.

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[KrissyLeigh]

Thanks y'all! I went to the hardware store and ended up getting tile and shelf liner. Skittles seems suspicious, but I think he will be much happier. Ron, I wish I could do that with my baby but he absolutely hates baths. He doesn't even like being misted, he runs away!

 

[Ron G]

Mine still thrashes around and tries to get out of the sink right away but eventually he gets tired and chills out. This is his exercise for the day. Mine hated getting misted also.


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[fureverywhere]

Interesting topic to read about. The pet store used to use sand. I do remember the sand had to be sifted daily like a cat litter box. Even then it still would have bits of poop and cricket parts...pretty nasty. From what I'm understanding now the textured shelving liner would probably be really easy to keep clean. It also might give enough traction that the lizard won't go flying.

 

[baldegale14]

Thanks y'all! I went to the hardware store and ended up getting tile and shelf liner. Skittles seems suspicious, but I think he will be much happier. Ron, I wish I could do that with my baby but he absolutely hates baths. He doesn't even like being misted, he runs away!

what size tank is that? i love your setup!


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[Mom2Dovakiin]

Thanks y'all! I went to the hardware store and ended up getting tile and shelf liner. Skittles seems suspicious, but I think he will be much happier. Ron, I wish I could do that with my baby but he absolutely hates baths. He doesn't even like being misted, he runs away!

He is absolutely gorgeous! Love the tank set up

 

[KrissyLeigh]

what size tank is that? i love your setup!


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Thanks! It's a 40 gallon breeder. 36" x 18" x 1 6" I love this tank size, it's wide so it is very versatile . I have two turtles in a separate 40 gal breeder and had tortoises in one too, until I upgraded them to more space. I will probably upgrade my beardie eventually too, but this one will work indefinitely - I take him out for exercise too.

 

[baldegale14]

Thanks! It's a 40 gallon breeder. 36" x 18" x 1 6" I love this tank size, it's wide so it is very versatile . I have two turtles in a separate 40 gal breeder and had tortoises in one too, until I upgraded them to more space. I will probably upgrade my beardie eventually too, but this one will work indefinitely - I take him out for exercise too.

i have the same size! i just really like your setup. i have a tortoise in a tank that a built! probably gonna upgrade eventually


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[Hdrydr31]

I use textured ceramic tile in both of my 40 breeders, I also have some bricks so as they climb they also work on their nails (I do trim them but any bit helps) on their cool side I gave them both a 12x12 tile up on 4" dowels I then covered the tile with a blanket that drapes over to make the hide.. 1. easy to peek on them 2 easy to get them in/out when needed, and that's even more important with my male hides big enough for him are expensive. I agree the 40's give even the big dragon's space to turn.. I originally had my female in a 55gal and she was fine in it but she's a bit on the small size...when I got my male I hit the petco $1 a gal sale and got 2 and boy am I glad I did my male is a big fella!! There would have been no way he could turn in a narrow tank.. He is 20" long and 12 of that is just his tail!