Substrate??

[Mikki]

Hi,
A couple of videos I saw said it was ok to use play sand and coconut shavings for substrate.
When I called my vet today to make an appointment because I’m 99% sure my little guy (almost 3months) has parasites. I was told that was terrible for bearded dragons and he needs reptile rug or newspaper.
Ever video seems to say NO on reptile rug saying it’s dangerous. Vet tech says that’s so few and far between it’s just internet hype.
She said the said the stuff I’m using is far more dangerous. Can case obstruction, harbors bacteria and other germs, is a breeding ground for parasites so you can never get rid of them and is impossible to keep truly clean. BTY. tank is 60 gallon, BB has been in it for about 2 weeks. Only pooped 2 times both outside of enclosure.
What do you guys think??
Photo attached of what I’m using now.

 

[Sadie]

Hi,
A couple of videos I saw said it was ok to use play sand and coconut shavings for substrate.
When I called my vet today to make an appointment because I’m 99% sure my little guy (almost 3months) has parasites. I was told that was terrible for bearded dragons and he needs reptile rug or newspaper.
Ever video seems to say NO on reptile rug saying it’s dangerous. Vet tech says that’s so few and far between it’s just internet hype.
She said the said the stuff I’m using is far more dangerous. Can case obstruction, harbors bacteria and other germs, is a breeding ground for parasites so you can never get rid of them and is impossible to keep truly clean. BTY. tank is 60 gallon, BB has been in it for about 2 weeks. Only pooped 2 times both outside of enclosure.
What do you guys think??
Photo attached of what I’m using now.

I recommend no carpets they are a nail snagger along w/ grass hammocks and green mesh ones - if you want a hammock look on Etsy.com search bearded dragons-- play sand mixed w/ topsoil NOTHING IN IT can be used but not for babies -- babies lick everything and sand can cause impaction they cant digest it - coconut shavings are dusty and can cause RI- I recommend textured NON adhesive shelf liner cut to the size of the tank -- clean w/ vinegar / water 50/50-- the dragon has only pooped 2 times? Not good he should be pooping every day --- something tells me his surface basking temp is off as that is what starts digestion -- I asked in the other post ---

 

[brianrk19]

I use the playsand/organic topsoil mix I make myself. Don’t have any issues. My daughter has had Riley now for almost 4 months and she seems very happy. We actually have a mini eco system with live plants that she can eat if she wants and isopods to help clean the bottom of thank from some of her waste we might miss.