Thoughts on the Australian desert Jurassic substrate for adult bearded dragon?

[Musicmanslady]

Well now that his heatng has been sorted out by using the digital probe and his uvb will be addressed tomorrow, what do you all think of Australian desert substrate? (NOT the pet store kind) He is a year and 2 or 3 months old, otherwise doing well.

 

[Sadie]

Well now that his heatng has been sorted out by using the digital probe and his uvb will be addressed tomorrow, what do you all think of Australian desert substrate? (NOT the pet store kind) He is a year and 2 or 3 months old, otherwise doing well.

Recommended for a baby is no loose substrates - loose sand or rocks will cause impaction- textured NON adhesive shelf liner- easy to clean cut to the size of the tank

 

[Musicmanslady]

Recommended for a baby is no loose substrates - loose sand or rocks will cause impaction- textured NON adhesive shelf liner- easy to clean cut to the size of the tank

Thats what he has now has had since birth. But isnt he an adult since hes over a year old?

 

[Sadie]

Thats what he has now has had since birth. But isnt he an adult since hes over a year old?

Yes hes is sorry --- you can use that substrate then hes over the licking stage LOL --

 

[Musicmanslady]

Yes hes is sorry --- you can use that substrate then hes over the licking stage LOL --

Thanks for all your help. One more question: if I get the heat and uv resistant zip ties to mount his reptisun UV, where on the fixture do i attach them? Over the tube or under the tube? Or only one at each end past where the light tube is? The t5s have nothing on top but a smooth surface. Also they say to overlap it with the basking lamp, define overlap please. So the uv tube sits partially UNDER the heat lamp? Or is right next to it ok? No room to put tube in front of heat lamp. Im also a little concerned that he will get burned because of how close he sits to the uvb...nine inches at the most. Is the high output then too strong for him? Here are pics to show what I mean

 

[Sadie]

Thanks for all your help. One more question: if I get the heat and uv resistant zip ties to mount his reptisun UV, where on the fixture do i attach them? Over the tube or under the tube? Or only one at each end past where the light tube is? The t5s have nothing on top but a smooth surface. Also they say to overlap it with the basking lamp, define overlap please. So the uv tube sits partially UNDER the heat lamp? Or is right next to it ok? No room to put tube in front of heat lamp. Im also a little concerned that he will get burned because of how close he sits to the uvb...nine inches at the most. Is the high output then too strong for him? Here are pics to show what I mean

You can cut the screen for the uvb or use picture wire hangers- they are bendable - distance 12-15 so you can use a lower basking decor piece - overlap means optimal to have them next to each other it doesn't need to be the dragon is going to go to the light he needs- the uvb won't burn him it's the rays may or can be too strong he will move away so if you offer different distances he will sit where he's most comfortable -

 

[Musicmanslady]

You can cut the screen for the uvb or use picture wire hangers- they are bendable - distance 12-15 so you can use a lower basking decor piece - overlap means optimal to have them next to each other it doesn't need to be the dragon is going to go to the light he needs- the uvb won't burn him it's the rays may or can be too strong he will move away so if you offer different distances he will sit where he's most comfortable -

Im actually having a custom made enclosure for him 100 gallons, front opening and the owner is going to mount the uvb inside the enclosure for me. He is going to get a natural Australian desert mix substrate which the owner makes as part of a biomass habitat with living dragon friendly plants such as prickly pear cactus. Better basking pieces as well, at the correct heights (but we are keeping his tree because he loves his tree lol...its his Linus blanket) The owner is actually coming to our house to set it all up and do some teaching about any needs we may not have addressed. 5 stars!! Just for the peace of mind! I will never buy anything from a pet store ever again! You should see his happy healthy reptiles, all in natural living ecosystems specific to their needs! I will post pics when he sets up the system for Kai! Thank you for all your help..it was a lifesaver for Kai and me. Ill keep you updated on how he is doing (he just loves the silkworms you suggested) and Ill post when i have more questions too!