Play sand for substrate

[Antwonlt]

Hi i just got play sand for my beardie who is about 10 months old because I read it’s better than calcium sand for less of a chance of impaction. I just wanted to know how to wash and cook it? If it needs to be washed at all? Or can you just put play sand from Home Depot in for substrate as is?


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[Pikafuey]

From what I was told (and read) reptile carpet or tile is the best for them. I was told not to use any sand at all, especially if they are still under a year. Though I'm a beginner myself, so I can't say 100% for sure

 

[Antwonlt]

From what I was told (and read) reptile carpet or tile is the best for them. I was told not to use any sand at all, especially if they are still under a year. Though I'm a beginner myself, so I can't say 100% for sure

Yes that’s what I’ve seen as well but the only issue with them is the carpet gets stained and the tile gets smeared. I read that “washed” kids play sand is okay because unlike calcium sand it doesn’t bind together if swallowed and will stay separated so it is safe. I’m just unsure how to wash it


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[PatsyB]

Washed children's play sand is what you need to use. When I used it, I put it in a colander in the sink and rinsed it with real hot water and let it dry. "Washing" it helps get rid of any bigger rock particles. The biggest thing I warn about, since I used sand before, it's not impaction but bacteria buildup. The sand is going to absorb any liquid from the poop and you aren't going to be able to remove all of it. If it builds up it can cause skin issues. I just read a comment somewhere, "you can't SEE bacteria" so you don't know where it is. Sand also hides food particles from salads. Salads should be left in all day so your dragons can graze on it so there's no way of getting around that.

The other problem with sand is it getting in their eyes and under one of their 3 eyelids.

 

[Antwonlt]

Washed children's play sand is what you need to use. When I used it, I put it in a colander in the sink and rinsed it with real hot water and let it dry. "Washing" it helps get rid of any bigger rock particles. The biggest thing I warn about, since I used sand before, it's not impaction but bacteria buildup. The sand is going to absorb any liquid from the poop and you aren't going to be able to remove all of it. If it builds up it can cause skin issues. I just read a comment somewhere, "you can't SEE bacteria" so you don't know where it is. Sand also hides food particles from salads. Salads should be left in all day so your dragons can graze on it so there's no way of getting around that.

The other problem with sand is it getting in their eyes and under one of their 3 eyelids.

Thanks very helpful


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[Antwonlt]

Thanks very helpful


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Do you bake the sand after washing it? I read somewhere that you have to bake it to dry it.


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[Antwonlt]

Washed children's play sand is what you need to use. When I used it, I put it in a colander in the sink and rinsed it with real hot water and let it dry. "Washing" it helps get rid of any bigger rock particles. The biggest thing I warn about, since I used sand before, it's not impaction but bacteria buildup. The sand is going to absorb any liquid from the poop and you aren't going to be able to remove all of it. If it builds up it can cause skin issues. I just read a comment somewhere, "you can't SEE bacteria" so you don't know where it is. Sand also hides food particles from salads. Salads should be left in all day so your dragons can graze on it so there's no way of getting around that.

The other problem with sand is it getting in their eyes and under one of their 3 eyelids.

Do you bake the sand after washing it? I read somewhere you have to bake it to let it dry.


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[PatsyB]

Yeah it drys faster if you bake it. I think I baked it at like 220degrees for 20-30 minutes. You want to make a thinnish layer on the pan so that it drys faster.