Bearded dragon substrate has been a matter of debate for quite some time. Read our helpful guide to find out why, and which substrates are the best.
One of the most important aspects of your Bearded dragons enclosure is its substrate. Bearded dragon substrate has been a matter of debate between Bearded dragon owners for quite some time. Some recommend reptile carpet, whereas others swear by a loose substrate. In this help guide, we will cover the controversy behind Bearded dragon substrates, debunk common myths, and look at some of the best and worst Bearded dragon substrates on the market.
For more detail regarding Bearded dragon husbandry as a whole, refer instead to our dedicated Bearded dragon care sheet.
Reptile carpet is a popular substrate choice for bearded dragon enclosures. However there is an ongoing debate within the bearded dragon owner community regarding whether reptile carpet is truly a suitable substrate option. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using reptile carpet for bearded dragons to help you make an informed decision for your pet’s habitat.
What is Reptile Carpet?
Reptile carpet refers to synthetic carpeting designed specifically for use in reptile terrariums and enclosures. It is typically made from materials like nylon polypropylene, or polyester.
Reptile carpet comes in a range of colors and can be purchased in different sizes to fit the enclosure. It provides a soft flooring that mimics the natural substrate bearded dragons experience in the wild.
Unlike regular carpet, reptile carpeting is manufactured to be non-toxic, easy to clean, and resistant to bacterial growth. Many brands market their reptile carpets as being washable and reusable.
Pros of Using Reptile Carpet for Bearded Dragons
There are several potential benefits associated with using reptile carpet as a substrate for bearded dragons:
Prevents Accidental Ingestion
One of the main advantages of reptile carpet is that it prevents your bearded dragon from accidentally ingesting loose substrate materials like sand or pebbles. Bearded dragons are prone to ingesting loose substrate, which can lead to potentially fatal impaction. Reptile carpet eliminates this risk.
Provides Traction
The soft and grippy texture of reptile carpet provides good traction for bearded dragons to walk and climb around their enclosure This can help prevent slipped toes and injuries.
Easy to Clean
Reptile carpet can be spot cleaned daily and completely removed for periodic deep cleaning. Simply take it out, rinse or wash it, allow it to dry, and replace it in the terrarium. This makes cleaning much easier compared to options like sand.
Allows for Burrowing & Digging
The soft, flexible nature of reptile carpet allows bearded dragons to dig and burrow into it, satisfying their natural instinct to do so. This stimulation is beneficial for their health and wellbeing.
Retains Heat
Reptile carpet helps hold heat inside the enclosure to maintain the ideal temperature range for bearded dragons. The synthetic materials tend to retain heat better than substrates like tile.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Reptile carpet comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose an option that aesthetically complements the terrarium’s design.
Cons of Using Reptile Carpet for Bearded Dragons
However, there are also some notable disadvantages associated with reptile carpet:
Bacteria Buildup
Reptile carpet fibers can trap bacteria from feces, urine, and food waste. Over time, bacteria multiply rapidly in the moist carpet, creating unsanitary conditions, foul odors, and potential health hazards if not cleaned frequently and properly.
Difficult to Fully Disinfect
While reptile carpet is washable, it is difficult to fully disinfect it to eliminate all waste, bacteria, and fungi built up deep in the fibers. The materials tend to hold onto organic matter.
Requires Frequent Replacement
To prevent long-term bacteria accumulation, reptile carpet needs replacement every 2-3 months. The costs add up over time, making it less economical.
Can Snag Toenails & Teeth
The tiny loops and fibers that comprise reptile carpet can potentially snag on bearded dragon nails, teeth, and skin. This may lead to broken or torn nails and mouth injuries.
Retains Moisture & Odors
Reptile carpet absorbs liquids like water and urine, and holds onto odors even after washing. This moisture and smell buildup creates an unpleasant habitat.
Traps Debris
Reptile carpet easily traps small pieces of waste, food, and shed skin in its fibers. This debris is difficult to fully remove during spot cleaning.
May Contain Harmful Dyes & Chemicals
Some poor quality reptile carpets may be dyed with chemicals that could potentially leach out and harm your bearded dragon’s health.
Best Substrate Alternatives for Bearded Dragons
Due to the drawbacks of reptile carpet outlined above, many bearded dragon owners opt for different substrates:
Paper Towels
Paper towels are affordable, easy to replace when soiled, and disposable. This makes cleaning simple and hygienic. However, they lack visual appeal.
Newspaper
Newspaper provides an inexpensive, disposable substrate option that prevents bacteria accumulation. But ink may rub off onto your dragon.
Tile
Tile offers an attractive, easy-to-clean substrate that retains heat well. But the hard surface lacks traction.
Reptile Mat
Reptile mats provide a textured and sometimes grassy surface. They are durable and easy to clean.
Cloth Liners
Cloth cage liners are soft, natural-looking, and machine washable. But moisture absorption can be an issue.
Slate
Slate rocks add aesthetic appeal while providing a solid, easy-to-sanitize substrate. Some dragons may try to eat pieces.
Wood Chips
Natural wood substrates like aspen chips allow for burrowing. But they must be replaced often to prevent bacteria growth.
Sand Mats
Sand mats let dragons dig while limiting ingestion risk. The sand is glued between a mesh upper layer.
Reptile carpet does offer some benefits in terms of preventing loose substrate ingestion and being fairly easy to clean. However, the risk of long-term bacteria accumulation, moisture retention, and potential to snag nails are significant downsides to consider.
For bearded dragons, an optimal substrate is one that is affordable, easy to maintain, and promotes natural behaviors like digging—all while limiting health risks. Based on these criteria, good alternatives to reptile carpet include paper towels, newspaper, tile, reptile mats, and sand mats.
Always research any reptile substrate thoroughly before using it for your bearded dragon. Their health and wellbeing heavily depend on having an appropriate and safe habitat environment. Monitor your dragon closely and adapt the substrate as needed to keep them healthy and happy.
What other non-particle Bearded dragon substrate can I use?
If you really want to avoid loose substrate, a more suitable substrate choice would be slate or ceramic tiles, or something similar, that can absorb heat and provide a clean surface without running the risk of catching your Bearded dragons claws, unlike reptile carpet.
Another idea here could be a paper towel or newspaper substrate, which work well to blot liquid messes, although they need changing out often and arent as aesthetically pleasing as other substrates, which can be a put off for many people.
Can I use reptile carpet instead of loose substrates?
Many Bearded dragon owners have turned to using reptile carpet or artificial grass due to the fear of impaction. We, however, recommend against the use of reptile carpet or for Bearded dragons. Although the carpet will certainly reduce the risk of substrate ingestion, there have been instances where a Bearded dragons nails get stuck in the carpet, leading to injury.
Reptile carpet also tends to promote bacterial growth and can be difficult to clean sufficiently, despite technically being washable, so for messy, long-clawed Bearded dragons, it should be avoided, although it can work for some other pet reptiles.
Should You Use Reptile Carpet in Your Tank? – PROS and CONS of Terrarium Liners!
FAQ
Should you use reptile carpet for bearded dragons?
Avoid reptile carpet. That stuff is a breeding ground for bacteria that can make your Beardie sick. Even if you clean it daily, it still can get caught on your Beardie’s nails, potentially causing their toes to be ripped off.
What is the best flooring for a bearded dragon?
A thin tile or vinyl that can easily be cut and inserted snugly against the walls of the terrarium would be excellent. The surface should be a bit rough in order for the dragon to walk comfortably. The texture should be such that it can quickly and easily be cleaned as well.
What not to put in a bearded dragon tank?
Make sure you don’t use vinyl or linoleum, which are too slippery for your bearded dragon’s claws to gain any traction. The other issue with those materials is they retain a lot of heat and there is nowhere for it to escape in your dragon’s tank, so it can burn your dragon.
Can reptile carpet cause impaction?
Repti Carpet Impaction
Here is the result of reptile carpet becoming ingested, and causing impaction. While repti carpet may not appear to be as risky as sand, there are still risks, as you can see here. Leopard geckos can also get their little claws and teeth caught, and can still manage to swallow some.
What is the best substrate for bearded dragons?
The best substrate for bearded dragons depends on factors like tank setup and budget. Things like newspaper or paper towels, reptile carpet, rubber shelf liner, tile or even bioactive substrate are all excellent choices when it comes to bearded dragon substrate.
Is reptile carpet a good substrate for a bearded dragon?
Reptile carpet is a great bearded dragon substrate if you are willing to put in a little more work cleaning. Reptile carpet needs to be completely removed and washed at least twice a month to remove bacteria. Bacteria growth can be common with this type of substrate, especially when it is not kept clean.
Can bearded dragons eat or consume reptile carpet?
Reptile carpet is not made of small stones or sand that bearded dragons can accidentally swallow when feeding, helping to reduce impaction risk. These carpets can be cut to the exact size of your bearded dragon enclosure.
Is tile a good substrate for bearded dragons?
Tile as a reptile substrate provides an easy solution for those looking for ways to keep bacteria at a minimum! Whether slate, linoleum, or ceramic, tile is a great option for bearded dragon’s substrate. On top of being super affordable it is also low maintenance in that you never have to replace it!
How often should bearded dragons clean a carpet?
When using reptile carpet, bearded dragons should perform at least twice weekly cleanings, as poop gets stuck in the fibers. Most bearded dragons will do a daily spot clean, a more thorough clean once a week or so, and then a deep clean monthly.
What is reptile carpet?
Reptile carpet is a type of liner that you place at the bottom of a bearded dragon’s enclosure. It can also be used over loose substrate if preferred. There is a wide choice of reptile carpets, ranging in size, color, and material.