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“Substrate” is how many reptile keepers refer to their animal’s bedding. Opinions on appropriate bearded dragon substrate vary widely in the dragon keeper world. This is a list of options so you can pick one that fits your lifestyle, taste, and needs best.
If you choose to use a loose substrate, you will need approximately 80-120 quarts / 2.7-4 cubic feet of substrate in order to create a substrate layer 4-6″ deep in an enclosure with a 4×2 footprint.
If you are using an enclosure with a 6×2 footprint, you will need approximately 120-180 quarts / 4-6 cubic feet of substrate in order to create a substrate layer 4-6″ deep.
These substrates mimic a bearded dragon’s natural environment in Australia, making them the best. They are burrowable, which means that your dragon can dig in a nice thick layer of these substrates to its heart’s content. And although they are technically “loose” substrates, they do not pose an impaction risk because they pack well and are composed of natural materials that bearded dragon’s digestive tracts are built to handle. Pack the substrate 4-6″ deep for best results.
Still not convinced that loose substrate is safe? In a 2017 study (A survey of diseases in captive bearded dragons: a retrospective study of 529 patients by S. Schmidt-Ukaj et al.), despite most of the dragons having been housed on loose substrate, very few patients were impacted. Most of the few impaction cases that there were already sick with other conditions such as parasite infestation and MBD, which were attributed as causing the impaction.
These substrates retain heat well and are more attractive, but they are unlikely to offer digging/burrowing value.
These substrates are cheap, sterile, and make cleaning easy, but they’re better for quarantine than for long-term housing.
Shelf liner is growing in popularity as a substrate option for bearded dragon enclosures. As a bearded dragon owner, you want to provide your pet with a safe and comfortable habitat. The substrate you choose plays a big role in your dragon’s quality of life.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about using shelf liner as a substrate for your bearded dragon. We’ll cover the pros and cons, types to choose, proper setup, and care and cleaning tips. By the end, you’ll be able to decide if shelf liner is the right substrate choice for your beardie.
What is Shelf Liner?
Shelf liner is a type of non-adhesive plastic or fabric mat that is placed on shelves to provide cushioning and protection. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns and textures. The most common materials used are vinyl and cloth.
When used as a reptile substrate, shelf liners provide a solid, non-particle covering for the floor of the tank. This prevents loose substrates from potentially causing impaction if ingested. Shelf liners are lightweight, affordable, easy to clean, and come in fun designs.
The Pros of Using Shelf Liner as a Bearded Dragon Substrate
There are many advantages to using shelf liner in a bearded dragon habitat:
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Prevents impaction risk Solid shelf liner prevents accidental ingestion of particles, which can cause deadly impaction in bearded dragons. This is especially important for younger dragons who are more likely to mouth their environment
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Easy to clean Shelf liner can simply be wiped clean or replaced as needed This saves time on substrate changes compared to loose particles.
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Inexpensive: Shelf liner is an affordable substrate option, especially when purchased in bulk rolls. It’s easy to cut pieces to fit the enclosure.
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Fun patterns/textures: Shelf liner comes in a huge variety of colors, prints, and material types. This allows you to customize your bearded dragon’s home.
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Grippy surface: Many vinyl and textured cloth shelf liners provide a good grip for bearded dragon feet and claws. This prevents slipping.
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Minimizes odors: Solid substrates like shelf liner keep smells contained better than loose particles, which absorb odors. Regular cleaning prevents buildup.
Potential Cons of Shelf Liner Substrate
However, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
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No burrowing/digging: Shelf liner provides a flat, solid surface that doesn’t allow for natural burrowing behaviors. Though most dragons don’t dig, it’s an instinct for some.
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Requires more frequent changing: Shelf liner shows messes and stains faster than loose substrate. Pieces will need to be replaced every 1-2 months.
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Can be slippery: Some vinyl and smooth cloth liners can be slippery for bearded dragon claws. Consider textured options or adding grip.
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Not naturalistic: Shelf liner has an artificial look compared to substrates that mimic a natural desert environment.
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Can be scratched: Bearded dragon claws can scratch up and shred shelf liner over time. Check for damage during cleanings.
Choosing the Best Shelf Liner for Bearded Dragons
When selecting a shelf liner, consider these factors:
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Material: Vinyl is easy to wipe clean but can be slippery. Textured cloth provides better grip but is harder to disinfect. Avoid rubber options with holes that claws can catch on.
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Color/Design: Pick a lighter color that won’t show stains as easily. Avoid reflective surfaces. Fun patterns can liven up the enclosure.
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Non-adhesive: Make sure any shelf liner is non-adhesive so it won’t release chemicals in a heated tank. Adhesives can also collect bacteria.
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Proper sizing: Measure the tank floor and purchase wide rolls of liner to customize pieces to fit. Allow for 6-12 inches of excess liner to drape up the sides.
Some top-rated shelf liner options are:
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Con-Tact Brand Washable Printed Shelf Liner
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Gorilla Grip Opaque Ribbed Shelf Liner
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Duck Smooth Top EasyLiner
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Magikitch’n Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner
Setting Up Shelf Liner in the Enclosure
Installing shelf liner in your bearded dragon’s tank takes just a few easy steps:
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Clean the tank completely and allow to dry fully. Disinfect if desired.
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Measure the floor space and cut pieces of shelf liner to fit, allowing excess to run up the sides an inch or two.
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Roll out the liner smoothly, making sure there are no bunches or overlapping seams.
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For a more secure fit, you can use a non-toxic adhesive (not on the liner itself) to glue the edges in place.
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Add any decorative accents, plants, etc on top of the liner substrate.
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Thoroughly wash hands and sterilize any decor items before placing your bearded dragon in the newly lined home.
Caring for and Cleaning Shelf Liner Substrate
To keep shelf liner substrate clean and safe:
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Spot clean waste and messes as soon as they occur to prevent staining. Discard soiled liner sections.
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Replace liner pieces as needed when visibly dirty, stained, or torn. This is about every 4-8 weeks for most owners.
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Every 1-2 months, do a full liner replacement during deep tank cleaning. Wash and disinfect the tank before adding fresh liner.
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Monitor liner for scratches and tears from claws. Swap out damaged sections to prevent injury.
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Use a reptile-safe disinfectant cleaner for waste accidents and monthly cleanings. Avoid harsh chemicals.
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Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching the liner to prevent spread of bacteria and parasites.
With proper care and cleaning, shelf liner can last 6-12 months before the full roll needs replacement. Setting up a regular liner replacement routine will keep your dragon healthy.
Is Shelf Liner the Right Substrate for Your Bearded Dragon?
As you can see, shelf liner has many benefits as an affordable, safe bearded dragon substrate option. However, it may not be ideal for all owners’ needs and preferences.
Think about your dragon’s habits, tank setup, your cleaning commitment, and aesthetic preferences. Shelf liner is a great beginner substrate, but loose substrates or tile may be better if you want a more naturalistic vivarium.
Whichever substrate you choose, make sure it follows basic safety guidelines and your beardie’s needs. Shelf liner can be a wonderful option that is easy, budget-friendly, and customizable when cared for properly. Give your bearded dragon a happy home!
What’s the big deal about sand?
Using sand for bearded dragon substrate is highly controversial, and most folklore husbandry-based sources will tell you that sand is the devil’s substrate. However, when done correctly it can be an attractive and enriching part of your bearded dragon’s captive environment. Here are some common risks of sand and how to circumvent them:
- Dust – can be prevented by using high-quality sand. Play sand is the dustiest of them all.
- Dyes – are pretty easy to spot. If you see sand in an unnatural color (for example green, pink, or blue), it’s likely to be dyed, and will dye your dragon in turn. If you’re not sure, do some research on the product.
- Sticks to medical ointments – unavoidable. If your dragon is wearing an ointment, the best thing you can do is remove the sand or lay another type of substrate on top until treatment is completed. Tile and flagstone do well as temporary, immovable substrates.
Sand substrate should be completely replaced every 3-6 months to control bacterial growth. Spot-cleaning substrate daily will help it stay clean and odor-free. For best results, remove surrounding sand along with the waste.
DO NOT use calcium sand, Vita-Sand, Reptilite, or whatever else they’re calling it these days. Though it is advertised as a substrate-based calcium supplement, it has a nasty documented history of clumping up inside reptile intestines. The calcium carbonate also can neutralize stomach acid, preventing proper digestion. So even if it may be digestible, it can still interfere with digestion.
Contrary to popular belief, sand does not cause impaction, and ReptiFiles has a whole article on the subject here. Dehydration, low basking temperatures, and high parasite loads cause impaction. A healthy bearded dragon should be able to handle being housed on a loose substrate with no problems, passing any sand particles that do get ingested safely through their poo.
After surveying the natural environment of Pogona vitticeps in Australia, Dr. Jonathon Howard found that their natural substrate is composed for the following:
- 0.3% gravel
- 1.5% silt
- 2.3% clay
- 95.9% fine sand (quartz and iron oxide)
In other words, bearded dragons evolved to thrive on a thick layer of packed Australian red sand. Jurassic Natural’s Australian Desert Dragon Habitat substrate is imported from Central Australia and the same as what many bearded dragons live on in the wild.
Your Bearded Dragon Is Not Gonna Be Impacted By This Substance!
FAQ
What can I use instead of shelf liner?
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Paper-Based Options:
- Newspapers, Magazines, and Brochures: These are readily available and can be used to line cupboards and drawers.
- Wrapping Paper: Use leftover wrapping paper for a fun and unique look.
- Wax Paper: A simple and effective option for protecting surfaces.
- Leftover Wallpaper: Consider using extra rolls of wallpaper for a more decorative touch.
- Newspapers, Magazines, and Brochures: These are readily available and can be used to line cupboards and drawers.
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Fabric and Other Materials:
- Starched Pieces of Leftover Fabric: Starched fabric can be used as a liner, offering a soft and protective option.
- Felt or Leather: For a more durable and protective liner, consider using felt or leather, especially for drawers storing valuables.
- Oilcloth: For a waterproof alternative, try colorful oilcloth.
- Starched Pieces of Leftover Fabric: Starched fabric can be used as a liner, offering a soft and protective option.
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Other Options:
- Leftover Linoleum Flooring Sheets: These can be cut to fit and used as a durable liner.
- Thin Melamine: You can buy rolls of thin melamine (like Formica) at home centers for a smooth, easy-to-clean option.
- Contact Paper: While not everyone loves it, adhesive contact paper can be a good option for a quick and easy solution.
- Spongy Plastic: Consider using spongy plastic rolls from packing stores for a more cushioned liner.
- Leftover Linoleum Flooring Sheets: These can be cut to fit and used as a durable liner.
What to line a bearded dragon tank with?
We prefer to use a solid substrate for baby dragons such as tile, the Zen Mat, newspapers, or paper towels.
Can I board my bearded dragon?
Boarding for reptiles has been a round for a while, don’t you know! Like dog boarding or catteries, they’re facilities designed to temporarily house reptiles while their pet parents are away. Reptile boarding shelters are run by animal professionals who will make sure your precious pets are cared for and kept safe.
What can I use for flooring for my bearded dragon?
Tile flooring or paper towel flooring are both good options to use with both adult and baby bearded dragons. Reptile carpet is not the worst option but there is a slight risk of stuck claws in smaller beardies. It’s also hard to clean, and can easily become a host to a huge amount of bacteria.
Do bearded dragons need shelf liner?
This is so important because your bearded dragon’s substrate should never be cold to the touch. A bit of a new discovery amongst bearded dragon enthusiasts, is shelf liner as a substrate. Easy to clean and relatively inexpensive, shelf liner makes a GREAT substrate option and can last up to several years before needing to be replaced.
Do bearded dragons need substrates?
You see, bearded dragons need specific types of substrates that will not only help them feel at home in their tank, but also keep them healthy. And unfortunately, not all substrates are created equal. As such, you’ll want to do your due diligence to ensure you make the BEST decision for your pet’s habitat.
How long does shelf liner last?
Easy to clean and relatively inexpensive, shelf liner makes a GREAT substrate option and can last up to several years before needing to be replaced. This is an especially great option for those looking for something fast and convenient, that they don’t have to deep clean more than once a week or so.
Are wood chips a safe substrate for bearded dragons?
Read on to discover the pros and mostly cons behind some other forms of particle based substrates. Don’t let this cozy little guy fool you… wood chips and shavings are by no means a safe option for bearded dragon substrate. Another substrate that might seem fairly innocent is that of wood chips or wood shavings.
Should you tile a bearded dragon enclosure?
Another benefit to tile is that it actually can help keep your bearded dragon’s claws trimmed. This will be especially helpful for those who hate trimming their pet’s nails or have placed items such as rope hammocks in the enclosure that can catch their beardie’s claws. Now, there are some small cons with tile, such as how slippery it can be.
How much excavator clay does a bearded dragon need?
By far the best option for a bearded dragon digging substrate, Excavator Clay is a great option for those willing to take the time and effort needed to really spend some time building a unique enclosure. It should be noted that depending on the size of the enclosure, you could need 20 or more pounds of excavator clay.