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.
Choosing the right substrate for your bearded dragon’s enclosure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. The substrate acts as the flooring in your beardie’s habitat, so you want to pick something that is safe, easy to clean, and helps create an optimal environment.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of the most popular bearded dragon substrate options so you can make an informed decision. We’ll also provide tips on proper substrate cleaning and maintenance.
Overview of Substrate Options for Bearded Dragons
Substrates for bearded dragons generally fall into two main categories
Loose particulate substrates – Made up of small pieces or particles, like sand, crushed walnut shells, clay, etc.
Solid non-particulate substrates – Single, solid pieces, like reptile carpet, tile, shelf liner, etc.
Many experienced bearded dragon owners prefer non-particulate substrates because they pose less risk of impaction if accidentally ingested However, loose substrates can be used safely with proper precautions
Below we dive into the most popular options in both categories so you can weigh the pros and cons of each.
The 5 Best Bearded Dragon Substrates
1. Reptile Carpet
Reptile carpet is a common solid substrate choice made of woven fabric that provides cushioning underfoot. It comes in naturalistic colors like green, brown, and tan to resemble grass or sand.
Pros:
- Poses no impaction risk if ingested
- Allows for easy spot cleaning of waste
- Provides good traction and comfort underfoot
Cons:
- Can hold odors over time if not cleaned frequently
- Needs to be fully removed and replaced for deep cleanings
- Nails and teeth can snag on the fabric
2. Ceramic or Stone Tile
Tile makes an excellent non-particulate substrate option for bearded dragons. Slate, stone, or ceramic tiles are durable, easy to clean, retain heat well, and provide a textured surface for traction.
Pros:
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Helps naturally wear down nails
- Wide range of color and pattern options
- Permanent solution that lasts for years
Cons:
- Can be slippery if smooth tiles are used
- Doesn’t provide cushioning or diggable texture
3. Shelf Liner
Vinyl shelf liner is affordable, easy to find, and simple to trim to size. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Pros:
- Very affordable option
- Easy to clean and replace when needed
- Cuts to fit any enclosure
- Provides decent traction
Cons:
- Less naturalistic look than some substrates
- Needs to be replaced once worn out
4. Excavator Clay
Specially formulated clay allows for molding and digging while retaining its shape better than sand. It provides enrichment and stimuli.
Pros:
- Allows for burrowing and digging
- Holds shape well for tunneling
- More naturalistic than shelf liner
Cons:
- Can dry out tank air due to clay absorbing moisture
- Potential for impaction if large amounts are ingested
5. Newspaper or Paper Towels
Simple and affordable paper substrates are easy to replace frequently for cleanliness.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Easy availability
- Allows for very frequent replacement
Cons:
- Doesn’t look naturalistic
- Provides no texture or traction
Substrates to Avoid for Bearded Dragons
There are a few substrates that should be avoided for bearded dragons due to potential health risks:
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Calcium or Vitamin Sand – Risk of impaction. Does not provide nutritional value.
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Crushed Walnut Shells – Risk of impaction and contains oils that can irritate the skin and eyes. Sharp edges can cause mouth injuries.
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Wood Shavings/Chips – Risk of impaction. Can harbor mites. Oils may be toxic.
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Regular Play Sand – Very high risk of impaction, even when adult. Difficult to keep clean.
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Corn Cob Bedding – Risk of impaction and mold growth. Absorbs moisture poorly.
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Cat Litter – Risk of impaction. Absorbs moisture poorly. Fragrance and dust problematic.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Substrates
No matter what substrate you choose, performing regular cleaning and maintenance is crucial. Here are some tips:
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Spot clean daily by removing all waste, feces, and urates. Disinfect any visibly soiled areas.
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Completely replace paper substrates 1-2 times per week.
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Deep clean solid substrates at least once per month by removing entirely and disinfecting.
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Rinse tiles thoroughly and allow to fully dry before replacing in the tank after cleaning.
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Soak soiled reptile carpets in non-toxic cleaner then rinse thoroughly and let dry fully before reuse.
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Use diluted vinegar or reptile-safe disinfectants when cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals.
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Allowing substrates to dry completely reduces risk of bacterial or fungal growth.
Making the Best Substrate Choice for Your Bearded Dragon
When it comes to picking the right substrate, assessing both the benefits and drawbacks of the options is important. Non-particulate substrates tend to be better choices, but loose substrates can work if precautions are taken.
The most important factors are safety, ease of maintenance, and providing an enriching habitat for your beardie. With this guide’s tips in mind, you can select a substrate to help give your bearded dragon a healthy home.
What is the best Bearded dragon substrate to use?
To most closely resemble the natural habitat of a Bearded dragon, you can use compacted clay-like sand, which will create a fairly solid surface similar to the dry, hard ground in parts of the Australian outback where Bearded dragons originate from. Although, the Australian outback is a vast area, and not all areas have compacted ground, instead, some areas are quite sandy, and Bearded dragons live in these parts too.
Due to the above, loose, sand substrate still provides a more natural environment for a Bearded dragon, and for this reason, we recommend it for your Bearded dragons substrate over other substrate types. Enclosures with sandy substrates are easier to keep clean than those with hard clay, as you can easily switch out the old, dirty substrate for new, clean substrate as required.
Many leading brands produce high-quality Bearded dragon specific substrates, which tend to incorporate sand of differing particle sizes, or sand-soil mixes in bioactive substrate examples. Good examples here are ProRep Beardie Life, HabiStat Bearded Dragon Bedding, Lucky Reptile Desert Bedding and Arcadia EarthMix Arid for bioactive setups.
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.
Best Substrate for Bearded Dragons!
FAQ
What is the best substrate for a bearded dragon?
Sand is the most common substrate being marketed as the proper substrate for bearded dragons. Because bearded dragons come from the desert, it’s easy to market sand as a desert substrate. In truth, a bearded dragon’s natural substrate would be a mixture of hard packed dirt, clay, and rocks.
What type of bedding is best for a bearded dragon?
Due to the above, loose, sand substrate still provides a more natural environment for a Bearded dragon, and for this reason, we recommend it for your Bearded …
What do you put in the bottom of a tank for a bearded dragon?
For the inside of the tank, bearded dragons should have a non-lose substrate as they are prone to impaction and parasites. Using slate tiles and natural flat stones will give the tank a more natural look. You can also use newspaper, paper towel, reptile carpet, reptile mats and loads of other safe material.
What kind of potting soil do bearded dragons need?
DIY naturalistic mix — 50% sand (preferably very fine), 30% organic topsoil, 20% Zoo Med Excavator Clay.
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.
What is a suitable substrate for baby and juvenile bearded dragons?
We recommend to avoid using calcium sands for baby and juvenile bearded dragons. Another substrate that you can use for your bearded dragon enclosure is reptile carpets, or cage liners. Reptile carpets are a synthetic carpet which simulates grass or deserts. Lay cage liners across the floor of the enclosure to cover the bottom glass.
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 do you care for a bearded dragon?
The substrate you choose can have a big impact on the health of your bearded dragon. If you have an adult you may be better choosing reptile carpet, tile, or rubber shelf liners. An experienced keeper might choose to use a bioactive substrate. Hatchlings are best kept on newspaper or paper towels.
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.
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.