Best Substrate for Bearded Dragons!

[@mantisgod237]

My husband and I had watched your last video and omg you read my mind! I was telling him "man I really wish people would just show exactly what they use to lessen the confusion for newbies to bioactive enclosures". It took me a little while to find soil that didnt sketch me out. Now I use Fox Farms Ocean Forrest as my main "dirt" and add in all the extras depending on who's living on or in it. Really wish more people would transition to bioactive for their beardies. Ultimately cleaner and they really do prefer it to the weird "sterile" looking enclosures. Thank you for encouraging others to do better by their critters!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I know exactly what you mean. Yes my beardies love the natural dirt. They love to dig a little spot curl up and sleep in the dirt. I don’t like the sterile looking stuff myself.

[@krypticlock]

Probably my favorite video of yours. Sweet, simple, and to the point. It clarifies possible any questions before they need to be asked and doesn't kill you with filler info or 'B-reel' (don't get me wrong, b-reel and extra info are great but the balance of videos with both is ideal. Thanks again!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you I’m glad you enjoy it

[@gmxgeo5696]

You’re freaking awesome, I forgot to get the Pete moss on my trip today but I got everything else😂 gonna go active on my crested gecko, 2 bearded dragons and leopard gecko. Your videos have helped a ton thank you

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I appreciate you! Thank you!

[@avery0128]

thank you for this tutorial!!! switching from tile to an actual substrate like this so my baby will be happy. this helped a lot and i’m buying the supplies today

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help

[@how_bout_it7967]

All of your bearded dragon videos are very informational. Thank you so much for sharing what you know with all of us. It is beyond helpful.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you I’m happy to help

[@xdudetrax2798]

I’ve tried your substrate and my beardie loves it and she’s found her spot to sleep and she created a burrow and that’s where she sleeps! 10/10 recommended for substrate! I also took advantage of your Amazon list and I ordered the heat gun you had listed that I was skeptical about buying. So thanks so much for that! Your videos are well appreciated and easy to understand, I can’t wait to raise a healthy beautiful girl!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

That’s awesome! Happy to help!

[@mariecru3121]

How often do you have to change out the mixture? Is it okay to use if it dries out? How long can you store the extra mixture for? Thank you in advance 🙂

[@MeezyPeezy]

How often do you have to change this? Do they poop in the substrate or do they mainly poop on their hotspot? Do you notice a smell after a while thank you.

[@okbassing1009]

If you add in little critters like pill bugs and Spring tails and live plants it makes it bio active

[@xdudetrax2798]

Mines has found her spot to poop in his hotspot

[@XoNeeka444]

Went and got the supplies today to make my tank. I’ve done my entire setup based on your videos. Thanks so much for all the advice and tips you give us!

[@Mightykeef]

Do you have to put water in the soil or can you just put the soil in the tank dry?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It’s good cause it usually comes very dry and it helps mix it together but you don’t technically have too

[@Chawk95]

Your channel is perfect man, so much good information. GOAT

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you!

[@JMeshz]

Hey Chief! Thanks to your video, I'm no longer using tile and switched my guy to this Substrate. He's loving it so far and it looks great. Just a question, do you feed your beardies in their enclosure? Mine has gotten a couple of good mouthfuls of dirt so far lol. I'm using the Reptisun T5 with a 10.0 uvb bulb, along with a 100w intense basking bulb, so I know his husbandry is great. Should I still be cautious with feeding him inside his enclosure? Thanks!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

So I do but I’ll use a bowl or escape proof dish most of the time eventually though they get reallly good at not grabbing dirt when eating

[@Waltorian]

How about humidity? When it dries out is it still diggable? If that’s a word. What I have now is way too dusty. Oh and for bioactive how often do you water? Sorry for the barrage.

[@mythicalnote1757]

Can't thank you enough for making these videos 🙏🙏

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help

[@tiffanirichardson]

what's plants can you use in bearded dragon enclosure?!

[@emmaGtron]

Do you wash the sand?? Sorry about all the questions it’s just so confusing 😭

[@NeverTooLate546]

Wow. Thank you! I just bought a few bearded dragons today and somehow came across your videos! Going to dump the carpet and few stuff I bought today and gonna work to set up just like you mentioned! I do have a 40 gallon tank... so would you be able to tell me how much I would need to mix the three?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help! I dont really know how much you would need to mix for the 40 gallon I usually mix it and then add however much covers the bottom and then just store the extra in storage.

[@countrygrammar32]

How often do I need to change or clean this?

[@chigga25]

this is just what I need. my 120gallon comes in tomorrow. I have the sand already so running to Lowes to grab the peat moss and topsoil. Thanks bro!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help!

[@hoggerguy2151]

Hey thanks for the vid really thinking about trying it out but I have to ask, is there a large risk of my beardie getting impacted from this mix? Or is it relatively safe for them?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No this is safe impaction occurs from other stuff that contributes to them not being able to digest proper like improper lighting dehydration.

[@ThreeDayAwesome]

The timberline topsoil I cannot find anywhere they’re out of stock. Is there any other topsoil that you recommend as a substitute?

[@Klarissax0]

Hi, I was curious if it’s bad to just go ahead and put in the peat moss? What does the top should and play sand help with?

[@bryanburns8732]

I would imagine just peat moss would retain too much water for a beardy and it wouldn’t hold its form enough to burrow.

[@The-one-and-only-Fruitcake]

I’m getting my first bearded dragon soon. Any suggestions for which plants I should put in? Specific names of the plants would help since plants are overwhelming for me lmao

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Aloe Vera, snake plants are great as well. Carex grass, fescue grass, dwarf jade plant. Hawthornia succulents, echeveria succulents,

[@The-one-and-only-Fruitcake]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thanks! And I can plant them in his tank even without cleanup insects, right?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@The-one-and-only-Fruitcake yes 100% you do not need the insects

[@lolawortman8675]

Do you need to water the plants at all?

[@bryanmestanza3]

Hey cheif. I recently did this substrate method and looks great! My only concern is that the substrate was still a little damp and shot up the humidity through the roof, currently at 90% I just bought a dehumidifier for my BD to regulate humidity levels. Have any other tips? And let me know if this normal and if I did good move on purchasing the dehumidifier. Thanks

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

This is perfectly normal for the first few days the heat lamps will dry it out very quickly. Don’t have to worry about it too much.

[@ShaneS-n9i]

use the high humidity to ur advantage change the substrate out when your bearded dragon starts shedding

[@nightmarezero8465]

Dude your videos are awesome. I think you should live stream on KZbin a lot for Q&A's or ideas for new videos when people ask questions on a topic. You're such a down to earth guy and i love it. I have been reading books about beardies to educate myself along with your videos.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I appreciate that so much I have been thinking about that a lot!

[@bubbagaming710]

Great video bro straight to the point! i subbed!!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@Krispea]

How often should i do a full substrate change? and can this mix work for leopard geckos too? thanks so much!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

This works with tons of desert animals like leopard geckos! Full change once a year

[@karenocampo1548]

Do the isotopes keep it clean? How do you clean your bearded dragon poop?

[@funtheman123]

Your videos are amazing. Thank you so much question about this mixture how much of the Jurassic Natural Australian Desert would you add to this mix do you just sprinkle some on top after you set it up in habitat? Thanks again for your videos.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes I would sprinkle it on top of this mix maybe about two bags of the Australian desert Jurassic sand

[@rickybanks1144]

So I'm curious now. What plants do you grow in this substrate?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Tons of plants honestly you can grow any plant in this substrate. I’ve grown succulents, cactus, tropical ones all kinds

[@bearsstuff]

This is awesome. Thank you. How often do you do a full swap? I wonder if this could work for a ball python or something that needs more humid.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes for my ball python I use this exact mix but only like 5% top soil. I use it for my tarantulas as well with no top soil. I don’t do a full swap at all. Last me years. Since my tanks are bioactive

[@stephaniecastaneda8600]

Hey, would just play sand be okay for a bearded dragon, or is it best to mox everything in?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah that’ll be fine

[@JonathnPaul]

Chukma Chief (that's my tribes salutation) anyways maybe i missed it but how often is it needful to be changed? Great videos and great mix just got done putting it in. Thank you for your great content

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

That’s Chickasaw right? I’m seminole but live in Chickasaw country. Hear it quite a bit didn’t know if it was Choctaw or Chickasaw. So I don’t change mine out at all. I do grab all the dirt that was touching or even near the poop and throw it away. So over time I have to add more dirt. Appreciate you!

[@JonathnPaul]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse wow Chief no one i know even knows what A Chickasaw is let a lone the language! I live in Seminole country but married a Navajo ha ha ha. Thanks for the update!

[@GrapefruitCat2]

Do you recommend coconut fiber in this mix or is Pete moss better in place of? I currently have coconut fiber and about to get some topsoil and play sand. BUT unsure if I should get Pete moss for my adult bearded dragon (who is used to paper towels ) thanks for your videos they help so much as someone with little experience, who rescued a dragon from someone!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Coco fiber can work

[@GrapefruitCat2]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you !

[@emmaGtron]

When the substrate gets dry do I have to spray it? Even if I don’t have isopods?

[@Ghost23306]

Just switched to this exact mixture today, so do I have to rehydrate it when it dries out after a couple days? And what’s the best way to do that if so.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah I spray it down once a week usually. Or maybe two weeks. Just depends really

[@luperodriguez2808]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse im a little confused one comment you said not to worry about humidity because it dries out fast but in this comment you said to rehydrate it 😅

[@pinkydink9307]

Usually my enclosures range from 20-30 humidity here in Utah so it’s a bit easier managing. If it gets too bad I can just open a window. How would you recommend decreasing the humidity with that substrate for the first couple days? Should I just let it sit before bringing it into the enclosure?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I feel like it’s perfectly fine to go ahead and put them in right away could simulate a rainy day. the heat lamps will dry it out very quickly.

[@pinkydink9307]

@@ChiefSweetsUniversethank you! I went out last night and got the material last night. I’m currently about to start the mix!

[@zacharywagner4162]

Alternatives to peat moss? Maybe coco coir?

[@Secondswarm0803]

Hey dude, I was wondering what would you add if it wasn't clumping together. Planning on doing this for my new beardie enclosure and just want to be prepared. Thanks!

[@BamaBrit1989]

Came looking for the answer to this as well. I’m assuming more water 🤔? Scrolling comments to see if I can find the answer.

[@Mizuaux1027]

Good tutorial. In the future it'd be nice to adress similar alternatives/ saying any type would or wouldn't work for X reason.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Will do! Definitely work on a substrate mix for almost each type of species

[@Cullen851]

I just got my first bearded dragon, a 3 month old named Bilbo. Just wanted to know how much you recommend feeding him? I've watched plenty of videos on it and have seen that babies need to eat a lot but the lady at the pet store said a dozen dubia roaches would last me a week. This doesn't add up to what I've read though so I wanted to get a second opinion

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah I don’t think a dozen would last my babies a week. I feed mine as much as they will eat. Once in the morning and once at 3pm.

[@Cullen851]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse that’s what I thought, I went and got more roaches and wax worms to feed him, but I saw where wax worms can’t a staple food for their diet due them being high in fat content, anyways thank you for your reply! Your channel has been a huge help in preparing me getting my beardie

[@redtigrinus]

Do you sanitize the materials at all or do you just use the right out the bag?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I go right out of the bag. I’ve never sanitized them.

[@Eternityawaits-kr7mg]

Hey there! I love your videos. Could you please tell me how many bags of each of these products I should I buy for a 72.5 long 18.25 deep terrarium?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I think 1 bag of each will do ya.

[@cavanmehler7016]

I'm new to reptiles and I'm getting a bearded dragon within the next month. I was back and fourth between a bioactive and non-bioactive terrarium but I feel like going non-bioactive is safer since this will be my first reptile. I am curious to know if I can still use a top soil, sand mixture like yours without having to get a clean up crew or live plants? I don't want to use straight up sand or tile or carpet etc. but I don't want to go bioactive idek if that's possible

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Of course with this mix you don’t have to have isopods or springtails you can just use it. I use it for my tarantulas and they don’t have springtails to isopods in it and it’s going strong!

[@cavanmehler7016]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverseamazing thank you. do you know off the top of your head how often I’d have to change and replace the substrate? I would think it’s once a week or once a month?

[@urbasic69-girl]

@@cavanmehler7016in one of his other videos in the comments he said the can last up to 6 months, if you go bioactive it can last forever if you use isopods

[@JBDossie]

Great video!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@RebeccaFigueroa-r3b]

Hey! I see you reply to all your comments so I thought I’d give it a shot and ask if there’s any risk of respiratory infection? With the humidity of the pea moss? I’ve only used “desert”sand which is completely dry and it’s so expensive i have 3 bearded dragons and a 2 ball python. And if this works for all of them that’s a dream come true😭

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Nope no worries there as long as your heat is ok then you are good. Respiratory infections are cause by poor airflow and bad care. If you have super weak heat and no uvb then I would say worry but as long as you have correct temps and good uvb you are fine I put it in soaking wet for my beardies they do great and have been for many years

[@kaiwilliams4517]

im here in the uk and we dont sell peat moss like this do u knowhow much in grams or kg y shops sell it in 200g,400,600gand 1.5 or 3kg

[@spencerdax]

Did you consider sterilizing the soil? Any concerns about that?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I don’t. It’s never been a problem. But people do bake it at 250f for a hour to sterilize

[@Eternal_11_Sasha]

What are your thoughts on types of sand? I feel like I want to use authentic Australian sand mostly for aesthetic but also because I am trying to closely replicate my beardies natural habitat. I see you are using play sand but what are your thoughts on calci-sand? To my knowledge so far, calci-sand seems to be limestone. Not sure if that is a viable option and if so are there any pro's to using it in the blend? Thanks in advance!

[@void5894]

calci sand is TERRIBLE, it will harm any lizard, just use playsand. or u can use the Australian dessert by joshs frogs or whoever makes it

[@ShiNoKarasu]

I can't find the top soil you recommend to me. I was wondering if you think Garden Club Garden Top Soil would be good.

[@juantoscano666]

Question do you sanitize any of the substrates before adding to the enclosure??

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I don’t but you can

[@juantoscano666]

@ChiefSweetsUniverse ok just trying to keep my dragon safe i just got him 2 days ago and some people say that you must get reptisoil some say you can do your method but you have to bake it in the oven for a few hours before adding to the enclosure

[@xKinderElmx]

This may be a dumb question, but I watched Mather video on this same substrate and they baked it to make sure critters where dead, is that a good idea? Or should I just add it without baking at all.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that’s totally fine helps if it has gnats

[@abaeza915]

Thank you for sharing this, I am wanting to use this for my leopard geckos and bearded dragons. Just have one question, my leopards and dragons are juveniles. Would it be safe to add this in their enclosure while they are still young?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah I use it with my juveniles and they are fine.

[@dragondog1017]

Is there a big risk of impaction with this type of substrate?cause I want to change my bearded dragons carpet for something better but I want to make sure it safe for her

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No risk at all perfectly fine.

[@smoothbandit4977]

I just got my baby bearded dragon 3 weeks ago I unfortunately ran into your vids after purchasing the carpet for the base layer just wanted to know if this is safe for small juvenile bearded dragons as well ? Will they eat it ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happens to us all. You’ll be ok for now but definitely try and get some loose substrate in soon.

[@JustTheConcerts]

The big issue I’m having is finding organic fertilizer free topsoil or garden soil that’s not really 90% mulch and other garbage. Even rep the soil is 80 or 90% mulch.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah I notice reptisoil is becoming very mulchy lately. Peat moss should be less mulchy tho

[@FrozT99]

I used potting soil (organic) like an idiot with sand, excavator clay, and coco fiber. Are the little white peices in the potting soil dangerous to our beardie? I havent put her in yet cause i want to know before i do, so shes casually been roaming the house until then.

[@unofant]

Can this be used for baby dragons (~3 months)? Pet store advices not to use sand. I was sold the packed bag or brown “woodsy” substrate that I had to add water. Needless to say it makes cricket feeding hard and just a bit visually unappealing. Thoughts?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes I been using this for my babies for years

[@austinstiles6533]

What plant is that you have in the enclosure?

[@NavarrasExoticReptileEmporium]

Can I use reptisoil or what is a good top soil as a replacement for Scot’s and do you do anything for the stuff like wash the sand or bake the soil

[@patrickgraham3485]

If I can’t find top soil will it still work and what would a good substitute be? My Lowe’s doesn’t have any in stock

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

If it’s peat moss and play sand 100% will still work

[@patrickgraham3485]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverseokay sweet thank you

[@SoberTea]

Do you do any bottom material to absorb moisture or anything? Or do you just put this substrate directly on the bottom of the enclosure

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Directly on the bottom of the enclosure

[@breannaweilacker2099]

Is this substrate recommended for juveniles also (3-4 months)?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes this is perfect for them

[@michaelhargrove1018]

Just watched your video, thanks for the the info. I wanted to do this cuz I’m cleaning up after him every day… will this help and when do I need to clean it out or I don’t need to using this method? Thanks! FYI I’m gone for long weekend sometimes that’s why I need this… don’t wanna come home to a mess🤦🏽‍♂️

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah with this you just get a doggie bag grab it with the dirt touching it throw it away. Don’t have to replace it over time might have to add more dirt.

[@michaelhargrove1018]

Thanks!!! If I do bioactive I just add clean up crew

[@elizabethacebo1932]

Hi! How often should I change the mix for my bearded dragon?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

About a year

[@DripTheSeawing]

hi, quick question, for aesthetical purposes, i want my substrate to look more like sea sand. but my tank is being supported by some repainted table legs, so if i put too much weight (play sand is crazy heavy) it might not be stable. what would you recommend?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You would need to get a table that can withstand the weight of

[@jakegalante9482]

I have a question about cleaning. How do you sift through the soil and clean up the poop your bearded dragon leaves and also how often do you replace the soil. I heard that poop leaves nitrates that are harmful.

[@jakegalante9482]

(And pee)

[@keontaesimmons3640]

Following. I don’t want a smelly cage

[@dprince2124]

Add isopods and springtails also live plants to make it bioactive and let the bugs handle the poop

[@andrewgeddes8904]

Hey, so I just made a new enclosure for my beardie (with help of your video). I wanted to do this substrate. However, she is only about 5-6 months. So still juvenile. I've read that a loose substrate for a juvenile is not a good idea. Would you agree? Or do you think I'm fine putting it in there? Please help. Love the channel by the way. You have helped me out a lot.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I put my babies on substrate 1 month old. It’s fine. Happy to help 😁

[@andrewgeddes8904]

@Chiefs Universe thank you! Your awesome.

[@andrewgeddes8904]

@Chiefs Universe hey so my build is done, I put the substate in there. Made sure to regulate the temps. We put her in there today and I've noticed she's been trying to eat it. It's this normal? Will she stop? Should I take it out?

[@JeffreyFlowers]

How old should the dragon be before I can use this ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

At least 1 month old

[@pokeslim]

Is it meant to be added to the enclosure moist? Does that not cause any issues with hunidity? should I let it dry before adding it?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You can fry it out but I always add it moist. It drys out really fast with the heat from the tank.

[@fruitoftheloops9471]

What other brands of top soil would you recommend?

[@Lemon_boy404]

Made this for my beardie and he loves it

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Very nice!

[@danielcervantes9659]

Thanks for the vid. I prepared the mix yesterday and followed the tutorial to the “T.” I set it out in my 4x2x2. Ive setup the rocks and basking spot. My humidity on top of the substrate is in the 70s! Is this normal? Everything I read about beardies says no more than 50% humidity. Please help. Is this a dangerous environment for my beardie? Thanks

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No worries at all very normal when first adding it in it will dry out. The high humidity thing is just an old myth in the wild they do experience a rainy season and experience super high humidity. Also breeders on Florida keep beardies outside in 80% humidity just fine. Just make sure your temps are good and you’ll have no issues. Good temps are 80fs during the day. With a 105f-110f basking spot

[@danielcervantes9659]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank u so much! Especially for the quick reply. I ordered a zoo med ventilator. Do u think i need that? Sounds like “no” from your response

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@danielcervantes9659 yeah you will be fine

[@danielcervantes9659]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse I put my beardie in the new enclosure with the substrate. Its the first time shes had substrate and she seemed to love it. She spent a long time burrowing. Now she is chilling upright against the wall and wont come down. Is this normal? Temperature on cold side is 80. Basking side is 96. Humidity is 50-65 (it went down as u thought). I think this may be normal-weird-beardie behavior but could it be stress? TIA

[@jarendavis6120]

So I only have one 120 gallon tank, how many bags of each of these do you think I’ll need?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Just one of each and you’ll have leftover. If you want to not have any left you can do 3 bags of reptisand. 6 bags of reptisoil. 2 bags of excavator clay

[@Johan_FRLN]

Is it safe to put live plants in a bearded dragon enclosure? Wouldn’t that bring humidity to the enclosure due to photosynthesis taking place?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I have live plants in mine and humidity is fine. The heat lamps really take care of any humidity issues.

[@kassimmons1063]

How do you clean it if you don’t go bio? I am going to make sure I clean up after my boy use the bathroom, but is there anything else I need to do? Do I have to change it out every couple months?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I change it out once a year but when they poop I just grab all the dirt underneath and around and throw it away with the poop.

[@BaggyScraggy]

Is it neccesary to bake any of this stuff beforehand?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You can but don’t have to.

[@EscYourMnd]

Is this safe for other reptiles or specifically cornsnakes??

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah 100% I use it for ball pythons

[@EscYourMnd]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse can it also be used for white tree frogs as well? Sorry for so many questions

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@EscYourMnd no worries yes I use it for mine as well. Works great for all types of species.

[@Lucie4881]

do you change it often? Thank you!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

About every 6 months

[@zoieharper9303]

Why is there little tiny bugs in my substrate mixture?

[@adenvancleef7923]

I added this substrate to my enclosure and it was still moist of course. The humidity is about 80%. Should I be worried or concerned?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh no it will definitely dry out. Plus even in the desert it rains and will have days with super high humidity.

[@adenvancleef7923]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse awesome thank you for the quick response!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No problem

[@iamuptolate1968]

How often do you clean the enclosure besides getting the poop out ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Every 6 months

[@menabee2671]

does the play sand have sparkles? I got the same play sand, did the mix and the sparkles are freaking me out lol.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It will have a sparkle to it sometime

[@RetroPyroP71]

Can't find timberline anywhere, what's going on with it? Seen it has a lot of bad reviews, what is a good alternative?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I think reviews just come from personal opinion. Scott’s organic top soil is another one I’ve used. Any organic top soil will work

[@kaedenarcand9743]

Do UV-B lights need a hood? Sorry for all the questions I just wanna make sure I have everything down pat

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes they need a fixture with a good reflector inside the fixture.

[@NicholasMurdock-s2s]

This video you added water and had a ratio that differs from a different video you posted. It was the same 3 items but at a 33% ratio and you didn’t add water. Which one is better for bearded dragons?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah those items already had water aded but this is my mix I use now. I been using this mix forever. This to me is the best

[@andresmacias5072]

Hello, I was just wondering what kind of isopods do you used for your bio active enclosure for the bearded dragon

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I use common isopods and dwarf tropical white isopods

[@SpyroWetterau]

How often do you clean this out/change it?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

If bioactive like once every two years if not I do it every 6 months

[@mike89lsc]

Do you sanitize any of the material before placing it in the tank?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I wash the play sand but other than that I do not

[@juliandwyer-tr4yt]

I just did this substrate and she’s trying to eat it is that okay ?

[@kyleecampbell5704]

Hello. Does this substrate harden? I'm looking for something that is not going to be dusty but also not really hard. My girls lay several times a year and refuse lay boxes. I've tried just peat... that was a dusty mess that I'm still dusting. I've tried sand, but I find it gets stinky too fast and most probably dirty. I've recently tried coco coir but my dragons are now filthy. Sooo... To keep this soft enough, how exactly do you water it. Do you just mist or do you "shower"?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

This stays pretty soft. With all the stuff mixed together it does not get dusty. I do shower once every two weeks.

[@thatoneslushy7389]

is miracle gro brand peat moss dangerous? i dont want to spend $20 on a bag of moss i will rarely use

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It’s just the artificial fertilizer that is harmful. But that’s only if they eat it and even then it shouldn’t hurt them. Might give them an upset stomach but that’s all. The same stuff just artificial fertilizer.

[@Russw0196]

Our beardy is just throwing this stuff everywhere she absolutely loves it. It does seem to get in her water and food, is it safe if its accidentally ingested?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes she will just poop it out. Yes my beardies love digging in the substrate

[@ayyeitsmatthew]

Would adding excavator clay strengthen or worsen this substrate? I saw you recommended the excavator clay on your amazon list for Bearded Dragons.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes I love excavator clay. Also I just found out about this substrate from exo terra called stone desert I would add that too make it reallll nice.

[@lizardjoe4224]

Im trying to move a bearby i adopted into a 40 gallon and would like to use this substrate and ive got a question. Do you ever have problems with impaction or respiratory infections with this substrate? Also is there any way to make it slightly stronger?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No issues with impaction of respiratory issues at all. I add clay and gravel to make it more stronger.

[@lizardjoe4224]

​@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you I've been trying to get him Into the 40 gallon for a little bit now but couldn't find a good substrate

[@lizardjoe4224]

​@ChiefSweetsUniverse also if you do like springtails and isopods do you have to regularly mist the enclosure or will everything be fine with like the left over moisture and a water bowl?

[@zakmurphy153]

is this good for baby’s as well?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah I’ve used it for babies

[@dajyarocksgames2769]

I made it and he started eating it is that okay?

[@diegovaldez2907]

Hey! Would this be good as a everyday cage thing or sometimes??

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Every day for years

[@ShiNoKarasu]

I can't find the top soil you have in my city. Is there another top soil I can use?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Earth gro top soil. Organic valley top soil. Scott’s organic top soil. Really any organic top soil that doesn’t have manure or fertilizer will work

[@ShiNoKarasu]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Okay, thank you. Do you know how to make a top for an enclosure? My enclosure has a bar in the middle at the top and I can't find one that will fit the top with the bar there.

[@danter3761]

Hey man been watching your videos trying to give my beardie the best experience i can. Im letting my mixture dry right now Two questions. 1. I made the mixture with coco coir and play sand, I did 50/50 and it clumps and holds burrows. You think that’s okay? 2. Was your play sand moist when you got it?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Sometimes the playsand is moist that’s ok. Yeah that’ll be fun

[@Mizuaux1027]

Is there a good top soil i can buy online? I cant find that exact top soil . Also is play sand from lowes okay if it says pet area safe ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes that is ok I got mine from Lowe’s sometimes as well. Scott’s organic top soil is good

[@Mizuaux1027]

​@@ChiefSweetsUniverseis earthgro topsoil good? [ I'm at the store rn

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@Mizuaux1027 yes that’s a good one as it doesn’t contain fertilizer

[@Mizuaux1027]

​@ChiefSweetsUniverse it doesn't matter that it isn't organic right ? [ thanks for fast reply

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@Mizuaux1027 yeah it’s mostly just peat and some forest stuff mashed up. It’s good

[@charlotteroe6403]

Hi, what can you use instead of peat moss please? I'm unable to find it in the UK!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You can use reptisoil as it’s the same thing or a organic top soil will work fine as well

[@charlotteroe6403]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you! :)