Uromastyx Substrate.

Question
QUESTION: Hi Tracie,

I have a question for you regarding substrates for a Egyptian uromastyx. I recently adopted one and it came with the tank which already had what looks like a combination of both walnut grounds and play sand.  Should I leave it as is, or just change it all out and go for straight play sand? I also see people referring to filtered pool sand? I'm stumped. Would appreciate any help! Thanks!!

ANSWER: Hello David,

Well, for an Egyptian uro, he most likely will not be licking his substrate or ingesting any with feeding since they do not chase crickets around like bearded dragons.
I think that the mixture of playsand & walnut shells will be fine.  Some people use eco earth or just plain playsand, so it is really just a personal preference.  Does he seem to like it?
As long as you do not see him licking it I think it will be alright.  The walnut shells can cause impaction & intestinal damage if ingested.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sounds good, thanks for the prompt answer. I think I'm going to go ahead and leave it as is for the time being. I did however add a little bit more play sand. He does seem a bit anxious to get out of the tank sometimes though, I find him trying to climb the sides of the tank. I hope he's not stressed about anything, I have a 150w zoomed halogen over his basking area and a cool side of the tank that is like 75-80f. Just a bit concerned. Thanks again!

-David

ANSWER: Hello David,

That is fine.  :-))  As long as he is not licking the substrate he should be ok.
Well, what type of thermometer are you using to measure the temps?
A stick on thermometer, a digital probe or a temp gun?  What are the temps currently?  
Are you using a UVB light?  If so, what type & brand is it, a flourescent tube bulb or a compact or coil light?
The basking temps should run around 120-130 & the cooler end around 80 or so.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

Well he doesn't seem to be licking the substrate however sometimes he moves his salad of the dish and it gets some substrate on it. Using a digital temp gun I have the basking area at around 105 maybe 110 tops and the cooler spot around 75-85.

The basking lamp is a zoomed halogen 150w I believe, was going to get a powersun 160. Maybe that will get it higher?

thanks!

-David

Answer
Hello David,

Ok, well, just keep an eye on how much substrate he may ingest.  Since they do not chase down insects it will be greatly diminished from what it would be otherwise if he were chasing insects.  
Great you are using a digital temp gun.  Yeah, the basking temps do need to be higher.  A good range is 120-130 with variable gradients so he can choose.  The cooler end around 75-85 is good so he can cool off when he needs to.  
The Powersun MVB 160watt might get hotter yes.  You can place that one at 16 inches safely.  Plus, it is a heat source as well as UVB which he needs the UVB for bone maintenance.  Don't forget to use calcium supplementation for him, too.  If the temps still do not get to at least 120, you might need to use a low wattage supplemental household lightbulb with a little clamp light, maybe a 25watt or something just to help.  Hopefully the 160 watt will do.  Though you do need to get those temps bumped up soon or he will be susceptible to getting a respiratory infection.   

Let me know how things are going.

Tracie