Struggling with the sand or no sand issue...

Tile is a great idea...we have a tile cutter, my husband is a contractor, what about slate..would that work? I think it might hold heat better than tile and I love the more natural look of slate. When you use the tile do you grout it in or just place it there ? I think because of the dust issue I have given up on sand but I might provide them a little sandbox to let them dig in it some and see what happens. This is a trial and error stage so when we build their forever home I'll know what to put in the bottom.
Thans so much for everyones input.

I wouldnt reccomend grout. I just put them in, Then you can remove it. Not sure about slate. The ceramic tiles i got are natural colors, Home depot sells all kinds and you can buy a box or a few pieces. I got the textured kind, the smooth ones were to smooth. The only thing with the tile which you"ll have with anything is the mealsworms can go under the tile. My female everyday has to tip her bowl over and they scurry under it. But i just fish them out when i break it down. She always does her business in a good area that doesnt seep under.

I do not recommend sand to anyone but experienced keepers. The average person that buys a pet beardie is more likely to make mistakes in husbandry that can increase the likelyhood that sand could cause impaction. For example, if temps are off, dragons are not properly supplemented or hydrated, etc. If the dragons are very well taken care of, then the risk for impactions goes down. But I think it is prudent to recommend a solid substratum for most people. Besides, sand stinks and it is impossible to keep very clean. I prefer the look of natural tile. I use tile in my adult cages, and have virtually no smell problems. I use newspaper and paper towels for my babies and juvies who tend to defecate more often.

Jamie