Owning a bearded dragon is an incredibly rewarding experience. However, caring for these amazing reptiles requires the right habitat setup and accessories. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand exactly what supplies your bearded dragon needs to stay happy and healthy. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about setting up the ideal habitat and choosing the best accessories for your bearded dragon.
The Essential Bearded Dragon Supplies
Here are the basic supplies every bearded dragon owner needs
Enclosure
The most important item is a proper enclosure. Adult bearded dragons require a minimum tank size of 40 gallons but bigger is always better. The enclosure should be made of wood melamine or glass, with a wire mesh top for ventilation. Make sure the enclosure is escape proof.
Substrate
Good substrates include reptile carpet, paper towels, and tile. Avoid loose substrates like sand, which can cause impaction if ingested.
Heat lamps
You’ll need a basking lamp to create a hot spot of 95-110°F and a UVB bulb to provide necessary vitamin D3. The UVB bulb should span 2/3 of the enclosure.
Heat mat (optional)
A heat mat under the tank helps maintain ambient temperatures on the cool side.
Thermometers
You need a digital thermometer with a probe to monitor the basking spot temperature and an ambient thermometer for the cool side.
Food and water dishes
Use sturdy, tip-proof ceramic bowls that can’t be tipped over easily.
Hides
Provide a minimum of two hides, one on the warm side and one on the cool side.
Tank furnishings
Branches, hammocks and basking platforms provide enrichment.
Must-Have Bearded Dragon Accessories
While the supplies above cover the basic habitat needs, adding a few accessories can really improve your bearded dragon’s quality of life. Here are some recommended accessories to consider:
Hammocks
Hammocks provide extra climbing opportunities and a comfortable lounging spot under the basking lamp.
Ramps
Ramps allow easy access to different levels in a multi-level enclosure.
Backgrounds
Tank backgrounds provide security and a more natural feel. Solid backgrounds are best.
Fake plants
Fake plants add visual interest and extra hiding spots. Make sure any decor is reptile safe.
Extra thermometers
Having backup thermometers is useful for double checking temperatures.
Timer
A timer automates the day/night cycle by turning lights on and off automatically.
Feeding tongs
Feeding tongs allow safer feeding of insects and protect your fingers!
Reptile hammock or leash
Take your bearded dragon outside safely with a harness, leash and hammock.
Transport carrier
A secure carrier is a must for vet visits and travel. Get one that’s easy to clean.
Nail clippers
Trim overgrown nails with reptile nail clippers to prevent scratches.
Reptile safe disinfectant
Disinfect the enclosure between deep cleanings to prevent disease.
Digital scale
Track your bearded dragon’s growth by weighing regularly. Look for gram and ounce scales.
Moist hide box
Offer a humid hide during shedding cycles to help loosen the skin.
Setting Up the Perfect Habitat
Now that you know what supplies you need, let’s go over how to set them up properly in your bearded dragon’s habitat:
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Position the tank out of direct sunlight and drafts.
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Add substrates like reptile carpet or tile. Avoid loose substrates.
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Place basking area at one end with the heat lamp centered above it.
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Put the UVB bulb next to the basking light. Make sure it spans 2/3 of the enclosure.
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Add thermometers, one for each end. The basking area should be 95-110°F.
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Include a minimum of two hides, one on each temperature zone.
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Add bowls, plants, branches and any other decor.
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Set the timer to provide 10-14 hours of light per day.
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Allow your bearded dragon to explore his new home!
Follow these steps and your bearded dragon will enjoy a safe, stimulating habitat. Be sure to monitor temperatures carefully in the first few days and make any adjustments needed. With the right supplies and setup, you’re well on your way to giving your bearded dragon a happy, healthy home.
Keep reading about bearded dragon care:
This page contains affiliate links. To learn why ReptiFiles sometimes uses paid links, see my affiliate disclosure.
ReptiFiles’ Bearded Dragon “Starter Kit”
For your convenience, we have put together a list of the bearded dragon supplies that ReptiFiles personally recommends for the health of your new pet, as well as your own peace of mind. In other words, we’ve basically done the shopping for you! Although bearded dragons are commonly recommended as an ideal “first pet,” please note that even the easiest reptiles can be expensive and high-maintenance to keep. If you are not prepared to purchase everything required for the health and wellbeing of a bearded dragon, this is not the pet for you.
This page contains paid links (details here) as well as links to the official ReptiFiles store. Purchases made from these links help fund my reptile welfare research and educational efforts. Thank you for your support!
*You can save a LOT of money on shipping costs by buying sand, decorative rocks, and stone at your local landscaping supply or general home improvement store with a garden center.
Keep in mind that all supplies should be purchased and set up BEFORE you get the bearded dragon. This will save you a lot of stress, and does your new pet a big favor, too.
Do not purchase bearded dragons younger than 3 months old, as hatchlings are fragile, defensive, easily stressed, and more likely to die shortly after purchase. If it’s skinny and tiny, it’s most likely too small to be sold. Ask the pet store or the breeder the age of the dragon — if they don’t know, take your business elsewhere.
I also recommend finding an experienced reptile veterinarian in your area. It’s always better to do a little bit of research when nothing’s wrong than to find yourself in a panic when your pet gets sick. Check out the ReptiFiles Reptile Vet Directory to get started.
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FAQ
What accessories do bearded dragons need?
- Tank.
- Ventilated screen lid.
- Heat lamp.
- UVB light.
- Water dish.
- Food dish.
- Branches.
- Hide-out.
What does every bearded dragon need?
Your bearded dragon’s cage should be equipped with proper lighting and heat. This is fundamental to the health of your pet, since bearded dragons need exposure to both UVA and UVB rays. Bearded dragons need UVB to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin, allowing them to use the calcium they get in their diet.
What fixtures do bearded dragons need?
You can provide them with the heat and UVB needed using a Heat & UVB Fixture with a 50W Mini Halogen Bulb and perhaps a Desert Series 50 UVB Bulb, depending on the fixture type. Without UVB, Bearded Dragons can develop Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) resulting in deformations and eventual premature death.
What do beardies need in their tank?
In summary, to create the perfect Bearded dragon habitat, you need a large enclosure, a heating system (basking bulb or ceramic and relevant thermostat), a high-quality UVB fluorescent bulb, with the strength tailored to your enclosure size, substrate (loose or slate/tile), plenty of decor, a water bowl and a food bowl …
Where can I buy bearded dragon supplies?
Shop at PetSmart online or in-store to get amazing deals on supplies for your bearded dragon. We offer a large selection of food, habitat, decor, care items, and more!
What accessories do I need for a bearded dragon tank?
Besides the tank itself, you will also need to get the following accessories. You will need a screen cover/lid for your bearded dragon’s tank. You cannot use glass or a plastic cover because they do not allow enough airflow and can cause a build-up of humidity within the tank.
What do you need for a bearded dragon?
One thermometer for the hot side and one thermometer for the cold side. You will need to have some basic furniture for the bearded dragon. Below is a list of the minimum of what you will need: A hide – this is a place that’s kind of like a cave/garage where your bearded dragon can go to escape the light or to feel less vulnerable.
Do bearded dragons need a light fixture?
You will also need a light fixture for this bulb. You can buy these at a pet store or you can save money by purchasing a light fixture at your local hardware store. The basking light will heat your tank and will give the bearded dragon a place to warm up if he/she needs to increase their temperature.
Do you need a screen cover for a bearded dragon tank?
You will need a screen cover/lid for your bearded dragon’s tank. You cannot use glass or a plastic cover because they do not allow enough airflow and can cause a build-up of humidity within the tank. If your tank is glass you will need the back of the tank to have a background (as opposed to being against the wall).
What can you use to line a bearded dragon’s enclosure?
For your bearded dragon’s enclosure, you can use reptile carpeting, paper towels, or newspaper. Zilla’s Terrarium Liner is also a good option as it can be rinsed with water when it gets dirty, is absorbent, and provides an easy to grip surface for your bearded dragon to walk on.