So you’re getting a new bearded dragon? Congratulations! One of the most exciting things you can do before he arrives is put together his new home. But it can also be a really overwhelming task, because there is no shortage of opinions on how to create the perfect bearded dragon tank setup. What kind of material should you use? How hot should the tank be? Is sand really that bad? What kind of lights do you need?
Don’t be overwhelmed! We’re sharing the basics you need to create your ideal bearded dragon tank setup and get an overview of what is safe and what is not when it comes to preparing your dragon’s new home.
What Do I Need For A Bearded Dragon? The Complete Setup Guide For Beginners
Thinking of getting a bearded dragon as a pet? These spiky little lizards make great companions when cared for properly However, setting up the perfect habitat does require some special considerations. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to create the ideal home for your new bearded dragon friend.
Enclosure
The most important item for your bearded dragon is a suitable enclosure. This will be their home base and where they spend most of their time when not being handled.
For babies and juveniles start with a 40-gallon tank. This provides enough room for your beardie while they are small. As they grow upgrade to at least a 75-gallon tank. The bigger the better! Adult bearded dragons need a minimum of 75 gallons.
Get a glass tank to retain heat and allow your bearded dragon to see out. Wood vivariums also work well. Wire cages do not hold in warmth effectively.
Lighting
Proper lighting is critical for bearded dragons. They need specific types of lighting to stay healthy:
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A basking bulb to create a hot spot of 95-110°F on one side of the tank. This allows them to warm up and properly digest their food. Use a 50-75 watt household bulb.
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A UVB bulb over part of the enclosure to provide beneficial rays that allow calcium absorption. Fluorescent UVB bulbs are recommended, such as Reptisun 10.0.
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A timer to keep the lights on for 10-14 hours per day and off at night. The day/night cycle is important.
Always double check temps with a thermometer! Monitor basking area and cool side.
Substrate
Avoid loose substrates like sand, as they can cause impaction. Good options include reptile carpet, paper towels, or textured tile. Reptile carpets are soft and easy to clean – a good choice for beginners.
Hideout
Give your bearded dragon a place to feel secure. Provide a hide on both the warm and cool sides so they can choose where to hang out. Hollow logs, caves, and cardboard boxes all work.
Accessories
Deck out your bearded dragon’s home! Include basking rocks under the heat lamp, branches for climbing, and a hammock for lounging. Bowls for food and water are a must.
Supplements
To stay healthy, bearded dragons need:
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Calcium + Vitamin D3 powder sprinkled on food several times a week. This supports bone growth and development. More when young, less when mature.
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A multivitamin 1-2 times weekly. Choose a reptile-specific vitamin to give a nutritional boost.
Always research proper dosing based on your beardie’s age.
Food
Bearded dragons are omnivores needing both plant and animal foods. Offer:
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Greens like kale, collard, dandelion, etc. everyday. More greens, less bugs as they age.
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Live insects including crickets, dubia roaches, worms. Gut load with healthy greens. More bugs for babies.
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Fresh, clean water always available. Many drink from bowls. Also mist daily.
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Fruits and veggies for variety – carrots, bell peppers, strawberries, etc. Avoid spinach and lettuce.
With the proper setup, your bearded dragon will thrive in their new home! Provide heat and UVB lighting, a large enclosure, healthy foods, supplements, and accessories to keep them active and entertained. Monitoring temps and adjusting as needed is also essential. Do your research and get the habitat basics down first before bringing home your new scaly friend. Proper setup leads to a lifetime of fun with your bearded dragon!
Location in Your Home
Some first-time Dragon Keepers might not realize how important it is to determine where you will put your bearded dragon ahead of time. It will save you a lot of stress if you clear a place and get everything set up before you bring your new reptile friend home. Here are some guidelines in deciding where to keep your dragon’s new home:
- Do not place your dragon in direct sunlight. This can actually kill your bearded dragon. Although sunlight is good for them in the wild, in a domestic environment it quickly becomes deadly. The heat from the sun easily becomes trapped in the terrarium—especially if it’s glass—and the temperature will become life-threatening to your dragon. A good quality UVB lamp is the best way to provide the heat and light they need.
- Know ahead of time how much room you need. If you’ve never owned a reptile before, you may not realize how big the tank really is, and the amount of space it takes up may surprise you. The standard size 40-gallon tank is 36 inches long by 18 inches wide by 18 inches deep. You will need a sturdy surface to set it on, so make sure you measure in advance.
- If you have other pets or small children, make sure the bearded dragon’s tank is out of their reach. Cats and dogs can kill your dragon. If you can’t keep your dragon in a separate room from your cat or dog, make absolutely certain that the enclosure will not topple and that the lid is secure. If you have small children, never let them near the tank unsupervised, and be sure the terrarium is out of their reach. Children can be seriously hurt if they manage to topple the tank, not to mention your dragon could be hurt or killed.
- At the same time, make sure you can access the tank easily. You will need to clean the tank, take your dragon out for playtime and baths, and give your dragon lots of love, so it’s best to make sure you can easily get to the tank.
- Keep the enclosure away from loud noises. Loud noises tend to really upset bearded dragons. For example, if you have a big screen TV that you watch frequently, or if you play electric guitar, or if there is a side of your house where you can hear constant traffic, try to keep your dragon out of earshot.
- Keep the tank in a place that is light during the day and dark at night. While you will be providing UVB light 12 hours a day for your dragon, they have trouble sleeping if lights are left on at night, so it’s best to place them in an area that is quiet and dark at night. This is especially important during brumation if your bearded dragon ends up going through that process.
Do Not Plan for Cohabitation
If you are planning to adopt multiple bearded dragons or if you already have one and are adding to your reptile family, please do not house them together. It is rarely a good idea.
- Bearded dragons are territorial and could kill each other, especially if you house two males together.
- If you house two females together, the less dominant of the two could become seriously ill because the more dominant one will take over the food bowl and the basking spot.
- If you house a male and female together, they will begin to reproduce and you must be prepared to take care of multiple baby dragons.
Bearded Dragon Care Guide – Beginners Guide
FAQ
What supplies are needed for a bearded dragon?
- Wooden Vivarium – Minimum Size 120x60x60cm (regardless of age)
- High Output 12% T5 UVB Lighting Kit.
- Basking Lamp – 75w Halogen or 100w Spot Lamp.
- Fitting and Guard for Basking Lamp.
- Dimming Thermostat.
- Food and Water Bowls.
- Decoration.
- Specialist Bearded Dragon Substrate.
What setup do I need for a bearded dragon?
- Basking bulb – a bulb that provides both heat and visible light.
- UVB 10.0 light – should cover most of the tank, make sure it reaches the basking spot as you’ll often find your dragon there, especially after meals.
- A cave!
- Substrate
- Ambient heat emitter
- Water bowl
- Feeding bowl
- Something to climb
What do you need before getting a bearded dragon?
- Supplies.
- Collars, Harnesses & Leashes.
- Toys.
- Crates, Gates & Containment.
- Crates & Kennels.
- Beds & Furniture.
- Clothing & Shoes.
- Bowls & Feeders.
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 …
What is the bearded dragon Care Guide?
This is our complete bearded dragon care guide. It contains everything you need to know to be able to properly care for any bearded dragon regardless of age. This care sheet consists of all the valuable information that’s available on our site, except we have put it into an easy to follow manual.
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.
What do I need for a bearded dragon tank?
You will need to make sure that your tank is the right size for your bearded dragon. 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.
Do bearded dragons need hydration?
The fact that a bearded dragon needs hydration is not a subject of debate. How they get it, on the other hand, seems to be the subject of some controversy. There are 4 primary ways a bearded dragon can get the water they need. The options are drinking from a bowl, misting, baths, and from their food.
What should you do before bringing a bearded dragon home?
Make sure your dragon is healthy before you bring them home. While your bearded dragon may prove to be quite the character, when it comes to their care and maintenance, it isn’t too difficult to ensure they are healthy and always there to give you that little wave.
How can I ensure my bearded dragon is healthy?
To ensure your bearded dragon is healthy, make sure to check their overall condition before bringing them home. They should be active and alert, with clear eyes and no signs of illness. With proper care and maintenance, your bearded dragon will be a lively and engaging pet.