How To Build A 120 Gallon Bearded Dragon Tank
Come see how I built my 120 gallon bearded dragon tank and what I did to make it extra special for my scaly friend.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Building a bearded dragon tank doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, with a little effort and some basic materials, you can easily create a great home for your reptilian friend.
Before you begin, it’s important to have a good understanding of the needs of your bearded dragon. These lizards are native to Australia and require warm temperatures and lots of space to thrive. A standard 120 gallon tank is a good size for one or two adult dragons, and will give them plenty of room to grow.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
-A 120 gallon tank
-A sturdy stand or table
-A basking light
-A UVB light
-A thermostat
-Crickets or other food (live or frozen)
-Water dish
-Rocks and hiding in-his-cave/’>hiding places
With these supplies on hand, you’re ready to get started building your tank. Follow the steps below to create a safe and comfortable home for your bearded dragon
What You’ll Need
Building a 120 gallon bearded dragon tank is a daunting task, but it can be done with the proper planning. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
-120 gallon tank
-Substrate (we recommend sand)
-Hide box
-Cave
-Decorations (driftwood, live plants, etc.)
-Lighting (UVB and basking bulb)
–eating or-moving/’>eating (under tank heater and/or ceramic heat emitter)
With these supplies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a safe and comfortable environment for your bearded dragon to thrive.
Step One: Choose Your Location
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets. They are friendly, hardy, and relatively easy to care for. One of the most important things you need to provide for your bearded dragon is a large enough tank. A 120 gallon tank is a good size for an adult bearded dragon.
Building a 120 gallon bearded dragon tank is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little planning and some basic materials, you can easily build a custom tank that will be the perfect home for your pet.
Here are the steps to follow to build a 120 gallon bearded dragon tank:
Step One: Choose Your Location
The first step is to choose the location for your tank. You need to find a spot that is big enough to accommodate the size of your tank and that has good lighting. Bearded dragons need UVB lighting to stay healthy, so make sure that the location you choose has good natural light or that you have a good artificial light source set up.
Step Two: Gather Your Materials
Once you have chosen the location for your tank, you need to gather all of the materials you will need to build it. You will need glass or acrylic panels, silicone sealant, screws or nails, and something to use as a frame for the panels (such as wooden boards). You will also need sandpaper, a drill, and some basic tools.
Step Three: Build the Frame
The next step is to build the frame for your tank. If you are using wood, cut it into pieces that will fit together to form a rectangle that is 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. If you are using PVC pipe, cut it into pieces that will fit together to form a rectangle that is 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. Once you have the frame assembled, use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Step Four: Attach the Panels
Once the frame is built, it’s time to attach the panels. If you are using glass panels, use silicone sealant to attach them to the frame. If you are using acrylic panels, use screws or nails to attach them to the frame. Make sure that all of the panel edges are sealed with silicone or caulking so that there are no gaps where water can leak out.
Step Five: Drill Holes for Drainage and Aeration
Once all of the panels are in place, drill holes in the bottom of the tank for drainage and aeration. The holes should be large enough so that water can drain out easily but not so large that sand or gravel can escape through them. Be sure to smooth any sharp edges around the holes so that your bearded dragon does not hurt itself on them
Step Two: Assemble Your Tank
After you have gathered all of your materials, it is time to start assembling your tank. This process is not difficult, but it is important to take your time and make sure that everything is level and secure.
1. Start by attaching the legs to the bottom of the tank. Make sure that they are evenly spaced and that the tank is level before moving on.
2. Next, attach the silicone sealant to the top edge of the tank. Be sure to smooth it out so that there are no gaps or air bubbles.
3. Once the sealant has dried, it is time to attach the glass panels. Start at one end and work your way around, making sure that each panel is level and secure.
4. Finally, add any decorations that you want in your tank. Be sure to not overcrowd the space and leave enough room for your bearded dragon to move around freely.
Step Three: Add Your Substrate
Bearded dragons are native to Australia and their habitat consists of a wide range of different terrain types including sandy desert, rocky outcrops, woodlands and even rainforests. As such, they are used to living on a wide variety of substrates including sand, soil, mulch, rocks and dead leaves. In captivity, it is important to provide your dragon with a substrate that is safe for them to consume and that will also help to maintain their natural digging and foraging behaviors.
There are a wide variety of substrates available on the market, but not all of them are suitable for bearded dragons. Some common substrates that should be avoided include
– Play sand: This type of sand is often sold in pet stores as an “all natural” substrate for reptiles. However, it is actually made from grinding down rocks and can contain high levels of silica which can be harmful to your bearded dragon if ingested.
– Walnut shells: These are commonly used as a substrate for hermit crabs but can be harmful to bearded dragons if ingested.
– Cat litter: This is another common reptile substrate but should be avoided as it can contain harmful chemicals and clay particles which can cause digestive issues if ingested.
So what is the best substrate for a beardie tank? We recommend using either:
– Reptile carpet: This is a type of plastic mesh that can be easily cleaned and disinfected. It is also safe for your dragon to consume if they should happen to nibble on it.
– Paper towels: Yes, you read that correctly! Paper towels make an excellent substrate for bearded dragons as they are absorbent, easy to clean and completely safe for your dragon to consume.
Step Four: Create Your Hides
Bearded dragons are shy animals by nature and in the wild will spend most of their time in hiding. It is therefore important that you provide your pet with plenty of hiding places within their enclosure Hides can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, cork bark, or hollowed-out logs. You can also purchase commercially made reptile hides. Be sure to place the hides at various levels within the tank so your bearded dragon can choose its favorite spot.
Step Five: Add Your Plants
Now that your tank is set up, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of plants you want to put in it. Bearded dragons are native to arid regions of Australia, so they’re used to living in environments with very little vegetation. As such, they’re not particularly picky about the type of plants you put in their tank. In fact, most bearded dragons will be just as happy with fake plants as they would be with real ones.
That being said, there are still a few things you should keep in mind when choosing plants for your bearded dragon’s tank. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the plants you choose are safe for your beardie to eat. Many common houseplants and even some flowers can be poisonous if ingested, so it’s important to do your research before adding anything to your tank.
Once you’ve found some safe plants for your bearded dragon, the next step is to decide which ones are best suited for their habitat. If you want your beardie to feel like they’re right at home, then try to choose plants that are native to Australia or that at least resemble the types of plants they would find in the wild. Some good examples include eucalyptus trees, bottlebrush trees, and desert rose bushes.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the plants you choose are appropriate for the size of your bearded dragon’s tank. If you have a small tank, then it’s probably best to stick with smaller plants like succulents or cacti. On the other hand, if you have a larger tank, then you can go ahead and add some bigger plants like ficus trees or palms. Just make sure that whatever you choose doesn’t crowd out yourbeardie’s basking spot or hide their food from view.
Step Six: Set Up Your Lighting
Now that your basking area is prepared, you will need to set up your lighting. Bearded dragons need exposure to both ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and heat in order to stay healthy. You will need to purchase a special reptile bulb that emits UVB rays in order to provide your pet with the necessary exposure.
There are two main types of bulbs that emit UVB rays: fluorescent and mercury vapor. Fluorescent bulbs are less expensive but need to be replaced more often than mercury vapor bulbs. Mercury vapor bulbs are more expensive but will last longer. You will also need to purchase a basking bulb, which emits heat but no UVB rays.
Your bearded dragon tank should have two light fixtures: one for the basking bulb and one for the UVB bulb. The basking bulb should be placed on one end of the tank so that your pet can move between the warmth of the basking area and the cooler temperature of the rest of the tank. The UVB bulb should be placed on the other end of the tank, as close to the basking area as possible.
Step Seven: Add Your Dragon!
After your tank is all set up, you’ll be able to add your dragon! Bearded dragons are social creatures and do best in pairs or groups, so consider adding more than one if you have the space. If you’re installing a 120 gallon tank, you should be able to comfortably house two to three dragons.
Your dragon will need a place to bask, so make sure there is a large, flat rock near the heat lamp. You can also add some live plants to the tank for added humidity and Hideouts for your pet to sleep in.
Most importantly, watch your dragon closely for the first few days to make sure it is adjusting well to its new home. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact a reptile specialist.
Conclusion
Now that you have your bearded dragon tank, it’s time to add some furnishings! Be sure to include plenty of places for your dragon to hide, bask, and climb. A basking spot should be provided near the top of the tank so your dragon can thermoregulate properly. Live plants can also be added to the tank for aesthetics and to provide your dragon with a natural source of humidity. Finally, fill the tank with appropriate substrate, such as sand or reptile carpet, and add some water dishes.