How to Set Up a Bearded Dragon Tank
A step by step guide to setting up the perfect home for your pet bearded dragon.
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Choosing the right enclosure
As reptile pets become increasingly popular, bearded dragons have staked their claim as one of the most sought-after lizards. Thanks to their even temperament and relatively small size (adults max out at about 2 feet in length from nose to tail-tip), these darling dragons make ideal scaling-down options for would-be reptile owners who might be intimidated by the size and dispositions of other reptiles. But before you run out and purchase a bearded dragon, it’s important to give some thought to what type of home you’ll provide for your new pet.
eating or-moving/’>eating and lighting
Heating and lighting are two of the most important aspects of setting up a bearded dragon tank. Bearded dragons are a desert reptile, so they need a warm, dry environment. The tank should have a basking area that is about 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit and a cool side that is about 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. A heat lamp can be used to create the basking area, and a ceramic heat emitter can be used for the cool side. The tank should also have a UVB light to provide the necessary vitamin D3 for the dragon.
Ventilation
Providing proper ventilation for your bearded dragon is essential to create a healthy environment. Bearded dragons are native to Australia where they live in hot, arid climates. In the wild, they bask in the warm sun and retreat to cooler, more humid places when they need to regulate their body temperature. In captivity, it’s important to provide both a basking and cooling area in their habitat to allow them to thermoregulate properly.
While you want to create a comfortable environment for your bearded dragon, you also need to make sure that their habitat is well ventilated. Poorly ventilated environments can lead to a build-up of humidity and increase the risk of respiratory infections. It’s important to use a screen top on your bearded dragon’s tank and make sure that the sides of the tank are not obstructed by furniture or other objects. You should also open the tank daily to allow fresh air to circulate.
Substrate
One of the most important things you need to consider when setting up a bearded dragon tank is the substrate. Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards that come from the deserts of Australia. In their natural habitat, they would be living on sand. This is why many people choose to use a sand substrate for their bearded dragon tanks.
There are several different types of sand that you can use for your bearded dragon tank. The most important thing to remember is that you want to avoid using any type of sand that has any chemicals or added dyes in it. Play sand and calcium sand are two of the most popular types of substrate for bearded dragon tanks.
If you decide to use sand as your substrate, you will need to make sure that you provide your bearded dragon with a dish of water so they can hydrate themselves. It’s also important to note that sand can be harmful if ingested, so you will need to provide your bearded dragon with plenty of rocks and other hiding in-his-cave/’>hiding places so they can avoid eating the sand.
Decor
Bearded dragons are desert lizards that come from hot, arid climates. In the wild, they would basksunta on rocks or in bushes during the day and burrow into the sand to sleep at night. When setting up a captive habitat, it’s important to recreate this type of environment as closely as possible.
Bearded dragon tanks should be at least 40 gallons for a single adult dragon, and larger for multiple dragons or baby dragons. The tank should have a secure lid as bearded dragons are strong climbers and will escape if given the chance.
A basking spot should be provided with a heat lamp placed on one end of the tank so that the temperatures gradient range from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit on the basking spot side to 95 degrees on the other side. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 65 degrees. A full spectrum UVB light should also be provided for 12-14 hours per day to help bearded dragons synthesize vitamin D3.
The substrate, or flooring of the tank, can be sand, dirt, rocks, or artificial turf. Bearded dragons like to burrow so it’s important to choose a substrate that won’t be harmful if ingested. Be sure to avoid substrates made of calcium sand as these can cause intestinal blockages if eaten.
The decor in the tank should include hiding spots for your dragon to feel secure as well as some live plants (non-toxic species like Boston ferns or spider plants are good choices) and branches or rocks for climbing.
Water
water. Your bearded dragon will need a water dish large enough for him to soak his entire body in. He will also need a place to bask, which can be provided by a basking light placed over one end of the tank. Bearded dragons are active and love to climb, so provide plenty of hiding places and things to climb on in their enclosure
Food
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and meat. In the wild, their diet consists of about 80% vegetables and 20% insects. A good way to think about it is that their diet should be mostly plants with a sprinkling of insects.
Handling and health
Handling and health
Bearded dragons are easy to handle and make great pets for first-time reptile owners and experienced herpers alike. As with any pet, however, there are some basic husbandry requirements that must be met to ensure your bearded dragon’s health and wellbeing.
The most important thing to remember when handling your bearded dragon is to always support their body from underneath. Never pick them up by their tails, as this can cause serious injury. Bearded dragons are also adept climbers, so it’s important to supervise them when they’re out of their enclosure – a fall from a great height could result in serious injury.
When it comes to health, the main potential issue you need to be aware of is metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD is caused by a lack of calcium in the diet, and can lead to softened bones, deformities and paralysis. It is easily preventable by providing a well-balanced diet and exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light.
Breeding
Bearded dragons are social creatures and should be kept in pairs or groups. If you want to breed your bearded dragons, you will need to set up a special tank for them. Follow these steps to set up a bearded dragon breeding tank:
1. Choose a tank that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide.
2. Place a layer of sand or grit on the bottom of the tank.
3. Install a basking spot for your dragons to enjoy. This can be a rock or piece of wood that is heated from underneath. The basking spot should be big enough for both dragons to sit on at the same time.
4. Add some plants and hiding spots to the tank for your dragons to enjoy. Bearded dragons like to hide in long grasses or in caves made from rocks or wood.
5. Install a UVB light over the tank so your dragons can get the vitamin D they need to stay healthy.
6 You will also need to provide a water dish for your dragons to drink from and soak in.
FAQs
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that originates from Australia. They are popular pets because they are friendly, low maintenance, and easy to care for. If you are thinking about getting a bearded dragon, or have already taken the plunge, you might have some questions about how to set up their home. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about bearded dragon tanks.
What size tank does my bearded dragon need?
The minimum size tank for a single adult bearded dragon is 40 gallons, but the bigger the better. If you plan on keeping more than one bearded dragon, you will need an additional 10-20 gallons per lizard.
What kind of substrate should I use?
There are many substrates on the market that are safe for bearded dragons, but sand should be avoided because it can cause digestive issues if ingested. Popular substrates include reptile carpet, paper towels, tile, and linoleum.
What kind of plants can I put in my bearded dragon’s tank?
Most live plants are safe for bearded dragons, but avoid putting any in their enclosure that could be poisonous if ingested. Some good options include eucalyptus, hibiscus, and daylilies.fake Plastic plants can also be used and some dragons enjoy using them as hiding spots or perches.
What kind of decorations should I use?
Bearded dragons need places to hide so they feel safe and secure in their environment. Hiding spots can be created with items such as logs, rocks, caves, or even cardboard boxes. Bearded dragons also like to climb so vertical space should be taken into consideration when setting up their tank. Ideas for adding vertical space include committed shelves or tall plants.
fake Water bowls should also be included in the tank for your dragon to drink from and soaking in on occasion
