How to Setup a Bearded Dragon Tank
A step-by-step guide on how to set up the perfect habitat for your new pet bearded dragon.
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Introduction
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. These lizards get their name from the “beard” of skin that they can puff out when they feel threatened. They are a popular pet because they are relatively easy to care for and can be very tame.
Bearded dragons need a spacious tank with plenty of places to hide and climb. They also need a basking spot where they can warm up. The tank should have a strong lid to prevent your bearded dragon from escaping.
What You Will Need
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They are popular pets because they are friendly and can be trained to do tricks. If you are thinking about getting a bearded dragon, you will need to setup a special tank for them to live in. This guide will show you what you will need to do that.
You will need:
-A 10-20 gallon tank
-A screen top
-A basking light
-A UVB light
-A substrate such as sand, newspaper, or reptile carpet
– hiding places such as logs, rocks, or plants
Bearded dragons need a warm environment to thrive so it is important that you provide a basking light for them. This light should be on one side of the tank so that your dragon can regulate its temperature by moving between the warm and cool areas. The UVB light is also important as it helps your dragon absorb calcium which is necessary for its health.
Setting Up the Tank
There are a few things you need to do to set up the tank for your bearded dragon. You will need to choose the right size tank, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid, and add some substrate.
The size of the tank will depend on how big your bearded dragon is. A 20-gallon tank is a good size for a juvenile dragon, and an adult dragon will need a 40-60 gallon tank. If you have more than one dragon, you will need a larger tank.
The substrate is the material you put on the bottom of the tank. Bearded dragons are known to eat substrate, so it is important to choose something that is safe for them to eat. Some good options include clay balls, gravel, or sand. Avoid using loose sand, as it can cause digestive problems for your dragon.
Once you have chosen the right size tank and substrate, you will need to add some décor. Bearded dragons like to climb, so adding rocks or branches can give them something to do. You can also add live or artificial plants for decoration.
eating or-moving/’>eating and Lighting
Bearded dragons are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they basking in the daytime sun to warm up and retreat to cool areas or burrow underground to escape the heat. In captivity, we need to provide them with an optimal temperature gradient so they can thermoregulate effectively.
Heating & Lighting
Bearded dragons are native to Australia, which is one of the hottest continents on Earth. They require high temperatures (upwards of 95F) for proper metabolism and digestion. While they don’t require UVB rays, they do need full spectrum lighting that includes UVB in order to prevent metabolic bone disease. We recommend using a basking light bulb for heating and a full spectrum fluorescent tube for lighting. The basking light should be placed on one end of the tank so your dragon can move between the warm and cool areas as needed.
Substrate and Decor
Bearded dragons come from the dry, arid desert regions of Australia. In the wild, they would typically live on rocky outcrops where there is very little vegetation. Therefore, when setting up a bearded dragon tank, it’s important to create a habitat that mimics their natural environment as closely as possible.
One of the most important factors in creating a bearded dragon tank is the substrate. The substrate is the material that you use to line the bottom of the tank and it should be chosen carefully. Some common substrates used for bearded dragons include sand, gravel, and mortar. However, these materials can be dangerous for your bearded dragon if they ingest them. If you choose to use one of these materials, be sure to avoid any that have sharp edges or that can break into small pieces.
Another option for substrate is reptile carpet. This material is specifically designed for reptile tanks and is safe for your bearded dragon to ingest. It’s also easy to clean and can be cut to fit any size tank.
Once you’ve chosen a substrate, you can begin to add decor to the tank. It’s important to remember that bearded dragons are climbers, so vertical space is just as important as floor space. You can add rocks, branches, and plants to create hiding spots and basking areas for your bearded dragon. Be sure to avoid any plants that are poisonous to reptiles.
Feeding and Watering
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they will small insects, plants, and greens In the wild, their diet changes seasonally as different insects and fruits become available. In captivity, you can give your bearded dragon a well-rounded diet by feeding them a mix of live food and greens.
Live food should make up about 50-70% of their diet and should include a variety of small insects like crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Greens should make up the rest of their diet and can be offered fresh or frozen. Some good options include dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens.
Bearded dragons are desert animals and don’t need a lot of water to stay hydrated. A shallow dish of clean water should be available at all times for your bearded dragon to soak in if they wish. Water can also be offered in a spray bottle to help increase humidity levels in the tank.
Handling and Interacting
Bearded dragons are generally easygoing lizards that enjoy human interaction. They are often described as friendly, docile, and inquisitive, and they can make great pets for first-time reptile owners and experienced reptile keepers alike. While most bearded dragons enjoy being handled, it is important to do so correctly and safely to avoid harming your lizard. With a little time, patience, and practice, you can learn how to handle your bearded dragon properly.
With any animal, it is important to approach handling with calmness and confidence. When picking up your bearded dragon, use both hands to support its body from underneath. One hand should be cupped under its belly while the other supports its back and tail. Lift the lizard gently and hold it close to your body so that it feels secure. Avoid holding your bearded dragon by the tail, as this can cause injury.
Once you have picked up your bearded dragon, you can allow it to explore your body or clothing if it seems interested. Bearded dragons often enjoy climbing on their owners and may even try to lick or nibble on fingers or clothing if they mistake them for food. While this behavior is usually harmless, it is important to avoid allowing your lizard to lick or nibble on exposed skin or open wounds as this could lead to infection. If your bearded dragon does try to lick or nibble on you, redirect its attention by offering it a treat such as a live insect or piece of fruit.
If you are not comfortable with your lizard climbing on you, you can provide it with a perch such as a stick or tree branch in its enclosure Your lizard will likely enjoy sitting on the perch next to you while you pet or interact with it. Always supervise interactions between children and reptiles to prevent injury
Health and Maintenance
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets. They are native to Australia and can live up to 15 years with proper care. Caring for a bearded dragon is not difficult, but does require some effort. This care sheet can help you get started with the basics.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of insects. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of insects and vegetables. A good diet for a bearded dragon includes:
– Crickets
– Mealworms
– Waxworms
– Superworms
– Pinkie mice
– Dubia roaches
– Greens (collard greens, mustard greens, kale, etc.)
– Fruits and vegetables (apples, oranges, sweet potatoes, green beans, etc.)
Breeding Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons make excellent pets and are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know before you bring one home. This guide will show you how to set up a bearded dragon tank and provide your pet with everything he needs to stay healthy and happy.
Your bearded dragon will need a tank that is at least 40 gallons in size, with a basking area that is between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The tank should also have a UVB light to provide your pet with the necessary vitamin D3. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, so their diet should consist of both insects and vegetables. A good rule of thumb is to feed your pet as much food as he can eat in 10 minutes, 2-3 times per day
If you plan on breeding bearded dragons, you will need to set up two tanks – one for the males and one for the females. The male tank should be at least 50 gallons in size, with two basking areas that are 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The female tank should be at least 75 gallons in size, with three basking areas that are 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also need to provide each tank with a UVB light and adequate ventilation.
FAQs
-What is the best size tank for a bearded dragon?
A 20 gallon tank is the minimum size recommended for an adult bearded dragon, and a 40 gallon tank is ideal. If you have the space, a larger tank will allow your dragon to roam and explore and will provide more opportunities for exercise.
-What type of substrate should I use in my bearded dragon’s tank?
There are a variety of substrates that can be used in bearded dragon tanks, but the best option is to use a substrate that is easy to clean and that won’t hold moisture. Some good options include newspaper, paper towel, or reptile carpet. Avoid using sand or gravel as substrates, as these can be difficult to clean and can hold moisture, which can lead to health problems for your dragon.
-What type of lighting do I need for my bearded dragon’s tank?
Bearded dragons require full spectrum lighting in order to thrive. A full spectrum bulb should be used during the day, and a basking bulb should be used during the night. The basking bulb should provide UVB rays, which are essential for your dragon’s health.
