what size tank does a bearded dragon need? One of the most popular lizard pet species is the bearded dragon. They have gentle personalities and are easy to care for, to name a few features. Providing your bearded dragon with the right surroundings will help them stay happy and healthy for the rest of their lives.
The size of your bearded dragon’s tank is one of the most important environmental aspects that will influence their happiness and stress levels. Bearded dragon tank size is critical and can have an impact on your dragon’s health.
Bearded Dragon Fundamentals:
Bearded dragons are amusing tiny reptiles that belong to the desert lizard family and like a warm climate.They are classified as members of the genus Pogona, which includes eight species.
Bearded dragons are classified into eight species based on the distinctions in their chin and neck spines.
Bearded dragons acquire their name from their spiny scale armor, which includes a “beard” of spikes beneath their chin and neck that puffs up depending on their mood, most typically seen when they are upset.
They do this to make themselves appear larger to whatever is bothering them.
When disturbed, this may be accompanied by an ‘erry hiss’.
Bearded dragons have teeth, lay eggs, and struggle to devour and not consume their prey. their meals
They can live up to ten years and grow up to 24 inches long and 18 ounces in weight when fully mature. They come in a variety of colors, including brown, orange, yellow, and cream.
Beardies have a keen vision and an excellent sense of smell.
Bearded dragons, sometimes known as “beardies,” are one of the most popular reptile pets due to their cool, unique exterior and reputation as low-maintenance pets.
Sizes of Bearded Dragons:
In comparison to many other pets, bearded dragons develop swiftly. Don’t be surprised if your tiny young dragon requires a bigger tank in a few months.
The rate at which a bearded dragon grows will vary based on the breed, genetics, and care management (including diet), but you can normally expect your bearded dragon to achieve full maturity by the age of 16 to 18 months.
From head to tail, adult bearded dragons can reach a length of 24 inches. However, depending on the breed, most full-grown adult pet beardies are between 18-22 inches long.
What is a Vivarium, exactly?
A vivarium is a contained enclosure in which reptiles are kept. It’s comparable to a fish aquarium or a terrarium for plants.
A vivarium is typically built of glass (similar to an aquarium) or other materials.
Essentials of Vivarium:
Most beardies in captivity nowadays are bred rather than captured from the wild.
The arid, desert regions of Australia are the native habitat of bearded dragons.
Bearded dragons need to be housed in an environment that is as close to their native wild habitat as possible to live a happy and healthy life.
This means that bearded dragons have a few non-negotiable requirements that we must meet:
- Moving space
- Temperature ranges
- Hiding spots
- Climbable items
- Digging Sites
Tank Alternatives:
There are many various sizes and designs of enclosures for your bearded dragon to choose from. It is critical for the health of your bearded dragon that you provide them with a safe tank, both in terms of structure, size, and setup.
For those DIY vivarium projects, tanks are available in a range of materials, including glass, PVC, melamine, and other materials.
Each form of the enclosure has several advantages and disadvantages, including price, weight, and aesthetics.
Tanks with various holes for access to your pet are available. The optimal opening is usually determined by your and your pet’s individual preferences.
An aquarium-style aperture with access from the top of the tank is one form of opening.
Be mindful that humans reaching into the enclosure from above may terrify certain bearded dragons, as attacks from above are common in the wild.
Other tanks have doors on the front of the enclosure, allowing you easy access to your dragon for feeding and care.
Glass terrariums are a popular choice for bearded dragon vivariums, and they’re what I prefer. Be aware that some bearded dragons become agitated when they view their reflections. So, to remedy that potential issue, add a background.
Screen lids are my favorite sort of secure lid since they allow for ventilation while retaining some heat.
Make sure the tank has a secure lid, regardless of the sort of lid you choose. Bearded dragons enjoy climbing and exploring, sometimes right out of their tanks.
Sizes of Bearded Dragon Tanks:
When it comes to choosing the ideal tank for bearded dragons, age is the most important factor to consider.
It’s vital to acquire the correct size tank for your bearded dragon at each stage of its life.
For an adult bearded dragon, the optimal tank size is at least 4 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet.
A 55-120 gallon enclosure is recommended for young adults and mature adults.
Larger tanks will allow fully grown bearded dragons to turn around without colliding with the enclosure’s sides.
When it comes to choosing a tank for an adult bearded dragon, remember that bigger is better!
It’s vital to know that certain larger gallon tanks, such as the 55-gallon long tank shown below, aren’t wide enough: 48 x 13 x 21 inches
The 55-gallon long tank, with the smaller baby vivarium in the backdrop for size comparison. Dr. Jess advises against using sand as a substrate for all bearded dragons. The image is only for comparison purposes.
I use it for my bearded dragons when they are still adolescent bearded dragons and have not yet reached adult size.
Once a mature 18-inch or larger bearded dragon reaches full adult size, a 55-gallon long tank will not be wide enough for them to spin around in, explore, and get their needed exercise.
Here’s a breakdown of the tank size you should acquire for your bearded dragon at each stage of its life:
Keeping your bearded dragon in an insufficiently sized tank can have long-term consequences, including stunted growth.
Your bearded dragon will most likely be stressed and overcrowded. And an unhappy beardie is more prone to have health issues.
Tank Height Is Important, Too:
The length and width of your bearded dragon’s tank’s floor should take precedence over the height of its walls. Keep in mind, however, that when picking an enclosure for your cat, height is still a crucial consideration, especially since beardies enjoy climbing.
One major factor facilitated by tank height is temperature regulation. A tall tank gives your dragon more alternatives than a shorter enclosure since it allows them to travel up and down a greater distance from the basking lamp depending on whether they are hot or chilly.
Many of my beardie clients have built numerous levels in their enclosures to give their beardies more space to explore. Building higher is a terrific approach to give your friend the illusion of a larger cage.
What Makes My Bearded Dragon Require Such a Large Tank?
Bearded dragons are unable to control their body temperature on their own, thus they rely on a variety of temperatures in their surroundings to assist them.
Ectotherms are creatures that rely on outside temperatures to assist them to control their internal and external temperatures because they are unable to do so on their own.
Your bearded dragon may relocate to a warmer area of its enclosure to bask or because the heat assists with digestion.
They could wish to sleep or hide somewhere cooler.
A small cage will frequently be too hot for your beardie because they won’t be able to go far enough away from their heat lamp, preventing them from escaping the heat when they need to.
This is also why vivarium size guidelines are made. At the recommended sizes, your bearded dragon will have access to a wide range of temperatures to choose from.
A properly sized tank is a fantastic approach to let your bearded dragon relax.
What Tank Should I Get For My Baby Bearded Dragon?
Many people prefer to keep their baby bearded dragons in a smaller tank until they grow up.
To begin with, I believe my own baby bearded dragons did best in a smaller environment.
If you’re buying a newborn bearded dragon, a tank of 20 to 40 gallons might be enough for the time being.
Only a beardy under 10′′ should use a 20-gallon tank. Keep in mind that this tank is only temporary, and your bearded dragon will swiftly outgrow it in a matter of months.
A 40-gallon tank (38″ X 18″ X 18″) can house a newborn bearded dragon, however, it is the maximum size I would recommend.
If their cage is too huge, larger than the 40-gallon tanks, some infants may have difficulty catching and swallowing their food.
If they appear to be having difficulty finding or hunting food, you should either hand feed them or confine them to a smaller enclosure until they are older and larger.
Bear in mind that beardies acquire full size between the ages of 16 and 18.
The animal’s growth may be impeded if the tank size is not updated as the critter grows.
Some bearded dragon owners prefer to begin their bearded dragon’s life in a larger tank right away. This is fine as long as the baby has access to food and water, and the substrate is suitable for a young pet.
This way, you save money on various tanks and setups, and your bearded dragon does not have to be transported or moved to different locations, which can be unpleasant for them until they get adjusted to their new surroundings.
What is the Best Place to Buy a Bearded Dragon Tank?
Vivariums come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and prices. Some are more reasonable, while others are extremely costly.
Most individuals start looking for a new home for their bearded dragon at pet stores like Petco, Petsmart, and exotic pet shops.
Others use internet businesses and even Amazon to find greater variety and possibilities.
Others will opt to create their vivariums from scratch. They may construct one from scratch or adapt existing furniture, such as a bookcase or entertainment center, into a tank.
If you choose this alternative, make sure you don’t use cedar or pine wood products, since the sap can be poisonous to bearded dragons.
In A Single Tank, How Many Bearded Dragons Can Be Kept?
Bearded dragons are primarily lonely creatures who thrive in solitude, especially as adults. They normally don’t enjoy sharing their area, and the closer they approach adulthood, the more possessive they get.
As a result, having two bearded dragons in the same tank is not recommended.
It is best to keep each bearded dragon in its environment so that they do not get violent with one another.