Bearded Dragon Tank Setup 101: Creating The Ideal Living Space For Your Beardie

When you’re ready to bring your bearded dragon home, it’s important to make sure you have the right setup.

Today, we’re going to help you choose the right tank size, add UVB lighting, select the right heating options, create a basking area, and provide dishes for your beardie friend to eat and drink from.

By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to bring home your very own bearded dragon!

Bearded Dragon Tank Setup: Essentials

Setting up your Beardies tank does not need to be complicated, you only need to get a few essentials to get started.

Choosing The Right Size Tank For Your Bearded Dragon

When you’re deciding on the right tank size for your bearded dragon, you need to take into account a few important factors.

First, you need to think about the size of your dragon. A juvenile bearded dragon needs a minimum 20-gallon tank, while an adult will need a 40-gallon tank. If you’re housing multiple dragons, you’ll need to go with a larger tank.

Then, you have to decide on the type of tank: glass, acrylic, or screen.

Glass tanks are by far the most popular type of tank for bearded dragons, but they are also the heaviest and most expensive.

Acrylic tanks are lighter than glass and less expensive, but they scratch more easily.

Screen tanks are the lightest and least expensive option but offer your dragon the least amount of privacy.

Last but not least is budget: don’t be afraid to go with a cheaper option if it’s better suited for your needs. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase!

Adding UVB Lighting To Your Bearded Dragon Tank

Bearded dragons are sun-worshippers and need UVB light in their tanks to absorb calcium and produce vitamin D3. Without UVB lighting, beardies can suffer from a number of health problems, including premature bone loss and skin cancer.

A properly set up tank with UVB lighting will help your beardie thrive and enjoy a long life.

UVB light is critical for bearded dragons, as it helps them absorb calcium and produce vitamin D3. Bearded dragons need 12-14 hours of daylight plus 6-8 hours of darkness to thrive, so make sure you have a correctly set up tank that provides enough light.

You should change the bulbs in your tank every six months to ensure your beardie is getting the proper amount of UVB light.

Bearded Dragon Tank Heating Options

If you’re looking to buy a bearded dragon, one of the first things you’ll need to do is figure out how they’re going to stay warm.

Bearded dragons are ectothermic, which means they rely on external sources of heat to maintain their body temperature. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common way is by using a tank with heating options.

Below, we will outline some of the most common tank heating options and explain why they work well for bearded dragons.

One common option for tank heating is using heat lamps. Heat lamps provide warmth by converting light into heat, and bearded dragons love warm lights!

Heating pads also work well as tank heaters – just place them under the tank near where your dragon is sleeping.

Ceramic heat emitters are another popular option for tank heating – these emitters are small ceramic tiles that can be placed beneath your dragon’s tank to increase its warmth.

Under-tank heaters are another great option for bearded dragon tanks – these devices sit inside the water beneath your dragon’s tank and provide gentle warmth without requiring any extra electricity or setup time.

Finally, one last option for beardie tanks is using electric space Heaters – these units plug into an outlet and use infrared radiation to keep your beardie warm without adding any additional noise or hassle.

We don’t advise this though as they can be dangerous to leave on, and they can also cost a fortune to run.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to create a temperature gradient in your dragon’s tank so that it can regulate its body temperature as needed.

Creating A Basking Area For Your Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are amazing animals, and they need a warm basking area in their tank to help them regulate their body temperature.

A basking area should have a temperature between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can create a basking area by using a small log or stone for them to stand on.

Bearded dragons also need a hiding spot in their tank where they can go to feel secure.

Selecting The Right Flooring For Your Bearded Dragon Tank

There are a variety of flooring options available when it comes to setting up your bearded dragon tank, but it’s important to select the right type for your dragon’s specific needs.

Bearded dragons are semi-arboreal animals, meaning they spend time both on the ground and in trees.

As a result, you’ll need to choose a flooring option that can handle both of these activities.

Some of the most common types of flooring for bearded dragon tanks include slate, ceramic tile, and hardwood.

Each has its own benefits and drawbacks – Slate is easy to clean but can be difficult to keep looking nice, Ceramic tiles are safe but may require more care than other options, and Hardwood is both safe and easy to keep looking nice.

However, there is no one perfect type of flooring for all tanks; the best option depends on your individual dragon’s needs.

For example, if you have a high-maintenance beardie who loves to dig in his substrate (a common behavior among bearded dragons), then slate might be an ideal option for you.

However, if your beardie isn’t as destructive and prefers softer ground surfaces instead, ceramic tile may be a better choice.

Ultimately, it’s important to take into account your dragon’s personality along with the specific features and benefits of each type of flooring before making a purchase.

Dishes For Your Beardie To Eat & Drink From

One of the most important things you need to provide for your beardie is a clean and fresh water dish. Make sure to fill the dish with fresh water every day, and change it often so that your beardie has access to clean water at all times.

Another important thing you will need is a food dish for your bearded dragon. This dish should be large enough to accommodate all of your bearded dragon’s vegetable needs, as well as some live food, such as crickets or mealworms.

Be sure to provide this food dish regularly so that your beardie can eat nutritious and healthy foods when they are hungry.

Finally, make sure to decorate your beardie’s tank with plants and rocks if you want them to feel comfortable and secure in their environment. This will help them feel safe and secure, which is crucial for their overall well-being!

To Summarize

Bearded dragons are a great pet for reptile lovers of all experience levels. When setting up your bearded dragon’s tank, be sure to choose the right size tank, add UVB lighting, create a basking area, and select the appropriate flooring and dishes.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to create a comfortable and safe environment for your pet to enjoy.