How Big Should My Bearded Dragon Tank Be?
Bearded dragons are among the most popular reptile pets—but do you know how big their tank should be? An adequate habitat size is important for bearded dragons to stay healthy and thrive. Here are the basics of perfecting the size of your bearded dragon tank.
Minimum Size
The smaller the tank, the more frequent the cleanings need to be. But a small tank can still provide your bearded dragon with a cozy home as long as it’s big enough. A minimum tank size for one adult bearded dragon should be 40 gallons.
Ideal Size
If you can, you should opt for a bigger tank to give your pet more space to roam around. An ideal tank size should be 75 gallons or larger.
Two Bearded Dragons
If you decide to get two bearded dragons, you should opt for a bigger tank size than if you just had one. For two adult bearded dragons, the minimum tank size should be 75 gallons, with the ideal being 120 gallons or more.
Considerations
In addition to size, you must also consider other important factors when setting up your bearded dragon enclosure. Here are a few items and pieces of advice to know:
- Substrate: You should opt for materials such as sand, Eco Earth, newspaper pellets, or indoor/outdoor carpet. Avoid wood chips or other items that could be hazardous if ingested.
- Lighting: Place a high-temperature reptile bulb, one that isn’t covered, at one end of the tank.
- Plants: Be sure to choose plants that don’t need sunlight, such as spider plants or Pothos.
- Furnishings: Bearded dragons need items such as rocks and logs that they can use to climb and bask.
Knowing how big your bearded dragon tank should be and what it should include is essential to providing your pet with a healthy, comfortable habitat. With the correct size tank, appropriate furnishings, and necessary lighting, your bearded dragon will be living its best life.
How often should I clean my bearded dragon tank?
It is recommended to clean your bearded dragon tank weekly. However, depending on the size and number of dragons you have, you may need to clean more frequently.
Be sure to remove any uneaten food, excrement, or other debris, as well as replace any water that has been fouled. It is also important to check all furnishings, such as plants and rocks, for any pests that may have set up shop. Make sure to rinse any items you’ve removed from the tank in order to avoid spreading disease or pests to your dragon’s new home. Finally, don’t forget to thoroughly clean and sanitize the tank itself.
How often should I change my bearded dragon’s substrate?
Bearded dragons should have their substrate changed every 1-2 months or when it becomes soiled. You should also spot clean the substrate every 2-3 days in between changes.
When changing the substrate, it is important to first remove all the old substrate, then rinse out the tank and any decorations, and lastly add in a new layer of fresh substrate.
What Substrate Should I Use In My Bearded Dragon’s Tank?
The best substrates for bearded dragons are those that are non-toxic, are easy to clean, and are absorbent enough to keep the tank dry. It is recommended to use either substrate-free paper towels or specialized substrates such as reptile carpet, alfalfa pellets, or coconut fiber for bearded dragons. Be sure to avoid any substrates that are composed of wood chips or sand, as these can be sharp or cause impaction if swallowed.