How would you go about a bearded dragon terrarium setup? What kinds of things should I consider before buying a terrarium?
Bearded dragons are lizards native to Australia. They come in various colors and sizes, ranging from 2 inches to over 6 feet long. These reptiles are very social animals and thrive in groups.
A bearded dragon terrarium is a great way to provide them with a safe environment where they can live comfortably. The size of the enclosure depends on the species of lizard. For example, a smaller bearded dragon requires less space than a larger one.
Key Takeaways
Here are the 5 key takeaways on setting up a bearded dragon terrarium:
- Choose an appropriate terrarium that is sturdy enough to withstand high temperatures and humidity while providing adequate ventilation.
- Provide adequate heating and lighting elements, such as a basking light and a basking spot, to replicate the hot desert climate where bearded dragons originate.
- Add appropriate substrate and decor, such as cage carpets or newspaper, to the cage to provide a comfortable environment for your lizard.
- Ensure proper humidity levels, which can be achieved through misting or by adding a water dish.
- Regularly clean the terrarium to maintain a healthy environment for your bearded dragon.
Bearded Dragon Terrarium Setup: 4 Basic Tips for Newbie
Choose a Terrarium
The first step in caring for a bearded dragon is selecting a terrarium. There are many different types of terrariums out there, each designed for a specific purpose. A reptile keeper needs something sturdy enough to withstand high temperatures and humidity while providing adequate ventilation. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, consider purchasing a glass terrarium. These terrariums come pre-assembled and typically include everything you’ll need to care for your bearded dragon.
A standard terrarium measures approximately 30 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 18 inches tall, and holds anywhere from 3 to 10 gallons of water. This size provides ample room for your bearded dragon to move around without bumping into anything. You’ll want to make sure the terrarium you purchase includes a filter system to ensure clean air circulation.
If you’d like to add some additional features to your terrarium, consider adding a heat lamp, UV bulb, or even a small aquarium pump.
Heating & Lighting
Bearded dragons are desert-living animals. They come from regions with hot climates, and these environments must be replicated in captivity. To do this, you will need to provide adequate heating and lighting elements. These elements include a basking area where the reptile can bask in the sun, and a basking light source.
A basking light is a special type of bulb designed specifically for reptiles. This bulb provides a constant flow of warmth without burning up energy. A basking light should be placed beneath a basking spot, which is a place where the lizard can rest while it basks in the sunlight.
The best basking lights are those that emit infrared radiation rather than visible light. Infrared rays penetrate deep into the skin, providing warmth even when there isn’t much ambient light. Reptiles don’t require very bright lights—just enough to keep them warm.
Add Substrate & Decor
The next step is adding substrate to the cage. There are many options out there, but here are our favorites.
Cage Carpets – These are great because they come pre-cut into pieces, making it easier to put together. They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to keep clean. We like the Repti-Grow brand.
Newspaper – This is another low cost option. Newspapers are cheap, easy to clean, absorb moisture well, and provide a good surface for the lizard to climb up and down on. Be sure to replace newspapers every 24 hours.
Sand – Sand is probably the least recommended substrate choice. It doesn’t hold water well, and lizards can easily fall off of it. If you do decide to go with sand, make sure to buy aquarium grade sand. Never use regular household sand.
For decoration, you can read 6 Cool Bearded Dragon Tank Setup Ideas.
Food & Water Bowls
You’ll need to supply adequate food/water bowls for your bearded dragon. This includes a large enough container for both food and water, such as a plastic dish or small aquarium. Make sure it’s shallow enough for the lizard to easily see and access the food, and deep enough to avoid accidental drownings.
There are many different types of bowls you can buy, including those sold at pet stores, online retailers, and even home improvement centers. Just make sure the bowl is shallow enough for the animal to eat and drink without getting water up into his mouth.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are very popular pets because they’re relatively inexpensive, easy to care for, and require little maintenance. They also have a long lifespan (upwards of 20 years) and are extremely docile. All in all, they’re perfect for beginners looking to add a reptilian pet to their collection. You can read about the bearded dragon habitat setup here.
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