Introduction

As a beginner bearded dragon owner, creating the perfect habitat for your pet can seem overwhelming. However, with a little bit of research and understanding, you can easily create a large and healthy living space for your new scaly friend. In this guide, we will dive into the specifics of creating a large bearded dragon tank that will promote a happy and healthy life for your new pet.

Why a Large Tank is Important

Bearded dragons are an active species that require plenty of room to move, explore, and bask in their habitat. A large tank with a minimum size of 40 gallons is recommended for one bearded dragon, with a minimum of 10 additional gallons for each additional bearded dragon.

Choosing the Right Tank

When selecting a tank for your bearded dragon, there are a few important things to consider. Firstly, the tank should be made of glass or plexiglass to provide optimal visibility, insulation and hold heat. Consider a tank size of at least 40 gallons to give your dragon enough space. Secondly, the tank should have a secure lid to prevent your bearded dragon from escaping or other pets from causing trouble. Lastly, the overall setup design from lighting, heating to decor should be suitable for the size of the tank, room and most of all, your bearded dragon’s needs.

Lighting and Heating

Bearded dragons require proper lighting and heating to mimic their natural environment in the wild. In a large tank, a basking area should be provided with a heat lamp and a UVB lamp. The basking area should reach a temperature of 100-110°F during the day and drop down to around 70-75°F at night. UVB lamps should be provided for 12-14 hours every day.

Decor and Substrate

Decorating your bearded dragon’s tank can be a lot of fun, and it’s important to pick the right materials. There should be several decor items for your bearded dragon to climb and bask on, such as branches or rocks. The substrate should be heat-resistant, absorbent and easy to clean. Popular options include paper towels, reptile carpet or ceramic tiles.

Food and Water

Bearded dragons are omnivores that need a balanced diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables. They should be fed every day, with insects making up about 50% of their diet. A shallow water dish should be provided at all times, and it’s important to handle your bearded dragon regularly and safely as you feed them. When feeding, avoid overloading the enclosure with food as this may attract unwanted pests.

Cleaning and Maintenance

It’s important to keep your bearded dragon’s large tank clean to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. The substrate should be spot-cleaned every day and replaced as needed, and the entire tank should be deep-cleaned on a regular basis. Make sure to disinfect everything before replacing them to prevent the spread of illness to your dragon.

Conclusion

Creating a large and healthy living space for your bearded dragon can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and understanding, you can easily create the perfect habitat for your new pet. By following these guidelines for a large bearded dragon tank, you can ensure a happy, healthy and comfortable life for your scaly friend.