Welcome to the World of Bearded Dragons!

If you’re a beginner looking to bring a bearded dragon into your life, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is creating a great habitat for them. In this guide, we’ll focus on creating the perfect setup for your beardie in a 20 gallon tank, including items and considerations necessary for their health and happiness. So, let’s get started!

The Need for a 20 Gallon Tank

While a larger tank is always better, a 20 gallon tank is the minimum size tank required for a baby bearded dragon.

As your dragon grows, they will need more space. However, starting with a 20 gallon tank will create a comfortable and safe environment for your new pet, as well as allow them to adjust to their new home.

Essential Items for Your Bearded Dragon Tank

• Heat lamp
• UVB lamp
• Thermometer
• Substrate
• Food and water dishes
• Hide
• Branches or other climbing items

Each of these items is crucial to your bearded dragon’s health and happiness. Here’s a little more information about each one:

Heat Lamp

Bearded dragons are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded and need an external heat source to regulate their body temperature. A heat lamp will keep their environment warm enough for them to remain healthy and active.

UVB Lamp

UVB lamps are important for providing your pet with the necessary vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for the proper absorption of calcium. Without it, bearded dragons can develop metabolic bone disease.

Thermometer

Bearded dragons need a specific temperature range to be healthy. A good thermometer will allow you to monitor the temperature in the tank accurately. Make sure you use a thermometer that reads the temperature at the basking spot.

Substrate

Substrate refers to the bedding material used on the floor of the tank. This item is crucial for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being since this is where they will spend the majority of their time. The best type of substrate is a reptile carpet. It is easy to clean and helps to prevent impaction that occurs with other bedding materials.

Food and Water Dishes

Provide your bearded dragon with separate bowls for food and water. Avoid using small bowls as they may easily tip over, making a mess in the tank. Choose a bowl that is sizeable enough for your dragon to drink from or soak in.

Hide

Even though your bearded dragon likes to explore, they also need a safe place to hide. Provide your pet with a hide box or shelter where they can go when they need privacy or feel threatened.

Branches or Other Climbing Items

Lastly, add branches or other climbing objects to create a naturalistic look and encourage your bearded dragon’s inherent climbing and exploration activities. Providing them with items to climb can also promote a healthy lifestyle since this will keep them physically active and preoccupied.

Final Thoughts

Creating a comfortable habitat for your bearded dragon is key to ensuring they live a healthy and happy life. A 20 gallon tank will form a perfect starter for your bearded dragon, even if they’re still growing.

Follow the steps and items discussed in this guide to create a habitat that suits your bearded dragon’s needs, and you’ll soon find yourself with a happy and healthy pet.

Are You Ready to Create Your Bearded Dragon’s Ideal Home?

With the help of our guide, you’re one step closer to creating your beardie’s perfect habitat. Bear in mind that you will need to alter the size of the tank as they grow. In the meantime, a 20-gallon bearded dragon tank is an excellent starting point for both you and your pet to get used to one another.