How To: Bearded Dragon Cage Setup

Making the decision to buy a bearded dragon is exciting! however, before you can bring your new pet home, you need to make sure you have everything that the little guy will need.

Here's What You Need:
-20-30 gallon glass aquarium (for 4-6 month old juveniles)
-50-75 gallon glass aquarium (for adults)
-Newspaper, Calcium sand, Play sand substrate
-UVA/UVB lighting
-Heat Source (NO rocks and NO under tank heat mats)
-Food and Water dishes
-Hide Box
-Branch(es)
-Thermometer and Hydrometer

Setting up a bearded dragon vivarium can be a little costly, but once you get the right, reliable materials, you won't have to replace them for a while. I've included some brands that I've found are the best quality for their price.

Glass Aquarium:
- It's important to plan for the future when buying a baby beardie. 20-30 gallon tanks are generally inexpensive. It may be worth checking yard sales, craigslist or other local sales papers for cheap deals. Bearded Dragons grow rapidly during the first few months of their lives, so owners should be prepared to adjust the enclosure size as needed. Larger tanks can be a little more costly, so spending as little as possible on the smaller tank that your baby will outgrow, is ideal.

Substrate:
-Newspaper is cheap, easy to get a hold of , and the easiest to clean. Newspaper can be used for both babies and adults.

-Calcium sand is moderately priced, safe and relativity easy to clean. Calcium sand can be bought at most pet stores. It is digestible if your bearded dragon gets some mixed in with its food. If you purchase a sand sifter, this substrate is easy to clean and maintain. I generally use Zilla brand calcium sand, which I buy from a local pet store.

-Play sand is cheap, safe and also easy to clean. Play sand can be purchased at most hardware stores, such as Lowes, Home depot and even Walmart. Play sand can be bought in bulk sizes and is great for people who have more then one bearded dragon. Big tanks take a lot of sand to fill.  I usually buy Paveston all natural Play sand, it can be found at Walmart. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pavestone-Play-Sand-0.5-cu-ft/16913846#Specifications

Lighting:

-Lighting is extremely important. Bearded Dragons need exposure to UV rays in order to grow, digest food and stay active. A white incandescent bulb in a clamp lamp fixture should be used for heating. Bulb wattage varies based on the size of your dragons enclosure. You should ask a pet store clerk for help to determine what wattage is best for your pet. I prefer heat sources that include UV rays. The brands that I've had the best luck with are:

• Zoomed-Power Sun, 150w-UV and Heat source 

http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/EntryDetail.php?EntryID=109&DatabaseID=2&SearchID=20&SearchContext=YTo3OntzOjg6IlNlYXJjaElEIjtzOjI6IjIwIjtzOjEwOiJEYXRhYmFzZUlEIjtzOjE6IjIiO3M6NzoiS2V5d29yZCI7czoyMDoiTGlnaHRpbmcgQWNjZXNzb3JpZXMiO3M6

• Exoterra- Intense Basking Spot Lamp, 150w-UV and Heat source

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/intense_basking_spot.php

• Exoterra-Solar glo, 160w-UVA/UVB and Heat source

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/solar_glo.php

• Exoterra-Ceramic Heat Emitter, 150w-Heat source ONLY

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/heat_wave_lamp.php

Food and Water dishes:

-Bearded Dragons are big eaters. Babies should have a small, shallow water source in their cage. They should also be misted several times a day, with a spray bottle. An easily cleaned, durable and flat dish should be used for food. 

Hide Box:

Bearded dragons are generally social and outgoing animals. However, during the night and occasionally throughout the day, they will want a play to hide and get away. Hide boxes can be made out of something as simple as a shoe box. Half hollowed out logs come in different sizes and are reasonably priced. Flat rocks can be stacked to create a small, shaded enclosure. You may also purchase a reptile "cave". I prefer logs and caves. 

Branches:

-Branches are important for your bearded dragon. You should place branches on both sides of your enclosure so that your pet can get plenty of exercise. Branches on the warm side of the tank will permit a basking spot for your dragon to perch. 

Thermometers and Hydrometers:

-Both are vital. You will want at least 2 thermometers placed on both the cool and warm sides of the cage. Place the "warm" thermometer level with the basking spot. Place the "cool" thermometer closer to the ground. The hydrometer should be placed in the center of the tank. I find that Zilla brands digital thermometers are best. 

This is an example of how to set up a basic dragon vivarium.This is my female Sydney's tank. Her climbing branch isn't pictured because it was being cleaned. 

For questions about any of the products or information, just leave a comment and I'll do my best to help you!