Bearded dragons are great pets.Careful consideration is given to their needs when setting up their habitat.Selecting the right lighting, decor, and temperature are some of the things you'll have to do.Give your dragon the best home you can.
Step 1: A glass aquarium is a good choice.
This is the most common type of tank.Glass aquariums can be found at local pet stores or on local market sites.They are heavy and not well insulated.You won't be inclined to move a heavy tank if it's set up with a dragon inside.Some owners complain that a lower temperature dulls the reptile's color, because bearded dragons don't mind the lack of insulation.
Step 2: You can choose a cage.
Melamine board is a kind of wood coated with a finish.You can either build a cage yourself or buy one from the store.These cages are similar to the zoo experience.The lizard can only be seen from one side of the enclosure.You can either leave the boards in the cage plain white to reflect light or use an artificial rock surface to replicate a more natural environment.
Step 3: You can choose a cage.
The kind of plastic used in the cage makes it much easier to move.The plastic looks better than the board cage, but they are more expensive.
Step 4: The cage should be a professional one.
Quality cages are made by several high-end companies.These cages are made from one piece of plastic.They are expensive, but many breeders prefer them because they are easy to stack.Professional cages are the best for being chemical resistant, easy to clean, and shipped with a built-in heat lamp.
Step 5: Make sure your tank has an appropriate lid.
Don't use solid lids of plastic or glass.These can affect the flow of air in your dragon's tank.There is little humidity in Australia where Bearded dragons come from.A closed lid will cause an increase in humidity.
Step 6: Make sure your dragon has enough space.
Your dragon's size affects the size of your tank.The bigger the cage, the dragon will need it.Baby dragons need a 20 gallon tank.A tank of at least 40 gallons is required for larger dragons.It is possible to get a tank larger than the minimums.It will make your dragon happy.It's a good idea to get the largest tank you can afford, rather than working up through larger tanks.If you want to let your dragon grow into a bigger tank, just buy a 75 or 120 gallon tank instead of a 20 gallon one.
Step 7: There is a light in your dragon's tank.
A full-spectrum light emits regular visible light that helps us see, as well as other ranges in the ultraviolet spectrum which dragons need to stay healthy.The lizard can come within six to eight inches of your light.Provide a rock or branch that your lizard can climb to move closer to the light if it is located in an overhead position more than six to eight inches from the floor of the tank.
Step 8: You should change your bulbs frequently.
The lights become less effective over time.Change your bulbs every six months in order to keep your lizard healthy.
Step 9: A basking light is included in your dragon's cage.
You will need a source of hot light in addition to the full-spectrum light.If you want a bright white basking light, you can buy it from a pet store or a hardware store.When setting up your bearded dragon's tank, be sure to provide room for this light in addition to the full-spectrum light.The basking light should be installed at the end of the tank.The dragon will have a warm side and a cool side.The household bulb that puts out a lot of heat is an alternative to the basking bulb.
Step 10: There are two temperature gauge in the tank.
The basking bulb has a temperature gauge near it.The temperature should be cooler if you install the other at the opposite end.The basking lamp needs to be sure that it is doing its job.The basking bulb should be replaced if the temperature is uniform throughout the tank.You can install a humidity gauge to make sure the air in the tank is not humid.It is possible to install just one gauge if your cage is small.At your local pet store, you can find small, round thermometer gauges.They are designed for reptile habitats and are easy to attach to the inside of the tank.Invest in a digital temperature gun or a probe end.It can be used to monitor the temperature in your tank.Traditional stick style thermometers are notoriously inaccurate, so don't use them.
Step 11: You should identify and maintain your temperatures.
The side of the tank that is warm should be around 100 degrees.The cooler side should be around 80 degrees.At night, be careful.The tank shouldn't be below 70-75 degrees.It can be hard to keep nighttime temperatures in the acceptable range if you check your tank at night.If you can't keep the tank warm at night, invest in an under tank heater.The basking light can be moved closer to the tank to adjust the temperature.
Step 12: The reptile carpet needs to be installed.
The best choice for dragons of any age is reptile carpet.Small bearded dragons might accidentally ingest more sand than their small lungs and stomach can handle.AstroTurf or indoor/ outdoor carpet could be used for close substitute.
Step 13: You need to install tile.
It is easy to clean up tile.It's a good idea to use regular slate or ceramic tile for your dragon.It is sturdy and inedible.You can buy tiles at the hardware store.
Step 14: There is a paper towel in the tank.
These materials are easy to replace.They have to be replaced daily when they get wet.If you don't, your dragon will get sick and the tank will become humid.If your dragon gets sick, you can put newspaper and/or paper towel down.It's important to clean up fecal matter and vomit if you have a sick dragon.Newspaper and/or paper towel can be used to treat a dragon.
Step 15: It's a good idea to avoid loose or particulate substrate.
Sand is often recommended.Sand gets everywhere, including in the lizard's food and water.Sand is a leading cause of impaction, eye abscesses, and other ailments because it is so easy to ingest by lizards.Sand, gravel, wood shavings, and other particulates are not recommended.It is difficult to clean sand, which poses health risks for your bearded dragon.
Step 16: A basking platform can be added.
Your dragon can get closer to the basking light in his or her cage with a basking platform.While you can buy a sturdy structure, you might prefer to build a long branch or rock over which your dragon can climb.
Step 17: There is a hide.
A hide is a small house or hut that your bearded dragon can crawl into for extra warmth.Your dragon will use the hide for brumation.Like humans, sometimes bearded dragons get shy and want some privacy.The hide should be placed beneath the lamp to keep it warm.Move the location or try a different type of hide if your dragon isn't using its hide.
Step 18: Add some naturalistic elements.
Adding plastic cacti or flowers will give your tank a natural look.You could use real plants like Dracaena and Ficus benjamina.Live plants should not be treated with biocides if you choose to use them.Before introducing them into the tank with your bearded dragon, wash them thoroughly with a water spray and water them for a few weeks.Artificial plants are the best choice since you won't have to worry about pesticides or bugs on them.You won't have to water them.