So you just got an adorable baby bearded dragon and you might be wondering What size tank does a bearded dragon need? Well, You want to make sure you set them up with the perfect size enclosure. Understanding the ideal tank size for a bearded dragon is critical for their health and happiness. The general rule of thumb is to provide 10-20 gallons per dragon, but their needs change drastically as they grow. Keep reading for a detailed guide on factors impacting enclosure sizes, recommendations by age, proper setup considerations, signs of an undersized tank, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Factors That Determine Bearded Dragon Tank Size
The main factors that impact what size tank a bearded dragon needs are:
- Age – Hatchling and juveniles need much smaller enclosures than fully grown adults. Their spatial needs increase steadily as they reach maturity.
- Weight/Length – Closely tied to age, a bearded dragon’s size dictates how much space they require. Their total dimensions and weight should be proportional to the enclosure size.
- General Rule of Thumb – Most experts recommend providing 10-20 gallons per bearded dragon. However, the above factors can change the requirements.
Here is a helpful table showing the recommended minimum tank sizes based on a dragon’s age:
| Age | Minimum Tank Size |
|---|---|
| Baby (0-4 months) | 20 gallons |
| Juvenile (4-12 months) | 40 gallons |
| Adult (12+ months) | 75+ gallons |
As you can see, babies and juvenile dragons have much different needs than an adult. Upgrading their enclosure as they grow is essential.
Minimum Enclosure Size By Age
Babies
A 20 gallon tank is sufficient for raising a solo baby bearded dragon. This provides enough room for a basking area, climbing furnishings, and hiding spots while still being easy to heat effectively. Some owners opt for a 10 gallon at first for new hatchlings under 2 months. But the 20 gallon allows for rapid growth in those early months.
Key Tips for Baby Bearded Dragon Tanks:
- Use paper towel, reptile carpet, or shelf liner instead of loose substrate they might swallow
- Include branches, hammocks, and rocks for climbing and mental stimulation
- Make sure to measure temperatures on both cool and warm end
- Don’t keep babies together – they will compete for food and resources
Juveniles
As your bearded dragon grows into the juvenile stage around 4-12 months, upgrade them to at least a 40 gallon breeder tank. This intermediate size allows them room to explore and start displaying natural behaviors.
Key Considerations for Juvenile Tanks:
- Add proper heat and UVB lighting suited to tank size
- Use a substrate suitable for increased mobility like reptile carpet or calcium sand
- Include more horizontal space for running and playing
- Add enrichment like tunnels, egg cartons and foliage
- Monitor temperatures to ensure proper gradient
Adults
A 75+ gallon tank is ideal for most adult bearded dragons 12 months and older. Custom built wood enclosures are also popular for providing an extra spacious habitat.
Important Features of Adult Bearded Dragon Enclosures:
- 4x2x2 foot print minimum recommended
- Proper wattage ceramic heat emitter for heating larger space
- Strategically placed heat/UVB lamps to create temperature zones
- Ample digging and burrowing space with suitable loose substrate
- Climbing platforms and hiding caves to mimic natural habitat
With size comes great responsibility! Maintaining the ideal temperatures and habitat setup gets more challenging with a larger tank. But the impact on their welfare is immense.
Tank Setup Considerations
Simply providing the minimum sized enclosure is not enough – every tank must also be optimized with proper:
Lighting & Heating:
- Thermostat controlled ceramic heat emitter
- UVA/UVB fluorescent full spectrum bulbs
- Basking spot temperature of 95-110°F
- Ambient cool end temp of 70-80°F
Hiding Spots:
- Cave hideaways to feel secure
- Artificial or live plants help them feel concealed
Climbing Infrastructure:
- Branches, cork, or rock formations
- Hammocks, platforms, branches
Substrates:
- Babies – paper towel, reptile carpet, shelf liner
- Adults – calcium sand, organic top soil mix
Furnishings & Accessories:
- Food and water dishes – double for large tanks
- Digital thermometer with probes
- Custom background, fake foliage and decor
Getting each aspect right ensures your bearded dragon remains healthy and comfortable as they enjoy their home.
Ideal Tank Dimensions
Bearded dragon tanks should be longer than they are tall. Here are the ideal dimensions:
- Width – 2-3 feet for ample basking/heating area
- Height – 16-24 inches allows for heat gradient from top to bottom
- Length – 3-4+ feet provides more room for exploring and exercise
For example, a 55 gallon (48x13x21) tank would sufficiently meet these requirements for an adult. Custom builds allowing 6 feet length or more are ideal.
Signs Your Bearded Dragon’s Tank is Too Small
If your bearded dragon’s enclosure is undersized, you may observe:
- Lethargy or decreased appetite
- Pacing, digging, scratching or rubbing against walls
- Aggression when handled
- Lack of basking or temperature regulation
- Stress marks or darkened beard
- Lack of typical movement and activity
These behaviors indicate boredom, stress, and discomfort from cramped quarters. Sometimes the effects are subtle, so observe your dragon closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a glass tank or a wood enclosure?
For babies and juveniles, glass tanks make it easier to maintain proper ambient temps. Adult bearded dragons benefit more from spacious wood vivariums.
Is it possible to build my own custom tank?
Yes! Building your own allows you to customize the size and features exactly for your bearded dragon. Ensure you use sealants and materials safe for reptiles.
What are the cheapest appropriate tank options?
Used tanks from sites like Craigslist can offer an affordable option. For lowest cost, the 40 gallon breeders from chain stores work for juveniles.
Should I avoid tiny “starter kits” for baby bearded dragons?
Absolutely! These 10-20 gallon kits may seem convenient. But they severely limit your ability to create the proper environment, especially as your dragon grows.
Conclusion
Ensuring your bearded dragon has an appropriately sized tank suited to their age and size is crucial for their health and proper development. Gradually upgrading as they grow allows you to provide this necessary room to thrive. Use this guide to make informed decisions for your pet’s enclosure!
