When it comes to tank size recommendations for bearded dragons, the general rule of thumb is to provide at least 40 gallons of space for a single adult dragon. While this is the minimum size, some experts suggest that larger enclosures, such as 120 gallons, are ideal for providing your beardie the ultimate amount of space to stretch out and explore.
Ideally, a tank should be at least 4 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet for an adult bearded dragon. For hatchlings and juvenile dragons, a 20 to 40 gallon tank is adequate. It is important to consider the size of your bearded dragon when determining the appropriate tank size as larger dragons require more room to live comfortably.
What You'll Learn
Tank Size Recommendations
Minimum Tank Size For One Bearded Dragon
When it comes to tank size, the general rule of thumb is that the bigger, the better. For an adult bearded dragon, the minimum tank size should be at least 40 gallons, but ideally 75 gallons.
Hatchlings and juveniles can get by with a 20 to 40 gallon tank. It is important to remember that as your bearded dragon grows, their enclosure should too in order to provide them with enough space for them to move around, climb, and bask.
Minimum Tank Size For Multiple Bearded Dragons
When it comes to multiple bearded dragons, the minimum tank size requirements increase. The recommended tank size for two adult bearded dragons is 120 gallons, for three it’s 150 gallons, and for four it’s 180 gallons. Having a larger tank size will provide enough space for each dragon to have its own territory and allow them to move around without feeling cramped. It is also important to remember to provide plenty of hiding spots and basking sites for your dragons.
Comparison to Other Reptile Species
In general, the size of the terrarium should increase in proportion to the size of the animal. While some smaller reptiles, such as geckos, can live comfortably in smaller tanks, larger reptiles such as bearded dragons require significantly larger tanks.
When comparing to other species, it is important to keep in mind that bearded dragons often live much longer than other reptiles. For this reason, they require more space to maintain their health and well-being.
This means that while a 30-gallon tank may be adequate for a small gecko, it would not provide enough space for an adult bearded dragon.
Factors to Consider When Determining Tank Size
When determining the size of tank for your bearded dragon, there are many factors to consider. It’s important to take into account the life stage of your dragon, ease of maintenance and cleaning, space for climbing and basking, temperature and lighting needs, and availability of space in your home.
Each of these factors will help you determine the appropriate tank size for your bearded dragon. Additionally, the size of the tank can have a significant impact on your dragon’s health and well-being. It can help with thermoregulation, provide an adequate amount of exercise and prevent stress.
When considering tank size for your bearded dragon, be sure to keep these key points in mind.
Life stage
The size of the tank that a bearded dragon needs depends on its life stage. Baby bearded dragons less than 10 inches in length need a tank size of between 20-40 gallons. Regular adult bearded dragons should be in a tank at least 40 gallons, but ideally 75 gallons.
Dragons upwards of 20 inches should be kept in a tank of at least 90 gallons, but preferably 120 gallons. It is important to get the right size tank for each stage of your bearded dragon’s life as it will ensure that they have enough space to move around and exercise and remains stress-free.
Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning
It is important to consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance when deciding on the size of tank for your bearded dragon. A bigger tank allows you to separate the substrate, which makes it easier to keep clean. A larger tank also provides more space to store decorations, hide boxes, and other accessories. This makes it easier to access when cleaning and prevents overcrowding. A bigger tank also allows for more air flow, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.
Space For Climbing and Basking
When it comes to space for climbing and basking, the bigger the tank size, the better. Bearded dragons are very active and will appreciate the additional space for climbing and basking.
In addition, larger tanks are better for thermoregulation, as they provide a greater range of temperature gradient throughout the tank, allowing your dragon to move around to find the best spot depending on their needs. Always ensure that you have enough branches and rocks available in the tank for your dragon to climb on.
Temperature and Lighting Needs
When it comes to temperature and lighting needs, bearded dragons require more space than other reptiles, as they need a larger area to bask in. They also need an overhead UVB tube that extends the entire length of the tank and a heat bulb. The UVB should be placed at one end of the tank and the heat bulb at the other end so that your dragon can move back and forth between the warm and cool temperatures. This will also ensure proper thermoregulation for your dragon.
Availability of the Space in Your Home
Once you’ve determined the tank size needs for your bearded dragon, it’s important to make sure that the space you have available in your home is suitable. You should take into consideration any furniture, appliances and other items that may take up the space where the tank will be located.
If you are limited in the size of tank that you can accommodate, you can always look into getting a taller tank to maximize the floor space. This will give your bearded dragon more height to explore, as well as additional areas for basking, hiding and sleeping.
Importance of Tank Size For Health and Well-Being
It is important to consider the size of the tank for your bearded dragon’s health and wellbeing. Tank size affects a range of physiological aspects, including thermoregulation, exercise, and stress levels.
If the tank is too small, the bearded dragon will be unable to regulate its temperature properly, leading to health problems. It will also be unable to exercise as much as it needs to stay healthy. A small tank will also lead to stress in the bearded dragon as it is unable to move around or hide when needed.
Thermoregulation
Having the right tank size is key for thermoregulation, which is essential for the health and well-being of your bearded dragon. A larger tank will allow your bearded dragon to regulate its body temperature better, as it will be able to find warmer and cooler spots as needed.
This is especially important because bearded dragons are cold-blooded and rely on external sources of heat. Having the right size tank will ensure your dragon can easily find the temperatures it needs to stay healthy.
Exercise
A larger tank also allows for more room for exercise. Well-exercised bearded dragons are typically healthier and happier, and since they are active hunters in the wild, having plenty of space for them to explore and search for food can keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.
A larger tank allows them to roam and explore, giving them the opportunity to engage in healthy activity. Having plenty of space allows them to build up their strength and muscular endurance over time. A larger tank also makes it easier to set up multiple climbing surfaces, which can also help them stay active.
Prevents Stress
It is important to keep in mind that a larger tank size not only provides the necessary space for thermoregulation and exercise, but also helps to prevent stress. A small tank can lead to stress for a bearded dragon, which can cause them to become ill.
A larger tank allows your dragon to feel comfortable, secure, and safe. It also provides more room for them to explore and establish their own territory, which is essential for a healthy and happy bearded dragon. So, when it comes to tank size, bigger is definitely better!
Key Points
It’s important to consider all the factors mentioned above when determining the tank size for your bearded dragon. With larger tanks, you can ensure that your pet is provided with adequate space for thermoregulation, exercise and climbing, as well as a stress-free environment. Here are some key points to keep in mind when deciding on the right tank size:
- Regular adult bearded dragons should be in a tank at least 40 gallons, but ideally 75 gallons.
- Dragons upwards of 20 inches should be kept in at least a 75 gallon tank.
- For multiple dragons, you will need a bigger tank of at least 75 gallons.
- A full, large desert vivarium setup is ideal for adult bearded dragons.
- Be sure to choose a tank size that is big enough to meet the needs of your bearded dragon and the space constraints of your home.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
