When it comes to setting up your bearded dragon tank, there are several things to take into consideration. Among those are the substrate you choose, the lighting, daytime and nighttime temperatures, and how to track your dragon’s behavior.

Proper lighting

In order to have a successful bearded dragon tank setup, you need to be aware of all the right lighting options. There are many different types of light bulbs available, and you’ll need to identify the right one for your needs.

There are two main types of UV bulbs. The first is a simple bulb that produces concentrated ultraviolet rays in a single area. The second type is a long tube-shaped bulb that covers most of the tank’s space.

The best bet is to use a dual-purpose fixture. This is especially important in a small space. You will need to consider how much heat wattage your fixture can handle, as well as the number of bulbs you’ll be using.

A fluorescent light fixture with a reflector built in should be considered. If you have the option, choose a fixture with a temperature control unit to keep the light on for longer.

It’s also wise to use a UVB lamp. These bulbs are designed to produce the highest quality UV rays that are safe for your bearded dragon. Most of these bulbs are available in a variety of output levels.

Another important lighting option is a ceramic heat emitter. These are a great option for topping up your tank’s temperature at night. They’re safer than under tank heaters and won’t disturb your bearded dragon’s sleeping pattern.

In addition to heat and UV rays, a bearded dragon’s tank should also contain a basking lamp. This is the most effective way to provide your pet with the light and heat it needs. As with any other type of light source, you’ll need to make sure the lamp is properly placed.

Substrate choice

Choosing the best substrate for a bearded dragon is essential for the health and well-being of your pet. It’s important to pick a material that’s easy to clean, encourages natural behaviors, and doesn’t hold too much moisture. Fortunately, there are many different options available to choose from.

Some of the most common types of substrates used for bearded dragons include: sand, carpet, slate, wood chips, and astroturf. However, each of these options has its own benefits and disadvantages. For example, sand can absorb a lot of liquid, causing it to get dirty quickly. Similarly, wood can be harmful if ingested. Likewise, carpet can hold in stray food particles.

While it’s tempting to purchase a cheap substrate for your bearded dragon, it’s important to consider the health of your pet first. A poor quality substrate could cause your dragon to eat harmful waste or become infected.

Keeping your bearded dragon healthy isn’t as easy as it seems. Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned pro, you’ll need to know what to look for.

Bearded dragons are primarily natives of the dry regions of Australia, so you’ll want to pick a substrate that’s designed to replicate this environment. Wood is a good choice for your bearded dragon, but you’ll also want to be careful with alfalfa pellets, which are commonly fed to horses and rabbits.

Many bearded dragon experts advise against loose particle substrates. They’re made of individual pieces of material, and can easily end up contacting your dragon’s eyes or digestive tract.

Luckily, most solid substrates don’t have a problem with impaction. In fact, non-particle substrates are the ideal choice for beginners. Because they’re solid, they’re also very easy to clean.

Properly placed plants

One of the most important things to consider in your bearded dragon tank setup is the plants you use. The right plants can make your dragon feel more comfortable and safe. They also help keep your tank clean.

There are several different types of plants to choose from. Some are easier to take care of than others. Ultimately, you want to choose plants that are non-toxic and safe for your dragon to consume.

One of the most popular plants is the aloe plant. This green, leafy plant requires very little maintenance and is a great way to create shade areas for your dragon.

Another common plant is the callisia repens. This heart-shaped plant has an interesting purple hue when exposed to sunlight. It’s also one of the most colorful plants to keep in your terrarium.

Ficus is another good option. These plants can live for years indoors. However, they should be kept in an enclosed area during cold temperatures.

To avoid impaction, you should place the substrate in a small, shallow plastic container. Insects can easily hide within the loose substrate. If you do decide to keep live insects, you may need insect tweezers to help protect your dragon from harm.

In addition to providing your bearded dragon with shelter, these plants can also be a lot of fun to watch. Bearded dragons enjoy climbing, and this plant makes a great climbing post.

If you don’t have a good background for your tank, you can always use a piece of newspaper. Newspaper is inexpensive and easy to replace. When selecting a background for your tank, make sure you get one that is the right size for your dragon. A good background will also add to the aesthetics of your enclosure.

Daytime and nighttime temperatures

If you are putting together a bearded dragon tank setup, you will need to choose the right lighting and temperatures. Beardies need both UVB and visible light in order to stay healthy. The proper combination of these two factors can make a huge difference in the health of your pet.

You will also need to choose a basking spot for your beardie. This spot will help your bearded dragon absorb calcium and heat its body. When choosing a basking spot, you should make sure it is between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

For nighttime, you will need to keep the temperature in your dragon’s tank between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. To help you achieve this, you can use a thermometer. Also, you should consider adding a cool side lamp.

Beardies need a warm spot for basking, but they do not need a bright light during the night. In fact, many halogen bulbs can be used for the basking lights.

Adding a ceramic heat emitter is also an option. It is safer than using under-tank heaters.

For the most part, you can avoid misting your dragon’s tank. However, if you do want to use it, you can buy a hygrometer and measure the humidity in the enclosure. Remember, high humidity can cause skin and scale problems.

Beardies need 12-14 hours of heat and UVB per day. A fluorescent bulb provides good quality UVB for your beardie. Make sure to turn off the UVB bulb at night.

When purchasing your bearded dragon tank setup, be sure to buy a quality thermometer to check your animals’ temperatures. You should also have a few different types of substrate to ensure that your pet’s tank is dry and comfortable.

Tracking your dragon’s behavior

Keeping track of your bearded dragon tank’s behavior can give you insights into its health and well-being. As a bearded dragon owner, you’ll need to watch your animal’s body language, and even the temperature in its enclosure.

Bearded dragons are solitary creatures, and it is important to keep them separated from other pets. This will prevent them from feeling threatened. If you can’t keep them away from other animals, you should try to introduce them to one another slowly.

When your bearded dragon feels threatened, it may become aggressive. This could be in the form of biting or hissing. It can also occur when it tries to escape the tank.

Younger bearded dragons are more vulnerable, and you should take special care to ensure that they are healthy. Make sure that you’re keeping their substrate dry. In addition, keep the area clean and free of debris.

During breeding season, male bearded dragons are the most active offenders. Their aggressive behaviors are a result of their hormones. The females are usually pregnant without the males present, and they begin digging in the enclosure to lay eggs.

Adult female bearded dragons often display specific behaviors as they prepare to spawn. They may appear lethargic, and they may even go into brumation. Brumation is like hibernation in reptiles, and it is not recommended in captivity.

A blackened area around the beard is a sign that your bearded dragon is stressed. This can happen suddenly, or it may be a sign of a temporary illness.

If you’re not sure whether your bearded dragon is sick, it’s best to take him to the vet. Your vet can check for basic vital signs and perform a doppler ultrasound.

Frequently Asked Questions about bearded dragon tank setup