Recommended Setups

Tank: A 40 gallon tank is the minimum size recommended for an adult bearded dragon. This Double Door terrarium provides easy access through front doors for feeding, cleaning, and other care. Glass terrariums are easy to clean, and do a good job of retaining heat, which is important for keeping bearded dragons.

Excavator Clay is used in this habitat to anchor wood décor in place and provide different basking levels. Excavator can also be used to make caves, or provide a solid substrate base if desired.

Substrate is the material that covers the bottom of the habitat. Bearded dragons are from arid regions and will do best on a substrate that helps re-create these conditions. Substrates help provide natural traction, which promotes natural bone and muscle development. Excavator clay creates the base in this terrarium and is topped with ReptiSand®. Loose substrate such as sand is simple to sift clean and helps provide a natural footing and aesthetic.

Branches: Strong, thick branches or other décor are used to provide basking sites and climbing opportunities. Although Bearded Dragons are considered terrestrial, they enjoy climbing to a sturdy, comfortable perch to overlook the terrain and soak up some sun. Items such as Mopani Wood provide a perfect basking site when placed below a heat lamp and UVB source.

Décor: Desert Flora and other items can be used to help create a naturalistic look. CAUTION: Bearded Dragons are omnivorous and eat plant material in nature- be sure that your pet understands that these are NOT edible by carefully observing behaviors. If your Bearded Dragon tries to eat non-food items, remove those items from the habitat immediately (and maybe feed your pet some more greens!)

UVB Source: UVB is essential for the health and wellbeing of Bearded Dragons. Many different options are available depending on a variety of different factors. In this 40 gallon terrarium, there is a High Output T5 Hood and ReptiSun® 5.0 Lamp, because the distance from the basking site to the lamp itself is about ___ Inches. Use Zoo Med’s UVB guide to choose the correct lamp for your particular setup. Read more about UVB in our Lighting and UVB Education Pages

Heat Lamps: A variety of different heat lamps may be used to create the Preferred Optimum Temperature Zones for your Bearded Dragon. In this setup there is a Mini Combo Deep Dome that houses a ReptiTuff® for basking heat, and an Infrared Heat Projector for supplemental heat. The ReptiTuff® is a Halogen lamp that provides bright white visible light as well as excellent basking heat and can be used during daytime hours. The Infrared Heat Projector provides Infrared (heat) without any visible light so is appropriate for use any time- day or night.

Thermometers: Monitor basking and other terrarium temperatures throughout the habitat using at least one, but possibly several thermometers. The Min/Max Thermometer will record the highest and lowest temperatures measured so that keepers may know the how warm and cool the habitat is getting.

Thermometers: Monitor basking and other terrarium temperatures throughout the habitat using at least one, but possibly several thermometers. The Min/Max Thermometer will record the highest and lowest temperatures measured so that keepers may know the how warm and cool the habitat is getting.

Food Dish: Bearded Dragons should be offered all prepared diets, salads, and non-live foods on a clean dish that keeps it out of their substrate. Wash dishes regularly to keep the serving area clean for your pet!

Water Dish: Always provide a source of clean drinking water for your Bearded Dragon. The water dish should be placed away from any heat sources to keep it from getting too warm and evaporating too quickly. All tap water should be treated with Reptisafe® to remove chlorine and chloramines

Basking Site: Encourage your Bearded Dragon’s natural ability to thermoregulate or control its body temperature by providing a basking site and different temperature zones within the terrarium. A basking site is typically the hottest area of the habitat and is located right under a heat lamp. A sturdy branch provides a nice perch for your dragon to rest on while basking. Check out our Heating Education Page and guide to Thermoregulation to learn more.

Shaded: Just as dragons need to be able to bask, they need to be able to escape the light and heat as well. Provided a variety of different spaces within the terrarium including some with little to no light like a cave, hide, or other structure to allow animals to choose where they are most comfortable throughout the day.