Bearded dragons thrive in well-maintained and decorated glass terrariums.The size of your bearded dragon’s terrarium depends on the size of your beardie. Your bearded dragon’s tank must have enough space for them to move around.Bearded dragons became famous as exotic pets since their introduction in the ’90s in the United States. Being the most popular pets, central bearded dragons are most common in captivity. These creatures are originally from desert areas of Australia. Females can grow up to 20 in (51 cm) and males up to 24 in (60 cm). Although they live up to 10-15 years of age, life expectancy can increase with good care. The bearded dragon has a flattened body with clusters and rows covering it and broad, triangular heads. Their diet usually consists of vegetation, insects, and sometimes small rodents. The underside of these bearded dragons’ throats will puff out and turn black if they are threatened or are under stress. This feature gives them their common name. They prefer subtropical and arid scrublands, woodlands, shore areas, savannas extending into interior deserts. These semi-arboreal reptiles can quickly climb to bask at height. You can find them basking on broken or fallen trees, bushes, and rocky outcrops.The six species of bearded dragons are Rankin’s dragon, Easter bearded dragon, Western bearded dragon, Kimberley bearded dragon, Nullabor bearded dragon, Northwest bearded dragon, and the central bearded dragon. Bearded dragons go through brumation, where they will go hungry for months but will drink water. All these species can go dormant at high temperatures and brumate in winter. The body of these reptiles cannot stay active in high temperatures and it will also cause death. They will burrow underground. They will usually form a permanent hiding place or burrow to escape harsh weather and predators. Beaded Dragons need UVB and UVA for absorption of calcium, stimulation of basking, feeding, breeding, and overall mind and body health.If you enjoyed reading these facts about the bearded dragon terrarium, then make sure to read some more interesting facts about bearded dragon colors and bearded dragon eggs here on Kidadl.What is a terrarium?A terrarium is typically a sealable container made of glass with interior contents as plants and soil and can be unlocked for maintenance.Terrariums can be either closed or opened to the atmosphere. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward developed the first terrarium in 1842. Ward observed the behavior of insects and left a jar unintentionally unattended. A fern spore grew in a jar germinating into the plant, which resulted in the first-ever terrarium. This first terrarium was called the Wardian case. Tropical plants like orchids, air plants, ferns, and mosses are usually kept in closed terrariums. These closed terrariums have sheltered and humid environments of the tropics. This closed environment allows water circulation. This enclosure can be opened once a week to get rid of excess moisture from the walls and the air of the container. This needs to be done in order to avoid the algae or mold buildup that could discolor the sides of your terrarium and damage the plants. It is necessary to water the terrarium once in a while. In open terrariums have less soil moisture and humidity. Plants that require open, dry, and direct sunlight are grown in open terrariums.A vivarium is nothing but an enclosed terrarium to keep and raise animals and plants for either observation or research. Vivarium can be small enough to be kept on tables or desks like aquariums and terrariums and big enough to be placed outdoors. The Latin word vivarium translates to ‘place of life’. Large vivariums can be used to keep flying organisms with a dual-door mechanism for entry and exit such that you can close the outer door to avoid escape before closing the inner door.The surface area of a vivarium must be enough for the species living inside. For tree-climbing species, climbing, or large plants proper height of the vivarium is vital. The width must provide a good amount of depth for the better life of the species inside. Lighting is vital for the growth of plant and animal species. For example, many reptiles need habitats with good sunlight to stimulate this variety of light bulbs are used. Species that are adapted to a type of natural habitat will not thrive in usual human homes. So, temperature plays a vital role in a healthy lifestyle and a thermostat like infrared lamps or heated lamps is necessary. Proper ventilation and humidity also play an important role in the good life of species in the tank.Perfect Size For A Bearded Dragon TerrariumThe perfect size of your bearded dragon’s glass tank or terrarium depends on their size and age and can be around 4ft (1.2 m) by 2ft (0.6 m) by 2ft (0.6 m), which is around 24 in (61 cm) long.Picking or building the right-sized vivarium, either an enclosure or terrarium for your pet reptile is a great way to keep them comfortable and healthy. Breaded dragons’ natural habitat usually extends throughout Australia. So, to create such an environment it is vital to have a big enough enclosure or glass terrarium for your bearded dragon. Almost all bearded dragons in pet stores are bred in captivity and not captured from the wild. However, they still are wild animals and they will need the best care possible for good health. Your pet baby bearded dragon will need hiding spots, space to move around, different temperature ranges, things to climb, and space for digging in the enclosure or terrarium. Missing one or two things in this setup might impact your baby bearded dragon, but will impact them long-term like constant stress, stunted growth, bad temperament, and other health issues. So, keep in mind to provide bigger habitat space for your pet reptile.A baby bearded dragon will only grow bigger than its current size. It is best if you buy or build a bigger enclosure, tank, cage, or terrarium at once. Your baby bearded dragon will only love the size of the glass terrarium or tank. Also, they do not go through new terrariums at each age and size. The ideal size of an enclosure or glass tank for your pet baby or adult bearded dragon is 4ft by 2ft by 2ft (1.2m by 0.6m by 0.6m), which is around 24 in (61 cm) long. You can even choose a bigger tank if you want. However, keep in mind that the size of your dragon’s terrarium must not be too small. The size of the bearded dragon terrarium setup they live in will promote your dragon’s health. As an ectotherm reptile, your pet will need the help of the natural environment to regulate his body temperature. This reptile needs heat and light for better digestion and a cool place to rest. There are also options available if you plan on buying different-sized enclosures like juvenile cages or full-grown cages.There are many types of enclosures and glass tanks available in your local store with various openings. It is important to note that some bearded dragons might be terrified of enclosures or tanks with openings on the top. This is because most predator attacks happen from above. There are glass tanks available that have a door in the front of the enclosure. A common type of vivarium used is the glass terrarium, but many bearded dragons get scared of their reflection on the glass. You can use a screen top or lid on the entry to the enclosure. Screen top or lid provides can provide ventilation as well as secure some heat within the enclosure. Make sure any type of lid that you use must be secure. The width and length of your dragon’s tank floor are important. Since bearded dragons love climbing, it is better if the enclosure has a good height. The height of the setup will give your bearded dragon more space and he can move up and down for either more air or heat.Ideas For Bearded Dragon TerrariumSome ideas for a bearded dragon terrarium are bridges, little cloves, large old rocks, hammock, basin, real or fake plants, a basking ramp, and a piece of wood.After you have decided the size of the glass tank, cage, or terrarium for your pet bearded dragon, you must create a natural enclosure for your baby bearded dragon with enough ventilation and lights. This includes UVB light, thermometer, hygrometer, heating element, shallow dishes for food and water, flooring, tweezers, live insect feeding equipment, and adequate space. There are a number of options for flooring the enclosure. Many loose substrates are easily impacted by parasite and bacteria buildup, hiding insects, which can cause internal injury, nose and eye irritation, and impaction. Choosing sand as a substrate for the enclosure can be dangerous as the ones available in a store are not Australian desert sand. If inhaled by your beardie then it can cause respiratory issues and eye irritation. Rocks and pebbles can break your dragon’s teeth and cause impaction. Walnut shells also have similar negative impacts.Before using any substrate, it is better to consult your vet. Choosing wood might work but if they are of small size then it can cause irritation. A dense and soft substrate can lock in unwanted moisture and loose substrates allow live insect food to hide within. Sand mats are also not great for cages or enclosures. Reptile carpets are good options as they will prevent odor and are easy to clean. It is necessary to remove the carpet to clean it. Tiles are also common as slate tile and dark ceramic tile can will not get cold. Make sure to place the tile gently as it might break the glass of the bearded dragon tank or cage. Reptile excavator clay as a substrate is also creative and fun to place in the cage of your beardie. Your beardie can easily burrow in the clay without impaction, but it will require regular replacement.UVB lamps with heating can create a comfortable habitat for the tanks. For best light and heat, it is important to replace the UVB every six months. If your UVB lighting does not provide heat then you place a heat lamp separately. It is necessary to fit a ceramic heat emitter in the beardie tank or cage if the temperature drops. The hygrometer measure the humidity and the thermometer measures the temperature. Bearded dragons need different temperatures in the day and at night, so make sure to monitor the temperature. Humidity around 35-40% with required ventilation is a great setup for your bearded dragon. Make sure to include some items like basking rock or log, bridges, large rocks, things to climb on, hiding spots, plants, and hammocks in the cage. Some safe plants that can be included in the cage are turtle vine, aloe vera, herbs, prickly pear cacti, and succulents. If you considering including plastic plants, then that’s even better. To eat all the insects, fruits, supplements, and greens place a shallow dish in your bearded dragon tank. Use a tweezer to feed your bearded dragon. It is not recommended that your touch the live insects. With all these benefits, love, and care, your bearded dragon will thrive and live over 10 years of age.Bearded Dragon Terrarium Buying GuideThere are a few best terrarium or vivarium options you can find in the market like caroline custom cages, Exo terra all glass, REPTI ZOO 67 gal (253.6 l) reptile large terrarium, Exo terra outback terrarium, and Hagen Exo terra short all-glass terrarium.Before buying, it is important to choose the right tank material for your bearded dragon tank. A common and popular option for a bearded dragon tank is a glass one that has a screen lid for better ventilation and low humidity. If the screen lid is placed in the front of the tank it is far more comfortable for your bearded dragon and easy to clean. However, glass is a poor insulator of heat and you will need to check the temperature all the time to make sure it hasn’t dropped. A tank made of glass and wood with a screen lid has glass on only one side with wood on rest three sides. Regular monitoring of heat is not required if you have this type of tank. The colorful PVC plastic tank is lightweight and its enclosure is ideal for bearded dragons. One drawback of this tank is poor airflow and you will need to keep a constant eye on the hygrometer. Some tanks have walls made of wire screens. These tanks not only have heating issues but can injure your dragon.Exo terra all-glass terrarium is a waterproof tank and you can also make small watering holes. You can cover the floor with any preferred substrate. You can maintain ventilation, continuous airflow, and humidity. The steel covering will not allow infrared or UVB lights to penetrate. With two doors in the front of the tank, it is very easy to clean. The tank is fully assembled when it reached your house. However, this tank is on the expensive side with not so sturdy door and is unable to contain live insects. Carolina custom cages terrarium is a long tank. No specialist tools are required while building. The metal grate is highly compatible. This tank has sliding doors making it easy to clean and feed. It’s not easy for your pet to escape this cage. A drawback that is not much of a drawback per se is that it is very big for hatchlings. Carolina extra-long terrarium is also a great tank with a full-length sliding door and waterproof material. Easy to clean, however, the bottom glass is very thin making it dangerous for your pet. The REPTI ZOO 67 gal (253.6 l) reptile large terrarium is a high-quality tank with a sliding door that makes it easy to clean. You can also open the front doors separately. Allows UVB and infrared rays to pass through with plenty of ventilation. There are no accessories included but you can place your accessories with ease. Exo terra outback terrarium This tank has two doors and it is easy to feed your pet and clean the tank. There are locks to prevent your pet from escaping. UVB and infrared rays penetrate. It can also be easily accessed to place any accessories. A heater is not included with this tank, you can fix one of the fixtures in the tank. Hagen Exo terra all-glass terrarium has huge front doors, allowing you to access the tank easily. A heating lamp can easily be mounted against the wall or hung from the lid of the tank. This is only suitable for hatchlings and you will need to replace it when your pet gets bigger.It is not a good idea to house two males together as they could kill each other. Even if you house two females, the environment won’t be ideal for the submissive dragon as the dominant one will take over the basking spot and food bowl. Well, if you are planning to breed dragons then you can place a male and female but they must be separated after mating. Before you get your pet home, it is best if you are prepared with an ideal environment. Find the perfect spot for your dragon. However, there are some things to keep in mind. Never place the terrarium under direct sunlight, as in a domestic surrounding it gets toxic. If you have a glass tank even that will trap a lot of heat, which can be harmful to your bearded dragon. Like mentioned before it is best to get a big tank to avoid confusion. Make sure to keep the terrarium away from children or pets. Clean the tank without troubling your dragon much. UVB light should be on only for 12 hours a day and it must be switched off at night for your pet to sleep without trouble. It is best if you can place the tank in a dark place at night and during brumation. Bearded dragons get stressed and are threatened by loud noises. So, it is a good idea to keep your dragon away from any kind of noise.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestion for bearded dragon terrarium, then why not take a look at bearded dragon head bobbing, or bearded dragon teeth?
Bearded dragons thrive in well-maintained and decorated glass terrariums.
