I would keep the length of the reptarium cage instead of putting it up on it's side to gain the height. Though dragons do like to climb, floor space is also important. The size of tank you are thinking of using would be good till the dragon is about 6 months old (or about 15" snout to tail tip length). Once the dragon gets that big/old, should switch him into at least, a 4'x2'x 2' (or less in height, but I wouldn't recommend dropping below 16" of height).



Calci sand should never be used at all, washed play sand could be used after the dragon is at least 10" long. Personally I would recommend using the shelf liner mentioned before or plastic table cloth. These two substrates are just so much easier to keep clean and there is no risk of impaction due to injesting by the dragon.



Read as many caresheets as you can find as they will contain all the basic recommendations needed to properly house and care for a bearded dragon. Purchasing one or more books about dragons is also a good thing to do. There will be some contredictions but most are easily workable to your own preference. A search on the internet will lead you to many care sheets and wonderful websites as well as the websites from bearded dragon owners/breeders that regularly post here.



Read these forums regularly as well, since many common questions are asked again and again as well as less commonly asked questions. It is good to know what common ailments bearded dragons have and how to treat them and when to rush your dragon to a qualified reptile vet. It would also be a good ideal to find any local reptile vets before you get your dragon. It's always nice to know which vets handle exotic animals and which ones have dealt with bearded dragons before you get a dragon and especially before an emergency happens.



Bearded dragons need daily attention unlike snakes that are quite happy to be fed once a week or less. Dragons like green iquanas need food at least once a day, sometimes as much as three or four times a day when only a few weeks old. Though it is recommended to wait till the dragon is at least 6" long before buying it to ensure it's eating well and thriving.

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