Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are reptariums really bad to be used with bearded dragons? I was looking at the 65 gallon size.

Most people avoid them as permanent housing because they do not hold heat very well. They can also be burned by heat lamps and some dragons will rub their snouts on them. They work well as outdoor sunning cages. That being said, many people use them as their primary housing without problem.

Peter

i used a reptarium for the first bearded dragon i had. she loved climbing on the sides of the cage and was less stressed by a mesh enclosure because she couldnt see her reflection(she would get terrified of the "other beardie" staring at her all day". short term you will save money with the reptarium, but after spending a ton of extra money on all of the heatlamps, etc to keep the cage warm enough, you will waste money. also, if you use sand, it never stays in a reptarium and ends up all over your house. i agree, use it as a basking cage or for a reptile that doesnt require so much heat.

I have a 65 and so far like it.... I think Dex does too

as for heat heres what I do:

the 65bis in a corner so two sides are not getting any cool air.

I have two 150 watt basking bulbs on timers and a small heat lamp on a thermal controll and timer.

with the 150 and the heat lamp placed next to each other above a basking "Branch" he climbs up it to get his fill of the heat...

I keep my home close to 80 so in the heat of the day he gets 99-100 degrees for sure ..... here in fla day times are often 85-90 so 78-80 in the house feels good...

his cool temps get down to about 75-77 at night.

at night I put a large towel over the end that is near the AC vent so he doe not get a cold draft.... if left open it would go to 72 deg.

and they work super out on the porch / patio for sunning!

I do have the UVB florecent fixture inside the mesh hanging from the inside frame... UVB does not go thru stuff very well.
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You can buy soft trays that go into the reptarium. It's a clear plastic bottom that holds everything in. That what I used for my cham wince it has a well-potted house.
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~Julie~