Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It has been awhile since we HAD a beardie and I am looking for some back-up before I give a friend tank info. They are looking for a front opening tank and as far as I am aware these tanks are too small/narrow for a dragon. I had thought that a beardie needed a large footprint not small as they were "runners" as opposed to "climbers" am I mistaken? I have sent them to Melissa Kaplans page but is there somewhere else that they can go to get reliable info?

thanks
elaine

I don't think "front opening" has any correlation to tank size. You can get front opening cages from a lot of conpanied in a wide range of sizes.

Front opening doesn't lose as as much heat as a top opening aquarium.

I and most people recommend a 4' x 2' floor space enclosure as a minimum for an adult dragon.

Front opening cages are fine, and not an indication of any limit in size. However not all front opening cages are the right size for dragons. Aim for a cage that is 4'x2' of floor space minimum..for a single bearded dragon. Height should fall between 18-24" when using florescent UVB tubes (not compacts, the long straight tubes work best to ensure even exposure throughout the cage). If Mercury vapour bulbs are used instead...to provide UVB and heat...then you want a cage at last 24" tall since these lights should be mounted at least 18" above the basking spot.

Many bearded dragon owners build their own cages...but you can buy terrestrial style cages with front opening doors from many companies which have the minimum footprint of 4'x2'.
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PHLdyPayne

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