Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here's the story, I used to raise and even breed beardeds (along with a few other things) but life got busy and _STILL_ is, but I really kind of miss taking care of these cool animals. I don't want to do it to the level that I used to - perhaps just one or 2 in a 75 gallon, but I'm trying to rememeber how much of a pain it is to take care of them.

Also, I currently have a Saltwater aquarium in the 75 gallon tank, and they are just SO FREAKIN fragile, I'm getting sick of losing a fish here and there. It's so disheartening, not to mention the expense. I think other than perhaps food, beardeds would be about half as much to maintain. One piece of liverock for the saltwater tank can cost $60 and that's not a big piece. for all the live rock I needed it has probably cost at least $300 just for the rocks.

Am I forgetting how hard it is to take care of the beardeds, and expensive? Do any of you have both beardeds and saltwater? Which is more difficult and time intensive. Well, I would say saltwater is deffinitly more difficult (as they are so fragile) but time intensive seems like beardeds are, but I seriously can't really recall clearly to compare (it's been almost 4 years).

Also, A lot seems to have changed... as far as feeding belifes, substrate etc. Most people seemed to be going with sifted playsand on here and now I'm not sure what to think. And crickets seemed to be the main source of food, but it sounds like more and more people are feeding mostly vegetables and pellets? Would you say this is accurate? (not that vegetalbes weren't very important before!)

Finally, If I do this again I want it to look good - something I can put in a main room and not have nasty, or SMELL nasty... BUT want convienience as well. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for the best systems in keeping and maintaining a GOOD Looking setup? Tthink it's possible to put it in a main room and not be worried about the smell, or is this just not realistic?

Thanks for your help... I'll do more thinking

Hello!

Well, i'm gonna try to answer some of your questions I've only had my beardie for a few years now. But to me, anything is more fun than fish, hehe. I have never had saltwater, so i am not sure about the overall maintianing expense compared to beardeds.

for the substrate, you will never get a definate answer on the "right" kind to use. Most people agree though, that babies should not be put on sand until they are older, and that older dragons can live on sifted playsand fine as long as they dont constantly lick it up. personally, i use ecoearth (ground cocnut fibers, basically dirt.) and it has worked fine for my adult. some people use wheat bran, although i dont like it because when i used it, my dragon slid around too much on it, and so did the cage decor.

for the food, crickets can still be the main source. a lot of people are switching to pellets because I am guessing it is a lot cheaper and easier to deal with than crickets. they also contain the same amount of protein as the bugs do, so they are not missing out on any nutrition. Crickets and veggies are just fine to feed them, but its up to you if you would rather deal with crickets, or get a baby who was raised on pellets and veggies instead. I feed mine all three- insects, veggies, and pellets, because my beardie enjoys catching the live stuff.

My 50 gallon beardie tank is in my living room. In fact, its right next to the door (its an apartment, so theres no draft by the door.). He doesnt stink at all, and I spot clean his cage, so whenever he poops, i just take it out right away and flush it. He's on a nice wrought iron stand right above my snake tank, and I think it looks real nice. if you want to see it, click the link i put for it, and scroll all the way down to the bottom. but it has never smelled bad or anything.

Hope this helped!
My bearded setup

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~Melissa~
1.3 Leopard geckos (Guido, Oasis, Gypsy, Marli)
1.0 Bearded dragon (Pharoah)
1.0 Hog Island Boa (Michelangelo)
0.0.1 Crested Gecko (Picasso)
1.0 Ferret (da Vinci)
0.1 Chinchilla (Eevie)
1.0 Chinese Praying Mantis (Sid)

Melissas Menagerie

I'm not that big on beardies but who can't love them. I also have two salt water tanks and over the years they have been nothing but pain. I think you should go for the beardies its loads of fun.

it's a very tough job. Luckily, my boyfriend takes care of his saltwater tank, and I take care of my beardie (as far as maintenance goes).

IMO- if you are on your own and already short on time and money, then I would recommend against getting beardies right now. These guys need a lot of time and attention, which you know. I couldn't handle the saltwater tank (with live rock and fish) and my beardie by myself.

I think you just have to honestly evaluate your time and budget and keep in mind the best interest of the animals!

Good luck on whatever you decide to do! Maybe we can swap saltwater info sometime.
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1.0 Bearded Dragon

I hear that saltwater fish are interesting & are fast becoming popular in the pet trade(thanks to Nemo). However, I've never dealt with them nor do I plan to do so. I breed lots of bearded dragons. I could not imagine getting any more pleasure from a tank of fish. Now I'm not knocking fish, many are very beautiful, and I know nothing about their upkeep, but I don't think anyone here can tell you if beardies or fish are the right choice for you. This is really something you'll have to decide for yourself. I can tell you that it's a great feeling to me when my beardies are playing with me, and I couldn't even start to tell you the joy when my babies start pipping.
And yes, there definitely is a lot of maintenance on beardies, but to me it's worth all the effort.
Cricket

I would go with the beardies.. but i'm not partial or anything..