Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what kind of tank/cage does everybody use? Is a normal fishtank the way to go? 2 hatchlings i will have by the way.

For hatchlings, if you don't have access to a 20 gal fish tank, I buy those plastic storage containers(Sterilite-$5 at Target). There are so many to choose from, so remember you want more bottom surface space rather than depth. I get the 32qt.

I take the lid and with a jigsaw I cut out the center making a two inch frame out of it. Now cut a piece of Aluminum screen that is a least an inch bigger than the hole you cut in your lid. Place the screen on the top-side of the lid. I use a hot glue gun and run a 1/4 inch wide bead all the way around the screen. Flip it over and run a bead on the inside of the opening.
I use strained, washed playsand for substrate and make a nice little cave/basking rock out of three or four flat stones from around the area(soaked in bleachwater mixture- then rinsed) You can pick up a 18" florescent light fixture at HomeDepot for $8 but the ReptiSun 5.0 bulb will cost you $20. Get a domelight and a regular household light bulb for heat and you set!

Your cage will cost you under $15 lights. Those babies outgrow glass enclosures too fast. These are also easy to clean and light-weight so you can take them out for some natural sunlight. When they outgrow these I put them straight in their big permanent home.

If you need a picture let me know and I'll post one.

.

If your going to buy from the breeders I suggested to you, they all use either the Rubbermaid tubs or glass 20 gal Longs to house the babies. So basically they are use to the above opening, and these breeders handle a lot so you will most likely get a pretty well started baby. As Hatchlings I usually use a 20 gal Long tank myself. I cover the sides if I feel they are scared. I house them in the 20 L until they are about 10-11 inches in length, but be careful with a male and female because there is going to come a time when your going to have to separate them do to the males demands to breed. This usually happens around 5 months old. As adults they should each have their own enclosure at least 3X2X2, better if it's 4 foot long. I get great cages built here in Jersey by Sam at Royal Propagation that are built of melamine and open from the front. They have the light fixtures built right inside so they are great for stacking. Two females have a better chance at being life long cage mates. Males and females will have to be separated, and male and male will fight. Good Luck. Matt
-----
Photos

Hm... I wouldn't recommend a fish-tank - since they are open at the top. A dragon consider everything that "comes from above" a threat.

A cage that opens "at the front" is MUCH better. Also easier to clean...

Teo - A Bearded Dragon

If you have one that opens from the top, there's no chance of the dragon escaping by accident. And if you just get the dragon used to you, it will learn that you always come from the top, so it won't feel threatened.
-----
~Julie~