Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone!

After doing some serious research, I have decided to purchase a bearded dragon. From the sound of that-- you'd think I wouldn't have too many questions-- but, actually, I wanted to clear things up a bit, and this seems to be a super-active and helpful community.

Let me begin...

Firstly, I have a 38 gallon Reptarium. Before I go any further on this-- I have not found any real information about beardies and Reptariums. It seems most suggest a glass aquarium, but since I had this on hand-- I was curious how it will (or if it will) work.

The dimensions on it are: 16.5 x 16.5 x 30. Now, I'm aware that this is an adequet sized home for a fair-sized beardie-- but, since I plan on buying a juvenile, do you think it would be too large? With a cage about this size, what wattage basking bulb would you recommend? I was thinking about 75 - 100 watts, but wanted an "expert" opinion.

Also, I have a UVa/UVB (5.0) bulb that was just purchased recently (in plans for the beardie). It's an 18" bulb. I'd assume that is long enough for the Reptarium.

Next-- onto the topic of bedding. I've all but officially decided that once I purchase mine, I will use paper towels. I did some research on Cage Carpet, but heard that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. But, in planning for the future I know that I will most-likely get bored of the paper towel look.

I am also aware that I should not use any sort of sand for a juvenile-- but when they get older and larger, I notice that there is a rift between what many recommend. Some say use cleaned playsand, while others say it's horrible! Most seem to despirse Calci-Sand, but others swear it's safe. I just wanted a look at future planning and get some recommendations.

Finally-- and this is a more area-specific question, does anyone know of a good breader, or store in which to purchase beardies in the Clearwater area of Florida. I know just about everywhere has them-- but I was interested in seeing different color morphs, and purchasing from something that is trusted/well known. The price is not so much an issue, as the quality and health. There are many expenses to an animal and I believe that starts from the beginning with purchasing a healthy animal.

Thank you very much for your time. I know this is a fairly long read-- but I'm really making sure that I have all the possible information I can on them before I venture into this endeavour. I want to make sure everything will go safely for the little guy (and yes, I plan on purchasing a male! Hehehe... egg-binding doesn't sound like my thing...)

Any additional information would be great! Thank you so much!

>>Firstly, I have a 38 gallon Reptarium. Before I go any further on this-- I have not found any real information about beardies and Reptariums. It seems most suggest a glass aquarium, but since I had this on hand-- I was curious how it will (or if it will) work. The dimensions on it are: 16.5 x 16.5 x 30. Now, I'm aware that this is an adequet sized home for a fair-sized beardie-- but, since I plan on buying a juvenile, do you think it would be too large? With a cage about this size, what wattage basking bulb would you recommend? I was thinking about 75 - 100 watts, but wanted an "expert" opinion.

1) That is a good SIZE for a juvenile (an adult definitely needs more IMO) but the issue is that in mesh cages it is hard to control the heat. I couldn't even think of what a proper wattage bulb would be because you lose so much heat with the mesh... A 20 gal. aquarium is fine for a baby, while my adults get to share a 4'X2'X2' tank I built myself.
2) Don't even bother buying a "reptile basking bulb" they are a scam... The only special bulb you need is the UVB strip, I like Repti-Sun 10.0s, for the "basking bulb" use a regular household bulb.

>>Also, I have a UVa/UVB (5.0) bulb that was just purchased recently (in plans for the beardie). It's an 18" bulb. I'd assume that is long enough for the Reptarium.

What brand is it? If it is the Repti-Sun 5.0 it is good, I still don't reccomend Reptariums (except for sunning) but the bulb will work fine.

>>Next-- onto the topic of bedding. I've all but officially decided that once I purchase mine, I will use paper towels. I did some research on Cage Carpet, but heard that it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. But, in planning for the future I know that I will most-likely get bored of the paper towel look. I am also aware that I should not use any sort of sand for a juvenile-- but when they get older and larger, I notice that there is a rift between what many recommend. Some say use cleaned playsand, while others say it's horrible! Most seem to despirse Calci-Sand, but others swear it's safe. I just wanted a look at future planning and get some recommendations.

Many people here use shelf liner. I personally don't (if you could see my tank, you would understand what I use, but it is hard to describe) but I don't use particulate substrate either... DO NOT use calci-sand... Even if is USUALLY safe, it is still an unnecessary risk to your BD's health.

>>Finally-- and this is a more area-specific question, does anyone know of a good breader, or store in which to purchase beardies in the Clearwater area of Florida. I know just about everywhere has them-- but I was interested in seeing different color morphs, and purchasing from something that is trusted/well known. The price is not so much an issue, as the quality and health. There are many expenses to an animal and I believe that starts from the beginning with purchasing a healthy animal.

I believe Bennett Greenberg (www.beardiedragon.com) is located in Florida, not sure what area, but you should check out his website.

>>Thank you very much for your time. I know this is a fairly long read-- but I'm really making sure that I have all the possible information I can on them before I venture into this endeavour. I want to make sure everything will go safely for the little guy (and yes, I plan on purchasing a male! Hehehe... egg-binding doesn't sound like my thing...)

Babies are nearly impossible to sex accurately... so good luck!
-Drew

Oh yeah, here is my tank (the one with the hard to describe substrate)

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Owned by:
1.2 bearded dragons - Legolas, Rosy, Miss Scarlet
0.1 Indonesian blue tongue skink - Sarah
1.0 reverse oketee corn snake - Bernard
1.0 ball python - Patrick
2.0 guinea pigs (I know, they're not herps!) - Punky, Jeepers

Thanks and that's all good advice. BTW, killer habitat. You must have a happy BD.
Yes I am in South Florida (Miami). Here's a direct link to my care page

Care sheet

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Bennett

beardiedragon.com
Home of the Florida Orange

Yeah, reptariums dont work so well for beardies cause its almost impossible to keep the temps up. standard glass aquariums work well...a 20 or 30gallon long works well for a juvie. Ana dult needs at least a 55, but a 75g is much better IMO.

Wattage of the heat bulb depends on your localized temps. you really just have to make sure you have an acurate thermometer (digital or temp gun, not stick on from the pet store) and play around with it before you get your beardie.

As far as substrate, anything non particulate is good. Sand is generally a bad idea overall because it can cause impactions and also harbors bacteria and is almost impossible to keep really clean. Shelf liner works good and is easy to clean.
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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican Black kingsnake
1.1 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Tokay Gecko
1.0 Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn
0.1 Anerythristic Corn
0.0.1 Red Tegu
0.1 Bullmastiff
4.1 Cats

Congrats on deciding on a beardie they are great.

Everyone on this forum is going to give you different answers. I would advice using an aquarium 20gal for a juvi dragon. Anything bigger will stress it out, make it hard to catch food ect. Also glass aquariums instead of mesh reptariums are easier like said before to keep a consistant temp.

As a larger dragon (adult) I suggest 36in MIN in length. 4 feet (48inches) is a good length for a aquarium for an adult dragon.

You can use a house bulb for heat and the Repti Sun UVAUVB bulbs for breaking down food.

He also will need a calcium suppliment. It's a powdered dust you dust your food with for your dragon. The Uv lights help digest this so it is a must.

Substrate. Well I used sand at one point. Never an impaction problem however when I took him to the vet he informed me that sand can cause leasions in his throat (little cuts) that can get infected so it's not a recommened substrate even it says "fully digestable"

I use oats. Just plain oats. Cream of Wheat works as well. As long as it's a vegatable grain product if he injests it, it won't hard him. The only downside as you have to watch that it doesn't mold. To solve this problem, where I mist my dragon daily I have a piece of tile under his basking spot so when I mist any water that drips down will hit the tile not the oats. Easy to clean it clumps around there fecis.
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~Kayla
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0.1 Pictus Gecko *Raine*
1.0 Bearded Dragon *Little Buddy*
1.0 Boxer *Apollo*
1.2 Hollond Lop Bunnies *Panda, Oreo, Smokey*
2.0 Chinchillas *Snoop and Roo*