Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am setting up a new Dragon enclouser I am looking for some input on which is better or at least the pros and cons of each. My choices are a 40 gallon breeder tank (36 inches long by 18 inches wide by 16 inches high) or a 55 gallon tank (48 inches long by 13 inches wide by 20 inches high) it would house 2 (m/F pair) of adult bearded dragons. I have both tanks already, and do not plan on buying anything diffrent.

I know already that the floor space of the 40 gallon is bigger (648 square inches veruses 624 square inches of a 55 gallon tank)

Here are a few things to consider.

Adult dragons are well over 12 inches long. So by putting them in the 55 they may have a foot more space in length but they dont have a comfortable amount to turn around in.

In my opinion both tanks would be too small for a pair. Especially during breeding season. When the male is more aggresive the female wont have enough space to get away and not be stressed.

This is what I would do If I were you. I would set up both enclosures. Put one dragon in each tank. This is a much better situation for both dragons. If you are planning on breeding them , just put the female with the male for a couple weeks. Then put her back in her cage. Both dragons will not have to compete for food and basking temps. Plus the femlae will not get stressed by the dominant male.

peace,
nate

I agree 100%. Both of those tanks would be considered the bare minimum for housing one adult dragon. Putting two dragons into either one of those would not be good for them, it would be highly cramped and stressful. Seperate them and house them each individually, that's your best bet and they will be much better off.
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Amanda
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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)
1.0 pictus gecko (Nicodemus)
0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
1.1 ferreta (Playstation & Genesis)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)

I personally feel the 40gal tank is too small for a single adult bearded dragon. The 55gal is still less than minimum but will do with a smaller adult dragon (ie under 20". The recommended minimum tank size is 4'x2'x2'. For two dragons, to be housed comfortably, you need a cage that is at least 5'x2'x2' with more being much better.
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PHLdyPayne

Thanks everyone for your replies, I set up the 55 gallon last night and put my male in there. I am thinking of building a bigger cage, now.