What size tank for a 3 month old bearded dragon?

This size provides enough space for the young bearded dragon to be healthy and happy while also allowing them to develop the skill of catching their food.

Keep in mind that as your bearded dragon grows, you will need to upgrade the tank size accordingly.When your bearded dragon reaches 6-12 months old, you should consider upgrading to a 75-gallon tank.

Once they reach adulthood, a tank size of at least 120 gallons is recommended to provide ample space for them to move around and maintain a proper temperature gradient.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tank Size

Size and Growth Rate of a 3 Month Old Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets due to their docility, curious nature, and relative ease of care. However, as with any pet, proper care is essential for their health and well-being.

One critical aspect of bearded dragon care is providing them with an appropriate tank size. A 3-month-old bearded dragon can measure between 5-7 inches from nose to tail tip, with males being slightly larger than females.

It’s essential to consider the bearded dragon’s size and growth rate when choosing a tank size because they grow quite rapidly in their first year of life. A tank that may seem adequate now may quickly become too small within a few months.

Activity Level and Behavior of Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are active creatures that require ample space to move around and explore their environment. They enjoy basking in the sun or under a heat lamp while also having access to cooler areas within the tank for thermoregulation. Younger dragons tend to be more active than adults since they have higher energy levels.

They need plenty of space for running, jumping, climbing on decorations or branches within their enclosure. Moreover, it’s crucial to provide hiding spots in the tank because young dragons tend to be skittish at times and may need spaces where they can retreat for safety reasons.

Temperature and Lighting Requirements

The temperature inside the tank is another critical factor when choosing an appropriate enclosure size for your 3-month-old bearded dragon.

Bearded dragons require specific temperatures within their habitat; basking spots should have temps ranging between 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit while cooler areas should range from 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The lighting should mimic the natural daytime and nighttime cycles found in their natural habitat. This includes providing UVB lighting to help with calcium absorption, and a heat lamp to provide warmth.

Choosing an appropriate tank size for your 3-month-old bearded dragon requires careful consideration of various factors, including their size and growth rate, activity level and behavior, as well as temperature and lighting requirements.

By keeping these aspects in mind, you can make an informed decision about the best tank size for your pet’s well-being.

Recommended Tank Sizes for a 3 Month Old Bearded Dragon

Minimum tank size requirements

When it comes to choosing the right tank size for a 3 month old bearded dragon, it is important to consider their growth rate and activity level. The minimum tank size recommended for a young bearded dragon is typically 20 gallons.

However, keep in mind that this minimum requirement is just that – a bare minimum. It is important to provide your pet with enough space to move around and explore their surroundings.

Length, width, and height dimensions

In addition to the minimum tank size requirement of 20 gallons, it is important to consider the specific dimensions of the tank. A tank that measures at least 36 inches long by 18 inches wide and 18 inches tall would be suitable for a young bearded dragon. This will give them plenty of room to move around and climb without feeling cramped.

Examples of tanks that meet minimum requirements

There are many tanks on the market that meet the minimum requirements for a young bearded dragon.

Some popular options include the Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium (36x18x18 inches), Zilla Critter Cage (40x16x16 inches), and Zoo Med ReptiHabitat Bearded Dragon Kit (40x19x19 inches). It is important to choose a sturdy tank with secure locking mechanisms as bearded dragons are known escape artists.

Ideal tank size recommendations

While a 20-gallon tank may suffice as a minimum requirement, providing your pet with an ideal living space can greatly benefit their overall health and wellbeing. A larger tank gives your pet more room to explore and exercise which can prevent them from becoming bored or stressed, leading to behavioral problems such as aggression or lethargy.

Benefits of larger tanks for bearded dragons

A larger tank not only provides more space for your bearded dragon to move around, but it also allows for a greater range of temperature gradients. This means that you can provide a hot basking spot as well as cooler areas for your pet to regulate their body temperature.

Examples of tanks that exceed minimum requirements

Some popular options for larger tanks include the Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage (48x24x24 inches), Exo Terra Glass Terrarium (36x18x36 inches), and Carolina Custom Cages Extra-Long 100-gallon Tank (48x18x20 inches).

While these options may be more costly, they provide ample space for your pet to thrive and exhibit natural behaviors. It is important to note that the size of the tank should always be relative to the size of your pet – make sure there is enough room for them to move around comfortably without being overwhelmed by too much space.

Setting Up the Tank for a 3 Month Old Bearded Dragon

Proper substrate options

When it comes to choosing the right substrate for a young bearded dragon, there are several options to consider. Some of the most popular choices include sand, reptile carpet, paper towels, and tile.

Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Sand is a popular choice, as it provides a natural look and feel while also allowing bearded dragons to dig and burrow.

However, it can pose some risks if ingested. Reptile carpet is another option that is easy to clean and maintain but may not allow for digging or burrowing behaviors.

Paper towels are an inexpensive option that is easy to replace but may not provide enough traction for active bearded dragons. Tile is also a great option as it provides excellent traction and is easy to clean but may require more maintenance compared to other substrates.

Recommended substrates for a young bearded dragon

For a 3-month-old bearded dragon, we recommend using reptile carpet or paper towels as they are safe options that do not pose any risks of ingestion. They offer good traction without hindering the movement of young bearded dragons.

Decorations and hiding spots

It’s essential to provide decorations and hiding spots inside your bearded dragon’s tank as they play an important role in creating an enriched environment that promotes their natural behaviors. Hiding spots not only provide security but also allows them to regulate their body temperature by providing cooler areas within the cage.

Some suitable decorations include rocks, logs, branches, hides boxes or caves made from non-toxic materials. Avoid any sharp or rough objects that could cause injury to your pet or harbor bacteria.

It’s important not to overcrowd the tank with decorations as this can limit movement space making it difficult for them to exercise and explore their habitat. Providing a basking spot is also essential as bearded dragons require heat to digest food.

Setting up the right tank for your 3-month-old bearded dragon includes choosing the proper substrate, providing appropriate hiding spots and decorations that promote natural behaviors. By following these guidelines, you can create an enriched environment that promotes your pet’s health and well-being.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Providing the appropriate tank size for a young bearded dragon is essential to ensure their health and well-being. The minimum tank size requirement for a 3-month-old bearded dragon is 20 gallons, while the ideal size is at least 40 gallons.

Factors such as growth rate, activity level, and temperature requirements all play a significant role in determining the best tank size for your pet.

Tank Setup Tips

When setting up your bearded dragon’s enclosure, it is crucial to provide the right substrate and decorations.

By using substrates like newspaper or reptile carpet, you can ensure that your pet doesn’t ingest any harmful materials when feeding or exploring their habitat. Providing hiding spots with decorations like logs or rocks can help make your pet feel safe and secure.

Looking Ahead

As your bearded dragon grows older, they will require larger tank sizes to accommodate their increasing size and activity levels. Therefore, regularly monitoring and upgrading their tank’s size is necessary to ensure that they are happy and healthy throughout their lifespan.

It’s important to remember that owning a bearded dragon requires proper care and attention to detail. By following these tips and recommendations, you can ensure that you are providing the best possible environment for your pet to thrive in.