Choosing the Right Tank Size for Your Bearded Dragon: A Comprehensive Guide

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet species of lizards.  They are docile in nature and easy to care for –  just a few of their admirable qualities.  Having the correct environment for your bearded dragon will help ensure that they remain happy and healthy throughout their lifetime. 

One of the major environmental factors that will affect your bearded dragon’s happiness and stress level is their tank size.  The tank size for bearded dragon is incredibly important and can affect your dragon’s health. 

Read on for more information from Dr. Jess, on the correct size tank for your pet.

Bearded Dragon Basics:

Bearded dragons are funny little reptiles that are categorized into the desert lizard category – they like a warm environment.

They fall into the genus Pogona with eight different species falling under this grouping.

The eight species of bearded dragons, are distinguished from one another and named for the differences in their spines on their chins and necks.

Bearded dragons get their name from their armor of spiny scales, which include a “beard” of spikes under its chin and neck that puffs up depending on their mood, most commonly seen when puffed out when they are upset.

They do this to seem larger to whatever is upsetting them.

This may be paired with a erry ‘hiss’ when really upset.

Bearded dragons have teeth, lay eggs, and have problems with eating and not eating their foods. their foods.

They can live up to 10 years and can reach up to 24 inches long and weigh up to 18 ounces once full grown. They range in colors from brown, to orange, to yellow, to cream.

Beardies have a precise eye and good sense of smell.

Bearded dragons are often referred to as “beardies”, are one of the more popular reptilian pets because of their cool, interesting exterior and their popularity being of low maintenance pets.

Bearded Dragon Sizes:

Bearded dragons grow quickly compared to many other pets. Don’t be shocked if your little baby dragon suddenly needs a larger tank within a few months.

The speed that a bearded dragon grows will vary depending on their breed, their genetics, and their care management (including diet), but usually you can expect to see your bearded dragon reach its full-grown mature size by around 16 to 18 months of age.

Adult bearded dragons can grow up to 24 inches from head to tail. That being said, most pet beardies are between 18-22 inches long as full-grown adults, depending on their breed.

What is a Vivarium?

A vivarium is basically an enclosed environment to house reptiles in. It is the equivalent to an aquarium for fish or a terrarium for plants.

Typically a vivarium is made from glass (like an aquarium) or other materials.

Vivarium Essentials:

Today, most beardies in captivity are bred and not brought in from the wild. 

The natural habitat of bearded dragons are the hot dry desert regions of Australia. 

In order to have a life full of being both happy and healthy, bearded dragons need to be housed in an environment that’s as close to their natural wild habitat as possible.

This means bearded dragons have a few non-negotiable needs that we must supply for them:

• Room to move
• Range of temperatures
• Places to hide
• Items to climb
• Areas to dig

Tank Options:

There are many different sizes and styles of enclosures available for purchase for your bearded dragon.  It is extremely important to your bearded dragon’s health, that you get them a safe tank, both in structure, size, and setup.

Tanks come in a variety of different materials, like glass, PVC, melamine, and other materials for those DIY vivarium projects.

There are many pros and cons to each type of enclosure, ranging from price, weight, and aesthetics.

Tanks are available with varying openings for access to your pet.  The best choice of opening is usually based on you and your pet’s personal preferences.

One type of opening is an aquarium style opening with access coming from the top of the tank.

Be aware that some bearded dragons are frightened by humans who reach into the enclosure from above, because in the wild, attacks often come from above them.

Other tanks have doors on the front of the enclosure, which gives you easy access to feeding and caring for your dragon.

Glass terrariums are very common vivariums for bearded dragons and what I personally like to use.  Just be wary that some bearded dragons get upset if they see their reflections.  So add a background to fix that potential issue. 

Screen lids are my favorite type of secure lid, as they are great for ventilation while still keeping in some of the heat. 

No matter what type of lid you end up going with, make sure that the tank has a secure lid.  Bearded dragons love climbing and exploring – right out of their tank if accessible.

Bearded Dragon Tank Sizes:

When it comes to having ​the best tank for bearded dragons, you’re primarily going to want to consider their age.

It is best to get the right size tank for each stage of your bearded dragon’s life.

The ideal tank size is at least 4 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet for an adult bearded dragon.

Young adults and mature adults should have at a very minimum, a 55-120 gallon enclosure.

Larger tanks will allow full-grown bearded dragons to completely turn around without bumping into the sides of their enclosure.

Always remember – bigger is better when it comes to picking out a tank for an adult bearded dragon!

It’s important to remember that some larger gallon tanks still aren’t wide enough, like the 55 gallon long tank that is only 48 x 13 x 21 inches, pictured below: