Have you wondered if the 40-gallon breeder tanks you see at the pet store are big enough for your bearded dragon?
So what does your bearded dragon need?
Understanding what an appropriately sized enclosure is for your pet lizard is vital in providing a healthy life.
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40 Gallon Breeder Tank for Bearded Dragons
A 40-gallon breeder tank will fit a bearded dragon until they reach about 12″ inches (30 cm). At this point, you’ll need a much larger tank for the adult bearded dragon. We don’t recommend keeping two bearded dragons in this size tank.
It’s essential to consider the pros and cons of choosing this as the appropriate size tank for your pet.
Here we dive deep into why a 40-gallon tank will work, but also the drawbacks of its size.
Your bearded dragon will grow fast, and you need to be prepared for this.
Tank Size By Bearded Dragon Age
As you are looking for an appropriate tank size, keep in mind how big your bearded dragon will be as they age.
| Age | Length |
|---|---|
| 0-4 months | 3-12″ inches (30 cm) |
| 5-8 months | 11-20″ inches (51 cm) |
| 8-12+ months | 16-22″ inches (56 cm) |
Pros of a 40 Gallon Breeder Tank
A baby bearded dragon can happily live in a 40-gallon breeder tank.
The space gives them adequate room to move around.
Finding a 40-gallon breeder tank at your local pet store is also easier.
You likely will come across 40-gallon breeder tanks, including a starter kit.
They typically include everything you need, which is sometimes cheaper than buying supplies individually.
A smaller tank size allows your baby beardy to catch live insects easily.
When their enclosure is too large, they tend to have difficulty with this, and you often have to feed them by hand.
As long as your baby beardy has enough space, including vertical space, you will be able to use a 40-gallon breeder tank until they grow in size.
Cons of a 40 Gallon Breeder Tank
A 40-gallon breeder tank will not be sufficient for an adult bearded dragon.
While your beardie is small now, it can grow to almost 2′ feet (.61 m) in length.
It typically can get to this size within a year!
Not only does a 40-gallon breeder tank not provide a lot of room for your beardie to walk, but it will also prevent it from being able to turn around easily.
Smaller tanks can stunt your pet lizard’s growth, leading to a shorter life because of it.
The smaller size can lead to stress and anxiety in bearded dragons.
When your beardie does not have sufficient space to move around, they are not getting the exercise they need to lead a healthy life.
A beardie in captivity has a lifespan between 10-12 years old if well taken care of.
A small tank will not have enough room for a cool side, causing the entire tank to be too hot.
Your beardy will have no space to get away from the heat.
Your reptile also enjoys hiding and will not find adequate space to do so in a small enclosure.
Remember, you don’t necessarily have to get a tank labeled for bearded dragons.
A regular fish tank will suffice.
What’s The Best Tank Size For My Bearded Dragon?
The minimum tank size for an adult bearded dragon is 55 gallons.
In reality, a tank larger than 100 gallons is best.
Your adult bearded dragon needs plenty of space to move around.
If you spend a lot of money on a small tank now, there is no doubt you will end up spending more money later on when you realize your beardie has outgrown their space.
If you must start with a smaller tank, avoid getting anything smaller than 40 gallons, like a 20-gallon tank.
It is a waste of money.
Even hatchlings will outgrow the small space fairly quickly.
For a visual, here’s a look at the appropriate tank size based on the age and length of your beardie.
| Length | Age | Tank Size |
|---|---|---|
| 3-11″ inches (28 cm) | 0-3 months | 20-40 gallons |
| 9-16″ inches (41 cm) | 4-5 months | 40-75 gallons |
| 11-20″ inches (51 cm) | 6-8 months | 50-75 gallons |
| 16-24″ inches (61 cm) | 8-12+ months | 75-120 gallons |
Where to Find the Proper Enclosure
Knowing where to find the proper enclosure can make a difference in saving money.
There are several places to check.
Pet stores carry enclosures of all types.
Whether you want a specific tank for bearded dragons or a standard glass aquarium, you should have many options.
Keep an eye out for sale on glass aquariums.
The only problem you may encounter at a pet store is finding an extra-large one.
Don’t forget to ask your local pet store if they price match.
If you find a more reasonable tank elsewhere but would prefer to buy it in-store, see what their policies are.
A local yard sale is a great place to check if you are looking for a more reasonable price.
Large glass aquariums can get very expensive, so go for it if you can get an affordable price.
If you get a second-hand tank, be sure to sanitize it thoroughly.
There’s no telling what was in the tank before you purchased it.
Building a custom-type enclosure is also a great idea.
It gives you the freedom to pick the exact size you want.
The internet is full of enclosure-building ideas.
Get creative and use an old bookshelf or entertainment center.
It may involve a time investment, but it will pay off in the long run.
If you decide to create your own, ensure you are not using any cedar or pine materials.
The sap from these is toxic to your pet reptile.
- Our growing family of Carolina Custom Cages Terrariums are very easy to assemble and come in 21 different models. The 24”L models and the 36”L models feature hinged doors. The 48”L and 72”L models feature sliding doors. All terrariums feature key-lock security.
- The Bio Deep models feature a 12” deep waterproof base. The Bio Deep Hybrid models feature 9” and 12” deep waterproof bases. All other models feature a waterproof base that is: 4” deep on the 18”H models, 6.3” deep on the 24”H models and 7.5” deep on the 36”H models.
- 24Lx18Dx18H, 24Lx18Dx24H, 24Lx18Dx36H, 36Lx18Dx18H, 36Lx18Dx24H, 36Lx18Dx36H, 36Lx24Dx18H, 36Lx24Wx24H, 48Lx18Dx18H, 48Lx18Dx24H, 48Lx18Wx36H, 48Lx24Dx18H, 48Lx24Dx24H, 60Lx24Wx24H, Giant Deep 72Lx24Dx18H, 72Lx24Dx24H, 72Lx24Dx36H, Bio Deep 24Lx18Wx30H, Bio Deep 36Lx18Wx36H, Bio Deep Hybrid 18Lx18Wx42H, Bio Deep Hybrid 24Lx24Wx48H.
Proper Bearded Dragon Tank Setup
Another reason you need a properly sized house for your bearded dragon is because of all the setup involved on the inside.
When purchasing a tank, keep your mind how much money you will spend on equipment.
UVB Light
Bearded dragons do not get natural sunlight and therefore need to be provided with artificial lighting.
Without it, they will not get the appropriate amount of vitamin D3 needed to absorb calcium.
Without the appropriate amount of calcium, they are at risk for metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD can cause bones to become brittle and eventually break.
You must provide your bearded dragon with lighting for approximately 12-14 hours in the spring and summer.
During the winter and fall, only 8 hours is necessary.
UV rays cannot pass through any covering, so do not put a screen over your bulbs.
Replace bulbs every six months to ensure your bearded dragon always receives the appropriate amount of light.
Heat Lamp
Your reptile tank requires appropriate heating to maintain proper temperatures.
Ensure you are getting the appropriate wattage bulb for your current tank size.
A smaller tank size equals a smaller wattage.
The basking temperature is good from 100° – 110° degrees Fahrenheit (38° – 43° C) for babies and 105° degrees Fahrenheit (40° C) for adults.
The rest of the marks are the same for adults and babies.
90° degrees Fahrenheit (32° C) is the mark for the general temp of the enclosure.
A cool spot or hiding spot is required and should be between 70° – 85° degrees Fahrenheit (21° – 29° C).
At night, turn off the heat, but ensure it stays in the 65° – 70° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 21° C) range for temperature.
There are various types of bulbs available to aid with proper lighting setup.
Mercury vapor bulbs offer both UV lighting and heat.
You must also provide a heat source at nighttime, but not light.
Ceramic heat emitters are an ideal choice for overnights.
You may also consider using a heating pad under your tank.
These are beneficial for smaller tanks since they do not occupy any space inside the enclosure.
Choosing the proper bulbs is confusing for many but, we have a post on what watt heat bulbs to use in 40 gallons tanks you’ll find helpful.
Water
Bearded dragons do hydrate through foods they eat, but supplying them with a water bowl also allows a place for them to soak.
Another way to keep them hydrated is to mist them with a squirt bottle.
Since your beardie will enjoy bathing in the same water they drink, be sure you change the water daily.
If you use a smaller tank, a water bowl may increase the humidity levels in your tank.
Can Two Bearded Dragons Be Housed Together?
Are you wondering if you should give your beardy a friend?
Bearded dragons are solitary reptiles and don’t need the company of another reptile.
You are the only friend it needs!
Housing two bearded dragons together is not the best idea.
Two females will get along better than two males will.
However, females have been known to fight and must be separated.
Never house two males together.
While females may fight, males have the potential to kill one another.
Also, putting a male and female together may end up with tons of baby bearded dragons.
Your female has the capability of producing one hundred eggs from one mating session.
While it may seem like a nice idea to give your bearded dragon a roommate, it’s best to avoid the situation entirely.
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Final Thoughts
Despite being able to use a 40-gallon breeder tank temporarily, it should not be the forever home for your bearded dragon.
It does not provide adequate space for your beardie to grow.
While a baby bearded dragon can live happily in a smaller tank, a full-grown adult bearded dragon requires a much bigger space than what a 40-gallon tank can provide.
