Tanks and Growth

KarrieRee":5iz40qex said:

The 10 gallon tank needs to be replaced - he is already outgrowing it- another person being given bad advice from a Pet Store! He at the least needs to go into a 40 gallon tank - my guess he does not have the proper lighting as well --- tank size we often recommend for him to be happy is a 4x2x2- or 120 gallon - but a 75 gallon would be great as well -- for the health of the dragon I would suggest you invest in the proper enclosure and if your husband doesnt want to do it I would consider re-homing him to some one who will take care of him.
thank you and good luck Karrie

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KarrieRee":12zjt30i said:

Your not the only one!! For one thing the dragon is not a kids pet -- there is so much more detail to this and my guess is the lighting is not correct-- if he does not have the proper lighting he will get ill and die - it is crucial that is why I asked - people who work at Pet Smart employees do not have a clue as to what they are talking about- does your Uncle have experience in taking care of bearded dragons? Does he own one for himself? If he does I apologize but him saying the 20 gallon is big enough tells me different--- and $180 ? for a 20 gallon ? I have a 120 gallon and paid $269- what are you feeding the dragon ? Hopefully not pellets--- dragons need bugs dusted w/ calcium powder 5 x per day and vitamins 2 x per day -- and fed 2 times per day - w/ greens offered daily --- like mustard greens collard greens green beans squash - crickets are ok but dubia roaches are the best they dont stink and are easy to take care of --- that little one should be eating 20-30 crickets per feeding or 6-8 roaches per feeding-- No super worms or meal worms - they are too hard on the dragons digestive system
Karrie

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KarrieRee":1axbavw7 said:

Can you tell me if the lighting is a coil UVB or long tube? And great that he is getting the dubias and the calcium and vitamins -- please offer him vegies --- he will eventually start eating those as he gets closer to a year - if he doesnt eat them now or at least once in awhile it will be good for him - Hiccup turned a year at the end of Jan and he is eating more vegies than the dubias - he likes is worms like the horn worms and butter worms but they are strictly for treat and not a staple -- are you taking temps in his tank ? and how are you taking those temps if you are? Who is mainly taking care of the Jaxson?
Karrie

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AHBD":l4tosf41 said:

A 20 gallon is perfectly fine for a 10" beardie but not for long. It sounds like he's growing very well in your care but will need an upgrade soon. Keep an eye on Craig's list for a large tank , you might find a good deal. Or see if your hubby might be motivated for a fun project to build a big enclosure.

Karrie is right about the lights, be sure to get a good uvb bulb. Some of the coil/compacts can actually be used in a smaller tank with smaller dragons but again, you need to upgrade very soon. If it's warm out whee you live you can also build or buy an outdoor cage so he can get real sunlight.

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KarrieRee":1u367iud said:

Some people have used old dressers etc--- you might want to check out the DIY board - you can get some ideas there--
Karrie

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AHBD":3471atl2 said:

I agree, you can find some good ideas there. I have a few home built with particle board, old paneling and linoleum. Also used a 300 gallon tank for my girls. Here's a thread with many years worth of pictures + ideas. Be warned you may go OCD looking through here.

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=66704#p508707

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