Help with aquarium sizing!!!

[Muleman0517]

I'm looking for a new home for my beardie. I was wondering if a exo terra 36x18x12 would work for him/her when fully grown?

 

[CooperDragon]

That would be on the small side. I have the 36x18x18 and I feel it's too small for my adult if I kept him in there all the time. He spends most of his time out and about the house with portable basking lights and hates being cooped up in the tank. I would build or commission one that is at least 4'x2'x2' or bigger if you have the space. Something a bit like this https://beardies.dreamwidth.org/2145.html

 

[Muleman0517]

Yea I figured it was small. I know alot of people go with a 40 gal breeder or a 50 Gallon. I know it's not on the bigger side but would that be good for him/her?

 

[CooperDragon]

The 40g breeder is about the same size as my 36x18x18 but without the front facing doors which are a huge help. You can set up proper lighting with them (use a T5 UVB for sure) but I would also provide plenty of time outside of the tank to roam and exercise. I'd go with the 18'' tall instead of the 12'' for sure. I even leave the top off of mine so I can suspend the lights above it and provide more climbing room while still providing adequate distances to the lights.

 

[Muleman0517]

Yea our flames is about 4 months and he's always out with us. So the 50 Gallon is the same as a 40 breeder just taller. I guess that's the better choice. I am planning on building my own eventually but need to get him out of the 30 gallon bow front he's in now.

 

[CooperDragon]

I think the 50g is actually a bit narrower which is why the 40g breeder is usually recommended over it. You want to offer at least as much width as the length of a full sized dragon which is usually about 18-20''. If you can leave the top off (no other animals around) and suspend the lighting it helps because you can have that much more usable space upward.

 

[jayce82]

if you are wanting a glass tank jump up to a 75 gallon and it's absolutely huge.