Im thinking about getting a beardie

[xfueledbykatie]

okay so i've been thinking about getting a beardie for almost half a year now.

i have a 55 gallon tank that i used to use for my turtles.
my concern is that it will be too skinny.
will this work as a home until the beardie gets bigger?

and here's a list of things i plan on picking up before i get one:
-screen top
-a basking stick/log thing or a rock of some sort
-fluorescent strip lights (anyone recommend a brand?)
-basking light (what wattage would work in a 55 gallon or a 40 gallon breeder?)
-light dome for basking lamp.
-thermometer
-large cricket holder
-water bowl
-food dish
-plants, rocks, ect.

i have an undertank heater that is made for a 30 gallon.
if i put this on one of the ends and turn it on at night to
keep the temperature from dropping too low will it work okay?

if there's any advice or any other items you think i should purchase before i
get the beardie please help and let me know :]

 

[atreyu917]

55 will work for awhile! I definitely prefer my 40 gallon breeders but my friend has a 55 gallon. She used a 150 watt basking to keept it hot.
I DEFINITELY recommend Reptisun 10.0 for your UVB. They are amazing.

The undertank heater isn't really needed. BDs can safely withstand some really cold nights. (they are desert like animals ya know!)

what do you plan on using for substrate?

When do you plan to get your BD? That is so exciting!
And when you buy your bulbs, it's reallllllllly cheap at petmountain.com. I got a UVB and 3 different basking bulbs, for the price of one UVB from a pet store.

 

[xfueledbykatie]

i plan on using paper towel for now.
eventually i want to get tile or something nice like that.
i've seen pictures and those always seem to look the nicest.



i'm going to look at that site now
i'm excited to start buying stuff.

i'm not sure when i'm goign to be able to get the actual lizard x[
right now i just have a minimum wage job. so i don't get a lot of
money. right now i have like 200 which i'll use for the set up and food
and then i'll see if i get enough with my next paycheck to get the BD

 

[atreyu917]

Aw, that's so exciting! It's good you're getting everything actually set up before getting the little one home. You know where you are going to buy from?

I love tile, thats what I have in all 3 of my tanks. It's so easy and cheap!!!

These are the 2 i just did, so they are a little plain right now.

I can't wait for you to get one! Just be prepared...they are like potatoe chips, "you can't have just one."

Just fair warning, so you can't say we didn't tell you so. haha :mrgreen:

Kelsey

 

[xfueledbykatie]

hahahaha potato chips...

i'm plan on getting it from a privately owned reptile store near here.
they specialize in bearded dragons. they should have just about everything i'll
need there.



can a bearded dragon live in a 40 gallon breeder it's entire life?
i have to turtles, and they need like 10 gallons per inch of turtle.
is there any rules of thumb i should know about regarding tank size?

 

[atreyu917]

Yes ma'am they can live in a 40 gallon breeder their entire life. It's pretty big. Not as tall as the 55, but my older beardie rarely climbs much anyway cause he is to heavy.

So it's better to have more floor room. My big boy is only 17.5 inches, but there is still plenty of room for him to roam. He only frequents one or two spots anyway.

But specialty store might be expensive for the products so definitely compare them to petmountain if you're concerned with saving money. Hey, the more you save buying the stuff, the sooner you get a dragon! haha. Definitely check if there are any reptile shows coming to your area too. Generally some of their product and the live food is cheaper. I but one 50 count cup of superworms at petco for like 6 bucks, at the reptile show I bought 1,000 for $20. So that's worth checking out!

 

[xfueledbykatie]

the beardies there are a little cheaper and healthier looking than the ones
at petco and petsmart.

i'll definitely do comparing of prices.
i want one soon

ahh.

 

[atreyu917]

yay! welll i will definitely be looking for pictures! let me know when you get one just in case i miss the post!

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

I think it's great that you are doing your homework on beardies before you get one.I did the same 4 yrs ago when I got mine.To answer your question about the 55 gal tank. My beardie has been in hers her entire life and she is 19" long and has pretty much reached her max length.I know there are people who would not agree with having an adult in a 55 because it is only 12" wide. My girl has never had a problem turning around in her tank.I do have to tell you though if you don't plan on taking her out at least once a day when she is bigger(for a little exercise)than I would suggest a wider tank.My BD (Rex) comes out once a day to take a shower and run around for a few hours.I too would also suggest a 150 watt bulb,the tank is tall and also you mentioned getting a screen top which lets some of the heat escape.Good Luck with getting your new beardie, they are awesome little creatures.I can't imagine not having Rex(she is actually my 12 yr old son's,but I spend the most time with her,so we have a special bond).

 

[xfueledbykatie]

my beardie would be out all the time
but i still think i'll stick with a 40 gallon breeder for when it's full
grown just incas ei can't get it out everyday

i'm so excited to finally be getting one.
soon i hope!