Is it alright to use an aquarium?

[dreamoak]

I've seen a lot of aquariums for sale recently, and a lot seem to be pretty decent sizes/setups.
Is an aquarium ok to use, or will the lights/heat damage it or something?

 

[volvotech]

Aquariums are fine, but nothing beats a custom enclosure. :wink:

I've stored beardies in glass aquariums, plastic bins, and custom wooden enclosures. Anything is fine as long as the dragon has room to move, there is proper ventilation, and you can maintain a temperature gradient.

 

[Israel]

A glass aquarium would be fine to use, and the lights can be set on top of the screen lid. Many beardie owners use 40 gallon breeder, 55 gallon, and 75 gallon aquariums. I have Israel housed in a 40 gallon breeder aquarium.

 

[volvotech]

Keep in mind, screens do filter out UVB rays. If that's the route you're going to take, it might be beneficial to mount the UVB light underneath the mesh at some point.

 

[Bummblebee]

I use a 75g for my male a 55g for my other male and 55g for my female They all work great for me I do not use any kind of screen top my beardies do not or have not tried to escape (knock on wood) So my lighting goes directly in the tank I dont worry about it having to go through the screen tops

 

[dreamoak]

Do you think the base is wide enough though?

 

[FBradshaw]

The base of a 55 gal aquarium only being 12" seems small but it's fine because it's also 48" long. I personally use larger base enclosures for adults and juveniles but a 55 gal is plenty.

 

[midmichicer]

I don't think 12" is enough room to turn around for a full grown beardie.

 

[dreamoak]

what about a bow-front aquarium?
I might be able to get a huge one for $150.

 

[volvotech]

Bow-front is really just an aesthetic thing. No real impact on whether or not the Beardie can use it. Essentially, size is king.