What size should I do?

[Salmon26]

So I have been reading and reading about what size to give my bearded dragon. He is currently 16in long in the biggest plastic tub I could find that I cut and made into a neat looking cage until I could get him something nice. It's 36L16H19W I just found a 75 gallon tank on Craigslist and I don't want to pass it up but at the same time I'm wondering does he really need the space? He just sits and basks in his tank and never runs around unless he's out on the floor with me. But here lately he doesn't want to bask or eat and I'm worried it could be the tank.. he's been to the vet he's very healthy the uvb is only 4 months old and I keep his temps perfect so I'm not sure what's going on but any opinion on tank size or what's wrong with him please let me know

 

[VenusAndSaturn]

A 75 gallon is the very least amount of room that they should have, at least for a permanent enclosure. 4x2x2 is preferred though.

My beardies used to just sit in bask, and laze around all day in their old tanks (which were 36x18x18). And now that they have the proper amount of space that they needed they are actually a lot more active.
I can't see why anyone would put a beardie in an enclosure less than 48x18x18, anything less is just way too small for a animal that averages at around 18-24 inches. They can survive in less but when you take ownership of an animal your goal should be for it to thrive and a 18-24 inch animal cant really thrive in a 36 inch enclosure. Not really a lot of space to properly run around or exercise in.


If you've checked that your setup is all correct, and he doesnt have parasites then it could possibly be brumation. It is getting close to that time of year, my adult male is slowing down as well and sleeping more often. Even my adult female who didnt brumate last year appears to be going into brumation this year as well.

 

[Salmon26]

Thank you so much for the reply! I had no idea they could brumate this early it's so hot still haha I have decided to buy the bigger tank and when we move into our new house I'll start trying to make an enclosure for him. I really want to do what is best for my little guy thank you for the help