Bearded Dragon Guide

Bearded Dragon Terrarium Setup

Complete beginner guide for setting up a healthy bearded dragon enclosure.

Terrarium Size

A proper enclosure size is one of the most important parts of bearded dragon care.

Most adult bearded dragons should have at least a 4x2x2 ft enclosure (120x60x60 cm), with larger setups preferred whenever possible.

A spacious enclosure allows natural movement, climbing, basking and proper thermoregulation.

UVB Lighting

Strong UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 production and calcium absorption.

A high-quality T5 UVB tube is usually recommended because it provides wider and more reliable coverage than compact bulbs.

Heating

A basking lamp should create a warm basking zone while the opposite side remains cooler.

This temperature gradient allows the dragon to regulate body temperature naturally throughout the day.

Substrate

Beginner-friendly substrates include tile, slate, paper towels and non-adhesive shelf liner.

Loose substrates should be researched carefully and used only with correct husbandry.

Humidity

Bearded dragons come from dry environments and generally require relatively low humidity.

Good ventilation and dry substrate help maintain healthy enclosure conditions.

Decor and Enrichment

Branches, hides, basking platforms and safe decorations encourage natural behaviours such as climbing, basking and exploring.

Stable ceramic hides and decorations can also improve enclosure appearance and hygiene.

Monitoring Equipment

Digital thermometers, hygrometers, thermostats and timers help maintain stable enclosure conditions.

The Beardie App can also help track care routines, reminders, health notes and weight changes.