In this 6-part interactive tutorial, we’ll be showing you the required supplies and techniques for setting up a low cost Bearded Dragon Enclosure. Not only will we go over the essentials such as temperature gradients, lighting requirements, and substrate. We’ll learn inexpensive customization techniques for an aesthetically pleasing design capable of accommodating hatchlings to adults.

Step 1) Choosing your Enclosure Style…

While Bearded Dragons are very versatile lizards and are capable of surviving in many different cage set-ups, I’ve chosen what I think to be an visually pleasing layout that will accommodate all of our beardie’s needs for a reasonable price.

Here I’ve chosen a 55 gallon glass aquarium. If you shop around enough, you’re bound to find a good deal. You’re probably wondering why such a big cage if all you’re housing is a hatchling. This size can comfortably house a Bearded Dragon from three inches to twenty three inches in length.

Step 2) Choosing a Substrate…

While always a topic of debate, choosing a substrate can be a difficult decision. Many Breeders argue that there is a high risk of impaction to smaller beardies if they were they to ingest sand when munching on some crickets.

If you’re dealing with a hatchling, you should start out with newspaper–certainly quite the eyesore but it doesn’t risk your beardie’s health and it certainly doesnt break the bank. If you want to play it safe, wait until your pet lizard is about 6-7 inches long before replacing the newspaper with sand. Be SURE you use washed playground sand from a hardware store. You’ll see very expensive “calcium sands” at the pet shop, but they’re widely believed to be an overall waste of money.

Keep in mind, there are plenty of other alternatives as well. Another good, safe aquarium base can be found at your local petstore, usually aptly named “repti-carpet” or something of that nature. This is very soft carpeting designed specically for reptile cages that your bearded dragon’s toes won’t get stuck in. Personally I prefer to go the sand route because I think its more natural to the dragon, much easier to clean, and just looks better in general.