Tag: bearded dragon care

Tank update!
So not quite bioactive, but I have switched out the fake plants for some safe, hardy, and edible live plants. On the left is Wandering Jew or Callisia, and on the left is aloe. Multiple sources confirm that both are completely bearded dragon safe. Pagoda has already taken a few bites out of the Callisia, so hopefully it lasts!! But I was able to buy it for under $3 so I won’t be heartbroken if he makes a meal of it.

Here’s an updated picture of Pagoda’s current set up. He has a UVB light that goes across the center of his tank, with a daytime heat lamp to the left and a cooler night time heat lamp on the right.
He has multiple heights that he can explore and interact with, as well as his little cave that he likes to scratch at the tile in.
I’ve thought about providing some sort of digging area, but I’m concerned about the risk of impaction. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Also, this is a 55 gallon tank, and Pagoda is around 18 inches long. I’ve thought about upgrading him to a 75 once I save up enough money.

We measured the boy today. From nose to tail, he is 16 inches or 40 centimeters. At the time of this post, he is about 9 months old. His approximate birthday is June 22nd. I got him at Petsmart because that is the only pet store I found that keeps their beardies on reptile carpet instead of sand. It’s not as good as tile, but definitely better than sand. Beardies explore the environment with their tongue, and it is very easy for them to eat sand and get an impaction from it. Never keep bearded dragons on sand! And never keep older (read, not baby) beardies together. They will fight.

The little boy just got a claw trim using human nail clippers! Remember, don’t clip too far or you’ll cut their skin. Just the pointy parts! Check the internet for visuals on where the nail ends so you don’t make a mistake. I tried using an emery filing board, but I just wasn’t making any progress. The clippers are faster and more effective.