Bearded Dragon Questions

[Chrisplosion]

Well I'm starting to think a bearded dragon is gonna be a better first lizard than a chinese water dragon. I am doing my research and have a lot of good info down but I still have a few question I need answered.

1. Where does the under tank heater go? Under the tank literally or on the bottom of the tank under the substrate?
2. I should use something like Astroturf for ones under 12 inches correct?
3. Could I cover the tank at night with like a blanket to better keep the temp up? I live on the north west and its gonna be getting the colder part of the year in a couple months.
4. I want to get as small as I can without getting a hatchling and I only want one, will a 55 gallon be fine for life?
5. I hear they are the friendliest lizards, anyone ever bitten?

I got a couple question regarding certain care for smaller ones but I need to call around and see what the general sizes are that they sell.

 

[Richie_ELP]

UTH are garbage.

Yes

Yes

No, an adult would need a 4X2X2. Though small they are extremely active lizards.

 

[Richie_ELP]

http://www.reptileuv.com/megaray-hp-60-watt-heat-projector.php

I use these for heating. CHE;s are also garbage.

http://www.reptileuv.com/megaray-european-high-voltage-hv-sb-160-220-volt-zoo.php


This for UVB.

To hell with zoo med, these products by far are superior to anything out there.

They are not cheap though

 

[Chrisplosion]

Then whats a good source for heat at nighttime? Right now with my window half open and a box fan blowing air in its about 70.5F according to my digital thermometer in the spot where I'm gonna put the tank.

 

[Wretched5705]

To begin with, I'm no expert so I encourage any with more knowledge on the subject to correct me where I am wrong. Firstly, the under tank heater goes on the bottom of the tank on the outside, not beneath the substrate. For astroturf or reptile carpet, I personally am not a fan of it, I have had to rescue lizards from it a couple times that have gotten their claws stuck in it. I would suggest butchers paper, newsprint, or paper towels, its not the best but it gets the job done and easy to clean up. If you're using a glass tank with a screen top then you could cover the top with a towel or blanket to help keep the heat in, otherwise the undertank heater will be fine. A 55 gallon would be perfect for a single beardy for life, it would be very happy there. They are very friendly lizards and I have only ever been nipped once when i was about 5 because I stuck my hand in the cage in the middle of a feeding session. Not the brightest child, I know...lol. I hope this helped with your questions and concerns

 

[Richie_ELP]

70.5 is a safe temperature drop for this species. I am prepared to challenge that statement, because I know someone is going to do it.

 

[Richie_ELP]

Tile=best for a bearded dragon.

 

[Richie_ELP]

http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

Good care sheet

 

[Richie_ELP]

... If you're using a glass tank with a screen top then you could cover the top with a towel or blanket to help keep the heat in, otherwise the undertank heater will be fine. A 55 gallon would be perfect for a single beardy for life, it would be very happy there.

Even with a covered lid, glass is a poor material for heat retention.

The tank comment. No.

 

[Chrisplosion]

Tile=best for a bearded dragon.

Could you show me an example of what this is?


Right now its fine but in a couple months its gonna be at least 10F lower, I guess I will have to turn my heater on this winter....damn. I like it cold but will sacrifice for my animals.