beardie newb

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Firemouth1

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 22, 2008
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New England
Several months ago i bought a 65 gallon (36l/18w) to make a fish tank. IT was drilled so i put in bulk heads and when i tested to see if it would leak, it did. One of the holes was slightly larger then the bulkhead or something like that, and it was impossible to remove.

So after months of just having the tank sit i've decided to give reptiles a chance. I've heard that Bearded dragons are one of the best begginer reptiles because their friendly and dont need to many specifics. So basically what i know now is that one side must be the hot side of the tank and the other side needs to be the cooler side. They like crickets and greens occasionaly.

What i was wondering was would this tank be sufficent for one bearded dragon for life? What kind of substrate is easiet to clean up, and which is the best for the dragons health? I've heard that getting a beardie at a petstore is not really a good idea and that buying one from a breeder is proable your best option. Does anyone know where to find a beardie dealer or reptile show that comes around near the massachusett area?
 
Thats the dimensions of my beardies tank.
But for a hatchling, I'd suggest starting it off in a 10G or 20G tank so it doesn't become stressed in a large environment.
For a younger beardie, which I'm assuming you're planning to get the hot spot should be about 96-105F. Cool side should be in the high 70's to low 80's during the day. Make sure your night time temps don't drop below 60F.

Best substrate is tile.
Cheap and easy to clean.
I'm not sure of any expos in Mass, but Sandfire Dragon Ranch is a good online seller.
Theres quite a few good ones out there really, if you find something you like online post the breeders page and I or someone else can probably tell you about them.

Here's a good list of veggies your beardie can eat:
http://www.greenigsociety.org/foodchart.htm

NO LETTUCE!!!
It has the nutritional value of paper soaked in water.. probably even less.


Forgot to add, you're going to want a good UVB light.
Not a bulb, but a strip.
I HIGHLY recommend the Zoo Med Reptisun 10.0, best UVB out there IMO.
 
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