For a adult bearded dragon you will want a 40 gallon or larger, but...

The largest tank you are able to fit in your home and maintain is recommended.

Naturally a bearded dragon would have a large area to roam, so having space, as well as taking it out of its enclosure is important.

 

Lid is optional, beardies can't climb out unless you give them a way to(low walls/climbable objects near walls), so just plan accordingly.

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Do not use sand or any loose substrate. Despite many reptile brands making reptile sand, it's dangerous for your animals.

Dangers include: ingestion & blockage, mouth cuts & infections, also unless you are using a bio-active setup, the droppings will grow dangerous bacteria.

 

Use tile flooring! Tile a tank and you can clean it easy! It will get warm for your dragons and they can't eat it by accident.

Paper Towel or Newspaper also makes a fine substrate. replace often and mind your lamps.

 

Equipment you WILL need:

 

UVB tube style lighting, T8, or T5 Bulb. T5 is High Output. It has to be a Desert Reptile Bulb. NOT a aquarium lamp or florescent light. Also I DO NOT personally recommend coil style bulbs, they are generally not a strong enough source of UV radiation, and restricts UV to one area.

You can also use a Powerful All-In-One Heat/UV combo bulb, instead a heat bulb & Bar style UVB.

 

Two Dome lamps. You will need a day & night time heat lamp. Refer to the box for wattage as it depends on how far your lamp is. IF you live in a hot area you can get away with just the day lamp.

 

Two temperature/humidity combo monitors. Place on the back wall halfway down on either side. You are aiming for around 45-55% humidity, 90 degree hot side, 80 degree cold side. THIS IS FOR AIR TEMPERATURE, NOT BASKING SPOT. The basking spot should be 100-105 degrees.

 

Large rock, or something that will get warm under the basking light

 

Somewhere to hide. Some Beardies get stressed out and need a place to relax. It's also important to have a place to avoid UVB light.

 

Highly Recommended:

 

Hammock. Never met a bearded dragon that doesn't use it regularly. Get one.

 

Foliage. Plastic plants, trees give cover and give the feeling of safety

 

Backdrop. Adds to beardie security and makes it look nice!

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Blanket or something soft. Most bearded dragons prefer to lay on something soft, just be prepared to wash it!