Bringing home a bearded dragon is an exciting experience, and having the perfect vivarium ready and set up is one of the best ways to help your new scaly companion thrive in their new environment. A well-designed enclosure does more than just look great in your home; it provides the right balance of heat, lighting, space, and enrichment that your bearded dragon needs to stay healthy and happy.
Whether you're setting up your very first vivarium or looking to improve an existing one, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right tank to how often to clean your vivarium. Follow our simple, practical tips to help you build a safe and comfortable home for your reptile.
What are bearded dragons?
One of the best places to start when setting up a new enclosure is to understand your new scaly friend. From this, we can learn their behaviours, feeding habits, needs and how to build a set-up that caters to their specific species. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles thanks to their calm temperament, curious personalities, and relatively straightforward care requirements.
Native to the dry woodlands, deserts, and scrublands of Australia, they spend their days basking in the sun, exploring their surroundings, and searching for food. By recreating the warmth, lighting, and environment they would experience in the wild, you can help your bearded dragon feel secure, stay healthy, and display its natural behaviours from the moment it settles into its new home.
Setting up a bearded dragon enclosure
Now that we know a little bit more about bearded dragons and their needs, we can begin building their vivarium. Follow these steps to create a healthy habitat
1. What type of tank does a bearded dragon need?
It all starts with the tank. A vivarium is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your bearded dragon. As adults, bearded dragons need plenty of space to move around, climb, bask, and explore, so a vivarium measuring at least 120 x 60 x 60 cm (4 x 2 x 2 ft) is widely recommended as the minimum size for a single adult - but if you have the option to go larger, more space is always beneficial for your scaly friend!
Young bearded dragons do well with less space; however, we recommend getting them an adult-size vivarium from the get-go because it will save you from having to update and replace your set-up down the line as they grow.
Front-opening wooden vivariums, such as this Vivexotic Repti-Home Vivarium, are a popular choice because they retain heat well and make feeding, cleaning, and handling much easier than top-opening tanks. Complete with durable glass for added safety and longevity and four easy-access vents for convenient placement of heating and lighting equipment, they’re perfect for your dragon set-up.
Whichever tank you choose, ensure the vivarium has good ventilation, enough room for heating and lighting equipment, and secure locks to keep your bearded dragon safe.
Vivexotic Repti-Home Large Vivariums - £199.99
2.What type of heating is needed for a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, meaning that having the right heating sources in your vivarium is essential for their health. A basking lamp such as this Exo Terra Infrared Basking Spot is a great choice for helping your scaly friend warm up, as they create heat spots in your vivarium of around 40-42C, allowing your dragon to warm up just as it would under the Australian sun.
Exo Terra Infrared Basking Spot 150w - £10.90
The cooler end of the vivarium should stay between 24-29C during the day, giving your pet the option to move between different temperatures as needed. At night, temperatures should never fall below 18C as cold temperatures can be dangerous for your pet. Using a reliable digital thermostat will help you ensure your vivarium is set to specific temperatures, making it easier to control, as well as being equipped with timers so you can achieve optimal heating for your dragon come day or night.
Exo Terra Thermostat 600W with Dual Sockets - £102.49
For added peace of mind, you can also use a thermometer at both the warm and cool ends of the enclosure, which will help you monitor temperatures accurately and ensure your bearded dragon remains comfortable all year round.
If you want to learn more about setting up heating and lighting systems in your vivarium, you can read our full blog for more tips and advice.
Exo Terra Wide-Range Horizontal Thermometer - £4.95
3. Bearded dragon lighting
Alongside the correct heating, proper lighting is vital for your bearded dragon's health and wellbeing. In the wild, bearded dragons spend much of their day basking under the sun, so it's important to recreate this as closely as possible in their vivarium. A high-quality UVB tube light, ideally covering around two-thirds of the enclosure, provides the ultraviolet light your dragon needs to produce vitamin D3, which helps it absorb calcium and maintain strong bones.
Linear UVB tubes such as this Arcadia Euro T8 10% UVB Reptile Lamp are generally recommended over compact bulbs because they provide more uniform coverage across the enclosure. Your bearded dragon should also have a regular day and night cycle, with lights on for around 12-14 hours each day and switched off at night to allow for a natural resting period; this contributes to a healthy environment for your dragon.
Arcadia Euro T8 10% UVB Reptile Lamp - £15.95
Note: Remember to replace UVB bulbs according to the manufacturer's recommendations, as their UV output gradually declines over time, even if the light still appears bright.
4. Substrates for a bearded dragon
If you want to create a vivarium that mimics your dragon's natural environment, then choosing the right substrate is essential. There are several suitable options, and the best choice often depends on your dragon's age, your experience level, and how natural you want the enclosure to look.
For young bearded dragons and first-time keepers, easy-to-clean substrates such as slate tiles, ceramic tiles, or reptile-safe liners are popular because they provide good grip, help maintain hygiene, and eliminate the risk of loose particles being accidentally swallowed.
For adult dragons, many experienced keepers choose naturalistic loose substrates, such as specially formulated desert reptile mixes like this ProRep Beardie Life Breaded Dragon Substrate, which encourage natural digging and burrowing behaviours when used correctly.
Avoid substrates such as calci-sand, fine play sand on its own, wood shavings, walnut shell, or bark chips, as these can pose health risks and are unsuitable for a desert species.
ProRep Beardie Life Breaded Dragon Substrate - £19.95
5. Decoration
Decorating your vivarium is not only part of the fun, but it’s also essential for encouraging natural foraging and burrowing behaviours. Consider decorations such as sturdy branches, logs, rocks, and raised basking platforms so your dragon can climb, explore, and get close to its heat and UVB sources. You should also provide at least one hide or cave at the warm end, and another at the cooler end of the enclosure, to give your bearded dragon somewhere to retreat when it wants to rest or feel secure.
You can also add reptile-safe artificial or live desert plants to create a more natural appearance and provide extra cover, as long as they are non-toxic and easy to clean. Be sure that all decorations are securely positioned and cannot shift or topple over, as bearded dragons are curious climbers and can injure themselves if heavy items become unstable.
How to maintain a bearded dragon set-up
Your job isn’t done once your bearded dragon's vivarium is set up; regular maintenance is essential to keep it clean, safe, and functioning properly. A few of the basic maintenance requirements include:
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Cleaning the vivarium regularly - Remove droppings, uneaten food, and any soiled substrate each day to help prevent bacteria and unpleasant odours from building up. Water and food bowls should be cleaned and refilled daily with fresh water, while decorations, hides, and climbing branches should be wiped down once a week using a reptile-safe disinfectant. Every few weeks, or more often if needed, carry out a thorough clean by removing your bearded dragon to a safe temporary enclosure, replacing or cleaning the substrate, disinfecting the vivarium, and allowing everything to dry completely before putting it back together. A consistent cleaning routine not only keeps the enclosure looking its best but also helps create a healthy, hygienic environment where your bearded dragon can thrive.
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Checking your equipment regularly - Heating and lighting equipment should be inspected often to make sure everything is working correctly, as even a small change in temperature or UVB output can affect your dragon's health over time. Use accurate digital thermometers to monitor the warm and cool areas of the enclosure, and check that thermostats, heat bulbs, fittings, and timers are functioning properly. UVB bulbs should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations, as they gradually lose their effectiveness even when they still appear to be producing light. It is also a good idea to check that cables are secure, guards are in place, and decorations remain stable to prevent accidents. By making equipment checks part of your routine, you can help ensure your bearded dragon's environment stays safe, comfortable, and suitable all year round.
FAQs
Is a bearded dragon easy to care for?
Bearded dragons are often considered one of the best reptiles for beginners because of their calm nature and relatively straightforward care requirements. While they do need a properly sized vivarium, the correct heating and UVB lighting, a balanced diet, and regular cleaning, their daily care routine is generally simple once everything is set up correctly. Bearded dragons are also known for their curious personalities and can become quite comfortable around their owners with gentle, regular handling.
As with any pet, they require a long-term commitment, as they can live for 10-15 years or more with good care. Taking the time to learn about their care before bringing one home is the best way to ensure both you and your bearded dragon enjoy many happy years together.
If you’re struggling to set up a bearded dragon enclosure, then our Exo Terra Bearded Dragon Vivarium Accessory Kit and ProRep Bearded Dragon Kit are a great starting point for beginners, equipped with heating, lighting, substrate and accessories to get you started.
What to feed a bearded dragon
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat a combination of live insects and plant matter, although the balance changes as they grow. Young dragons need a diet that is higher in protein, with plenty of appropriately sized live insects such as crickets, locusts, and dubia roaches, while adults should eat more leafy greens and vegetables, with insects offered in smaller amounts.
- For baby bearded dragons - they should be fed 2-3 times a day with a diet that is 70%-80% insects and 20%-30% vegetables
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For adult bearded dragons - they should be fed a large bowl of leafy greens daily, and a small portion of insects weekly. The diet should now consist of 80% vegetation and only 20% live insects.
Fresh water should also always be available, and food should be dusted with a suitable calcium supplement and, where recommended, a vitamin supplement to support healthy growth and strong bones.
Good vegetables for bearded dragons include:
- Collard greens
- Spring greens
- Dandelion leaves
- Rocket
- Pak choi
- Squash
- Bell peppers
Avoid feeding:
- Wild-caught insects
- Avocado
- Onion
- Rhubarb
- Firefly
How do I know if a bearded dragon is happy?
A happy and healthy bearded dragon will usually be alert, curious, and interested in its surroundings. You'll often see it basking under its heat lamp, exploring its vivarium, climbing on branches or rocks, and showing a healthy appetite at feeding time. Bright, clear eyes, smooth movement, and regular shedding are also good signs that your dragon is thriving. While every bearded dragon has its own personality, many become comfortable with gentle handling and may even seem to recognise their owners over time.
It's normal for them to spend some time resting during the day, but if your dragon is consistently lethargic, refuses food, or spends long periods hiding, it may be worth checking that the vivarium's heating, lighting, and environment are correct or seeking advice from a reptile veterinarian.
Create a healthy bearded dragon habitat with Aquacadabra
Setting up a vivarium for a bearded dragon may seem like a lot to think about at first, but with the right equipment and a little preparation, creating a safe and comfortable home is much easier than it might appear. By choosing a suitably sized enclosure, providing the correct heating and UVB lighting, selecting an appropriate substrate, and adding plenty of enriching décor, you'll be giving your bearded dragon everything it needs to thrive.
If you want to learn more about what it takes to be a reptile owner to create a happy and thriving habitat for your reptilian friends, then you can read more of our blogs on reptiles for more vital information, such as common problems with vivariums and how to fix them, to help you create a thriving reptile enclosure.