Written by a Herp Keeper with Over 10 Years of Reptile Husbandry Experience
If you’re wondering what size tank a bearded dragon really needs, this guide walks you through the essentials—from baby to adult stages, with insights on behavior, health, and long-term care. Based on a decade of hands-on experience and observation, I’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and set up a safe, enriching habitat from the start.
Step 1: Understand the Growth Stages and Tank Size Requirements
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) don’t stay small for long. While a hatchling may seem content in a compact space, they grow rapidly—tripling or even quadrupling in size within a few months.
Here’s a general guideline for bearded dragon tank size by age and size:
Stage Age Range Recommended Enclosure Size
Hatchling / Baby 0–4 months 20–40 gallons (or ~60x38x38cm)
Juvenile 4–12 months 40–75 gallons (~60x38x48cm)
Sub-Adult / Adult 12+ months 75–120 gallons (at least 90cm long)
Pro tip: Bearded dragons are ground dwellers. Horizontal space matters more than vertical height.
Step 2: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better (at First)
While it’s tempting to go all-in with a 120-gallon tank from day one, baby dragons often feel stressed in large, sparse enclosures. They may have trouble locating food or regulating temperature. That’s why many keepers (myself included) start with a smaller tank and upgrade over time.
A tank that matches your pet’s life stage can actually reduce anxiety, promote better feeding, and make temperature/humidity control easier. That’s especially helpful for first-time owners.
Step 3: Avoid These Common Mistakes First-Time Owners Make
Let’s break down what I often see—and what you can avoid:
• ❌ Reptile Tank Material: What You Should Know Before Choosing a Tank
When choosing a reptile enclosure, many people go with common options like glass tanks or DIY-style builds using PVC or plywood. These may seem like convenient and affordable choices at first—but they often come with hidden issues.
Glass tanks are crystal clear but notoriously fragile. Studies and community feedback suggest that up to 30% of glass tanks get damaged during shipping or even while setting up.
PVC or foam-board setups are also popular, but they’re prone to warping when exposed to heat and moisture. Their surfaces scratch easily and often become cloudy after a few months—making it hard to observe your pet clearly.
Over time, these material flaws can increase stress levels in your reptile, or even cause subtle long-term health issues.
That’s why I switched to the Ekulla Omni Tank, made from a Scratch & Drop Proof SP-Board—lightweight yet durable, designed specifically to withstand heat, moisture, and everyday use.
• ❌Problems with DIY Equipment Combos
In addition to the tank itself, many keepers try to create a functional habitat using various bulbs and dome fixtures, plus basic heating pads or lamps. While this setup might look complete, it often fails in performance. Common issues include inconsistent temperatures, unbalanced lighting, and unsafe UVB exposure—sometimes even harmful UVC output from low-quality bulbs. Temperature readings may be inaccurate, and many setups struggle to provide the necessary hot and cool zones safely. For beginners, this DIY approach can feel overwhelming, with a steep learning curve and serious risks if not executed precisely.
Prioritizing height over horizontal space
Bearded dragons are terrestrial. They need floor space to roam, bask, and dig—not vertical climbing areas like geckos or chameleons.
Omni Tank Tip: Ekulla CP1, CP1 Plus, and CP1 Max offer practical sizes for juvenile to sub-adult dragons, especially during their fast growth stage. For full-grown adult beardies, our upcoming CP2 model will offer the necessary upgrade in space and control.
Step 4: Matching Tank Features to Beardie Needs
A good reptile enclosure isn’t just about size. It should provide:
• Temperature zones: Basking area (~100°F), cool area (~80°F)
• UVB lighting: High-output UVB across at least 70% of the tank
• Safe substrate: Avoid loose particles; use reptile carpet or tiles
• Ventilation: Airflow reduces respiratory risks
• Security: Solid locks to prevent escapes
Why I Recommend Ekulla Omni Tank for New & Experienced Keepers
After trying DIY setups and traditional glass tanks, I switched to the Ekulla Omni Tank—a purpose-built enclosure that blends safety, simplicity, and beauty.
Key Advantages:
Scratch & Drop Proof SP-Board shell: Less worry during shipping or daily use
Stable climate with adjustable heat, light, and ventilation zones
5 Preset Habitat Modes: Just press and go—for desert, rainforest, insect, snake, or plant setups
Clean design: Fits modern homes while offering clear visibility for observation
Whether you’re raising a baby beardie or setting up a sub-adult’s forever home, Ekulla gives you the confidence to care without second-guessing every light bulb or heat pad.
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FAQ: What People Often Ask
Q: Can I keep a baby beardie in a large tank?
A: Technically yes, but too much space can cause stress and feeding confusion in young dragons.
Q: Do bearded dragons outgrow 40-gallon tanks?
A: Absolutely. Most adults need at least 75–100 gallons for proper movement and temperature control.
Q: Is vertical space useful for bearded dragons?
A: Not really. Horizontal floor space is far more important for this ground-dwelling species.
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Final Thoughts
Creating the right habitat for your bearded dragon isn’t about getting the biggest tank—it’s about getting the right tank, for the right stage of life. And it’s about choosing equipment that supports safety, health, and your peace of mind.
Ekulla Omni Tanks are built for people who want to care with confidence and live with wild beauty, right at home.
Explore the CP1 Series or Get Notified When CP2 Launches