Starting out with a hatchling you can use a 10-20 gallon tank, I think this allows them a comfort area when they change homes or environments and it is also easier for you to monitor them. It's not so overwhelming to them as a larger tank could be while they adjust to you and your home. If you already have a larger tank and don't want to buy another, you can section off a portion of it. Young beardies should have larger enclosures so they can have a heat gradient and choose where they wish to bask or relax.

This allows you also to use a simple substrate such as paper towels or reptile-carpet. We never use sand on hatchling, they have terrible aim when eating at times and they are curious to everything new. They can been seen tasting or eating the substrate, not a good thing for something with such a tiny digestive tract. Calcium sand is not something we recommend for bearded dragons at any age. Seeing it clump together when misted or wet concerns me that this could also happen in their stomachs. We have never used it to experience a problem with them, but there are reputable breeders that have reported bad experiences with it, including viewing x-rays of it trapped in their stomachs. To me it is not worth the risk when there are alternatives we know are safe.

The baby will soon outgrow the small tank or enclosure and you will have to move up in size. An adult should not be in a less than 65 gallon. Cloacal prolapse is thought to be a concern with too small an enclosure. Dragons do like to roam, but we have noticed that they rarely utilize more space than this, the very end on the tanks are not often visited by the dragons except when they decide it’s time to brumate, then this is a favorite place. Bearded Dragons prefer floor space and not so much height, the height should be gauged by the lights you use, making sure you are following manufactures recommended distance between the animals and the heat/UVB source. More of this is discussed in the lighting and heating section.

Washed play sand that can be found at most lumber stores or department stores is the most recommend substrate for older juveniles and adults in our experience. We have found that using a combination of either washed play sand and reptile-carpet or sand and paper towels works best for us. They have their basking area and digging area in the sand, but the feeding area and cooler portion of the tank is the reptile carpet.

Bearded dragons do love to climb and they especially like to be up higher when basking in the light and heat source. There is no need for any under tank heater unless your household temperature drops below 60F. Make sure you provide a basking area of wood or stone and a hiding/sleeping area. We have found several items that fit this need, resin or stone hides and caves also hold some heat and are very easy to clean and maintain, allowing the dragons hiding and basking areas, (see photos). Many of our dragons will put themselves to bed at night when they are tired by climbing into their caves or tucking their noses in corners. Don't be concerned if you see them suddenly sleeping up the side of a wall or standing in a food bowl and sleeping. No one knows why they sometimes sleep in crazy positions, I think it mostly to worry owners and keep us on our toes with extra attention to them. I've seen bearded dragons sleeping up a wall, hanging from front toes on a stick and flipped over laying on their tails as cushions. Most will sleep in a hide area or with their noses stuck into a corner that makes you wonder how they can breathe, but whatever is comfortable for them you will come to know.

Basking temperature should be 95-100F and the cooler area around 80F. Some dragons, especially young ones prefer it a bit warmer and that is fine as long as you make sure they stay misted or hydrated, but I advise not to allow them to basking over 110F. At night all lights should be off and if your home temperature drops below 60F you can use a ceramic heat emitter or under tank heater. They need this cooling and dark period to rest well, constant high temperature can lead to an ill dragons and dehydration.

An appropriate size tank or enclosure, substrate that is not harmful to them, heat and light that meets their digestive needs, a basking area with hide when combined with good diet and supplements should result in a content, healthy pet with little problems