Skip to content
Shed & Bask

Bearded dragon

Bearded dragon enclosure requirements checklist

Every figure on this page is a number you can check, and every one of them has a source.

By Brijon M.Last updated

A bearded dragon in its enclosure

Shed & Bask earns a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page. It does not change what we recommend or the order we rank things in. Read the full disclosure.

The checklist

Bearded dragon enclosure requirements, with the figure and how to verify it
RequirementFigureHow you check it
Enclosure footprint6 ft L x 2 ft W x 2 ft H (1.8 x 0.6 x 0.6 m), or 24 cubic feet of internal volumeTape measure, internal dimensions
Basking surface temperature108-113 F (42-45 C) surface temperatureInfrared gun aimed at the basking slab
Cool side77-85 F (25-29 C) surface, 72-99 F (22-37 C) air gradientProbe thermometer at the far end
Night temperature55-75 F (12-24 C)Probe thermometer, logged overnight
Ambient humidity30-60% ambient averageProbe hygrometer at the cool end
Basking UVIUVI 4.0-4.5 at the basking surfaceSolarmeter 6.5 at the basking surface
Photoperiod12-14 hours of light per day, seasonally adjustedPlug timer
Substrate depth4-6 in packedTape measure
UVB tube lengthAbout half the enclosure length, same side as the heat lamps22 in for a 4 ft enclosure, 34 in for a 6 ft
UVB replacementEvery 12 monthsDate written on the end cap

Equipment, in order of priority

  1. Enclosure at the adult footprint, front-opening.
  2. Dimming or proportional thermostat. Control type matters.
  3. Halogen basking lamp, in a guarded fixture, mechanically secured.
  4. Linear T5 HO UVB lamp and reflector fixture at the published distance.
  5. Infrared temperature gun and a probe thermometer/hygrometer.
  6. Basking slab - stone, slate or tile, which holds and radiates the heat.
  7. Three hides: warm, cool and mid-point.
  8. Substrate at 4-6 in packed, from a safe class.
  9. 6500 K daylight lamp covering 75-100% of the enclosure length.
  10. Shallow water dish, branches and climbing structure.

For the basking surface

Infrared Temperature Gun

The 108-113 F figure is a surface temperature. No air probe can read it, and this is the single most important measurement in the setup.

Check price on Amazon#ad We may earn a commission. Price and stock are resolved at Amazon.

For the gradient and humidity

Zoo Med Digital Thermometer and Humidity Gauge

A remote probe placed at the cool end, which is where the 30-60% humidity figure is measured.

Check price on Amazon#ad We may earn a commission. Price and stock are resolved at Amazon.

A weekly and monthly routine

  • Daily: spot-clean waste and the substrate around it, refresh water, glance at the thermostat display.
  • Weekly: take an infrared reading of the basking surface and a probe reading of the cool end. Conditions drift as seasons change.
  • Monthly: check the UVB fixture for dust on the reflector and confirm nothing has moved the lamp or the basking platform.
  • Every 3-6 months: full loose substrate replacement.
  • Every 6 months: deep clean the enclosure and accessories.
  • Every 12 months: replace the UVB lamp.

The rest of the setup, page by page

Sizing, temperatures and humidity, the basking spot, lighting, substrate, what it costs and what to buy in what order.

Frequently asked questions

What does a bearded dragon need in its enclosure?

A basking slab under a thermostatted halogen lamp, a linear T5 HO UVB at its published distance, three hides, 4-6 in of safe substrate, a shallow water dish, climbing structure, and the instruments to verify the temperatures and UVI.

What humidity does a bearded dragon need?

30-60% ambient average. The belief that it should be as low as possible is named as a myth in the published guidance - too dry causes respiratory and skin problems.

How often should you clean a bearded dragon enclosure?

Spot-clean daily, replace loose substrate every 3 to 6 months, and deep clean the enclosure and accessories every 6 months.

Sources

  1. Bearded Dragon Terrarium Size Requirements — ReptiFiles
  2. Bearded Dragon Temperatures & UVB Requirements — ReptiFiles
  3. Bearded Dragon Substrate Options — ReptiFiles
  4. Solarmeter Model 6.5 UV Index Meter — Solarmeter

Read next