You have an adult bearded dragon. And, you are thinking that he needs more space to roam around. For that, you have been thinking of setting up 120 gallon for your bearded dragon.
But you are a bit confused about 120 gallon bearded dragon tank setup. Don’t worry! This guide will help you set up a 120 gallon tank for your bearded dragon in detail.
Before we make a move I should say that you have a great choice! A 120-gallon tank is perfect for your bearded dragons because it gives them plenty of room to move around and explore.
To set it up right, you have to arrange essential equipment like heating and lighting and maintain a clean environment.
Which material should you use for setting up 120 Gallon Bearded Dragon Tank?
For setting up a 120-gallon bearded dragon tank, glass is the most commonly used material.
But PVC or wood with a glass front are also excellent choices. However, they depend on your specific needs. Let’s explore the choices you can consider
1. Glass
Glass is widely available, easy to clean, and offers clear visibility. You can easily monitor your bearded dragon. Also, it doesn’t absorb odors and is resistant to scratches.
However, It’s heavy and can be fragile, making it difficult to move. It also doesn’t retain heat as well as other materials, so you might need stronger heating equipment.
2. PVC
PVC tanks are lightweight, durable, and have excellent heat retention. It helps maintain the proper temperature for your bearded dragon with less energy. They’re also more resistant to impacts than glass.
But you should consider that they can be more expensive and might not offer the same level of visibility as glass. Over time, the plastic can become scratched or cloudy.
3. Wood with Glass Front
Wooden tanks with glass fronts offer excellent insulation, keeping your bearded dragon warm. They can be custom-built to fit specific spaces and often have a natural look that many people find appealing.
However, wood requires proper sealing to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to mold or mildew. It’s also heavier and requires more maintenance.
What are the steps to set up 120 Gallon Bearded Dragon Tank?
Setting up a 120-gallon bearded dragon tank takes careful planning to make sure your pet has a cozy, safe, and fun home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up the tank properly
1. Gather Necessary Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies
- 120-gallon tank
- Tank stand (sturdy enough to support the tank’s weight)
- Heat lamps (basking and ceramic heat emitters)
- UVB light fixture and bulb
- Thermometers (one for the basking area, one for the cool side)
- Hygrometer (to measure humidity)
- Substrate (e.g., reptile carpet, tile, or non-loose material)
- Hides (at least two—one for the warm side, one for the cool side)
- Basking rock or platform
- Branches or climbing décor
- Water and food dishes
- Background or tank décor (optional, but helps create a natural environment)
2. Choose the Right Location
Select a suitable location for your tank
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the tank out of direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
- Stable Temperature: Place the tank in a room with a stable temperature, away from drafts, vents, or heat sources.
- Low Traffic Area: Position the tank in a low-traffic area to reduce stress for your bearded dragon.
3. Position the Tank
- Place on a Strong Stand: Ensure the tank is securely positioned on a stand or table that can support its weight. An uplifted position also helps your dragon feel safer.
- Level the Tank: Make sure the tank is level to prevent water dishes from spilling and to keep décor from shifting.
4. Install the Lighting and Heating
Proper lighting and heating are important for your bearded dragon’s health
- Basking Spot: Install a heat lamp on one side of the tank to create a basking area with temperatures between 95-110°F. Use a basking rock or platform under the light.
- Cool Side: Ensure the opposite side of the tank remains cooler, around 75-85°F. This temperature gradient allows your bearded dragon to regulate its body temperature.
- UVB Lighting: Mount the UVB light fixture above the tank, covering about two-thirds of the enclosure. Position the bulb 12-18 inches from where your bearded dragon will bask. UVB light is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption.
- Nighttime Heating (Optional): If your home gets cold at night, use a ceramic heat emitter to maintain nighttime temperatures around 65-75°F. Avoid bright lights at night to prevent disturbing your bearded dragon’s sleep.
5. Add the Substrate
- Choose a Safe Substrate: Use a substrate that’s safe and easy to clean, like reptile carpet, non-adhesive shelf liner, or ceramic tiles. Avoid loose substrates like sand, as they can cause impaction if ingested.
- Cover the Bottom: Line the bottom of the tank with the substrate, ensuring it’s flat and secure.
6. Arrange Hides and Décor
- Warm and Cool Hides: Place at least one hide on the warm side near the basking spot and another on the cool side. This gives your bearded dragon places to retreat and regulate its body temperature.
- Basking Platform: Position a basking rock or platform under the heat lamp. Make sure it’s stable and allows your bearded dragon to get close enough to the heat and UVB light.
- Climbing Décor: Add branches or other climbing structures to provide exercise and enrichment. Ensure all décor is secure and won’t tip over.
7. Set Up Water and Food Dishes
- Water Dish: Place a shallow water dish on the cool side of the tank. Ensure it’s large enough for your bearded dragon to drink from but not deep enough to pose a drowning risk.
- Food Dish: Position a food dish on the cool side, away from the heat source, to keep food fresh longer.
8. Monitor Temperature and Humidity
- Thermometers: Place one thermometer in the basking area and another on the cool side to monitor temperature gradients. Adjust heating equipment as needed to maintain ideal temperatures.
- Hygrometer: Install a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, which should be kept between 20-40%. If the humidity is too high, increase ventilation or reduce the water dish size.
9. Install a Background (Optional)
- Create a Natural Look: Adding a background or additional décor can make the tank look more natural and visually appealing. It can also provide a sense of security for your bearded dragon by reducing external distractions.
10. Final Checks
- Check Stability: Ensure all decorations, hides, and the basking platform are secure and stable.
- Test Lighting and Heating: Run the lighting and heating setup for 24 hours before introducing your bearded dragon to ensure temperatures are stable and within the ideal range.
11. Introduce Your Bearded Dragon
- Observe Behavior: Once everything is set up, gently introduce your bearded dragon to its new home. Observe its behavior over the next few days to ensure it’s adjusting well and the temperature gradients are suitable.
So! You have got the ideas for setting up the tank. Following these, you can create a safe, comfortable, and enriching environment for your bearded dragon.
FAQ
For a 120-gallon tank, you should use enough substrate to cover the bottom with a depth of about 1-2 inches. This generally requires around 10-15 pounds of substrate. It depends on the type you choose.
No, a 120-gallon tank may be too large for baby bearded dragons.
You should replace the UVB light in a 120-gallon tank every 6-12 months.
The ideal dimensions for a 120-gallon bearded dragon tank are typically 48 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 25-26 inches high.
Final thoughts
If you have decided on a 120 gallon Bearded Dragon Tank Setup it’s a great idea for your adult beardie! This big tank gives your pet lots of room to roam and stay happy.
By choosing the right materials, arranging proper heating and lighting, and keeping the humidity just right, you’ll create a perfect home for your bearded dragon.
Follow the easy steps in this guide to set up your tank correctly.