You have decided to set up a home for your bearded dragon. And you might be wondering “Is A 40 Gallon Tank Good For A Bearded Dragon?”
No, A 40-gallon tank isn’t good for all shapes of bearded dragons. A 40-gallon tank is generally too small for an adult bearded dragon. While it can work for a baby or juvenile, adult bearded dragons need a larger tank, such as a 75-gallon or 120-gallon.
But your bearded dragon will grow enough within a few months. So, why would you invest more than once?
In this guide, we’ll explain why a 40-gallon tank might not be enough in the long run and what you can do to provide the best environment.
Is A 40 Gallon Tank Good For A Bearded Dragon?
No, it’s not. It’s a good option for a juvenile beardie. Before you make the living place for your beardie you need to know some factors why it’s not enough in certain situations.
Dimensions and typical uses of a 40-gallon tank
A 40-gallon tank is about 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 16 inches high. It’s called a “breeder” tank because it’s longer than its height. It gives your bearded dragon a good amount of space while still being easy to handle and set up.
In addition to bearded dragons, this tank size is suitable for other small reptiles and amphibians, like geckos or small snakes, that require moderate living space.
Age and Size of Bearded Dragons That Can Fit in a 40-Gallon Tank
For young bearded dragons, a 40-gallon tank provides a suitable environment. It’s large enough to allow them to move around freely, which is crucial for their growth and development.
They can easily engage in climbing, basking, and exploring, which supports their muscle and bone development.
As bearded dragons mature, a 40-gallon tank can still be used but may start to feel cramped.
While it can accommodate them for a period, it’s important to monitor their size and behavior. As they grow, they may need more space to remain comfortable and healthy.
The Limitations of a 40-gallon Tank for an Adult Bearded Dragon
For adult bearded dragons, a 40-gallon tank can become too small. Adults require more space to move freely, stretch out, and exhibit natural behaviors.
In a small tank, your bearded dragon might feel cramped. This can make it hard for them to move and explore, which could lead to discomfort and stress.
Moreover, a 40-gallon tank might not give your bearded dragon enough room to climb and bask. This lack of space can affect their health and happiness.
Challenges in Maintaining Proper Temperature Gradients
Your bearded dragon needs different temperatures in their tank to stay healthy. They need a warm basking spot and a cooler area to help regulate their body heat.
In a 40-gallon tank, it can be tricky to set up and keep these temperature zones just right. The smaller size can make it harder to evenly spread the heat, which might create hot or cold spots. This can affect your dragon’s health and comfort.
Getting the right heat levels is important for their digestion and well-being. In a smaller tank, it’s harder to keep the temperatures consistent, which could stress your bearded dragon.
Issues with Enrichment and Comfort
In a 40-gallon tank, there isn’t much space for adding enrichment items like branches, rocks, and hiding spots. These things are important because they help mimic your bearded dragon’s natural habitat and keep them mentally stimulated.
With less room, it’s tough to fit enough of these items, which can make your dragon bored and unhappy.
An adult bearded dragon might feel cramped in a 40-gallon tank. They need enough space to find comfy basking spots, explore, and hide.
Without enough room, they could become stressed and uncomfortable, which affects their overall health and happiness.
40 Gallon Tank Vs 75 Gallon Vs 120 Gallon
When you compare a 40-gallon tank to bigger ones like 75 or 120 gallons for your bearded dragon, you’ll have to think about things like space, comfort, and overall well-being. Here is a short table you can glance at
| Aspect | 40-Gallon Tank | 75-Gallon Tank | 120-Gallon Tank |
| Dimensions | ~36″L x 18″W x 16″H | ~48″L x 18″W x 21″H | 48″L x 24″W x 25″H |
| Space | Limited space for movement | More room for movement and exploration | Most space for free movement and comfort |
| Temperature Management | Harder to maintain gradients | Easier to manage temperature zones | Best for stable temperature gradients |
| Enrichment | Limited space for enrichment items | More room for climbing, hiding spots | Sufficient space for diverse enrichment items |
| Comfort | Can be cramped for adults | Better comfort and space for adults | Optimal comfort and well-being for adults |
| Health Impact | May lead to stress and discomfort | Reduces stress, supports health | Minimizes stress, promotes health |
How To Optimize A 40-gallon Tank?
To make the most out of a 40-gallon tank for your bearded dragon, you can follow these tips to optimize the space and ensure a suitable habitat
Tips for Maximizing Space
- Use Vertical Space: Add climbing branches and basking platforms to make the most of the tank’s height, giving your bearded dragon more room to move and explore.
- Modular Accessories: Try stackable rock hides and adjustable shelves. They can fit well in the tank and provide different levels for climbing and hiding.
- Efficient Layout: Arrange items to create clear basking, hiding, and exploring spots. Don’t overcrowd the tank—leave room for movement and comfort.
- Compact Decor: Pick small, functional decorations like smaller hides, fake plants, and low-profile platforms. They add to the tank’s look without taking up too much space.
Ensuring Proper Temperature and Habitat
- Create Temperature Gradients: Use a heat lamp or ceramic heater for a warm basking spot (95-110°F/35-43°C) and another heat source for the cooler end (75-85°F/24-29°C). This helps maintain a temperature gradient.
- Monitor Temperatures: Put thermometers at both the warm and cool ends of the tank to keep track of temperatures and make adjustments as needed.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Good airflow prevents overheating and helps keep temperatures stable.
- Control Humidity: Keep humidity around 20-30% with a non-moisture-retaining substrate and good ventilation to avoid health problems.
- Use UVB Lighting: Place UVB lights over the basking area, making sure they’re at the right distance to support your bearded dragon’s health.
FAQ
You should consider moving your bearded dragon to a larger tank when they reach around 6 to 12 months old.
No, a 20-gallon tank is too small for a bearded dragon, even for a juvenile. They need more space to move around and thrive, so a 40-gallon tank or larger is preferred.
A 40-gallon water tank, when filled with water, weighs approximately 330 pounds (150 kilograms). The weight includes the tank itself and the water, so it’s important to ensure the tank is placed on a strong surface.
Yes, a baby bearded dragon can comfortably live in a 50-gallon tank.
No, a 30-gallon tank is generally too small for a bearded dragon.
Final Thoughts
So, is a 40-gallon tank good for your bearded dragon? For babies and young dragons, it’s a decent start. It gives them enough room to grow and explore. But as they grow into adults, they’ll need more space.
A 40-gallon tank can feel cramped for an adult bearded dragon. They need more space to move, climb, and bask comfortably. Larger tanks like 75 or 120 gallons are better for adults because they provide more room to stay healthy and happy.
If you’re using a 40-gallon tank, you can make it work by optimizing the space and carefully managing temperatures. But remember, your dragon will likely need a bigger home as they grow.