The Vivarium should be set up for a Bearded Dragon.
Bearded dragons are a popular choice for pets, as many people discover what fascinating reptile are.There is a tank or box where your dragon lives.The climate of the bearded dragon in the wild needs to be recreated.If your bearded dragon's vivarium is not set up correctly, it can cause potentially life-threatening problems for the animal.If you're interested in this type of pet, you need to set up a habitat.
Step 1: There is a vivarium for sale.
Pets can be purchased from a pet store.You can check online sellers and auction sites.There are different types of cages to choose from.A traditional vivarium has wooden sides.The model is highly recommended.Fish tanks can work, but they are not ideal.Bearded dragons can get scared if you hover above them, so you have to be careful with tanks that open overhead.To get your pet used to you, you have to put your hand in the tank opposite of the bearded dragon and move it towards the pet.They lose heat quickly.
Step 2: It's important to make sure that your vivarium is the right size.
The minimum length is four feet.A typical vivarium is four feet long x three feet high and two feet deep.A long vivarium gives a bearded dragon a chance to wander around and climb over branches provided as part of the furniture.Most people think that it's not true that juvenile bearded dragons can get lost in large, four feet vivariums, since they are not limited to small habitats in the wild.
Step 3: The vivarium should be in the correct place.
The vivarium should be kept out of the sun.The temperatures in the vivarium can be hard to control.The vivarium needs to be quiet.Your bearded dragon may be stressed out by loud noises.
Step 4: Before you buy a pet, you should have a vivarium.
Before you put your bearded dragon in the vivarium, you need to make sure the temperature and lighting are correct.Before you put the bearded dragon inside, the temperatures need to calm down.You could hurt your pet if you don't get the correct lighting and heat.Before you put the bearded dragon into his habitat, you need to set up the vivarium.
Step 5: Attach two bulbs.
You will need a basking light and a long tube light.The first light will give your pet protection from the sun's harmful rays.If you leave enough room on the other end for a basking light, this bulb will span most of the tank.On the other side, put a bulb in for basking.Light is needed for 12 to 14 hours a day.A good source of UVB light is needed in order to metabolize calcium and reduce the risk of having weak bones as a result of MBD.You can choose between a combined array and a separate UVB light and heat source.The latter are great in a confined space.A heat source and a separate UVB fluorescent tube are included in most commercial vivariums.
Step 6: The appropriate bulb can be chosen.
UVB bulbs range from 5% to 12%, with the more powerful ones providing more UVB, which is better for adult dragons.The 5% bulbs are appropriate for young people.Since there is a significant drop off in penetration after this distance, make sure the dragon spends most of his time within a 12 inch range of the UV tube.If you want to make sure the lamp is still effective, take the bulb to a reptile specialist center with a device that can read the UVB output and change the bulbs every six months.
Step 7: Two heat sources are needed.
The vivarium should have two heat sources: a basking spot heat lamp that provides the general heat along with the hot spot to bask in, plus a low-level heater to provide heat at the cool end or at night in places where the ambient temperature drops below 75.The heat lamp should be mounted at the end of the vivarium, away from the dragon, and give a basking spot temperature of around 95 F.The cool end needs moderate heat output to prevent it from falling below 85 F.The heat could be a wall mounted heat pad or a black ceramic light.You can buy lamp fitting from a pet store or online.
Step 8: There are two thermometers.
You need two thermometers, one at either end, to monitor the temperatures in the vivarium.The easiest way to point out the temperature is with a simple circular dial.For an optimum environment, it helps to put both the heat lamp and the auxiliary heater on separate thermostats, so the heaters automatically click on.You can buy the fitting from a pet store or online store.
Step 9: The humidity gauge needs to be installed.
The vivarium needs low humidity to thrive.If there is a screen that allows air to flow, the humidity will not get too high.You can buy the humidity gauge from a pet store or online store.The instructions for installation are included.
Step 10: For the bottom, pick the right floor.
There are many products that can be put in the bottom of the vivarium, but many of them are not actually safe.Some of the products, especially wood shavings, contain oils that are potentially toxic to bearded dragons, so the risks are mainly gut impaction and toxicity.Don't use sand.When swallowed, they are likely to form a plug in the gut, which could be fatal.Natural oils of pine and cedar can be toxic.
Step 11: Get textured materials.
You can use reptile carpet, paper towels, butcher paper, or non-smooth tile for young bearded dragons.The bearded dragon can run across the tile if it has some grip.When the bearded dragon becomes an adult, you can either leave those things in the floor or use Silicone-free play sand.Repti-carpet is a tough type of felt carpet that can be used in vivarium.When the dragon soils it, you can remove the whole carpet and put in a spare.You need at least two pieces for an adult that poops once a week.This isn't practical for a juvenile who may poop a couple of times a day.
Step 12: Try aspen.
Aspen shavings are a different type of flooring.These are free of toxic oils.The dragon can dig if he wants, and this is more appealing than newspaper.The high temperature in the vivarium can encourage mold growths that are bad for the dragon, so you need to make sure the aspen doesn't get moist from spilt water.
Step 13: There is a hide that you can choose.
A hide is a ceramic object that resembles a rock, cork, or bark.It's a good retreat for the dragon because it has the ability to absorb some of the heat.The hide should be large enough for the adult dragon to fit inside and be able to turn around.
Step 14: Establish a basking spot.
A basking spot is where the dragon can climb up to get closer to the heat source when he wants to warm up quickly.The warm end of the hide could be placed under the heat lamp to make it easier for the dragon to climb on top.The dragon can climb up the tree branches to be near the heat source.The dragon needs to be at least six inches from the heat source.Direct contact can cause serious burns.If the heat lamp bulb is exposed in the vivarium, it is a good idea to keep the dragon away from the hot bulb.
Step 15: Water and food bowls should be added.
Your pet needs to be able to eat and drink.The dragon can drink from the large ceramic water bowl if he chooses.Get a large ceramic bowl in which to place vegetables or live food for your dragon.
Step 16: You can add other furniture.
Extra things can be added to improve your dragon's quality of life.Sturdy sand-blasted and sterilized branches are included in the furniture you can add to the vivarium.They are free of parasites andbacteria which can grow in the warmth of the vivarium.To allow the dragon to climb, arrange the branches so that they are on an upward incline.
Step 17: There are some plastic green plants in this picture.
Plastic imitation plants give the illusion of greenery.It is very difficult to keep live plants in the vivarium.Live plants will die because of the heat, and watering the plants increases the humidity, which encourages mold.Plastic imitation plants are easy to deal with.
Step 18: There should be some decorations.
You can put logs, bamboo shoots, and rocks in the tank if you want.There is a way to build a rock structure.This will make it nicer to look at and give him more things to walk through.
Step 19: You can put a background on the tank.
You can put a tank background on the back of the glass tank.It makes your pet feel more secure.It will be nice to see you and your family.
Step 20: Consider a hammock for reptile's.
You can buy hammocks for lizards.The dragons seem to like hammocks.This will allow him to relax and enjoy himself.