The 10 Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums for Bearded Dragons

The 10 Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums for Bearded Dragons

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The bearded dragon gets its name from the frill around its neck that it can puff up like a beard when it feels threatened. These reptiles make wonderful pets because they are generally very docile and can become very tame with frequent handling.

If you’re considering a bearded dragon as a pet, be sure to research this reptile’s needs before doing so. One of the first things you’ll need to do to prepare for your new pet is buy a cage or terrarium.

In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of caring for bearded dragons and provide tips for choosing the best bearded dragon cage. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best bearded dragon cage.

At a Glance: Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums For Bearded Dragons To Buy

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums For Bearded Dragons

Overall Best 1. Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium, Extra-Long View on Amazon Read Review	Runner Up 2. REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank View on Chewy Read Review	Best Terrarium Tank 3. Exo Terra AllGlass Terrarium View on Amazon Read Review	Best Budget 4. Zilla Fresh Air Screen Habitat for Reptiles View on Amazon Read Review	Best 20-Gallon Terrarium 5. Exo-Terra Outback 20-Gallon Terrarium View on Amazon Read Review	Best Short All-Glass Terrarium 6. Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit View on Amazon Read Review	Best Starter Kit 7. Zilla Tropical Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit View on Chewy Read Review	Best Aquatic Kit 8. Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons View on Chewy Read Review	Best Large Terrarium 9. REPTI ZOO 67Gallon Reptile Large Terrarium View on Amazon Read Review	Best Aquarium Set 10. SeaClear 29 gal Show Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set View on Amazon Read Review
Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Screen	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Acrylic
Size 48x24x24 inches	Size 36x18x18 inches or 36x24x18 inches	Size 36x18x24 inches	Size 18x12x20 inches	Size 24x18x12 inches	Size 24x18x12 inches	Size 10 gallons	Size 30x12x12 inches	Size 48x18x18 inches	Size 40 gallons
Features Sliding doors, key-lock security	Features Screen top, hinged doors	Features Dual doors, front window ventilation	Features Open air, dual front doors	Features Front window ventilation, dual doors	Features Dual doors, front window ventilation	Features Screen cover, 2 reflective dome lights	Features Included dome lamps, all-glass construction	Features Sliding door, mesh top	Features Stronger than glass

What To Look For In Cages For Bearded Dragons?

Your bearded dragon will spend most of its life in its cage, so it is important to create a cage that provides for your pet’s needs. It needs to be large enough for your bearded dragon to exhibit natural behaviors like digging and scavenging with plenty of room for rockwork and other decorations. You don’t necessarily need to buy an expensive tank, but there are certain things to look for.

Here are some important things to look for in bearded dragon cages:

• Materials – Your bearded dragon tank doesn’t need to hold water and won’t have to withstand a great deal of abuse, but it is still a good idea to choose one made from sturdy materials like glass or acrylic. A mesh top is important since bearded dragons require UVB and glass will block the UV light that they require.
• Size – The minimum case size recommended for baby bearded dragons is 20 gallons, though an adult will need a great deal more space. Do yourself a favor and start with a 40-gallon tank or larger so you don’t have to switch as your pet grows.
• Dimensions – In addition to the total size of the tank, consider the dimensions. The tank should be long and wide enough for your bearded dragon to move comfortably but it doesn’t have to be especially tall – just tall enough for your bearded dragon to be able to warm itself under the basking lamp.
• Security – Bearded dragons are not the most talented climbers in the reptile world, but they could potentially escape from an uncovered cage. To keep your bearded dragon secure, choose a cage that comes with a mesh lid or purchase one separately.

Our Top Picks For The Best Cages, Habitats & Terrariums For Bearded Dragons

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a bearded dragon cage, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best bearded dragon cages.

Overall Best

1.

Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium, Extra-Long

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 48x24x24 inches
• Features: Sliding doors, key-lock security

Pros

• Hinged doors for easy access/cleaning
• Key-lock security to prevent escape
• High-quality construction and large size

Cons

• More expensive than many models on the list

If you’re looking for a high-quality cage for your bearded dragon, Caroline Custom Cages offers a variety of excellent options. This particular model is deeper than standard, providing your bearded dragon with extra room. It measures 48x24x24 inches, making it a perfect size for a single adult bearded dragon and it has hinged doors for easy access.

Runner Up

2.

REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 36x18x18 inches or 36x24x18 inches
• Features: Screen top, hinged doors

Pros

• Available in two different dimensions
• Hinged front doors for easy access
• Window ventilation on sides for tubing/wires

Cons

• Assembly instructions may be somewhat confusing
• Glass materials may be prone to cracking

Another excellent option in all-glass aquariums is this ReptiZoo Reptile Glass Terrarium. It features a durable glass construction in 36x18x18 or 36x24x18 dimensions, offering plenty of space for your bearded dragon. The top panel is mesh for ventilation and to provide you with a surface on which to rest your heat lamp and other lighting.

Best Terrarium Tank

3.

Exo Terra AllGlass Terrarium

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 36x18x24 inches
• Features: Dual doors, front window ventilation

Pros

• Front window ventilation and screen top
• Dual front doors open separately
• Closable side inlets for wire and tubing

Cons

• Door hinges are plastic not metal
• Construction could be more durable
• The cage is taller than wide in one dimension.

Ventilation is important to keep your bearded dragon healthy, but you don’t want too much airflow, or it could lower the tank temperature too far. This ExoTerra All Glass Terrarium features a screen top for ventilation with added front window ventilation. It is the perfect amount to keep your bearded dragon’s tank fresh without allowing too much heat to escape.

Best Budget

4.

Zilla Fresh Air Screen Habitat for Reptiles

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Screen
• Size: 18x12x20 inches
• Features: Open air, dual front doors

Pros

• Dual front doors, open separately
• Mesh screen is sturdy and offers ventilation

Cons

• Mesh materials may make it extremely difficult to retain heat
• Not large enough for an adult bearded dragon
• Taller than it is wide, further complicating the heat concerns
• Bearded dragons often dig at the side of the cage and may get their toes caught in the mesh.

All-glass terrariums can be expensive, especially when you get into bigger sizes. If you’re looking for a smaller terrarium for a baby bearded dragon and you want to spend less than $100, this R-Zilla Fresh Air Screen Reptile Habitat may be a good option. Keep in mind that the mesh may not retain heat as well, so make adjustments with your heat lamps as needed. This enclosure will be good only as a temporary home for your pet.

Best 20-Gallon Terrarium

5.

Exo-Terra Outback 20-Gallon Terrarium

View on Amazon

View on Petsmart

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 24x18x12 inches
• Features: Front window ventilation, dual doors

Pros

• Comes with unique 3D painted rock background
• Mesh top and front window ventilation
• Hinged dual doors for easy access/cleaning

Cons

• Not large enough for an adult bearded dragon

A perfect starter tank for a young bearded dragon, this Exo-Terra Outback 20-Gallon Terrarium features dual front doors as well as front window ventilation. The doors are very secure to prevent escape and the mesh top is great for ventilation. What makes this terrarium unique, however, is the painted Outback 3D rock background that comes with it.

Best Short All-Glass Terrarium

6.

Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 24x18x12 inches
• Features: Dual doors, front window ventilation

Pros

• Dual hinged doors open separately
• Front window ventilation and mesh top
• Perfect size for baby bearded dragons

Cons

• Not large enough for adult bearded dragons
• Glass materials may be more fragile than acrylic

Baby bearded dragons don’t require a ton of space and this Hagen Exo-Terra Short All-Glass Terrarium is a perfect cage. It features an all-glass construction with a mesh top and front window ventilation to keep the air in the cage fresh. It also has dual hinged doors for easy access that can be opened separately for your convenience.

Best Starter Kit

7.

Zilla Tropical Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 10 gallons
• Features: Screen cover, 2 reflective dome lights

Pros

• Starter kit includes all of the essentials
• Affordably priced under $100
• All-glass construction with a mesh top

Cons

• Only large enough for very small bearded dragons
• Requires tall decorations to get close enough to basking lamps

If you’re looking for a basic starter kit so you can get your baby bearded dragon home as soon as possible, this 10-gallon starter kit is an acceptable option. It is only large enough for a baby bearded dragon, but it does come with a mesh top, a heat mat, terrarium liner, and a day bulb with a reflective bulb – everything you need to get started.

Best Aquatic Kit

8.

Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 30x12x12 inches
• Features: Included dome lamps, all-glass construction

Pros

• Comes with all of the basic necessities
• All-glass construction with wire mesh top
• Affordably priced under $150

Cons

• Only large enough for a baby bearded dragon
• Light bulbs included with fixtures may not be ideal

Though this tank is technically designed for aquatic turtles, the dimensions are appropriate for a small bearded dragon cage. This 20-gallon tank features an all-glass construction with a mesh top for ventilation. It also comes with two dome lights to get you started with essential equipment.

Best Large Terrarium

9.

REPTI ZOO 67Gallon Reptile Large Terrarium

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 48x18x18 inches
• Features: Sliding door, mesh top

Pros

• All-glass construction with top mesh cover
• Sliding front door for extra security
• Window front ventilation and covered side inlets

Cons

• One of the most expensive options on the list
• Front door is not dual, slides rather than hinges

If you don’t mind spending more for quality, this premium glass terrarium could be a good option. It is one of the largest models on this list and features an all-glass construction with a sliding front door and a mesh top. It also has front window ventilation and a water-tight bottom.

Best Aquarium Set

10.

SeaClear 29 gal Show Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Acrylic
• Size: 40 gallons
• Features: Stronger than glass

Pros

• Available in a wide range of sizes
• Acrylic construction is very durable
• More lightweight than glass tanks

Cons

• Not specifically designed for bearded dragons
• May be too tall for appropriate distance from heat lamps

Glass terrariums are great, but acrylic is 17 times stronger and only half the weight. This 40-gallon tank may not be specifically designed for bearded dragons, but it will work with the right setup and decorations. Plus, it comes in a variety of different sizes.

Tips For Setting Up A Bearded Dragon Cage

Choosing your bearded dragon tank is just one part of the equation – you also need to know how to set it up properly! Everything from installing the right heating and lighting systems to choosing the best decorations is a detail that shouldn’t be ignored.

Here are some simple tips for setting up a bearded dragon cage:

• Choose a tank larger than you actually need to provide your pet with ample space – a 40-gallon minimum for adult bearded dragons but ideally 75 gallons.
• Make sure your bearded dragon cage has a mesh top – this is important for ventilation and to prevent your bearded dragon from escaping. It also allows UV light through the top.
• Set up your under-tank heating mats and overhead lighting to maintain one end of the tank at 80 and the other around 100, or slightly higher in the basking area.
• Keep your full-spectrum and UV lights on for 10 to 12 hours a day and use a night-time heat lamp to maintain tank temperature at night.
• Choose the right substrate and decorations to create a natural desert-like appearance in your bearded dragon tank. Rocky desert is their normal habitat. Sand should be used only in a small area of the enclosure, if used at all.

Now that you know what to look for in a bearded dragon tank and how to set it up, all that’s left to do is start shopping! Take what you’ve learned here to heart as you start looking around for the perfect cage for your bearded dragon.

Final Remarks

Bearded dragons are desert animals, so your cage should mimic your pet’s natural habitat as much as possible. Choose a cage that provides ample space and decorate it with rockwork and other natural elements to create a desert-like environment.  You also need to equip it with the proper heating elements and lighting to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity.

If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a bearded dragon cage, try out one of the top 10 best bearded dragon cages we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!