If you’re about to become a proud owner of a beardie, you might have wondered which is the best tank for a bearded dragon out there.
The choices are quite a few, but rushing into this process might end up in buying a terrarium that’s too small, poorly ventilated, or worse–unsafe for your reptile pet.
After all, beardies live in arid and deserted areas and need a lot of space.
So, in this guide, we’ll present you with the best bearded dragon cages in the market, so you can get your beardie all set up asap!
We’ll give you detailed information about each option, and let you know what we like and dislike about the cages, so at the end of this post, you should have a solid idea of which is the perfect bearded dragon enclosure for your cold-blooded buddy.
Before digging into the content, we’ll go ahead and let you know that the best tank for bearded dragons, overall, is the Carolina Custom Cage 120-Gallon Glass Terrarium.
It is incredibly large, which makes it perfect for both small and fully grown bearded dragons.
Although it is more pricey than others on this list, the investment won’t be in vain, since this tank has superb quality, and again, when your beardie grows up, this cage will suit them perfectly.
Also, check out our top three cool bearded dragon cages!
Best Overall: Carolina Custom Cage 120-Gallons Glass
- Extra-large for your pet’s comfort.
- Perfect for every size, from small to fully grown beardies.
- 360 view glass for always keeping an eye on your pet.
- Dual front doors and removable screen top for easy access.
- Easy to assemble.
- Sturdy and with key lock security to prevent escapes.
Best For A Budget: Exo Terra Large 65-Gallon Tank
- Affordable price; you won’t end up ruined.
- Awesome craftsmanship and quality, for your peace of mind.
- Comes pre-assembled, so no need to spend time on setting it up.
- The glass holds humidity and heat, which benefits your dragon.
Best For Beginners: REPTI ZOO 85-Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium
- Perfect for any size.
- Well-built and strong, no bad-quality materials here.
- Easy access for cleaning and feeding your pet.
- Features a cable portal for lights and humidity gauges.
Now let’s see what other choices we have to make your beard dragon comfy!
Don’t have time to read the whole thing? Go straight to:
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Tanks For Bearded Dragon:
1. Carolina Custom Cage 120-Gallon Glass Terrarium: The Best Tank Overall
What we like:
- Very large and accessible.
- Easy to assemble and clean.
- High-quality and sturdy.
- Waterproof base.
- Exceptional breathability.
- Dual front doors and key lock.
- The screen doesn’t filter too much light.
What we don’t like:
- The glass is thin, but it won’t break easily.
- It’s pricey but worthy.
- The key is small, thus prone to get lost, but you can solve this by adding it to a keychain.
What other users said:
- “I’m so glad I purchased this, I love it probably just as much as my bearded dragon does! I just wish they had the sliding doors labeled ABCD to easily know which door was which, but I eventually figured it out.”
- “Terrific enclosure!! I know it’s an investment, but it is completely worth it! Came packaged safely, with nothing chipped or damaged at all. Went together so easily. It’s perfect!! Hands down, I would recommend it to any beardie parent.”
- “This product arrived broken.”
- “By far the best glass set-up I’ve ever purchased or used.”
The Carolina Custom Cage 120-Gallon Glass Terrarium is our pick for the best tank for bearded dragons, for several reasons.
This terrarium is really large, which makes it perfect for beardies of all ages, and though they have other smaller and bigger tanks, we think this one is the sweet spot for your pet.
It’s very easy to assemble and comes in extremely well-secured packing.
The glass walls give you a 360° view of your beardie, but the glass is thin, so avoid using under-tank heaters to prevent the floor from becoming too hot.
This terrarium has dual front sliding doors, with key lock protection, which will minimize the risk of your bearded dragon escaping out of their enclosure.
The two doors make this tank very accessible and easy to clean, and a large amount of space is perfect for adding rocks, small tree trunks, and other surfaces for your Beardie to climb and bask comfortably.
The base of the tank is waterproof, so you can clean it without any concerns.
The breathability is superb, thanks to the large screen mesh top, which by the way, makes it easier to install UVB and heating bulbs, although it can be difficult to remove.
If you want to keep the bulbs outside the tank, this screen doesn’t filter huge amounts of light.
We do recommend using 150-175 Watt heating bulbs because the tank is quite large.
Plus, these cages are made by a subsidiary of Carolina Designer Dragons, a very famous breeder of beardies!
So, these guys know what they’re doing.
Now, on the downside, it IS expensive, but it’s so sturdy and high-quality (plus perfect for beardies of all ages and sizes), that it’s a great investment.
You’ll also need help moving it once it arrives, because it’s heavy, and a couple of users have received their tanks with broken glass. Thankfully, you can ask for a replacement or refund.
2. REPTI ZOO 85-Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium: The Best Bearded Dragon Tank For Beginners
What we like:
- Very large and spacey.
- Great ventilation and easy to assemble.
- Two mesh panels.
- Scratch-resistant glass.
- Easy to clean and change the substrate.
- Dual open-front doors with lock.
- A secured top panel can be removed.
What we don’t like:
- It’s very pricey, but it’s an awesome and worthy investment.
- Some users received the cage with missing parts.
- The wall glasses might shake if the doors of the house are closed too harshly, so try to avoid this.
- The bottom might leak, so maybe using a thick substrate will avoid leaking issues.
What other users said:
- “Nice enclosure for our dragon! Easier to access than a regular aquarium, arrived very well-packed.”
- “It arrived with parts missing, there does not seem to be any way for me to get the missing part.”
- “At first it was difficult to put together, but once we figured it out, everything came together beautifully.”
Another excellent terrarium for beardies is the ReptiZoo 85-Gallon Reptile Large Terrarium.
This amazing enclosure has lots of space for your beardie to move, climb and bask. You’ll be able to put many accessories inside without compromising your pet’s safety.
It has great ventilation, and it’s easy to assemble, so don’t feel overwhelmed when the package arrives disassembled at your door.
In addition, this cage has several features that will allow you to add heaters, lights, thermometers, etc., and it’s very secure.
The walls’ glass is low-reflective, so rest assured your pet won’t feel distressed if they catch a glimpse of their reflection.
We also love that the glass is resistant to scratches, since beardies do have long claws!
You’ll be able to easily feed your bearded dragon, thanks to the dual sliding front-open doors, which also make cleaning an easy process.
Handling the beardie will also be easy inside the cage. You can open the doors as much as you want.
The top of the cage is secured by a swivel lock and can be removed for easy access.
It has a full mesh top that allows air circulation and UVB penetration, which will maintain your beardie’s good health.
There is another mesh panel on the left side of the enclosure that helps create a heat gradient, so your pet will be exposed to as much heat as they want at a certain moment.
This secondary mesh also allows escaping the excess humidity and contributes to having proper airflow.
Keep in mind that due to this extra panel, it’s not advised to set it up in a very cool room, or your beardie will lose too much corporal heat.
On the downside, it’s very expensive, and some users have complained about receiving the cage with missing parts, or the tank walls shaking when they closed the door of the room.
Others mentioned that the bottom leaked water after a short time of use.
3. The Exo Terra Large 65-Gallon Tank: The Most Affordable Bearded Dragon Tank
What we like:
- Budget-friendly.
- Dual front-opening doors.
- Excellent ventilation.
- Strong and sturdy.
- Snap lock mechanism.
- Removable mesh top.
- Hidden inlets.
- Waterproof elevated bottom.
- Very stable.
What we don’t like:
- The shipping process can be occasionally deficient.
- It might be too wide for some surfaces, which can be solved by finding a wide, strong table to place it.
What other users said:
- “The cage arrived intact, and was easier to set up than I anticipated.”
- “Amazing tank!”
- “The one I ordered is broken, and the replacement was also broken.”
If you’re looking for cool bearded dragon cages, but you’re on a budget, then the Exo Terra Large 65-Gallon Tank is an amazing option.
It’s quite affordable, although it’s smaller than others on this list, so it’s more suitable for young or small adult beardies.
However, it’s a very well-built cage, strong and made of thick glass, resistant to your pet’s claws.
It has dual front-open doors that make it easy to access the cage for cleaning or feeding your pet.
However, some users have mentioned that cleaning certain sections of the glass can be difficult.
The doors have a snap locking mechanism that will prevent your bearded dragon from escaping.
It has all you need if this is your first tank, including a mesh top that allows proper ventilation and infrared and UVB rays penetration.
This mesh top is removable, so you’ll have extra access for the cleaning or feeding processes, and locks on with four locks.
The cage also has a decorative foam that will be perfect for your beardie to climb, as well as inlets for the wires of your heating bulbs, sensors, etc.
By the way, these inlets are hidden by a clever background, designed to appear that your beardie is out there in a natural environment.
The waterproof bottom of the terrarium is slightly raised, so you’ll be able to mount a substrate heater on the side of it.
On the downside, the shipping process could be better, since users have received terrariums with broken glass.
Others have mentioned that it’s very wide, and it doesn’t fit on a regular shelf top.
4. Exo Terra Short All Glass Terrarium
What we like:
- Budget-friendly.
- Dual front-opening doors.
- Good ventilation.
- Snap lock mechanism.
- Removable screen top.
- 5 tube inlets for wires.
- Waterproof bottom.
- Natural-like background decor.
What we don’t like:
- Some customers have received broken parts due to the shipping process.
- It’s heavy, but bring a buddy over to help you set it up and problem solved.
What other users said:
- “The tank was completely safe inside. Perfect.”
- “Came with a crack that was ugly, but works fine for my sand substrate.”
- “The foam background takes space, it surprisingly holds temperature and humidity well.”
This is a very affordable and large bearded dragon enclosure, as long as you pick the “large wide” model.
This model is large and has lots of floor space, which makes it perfect for them to comfortably walk around and add several layers of substrate.
It’s especially suited for juvenile beardies, and you’ll love the high quality and great design of this tank.
It has a dual front opening that makes easy access to inside the enclosure, which means an easy cleaning process and handling of your pet.
The doors have a snap locking system to keep your beardie safe inside.
The background is decorated with a sand-like backdrop foam to add to the natural elements of your pet’s environment.
It comes assembled, so you won’t have to go through over complicated user manuals to set it up.
The screen top is pretty good, can support heat and UV bulbs with no issue, and can be removed for easy tank cleaning or decorating.
The tank is very well ventilated and on the back of the screen, there are 5 tube inlets for connecting heatwave rocks, sensors, etc.
Additionally, the bottom is waterproof, so there will be fewer chances of water leaking.
That being said, it’s a heavy enclosure, and some have arrived broken due to a bad shipping process.
To avoid this, ask the shipping company to cover up this item, so they can add another box that cushions the tank box with styrofoam.
5. Carolina Cages 65-Gallon Long Terrarium
What we like:
- Dual front-opening doors.
- Sturdy and good quality.
- The mesh top can be locked.
- Small holes for placing cables.
- Deep base for layering substrate.
- The glass panels are packed in the same assembling order.
What we don’t like:
- The image-based instructions can be confusing, but this won’t prevent you to assemble it.
What other users said:
- “Easy to put together and arrived in excellent condition. We are all super happy”
- “This cage is fantastic, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!”
- “The time came intact, but the instructions are not as clear as they could be.”
Although smaller, this terrarium is also a very good bearded dragon cage, especially for juvenile or small adult beardies, although many users have full adults here.
The dual sliding doors have a lock to keep your lizard safe inside.
It’s very sturdy and has a base deep enough for digging, so your pet will love it.
You’ll be able to add disposable substrate because the base’s depth is perfect for several layers of substrate.
The cage includes a mesh top that can be locked, and you’ll be able to place heat and UV bulbs without worrying about them falling.
There are small holes on the mesh top for safely placing the cables inside the cage, too.
It takes about 30 minutes to set up, and the glasses are packaged in the same order you’ll need to put the cage together.
This can be a bit confusing, though, it would be more helpful if the instructions are written instead of image-based.
All the more reason not to take all the panels out at the same time.
6. OIIBO Reptile Terrarium
What we like:
- Sturdy and high-quality tank.
- Great removable mesh top that withstands lamps.
- Glass walls for a full view of your pet.
- Easy to assemble.
What we don’t like:
- The bottom is not waterproof, but you can add a waterproof or enough substrate to deal with this.
What other users said:
- “Assemble is easy, the finished tank is sturdy and secure.”
- “Nothing to complain about, just a great tank all around. It’s a good size for smaller animals.”
- “This is a very good terrarium. It comes nicely and securely boxed, and it’s easy to assemble.”
Suitable for baby and juvenile bearded dragons, the OIIBO Reptile Terrarium is a sturdy and high-quality tank.
Its four walls are made of glass, so you’ll have a perfect full view of your beardie at all times.
It has a mesh top that’s very easy to remove, so cleaning won’t be an issue.
This, alongside sliding front doors, makes accessing your pet an easy task. You’ll be able to feed and handle it and easily clean the enclosure.
The doors have a security lock and key mechanism, so rest assured your beardie will stay safe inside.
It’s easy to install and assemble, and the mesh top doesn’t prevent the UVB and heating bulbs from reaching your bearded dragon.
It also offers great ventilation.
On the downside, the bottom is not waterproof, so you make sure to place the water lid on top of enough substrate to prevent leaks.
Also, the tank included in the kit is usually small, suitable for baby beardies, so you’ll need to replace it as your pet grows.
If you can, stay away from them.
It’s better to save some cash and invest in one of the best bearded dragon tanks we’ve shown you on this list.
In the long run, they will last more because the quality is better.
That being said, if you’re really on a budget, but don’t want to give up having a bearded dragon, then these two starter kits can buy you some time before you have access to other options.
7. Zilla Desert Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit 10
What we like:
- Great for baby bearded dragons.
- It’s affordable.
- The tank is okay.
What we don’t like:
- Not superb-quality, but works if you are starting with a baby beardie.
- Small tank, you’ll need to replace it once your beardie outgrows it.
- Zilla has sent different types of bulbs by mistake, but they can be returned.
What other users said:
- “I had to buy feeding dishes, a background, a hammock, and a higher wattage bulb for my baby bearded dragon.”
- “My product came intact and on time. The top screen is sturdy.”
This is the best bearded dragon starter kit on the market right now.
It includes:
- A small tank.
- Two reflective domes for lighting and heating purposes.
- A white spot bulb for daytime basking.
- A black incandescent bulb of nighttime heat.
- A screen cover.
- A temperature and humidity gauge
It doesn’t include a UVB bulb, so you’d need to purchase one if you settle for this kit. You can find them in the Zilla web store.
The nighttime bulb (and the red bulb the company has sent by mistake, according to users) shouldn’t be used on a beardie because they can go blind.
So avoid setting it up!
You won’t find accessories or decorations in the package either, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.
Other users have mentioned receiving a faulty thermostat and having to purchase it as well.
8. Tetra Glass Kit
What we like:
- Comes with a basking platform and heating and UVB bulbs.
- Affordable.
- Great for baby bearded dragons.
- Screen top with locking clips.
What we don’t like:
- The company has poor customer service.
- Small tank, you’ll need to replace it once your beardie outgrows it.
What other users said:
- “Horrible customer service from Tetra.”
- “The entire lid has to be removed for feeding.”
- “The tank is working well so far.”
Another decent one is this Tetra Glass Kit, which includes many of the things you’ll need when starting to take care of a baby bearded dragon.
Since the included tank is small (20 gallons) you’ll need to purchase a bigger tank because your pet will get too large for it.
Since it’s not a specific kit for bearded dragons, you might need to get some extra supplies, but it can be a temporary solution if you’re really on a budget.
It opens on the top and doesn’t have dual front doors.
The kit includes:
- A 20-gallon tank.
- Two dome lamps (one heating bulb and one UVB bulb).
- Basking platform.
- Screen top with locking clips.
- A boxwood plant mat.
- Decorative filters with three cartridges.
It’s also very affordable, but the quality doesn’t match the expensive options in this list.
Users have complained about the quality of the tank, the bulbs arriving shattered, and the company’s poor customer service.
What To Look For When Buying A Bearded Dragon Cage?
As you can see, there are many terrariums available for your beardie, and this is just a list of the ones we’ve tested and love.
There are many things to take into account before buying a tank for a bearded dragon, so check them out before making a decision.
1. It Should Have An Appropriate Size
Let’s be honest, a healthy juvenile bearded dragon will steadily grow up until they don’t have enough space if the tank is small.
So a large terrarium it’s a necessity instead of a luxury, at least if you want to keep your pet happy and healthy.
A large tank will allow your beardie to exercise, will prevent injuries and stress, and will allow you to add substrate and accessories for your bearded dragon to bask and climb.
Look for a 75-gallon (48” x 18” x 21”) plus, when buying an enclosure for your pet.
2. It Should Have Safety Features
Bearded dragons are incredibly curious, so expect them to explore their enclosure quite a lot.
Therefore, key locks or latches to secure the doors of the terrarium are a must, so they don’t open them by accident.
If the screen mesh top is removable, then it must have cover clips to stay in place. This will prevent your beardie from pushing it open and endangering itself.
3. The Material Should Be High-Quality
Terrariums are not cheap, folks.
Paying for an enclosure, only to have it fall apart in one month, is not a joke. Make sure you buy a sturdy and solid tank, with no loose parts.
Check if it has supporting structures if it’s too large, and if this is your first bearded dragon, keep it safe and go for glass and metal tanks, instead of the wood and PVC ones.
If the glass is too reflective, cover the wall with a foam background.
This will help your beardie to avoid watching itself in the glass and mistaking the reflection for another animal, which can stress them out.
A good tank will cost you more, but it should last more time as well!
4. You And Your Beardie Should Feel Comfortable With The Design
Yes, both of you.
You will be the one cleaning it and installing stuff, after all, so front-opening doors and removable screen mesh tops are very useful.
A terrarium with front-opening doors will allow you to have better access to clean, feed, or grab your pet.
And let’s not forget, reducing the chances of dropping it by accident, which can happen if the only access is on top of the enclosure.
The mesh top will be extremely vital to keep the tank ventilated and allow the light of the UVB and heating bulbs to penetrate.
Lastly, since beardies spend their time on the ground, climbing rocks and tree trunks or low branches, a horizontal enclosure will be more appropriate than a vertical tank.
That’s why we recommended only horizontals in this post.
5. It Fits Your Budget
As you just read, having a bearded dragon is not cheap. A good tank alone will cost you hundreds of dollars.
And the high-quality ones will be more pricey (as with everything in life).
It’s better to save some money for a while until you can afford one of the top-notch enclosures, instead of going for a crappy one that you’ll have to replace in months.
Which, no way.
What To Include In The Bearded Dragon Cage Set-Up
1. Substrate
There are many types of substrate suitable for your pet’s enclosure, and choosing one will depend on factors such as your beardie’s age, character, and health.
Among the substrates for bearded dragons tanks, we can find:
- Bioactive substrate
- Ceramic tiles
- Vinyl tiles
- Towel paper
- Newspaper
- Reptile carpets
- Slate
All have pros and cons, but if this is your first time owning a bearded dragon, you can go with towel papers or ceramic tiles (although, don’t place them right under the heating bulb: the tiles will overheat, which can hurt your pet).
Those newspapers all around the house can be used as well!
2. Lighting
Having light bulbs over your bearded dragon tank, it’s vital.
Heating lights and UVA/B bulbs ensure your pet’s body temperature is adequate and that they don’t develop diseases like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
Some enclosures allow under-tank light placement, but remember to think about what substrate you’ll be using before deciding on this feature.
This kind of light, however, will provide a more “natural” experience to your beardie, since they come from desert / arid places.
During the night, rocks emit all the heat they got from the sun in the day, and they keep bearded dragons warm even with the chilling temperatures.
So under tank lighting kind of simulates the whole experience.
3. Habitat
To create a perfect bearded dragon enclosure, you can’t forget the accessories.
Get stuff in there!
But, what are the best things to put on a bearded dragon tank? I’ve got your back:
- Medium-large-sized rock or wood: aka, the basking spot. It can be a rock, wood, or an entire area of the tank.
Just make sure to place it in the spotlight, so your little dragon has enough space to get all cozy and warm.
- Branch / Hammock: because bearded dragons love to climb, it’s a great idea to put these structures inside the tank.
Your beardie will be comfortable doing something that they do in their natural habitat to bask and watch out for predators.
- Hiding spot: since almost every animal needs a place to hide, so a predator won’t grab them, creating a hiding spot makes sense. Don’t make it too large. Instead, make it big enough for your pet to cover half its body, while the other half has access to the UVB light.
- Shallow water bowl: water is vital for every being, especially for reptiles, because they require humidity for normally carrying the shedding process.
Your pet will want to soak when they’re up to it, so make it possible for them. The bowl must be shallow, especially if you have a baby/juvenile bearded dragon.
4. Temperature
Warm temperatures are vital for this animal.
They require a minimum of 70 °F (20 °C) and their basking place should reach 110 °F (43 °C). We recommend keeping a temperature gradient with the basking spot towards one end of the tank, and a cold spot towards the other.
So place that rock or wood right below the heating light (or above, if you’re using an under-tank light).
Play with the distance or strength of the light, so the rock doesn’t overheat and fry your beardie’s toes.
FAQ
How Big Of A Cage Should A Bearded Dragon Have?
The bigger, the better. Adults bearded dragons will need a 20-50 gallon large tank, with decors to climb, such as branches and rocks.
A juvenile bearded dragon, on the other hand, can be kept in a 10-gallon glass tank, but it’ll need to be replaced as it outgrows the enclosure.
A tank of over 75-gallon (48” x 18” x 21”) will be the best size tank for a bearded dragon, no matter the age.
Can You Build A Cage For A Bearded Dragon?
Several owners choose to repurpose a stock tank and build on their own a cage for their beardies. You can too, by adding a fitting lid, substrate, lights, and decor, and you’ll have a great enclosure for your bearded dragon.
If your budget is too tight, you don’t have to give up your dream of owning a beardie
You can build yourself a custom bearded dragon enclosure. This video shows you how to do it.
What Cage Is Best For A Bearded Dragon?
The Carolina Custom Cage 120-Gallon Glass Terrarium is the best bearded dragon cage.
It’s very large and has dual front doors that make cleaning it an easy task, and it’s highly breathable.
It’s easy to assemble as well, so both you and your beardie will love this tank.
The high quality of the material, the large size and large glass walls, and the superb breathability make this cage the best bearded dragon enclosure.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found this post useful, and you now have an idea of what to pick as the best tank for a bearded dragon for your pet.
As you just read, there are several things to keep in mind before handing you cash!
The tank features, safety, proper material, and size do matter. As well as the price.
If you’re eager to own a beardie asap, you can settle for a kit, but we recommend you to wait and save money until you can purchase a high-quality terrarium.
We loved the Carolina Custom Cage 120-Gallon Glass Terrarium, but others such as the ReptiZoo 85-Gallon Reptile Large Terrarium and the OIIBO Reptile Terrarium are favorites among bearded dragons lovers.
We’d love it if you share your thoughts with us about the choices we made in the comment section down below, or share this post with a friend that’s considering buying a bearded dragon tank.
It’ll be very useful for them, too.
Stay safe and keep herping!
A total nerd since the beginnings of my life, I always had a thing for nature and found fascinating all kinds of living beings (yes, even fungus).
Reptiles became my passion and research subject in college, and I love to ramble about them to anyone interested in listening. Oh, I’m also a Copywriter!
Check the About us page to learn more about me. Keep on herping! 🙂