Considering where to keep a bearded dragon is a common problem with inexperienced owners. For some, the question, “Can you use a fish aquarium for a bearded dragon” also makes them confused.
To address your issues, I would provide detailed information about the merits and demerits of keeping a beardie in a fish tank.
Plus, there is a complete guide to choosing a suitable cheap house for your pet as well.
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Can You Use a Fish Aquarium for a Bearded Dragon?
The answer primarily depends on your circumstances.
Following professionals’ advice, an average fish’s place is best for juvenile bearded dragons as a temporary home.
However, they do not support the idea of using it for adult bearded dragons because a fish house is often too small for such a large guy.
You can not automatically control the lighting, humidity, and temperature with the enclosure.
It is not easy to get access as well.
Alternatively, experienced pet owners suggested you buying a reptile enclosure for the best result.
Those specific terrariums would provide your beardies with a perfect environment. It has a proper ventilation system and beautiful front doors.
By contrast, many people still use leftover tanks to keep the reptile in reality.
That is the best way to save money and reduce waste to the environment.
So, it is not wrong to keep a bearded dragon in a fish aquarium. But it quite has the good and bad sides.
And keep in mind to follow my guides about preparing tanks below to give your pet the desired house.
Why Keep Your Bearded Dragon in a Fish Aquarium?
1. Availability
The first benefit of using a fish tank instead of a reptile enclosure is its availability.
Many fish tanks are sold these days in grocery stores and supermarkets. Some are on pet shops and online business websites like Amazon or Walmart.
Besides, you can find many old, cheap, and well-work tanks in garage sales on weekends.
I think that is the leading cause of why many owners end up using fish tanks.
2. Price
More importantly, a low price is another advantage of a fish aquarium.
As you know, specific reptile vivariums cost hundreds of dollars. On the other hand, fish tanks are much cheaper.
They are sold and made a lot on the market.
Furthermore, owners often know someone who has old tanks.
That is to say, you have two choices: expensive vivariums and free glass boxes.
Of course, most people would happily opt for the latter.
However, as one said, “You get what you pay for.” Free stuff does always have more demerits.
Are There Disadvantages to Using a Fish Aquarium for Your Bearded Dragon?
1. Lack of a Suitable Ventilation System
Bearded dragons need an adequately ventilated house. That is to protect them from respiratory issues or other diseases.
For instance, if they have to be stuck in a dirty place without being circulated, they often get fungus growth, mold, mildew, or bacteria growth.
Some even decrease their ability to hear and see in those tanks. And that is the most significant disadvantage of a fish aquarium. Fish takes oxygen through water.
It does not need a high level of ventilation as reptiles. So, when you keep a beardie in a place for fish, it likely makes them sick more than usual.
Moreover, the tank does not have vents at the bottom to provide fresh airflow.
Some also lack screen tops to clean air flowing through.
2. No Control of Temperature
To answer the question, “Can you use a fish aquarium for a bearded dragon?” you need to consider the device’s temperature. Primarily, using a fish aquarium limits your control of the temps inside.
To help you have a deeper insight, let’s get the place in a car as an example.
Remove a moon/sunroof of a car and wait for a while. You would soon realize that it becomes impossible to regulate the heat without a ventilation system.
You have to open windows or increase the air flowing through the vents. A fish tank does not feature those functions.
That might change your bearded dragon into a “grilled” dragon over time.
However, if you persistently prefer the tanks, bear in mind to often check their temps.
A beardie’s appropriate temperature ranges from 35 degrees Celcius to 43 degrees Celcius.
A juvenile beardie requires slightly higher heat, above 40 degrees Celcius. An adult can suffer from a lower rate of temps.
3. Not Easy to Regulate Humidity
Another problem with a fish tank is the humidity.
The correct rate of humidity in a bearded dragon’s house is from 30 to 40 percent.
If the number is higher than that, your pets are often unable to shed correctly.
Some females cannot even lay their eggs. In some cases, they got urinary tract infections, kidney issues, and dehydration alike.
You might notice that beardies kept in enclosures often have one of those diseases or all.
The fact results from a lack of ventilation. Water drops are pooled in the compartment.
After a long time, those cumulative drops lead to high humidity, threatening your pet’s health.
To tackle the problem, keep him in a well-ventilated vivarium.
4. You Pick Up Bearded Dragons From Above
Fourthly, a fish tank does not have doors.
You have to pick up your beardie from above. That is considerable irritation.
First, if you have a medium height, it seems complicated for you to touch the beardie lying at the bottom of the shelter.
Using a step stool is fine. But is it too frustrating when compared with a reptile enclosure?
Besides, what if your small kids want to play with the beardies?
They can not reach even the middle height of the place.
For some, they might not call help but try to touch by themselves.
That possibly leads to dangerous situations.
Other than that, bearded dragons hate to be touched or picked up from above.
In the natural environment, they are the prey of birds.
So, to detect the predators, they develop “third eyes” on their heads. That means the top part of their head is sensitive to light.
It can realize light changing hitting the eyes as fast as any animal.
As a result, they could recognize your hands coming near their heads.
Then, they tend to escape or bite as a defensive instinct.
5. Lack of Safe Screen Tops
A bearded dragon is a climbing lover. He does not do that only when he is tired or sunbathing.
So he could climb and explore his surroundings all the time.
In the wild, he spends most of his time on bushes or trees. Then, what happens if the house does not have secure screen tops?
That means you possibly lose your pet in a short time.
That is a shortage of a fish tank: no screen tops attached. To solve the problem, owners have to buy fit screen tops.
But, it requires complex steps to find a secure, appropriate, and easy-to-remove one.
Besides, hundreds of different sizes of a tank’s top make it even more complex to look for one.
Alternatively, a specific reptile house already features all stuff that a fish tank does not.
6. Not Spacious Enough
Compare the fish’s and beardie’s sizes. You would know the answer to the question, “Can you put a bearded dragon in a fish tank?”
Typically, an adult beardie requires a house measuring around 24 x 18 x 36 inches, such as a REPTI ZOO Reptile Terrarium.
As human houses, the bigger spaces, the better mood your pet has. Imagine yourself living in a 10 m2 apartment.
Then think about you staying in a 100 m2 place with gardens and pools. Consequently, you can realize how different a fish tank and a reptile enclosure are.
How to Prepare a Fish Tank?
No matter the downfalls of a fish tank, some people stubbornly want to use their leftover appliances.
That is a typical situation when you do not have enough revenue to buy a building.
Consequently, I would like to provide a step-by-step guide to prepare a better pet’s house.
1. Cleaning
Whether it is a new or old tank, you must give it a complete cleaning up.
The purpose is to remove any dirt, dust, particles, algae, or residue left.
Take a sponge and scrub hardly the tank.
If it is too dirty, soap can be a helpful tool.
However, bear in mind to wash out all the soap with water.
If not, the substance can seriously harm the animal insides.
Then, let the tank dry. If you want to save time, use towels instead.
2. Decorating
Next, decorate your pet’s house with whatever you want.
Some decorations you can use are plants, rocks, a bridge, or small trees. Put two bowls, one for food and one for water as well.
3. Private Room and Basking Platform
The third step is to add a basking platform and hiding areas. Because the favorite activity of beardies is to bask, you can put in decent rocks or bridges alike.
Again, an average tank is relatively small when compared to a reptile home.
Therefore, choose an equivalent platform to prevent your beardie from feeling annoyed.
Besides, if you have enough space, give your pet a private room or hiding area. Those could be huts, tiny houses, or shelters so that he can escape from the outside world for a while.
Well, no one knows what could happen if you and your pet have enough quiet time for chasing your thoughts and even meditation.
4. Others
The last step is to put other facilities in the pet’s house.
You can add substrate, carpets, tiles, and paper towels.
Besides, keep in mind to buy a UV light to warm enough the tank’s temperature.
You can buy this stuff in local pet shops and online websites like Walmart or Amazon.
Additionally, let’s take a look at this video to know more about preparing a bearded dragon house:
Frequently Asked Questions About Reptile Tanks and Fish Tanks
1. Can You Use a Fish Tank for a Bearded Dragon?
As I have just mentioned, experienced pet owners advised you should not keep a bearded dragon in a fish tank.
Despite its popularity, a beardie often needs a bigger house for their free activities.
Besides, the tank is specifically for fish, so the ventilation, temperature, or humidity level might not always satisfy beardies.
2. Which House Is Best for a Bearded Dragon?
A glasshouse with secure mesh tops and front doors is best for a beardie.
This kind of tank features a perfect ventilation system, making sure to retain humidity and temperature.
When choosing a house, think about safety, size, and design as the three most crucial factors.
3. What Is the Difference Between a Fish Tank and a Reptile Tank?
The most significant difference between a fish tank and a reptile tank is the ability to hold water.
While fish tanks are designed with a watertight seal to keep water ultimately, a terrarium features drains or vents to be appropriately ventilated.
Besides, the reptile house’s glass is thinner.
4. Why Is a Reptile Tank More Expensive?
The tank is expensive because they have higher quality materials and thicker walls.
When you look at two reptile tanks, size is not only the reason for their typical cost.
The core culprit is their materials, glass, plastic, or acrylic, which decide how they can withstand the scratches and pressure.
Conclusion
Above are some main knowledge related to whether you can use a fish aquarium for a bearded dragon.
Of course, you could use the tank to keep your pet if you accept some given potential threats.
The old tank is cheaper and more available.
However, it does not provide beardies suitable ventilation, temperature, humidity, and comfortable living spaces.
You might find it hard to pick up your pet from above as well.
In conclusion, we hope the article has helped you address your issues with beardie’s places at best!
Key points to take away when considering using a fish aquarium for your bearded dragon:
Using a fish aquarium as an enclosure for a bearded dragon is a topic of debate among reptile enthusiasts. While it’s possible to repurpose a fish tank, there are several factors to consider, both positive and negative, before making this decision:
Pros of Using a Fish Aquarium for a Bearded Dragon:
- Visual Appeal: Aquariums provide a clear view of your bearded dragon, allowing you to observe their behavior and activities easily.
- Airtight Enclosure: Fish tanks are designed to be airtight, which can help maintain humidity levels in the enclosure more effectively.
- Availability: Fish tanks are readily available in various sizes, making them an accessible option for housing a bearded dragon.
- Customization: You can create an appealing habitat with the addition of live plants, decor, and substrate to mimic a natural environment.
- Safety: The glass or acrylic walls of an aquarium help keep your bearded dragon contained and can protect them from potential hazards in the room.
Cons of Using a Fish Aquarium for a Bearded Dragon:
- Inadequate Size: Most fish tanks are too shallow for bearded dragons, failing to provide the necessary vertical space for climbing and exercising.
- Insufficient Ventilation: Fish tanks are designed for water-dwelling animals and may lack adequate ventilation, potentially leading to poor air quality.
- Heat and Lighting Challenges: Achieving the proper temperature gradient and UVB exposure can be more challenging in an aquarium due to limited space and ventilation.
- Inadequate Basking Space: Bearded dragons require a dedicated basking spot. Fish tanks may not provide enough surface area for this essential activity.
- Substrate and Waste Management: Managing substrates and waste removal can be more cumbersome in an aquarium, as it often requires a complete enclosure cleaning.
Tips for Using a Fish Aquarium for Your Bearded Dragon:
- Size Matters: If you choose to use a fish tank, select the largest size possible to accommodate your bearded dragon’s needs.
- Ventilation Improvement: Modify the tank to improve ventilation by adding screen tops or vents to ensure proper air circulation.
- Temperature and Lighting: Invest in quality heat lamps and UVB lighting fixtures to create the necessary temperature gradient and UVB exposure.
- Daily Maintenance: Be prepared for daily substrate maintenance and waste removal, as aquariums can be less forgiving in this regard.
- Enclosure Enrichment: Enhance the environment with appropriate decor, climbing opportunities, and hiding spots to keep your bearded dragon mentally and physically stimulated.
Conclusion:
Using a fish aquarium for a bearded dragon can be feasible with the right modifications, but it comes with challenges related to size, ventilation, and maintaining proper temperature and lighting. If you choose this route, ensure you make the necessary adjustments to provide a safe and comfortable habitat for your bearded dragon. However, many reptile-specific enclosures are designed to meet the unique needs of bearded dragons and may offer a more suitable housing option.
