How to Choose the Right Enclosure Size for Your Bearded Dragon
Choosing the right enclosure size for your bearded dragon is one of the most important decisions for any beardie owner. A properly sized habitat lets your pet move, climb, and bask comfortably. Enclosure size depends on factors like your dragon’s age, length, and activity level. Our durable PVC reptile enclosures come in many sizes and are designed to help you create the perfect habitat.
Bearded dragon basking on a rock in its enclosure, illustrating habitat space and size.
Bearded dragons grow quickly, often reaching up to 24 inches long. In the hatchling and juvenile stages, these lizards do well in smaller tanks (20–30 gallons). As they mature into adults, their space needs grow. Experts generally recommend at least 20 gallons for juveniles and 40 gallons or more for adult dragons. In fact, one reptile care guide suggests a minimum of 75 gallons for an adult bearded dragon, with 120 gallons being the ideal size. Remember, bigger is always better for a healthy, active dragon.
How to Choose the Right Enclosure Size for Your Bearded Dragon
Life Stage: Choose a tank based on your dragon’s current size. Hatchlings and juveniles can start in 20-gallon tanks, but you'll need to upgrade as they grow. The table below lists general guidelines.
Activity Level: Some beardies are more active climbers or runners. A very active dragon benefits from extra floor space and climbing room.
Growth Plans: If you plan on keeping your dragon for many years, consider a larger enclosure now to save money on upgrades later.
Safety First: Make sure the enclosure is tall enough for climbing and long enough for running. A good rule is that the tank’s length should be at least as long as the dragon’s total length (including tail).
Living Alone: Bearded dragons are typically solitary. For one dragon, focus on ample space rather than cohabiting. (Housing two dragons together requires a much larger cage and is not recommended for beginners.)
Enclosure Size Recommendations by Life Stage
The table below shows recommended minimum enclosure sizes (in gallons) for bearded dragons at different life stages. Always aim for the largest practical enclosure.
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Life Stage | Age Range | Minimum Enclosure (Gallons)
-Hatchling | 0–6 months | 10–20 gallons
-Juvenile | 6–12 months | 20–30 gallons
-Sub-Adult | 12–18 months | 40–55 gallons
-Adult |18+ months | 75+ gallons (120 ideal)
Sources: PetMD (20 gal for juveniles, 40+ gal adults); BeWild Rescue (40 gal min, 75–120 gal ideal)
Discover the ideal enclosure size for your bearded dragon with our expert guide. Featuring premium black PVC enclosures, heat bulbs, and enriching décor like walnut shell substrate and fresh greens, we show you how proper space and setup support your reptile’s health and happiness. Learn what size your dragon truly needs!
Benefits of PVC Reptile Enclosures
PVC reptile enclosures (like our brand’s line) are ideal for bearded dragons. They offer several advantages:
Improved Heat Retention: PVC enclosures hold heat more efficiently than glass. This keeps temperatures stable and can lower your energy use.
Non-Reflective Surfaces: The walls of PVC cages are matte. Your dragon won’t see its reflection and become stressed.
Customizable & Expandable: Many PVC enclosures are stackable or offer modular extension kits. You can add stands, spacers, or wheels to adapt the enclosure as needed.
Ventilation: A quality PVC cage includes a full-mesh top and side vents, providing good airflow without risking escapes.
Front-Opening Doors: Most PVC cages have front doors, which make feeding and cleaning easier and cause less stress than reaching over a top.
Durable & Easy to Clean: PVC is waterproof and won’t corrode. It's easy to wipe down and can last for years.
Our PVC enclosures also come with thoughtful features like built-in handles and long warranties. For example, the 4'x2'x2' PVC Enclosure meets the 40-gallon standard and has superior heat retention to keep your beardie warm. See our full PVC enclosure collection for all available sizes.
Setting Up the Perfect Habitat
Once you have the right-size enclosure, set it up properly:
Create a thermal gradient: place a basking lamp at one end (100–110°F) and a cooler area on the other (75–85°F).
Use suitable substrate: Tile or reptile carpet are safe and easy to clean. Avoid loose substrates like sand that can cause impaction.
Add decor: Include branches, rocks, and hides scaled to the tank size. More space lets you add more enrichment.
Provide lighting: Install a proper UVB light and heat lamp. Larger tanks may require higher-wattage bulbs to achieve the right basking temperatures.
Following these tips ensures your bearded dragon can thrive in a spacious, secure, and comfortable home.
Conclusion
Choosing the right enclosure size is key to your bearded dragon’s health and happiness. Always upgrade to a larger tank as your dragon grows. Our PVC reptile enclosures come in many sizes (60–240 gallons) to fit every stage of life. They’re designed to retain heat, reduce stress, and make care easy. Bigger tanks also allow for more décor and basking spots, creating an enriching environment that keeps your beardie active and healthy. Ready to give your beardie the best home? Check out our PVC bearded dragon enclosures and find the perfect size for your pet today!
Where to Buy the Best PVC Enclosures for Your Bearded Dragon
When choosing the right home for your beardie, quality matters. We offer premium PVC reptile enclosures built for comfort, durability, and ease of use. Whether you're housing a juvenile or a full-grown adult, our enclosures are designed with:
Front-Sliding doors for easy access
Superior heat retention to maintain proper temps
Optional stands, spacers, and stacking capabilities
Secure ventilation and minimal stress features
👉 Browse our collection of PVC bearded dragon enclosures here:
View Enclosures
Shop the 4'x2'x2' enclosure — our best-seller for adult beardies!
Still needing help picking a size? Contact us here — we’ll help you find the perfect setup for your dragon.
Hashtags: #BeardedDragon #ReptileEnclosure #PVCEnclosure #PetReptile #ReptileCare
Sources: PetMD: petmd.com, petmd.com
BeWild Reptile Rescue: community.morphmarket.com
Reptile care guides: talis-us.com,
Zen Habitats: zenhabitats.com, zenhabitats.com.
Stumps Custom Wood: Stumpscustomwood.com.
