Welcome to The Habitarium's Bioactive Habitat Guide on Bearded Dragons.
Creating a bioactive habitat for Bearded Dragons is an enriching and rewarding endeavor that replicates their natural environment while promoting their health and well-being. In this guide, we'll cover all the essential requirements for building the perfect bioactive habitat for your Bearded Dragon, from selecting the right substrate and plants to introducing beneficial invertebrates and maintaining optimal conditions. By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that not only meets the needs of your Bearded Dragon but also brings a piece of nature into your home.
Without further adieu, lets start by learning about the Bearded Dragons natural habitat!
All About the Bearded Dragon (Pagona vitticeps)
The Central Bearded Dragon, also known as the Inland Bearded Dragon, hails from the arid landscapes of central Australia. This agamid lizard is a member of the reptilian genus Pogona, which includes seven other distinct species.
They are a semiarboreal species, meaning a significant part of their lives is spent in trees and thick brush. In addition to their arboreal activities, they also spend time basking under the warm Australian sun, often on rocky surfaces and cliff faces.
Being diurnal reptiles, they are active during daylight hours and rest at night. In the daytime, they focus on hunting a variety of insects and grazing on native vegetation. They also establish permanent burrows or concealed shelters to seek refuge from nightly temperature changes and potential predators.
Adult Central Bearded Dragons grow to between 16 and 24 inches in length and weigh roughly 12 to 20 ounces, with males typically being larger than females. They live for about 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer in captivity. The current world record is 18 years!
Bearded Dragons also go through a type of hibernation called brumation. Brumation is a period of dormancy or reduced metabolic activity, primarily in response to cold temperatures and limited food sources. This state enables them to conserve energy and withstand challenging environmental conditions, an adaptation that enhances their survival. As conditions improve, they emerge from this dormant state in improved physical condition.
Native Habitat
The Central Bearded Dragon, as its namesake suggests, calls Central Australia its natural home. Central Australia's landscape is a stark and mesmerizing display of arid desolation and raw natural beauty. A vast desert expanse, this region is affectionately known as the "Red Centre" for the rusty, red-hued sands that stretch across the horizon. Stony rock formations rise abruptly from the flat, barren terrain and the sparse vegetation, including saltbush and desert oaks, cling to life in this challenging environment. The ever-changing climate shifts between scorching daytime heat and freezing night temperatures, creating a land of harsh contrasts, and resilient plants and animals.
Central Australia experiences substantial temperature fluctuations across its seasons. In winter, temperatures range from an average of 37°F to 68°F (3°C to 20°C), occasionally dropping below freezing at 32°F (0°C). Conversely, during the summer months, temperatures soar to a scorching 105°F (41°C), with average highs between 60°F and 95°F (20°C to 35°C).
Central Australia is renowned for its remarkable aridity, receiving some of the lowest rainfall levels across the entire continent. With annual precipitation ranging from a mere 2 inches to 10 inches (50mm to 250mm), the region remains exceptionally dry. This scarcity of rainfall contributes to the maintenance of its arid character. As a result, the average humidity tends to hover around the modest range of 35% to 40%, further accentuating the desert-like conditions that define this its landscape.
Bioactive Basics
When you have made the decision to embrace the role of a Bearded Dragon owner, there are several vital considerations to take into account. Foremost among these is the provision of a suitable habitat enclosure for your new companion. At The Habitarium, our core belief is that every exotic animal deserves the absolute best we can provide, and in our view, nothing less than a Bioactive Habitat will suffice. Bioactive Habitats yield numerous advantages, fostering a vibrant, natural ecosystem that promotes the expression of your animal’s innate behaviors while enriching their lives by faithfully emulating their native habitats.
Environment
Enclosure Type
Temperature and Humidity
Lighting
Substrate and Botanicals
Clean-Up Crews
Safe Plants
These represent the fundamental aspects to contemplate when crafting a bioactive habitat tailored to your Bearded Dragon. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to delving into these critical details, providing you with all the pertinent information necessary to facilitate a seamless and hassle-free transition into the world of Bioactive Habitats.
Environment
The initial factor to consider pertains to the environment of your Bearded Dragon. Undoubtedly, the environment plays an indispensable role in the health and well-being of these reptiles. Bearded Dragons originate from arid surroundings characterized by dry, scorching conditions. Adequate airflow maintains a consistently low level of humidity. Precipitation is minimal, with water primarily sourced from their food and surrounding vegetation. The arid climate experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, transitioning from frigid winters to scorching summers, with these temperature variations also occurring daily and nightly.
The native environment of Bearded Dragons is seldom overlooked when creating a bioactive habitat. Nevertheless, a frequently neglected environmental factor is the one they are introduced to – your own environment. The maintenance of your Bearded Dragon's bioactive habitat greatly depends on the conditions in its surroundings. Sufficient airflow proves invaluable in meeting their low humidity requirements. However, if you reside in a region with exceptionally high humidity, like the southeastern United States, managing humidity within a well-ventilated habitat can be quite challenging. For instance, in Georgia, where The Habitarium's headquarters is situated, the annual average humidity level stands at a staggering 85%, which is more than double the ideal humidity level for a Bearded Dragon. This element should be carefully considered when constructing your habitats. In areas with daily humidity levels as high as the 90s, it's essential to focus on effective drainage, provide small water sources, and limit watering. It's crucial to ensure that the substrate doesn't become excessively moist, as once it's saturated, drying it out can become a near-impossible task.
Enclosure
Choosing the right enclosure serves as the next step in establishing a bioactive habitat. It's essential to recognize that Bearded Dragons are solitary creatures. Housing them together can lead to unnecessary stress and unexpected conflicts, even among Bearded Dragons that have cohabitated for an extended period of time. As solidarity is their natural inclination, there is no need to fear loneliness with your Bearded Dragon!
The next consideration is the size of your habitat. We recommend a minimum size of 120 gallons for an adult Bearded Dragon, equivalent to a 4' x 2' x 2' enclosure. You are, of course, welcome to opt for a larger size if you prefer, but setting up a habitat smaller than this will eventually require an upgrade as your Bearded Dragon continues to grow.
Proper temperature and humidity levels are crucial for Bearded Dragon care, and the material of your enclosure is vital to this role. Generally, there are two main types of enclosures: PVC and glass. At The Habitarium, we construct all our habitats in-house, primarily utilizing PVC. However, there are various commercial alternatives available made from glass that can also serve as suitable options.
Whether you choose PVC or Glass, it's crucial to ensure adequate air circulation in your habitat. Avoid the use of solid tops and instead use a screen cover. Solid glass or PVC tops have a tendency to trap moisture, elevating humidity within the enclosure. Glass tops can also obstruct UVA and UVB radiation, which are vital for your Bearded Dragon's well-being and should be avoided. In our Bearded Dragon tanks, we also incorporate cross ventilation by including vents on both sides.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintaining consistent and appropriate temperatures is crucial for the well-being of your Bearded Dragon. The ideal temperature can vary slightly depending on your pet's age. At the top of this section, we have provided a convenient table displaying the required temperatures for your habitat based on the age of your Bearded Dragon.
Monitoring Devices
While having a minimum of one accurate thermometer is essential, for efficient temperature monitoring of the habitat, we strongly advise utilizing two high-range thermometers with remote sensor probes. Placing one on each side of the habitat will provide you with consistent temperature readings for both the Cool and Warm Sides.
At The Habitarium, we find it convenient to use Thermometer/Hygrometer combinations, which allow us to monitor both temperature and humidity in one device.
Heating Sources
There are several available heating sources depending on your need and size of your habitat. The two most common types are Heat Lamps and Ceramic Heat Emitters. At Habitarium, we primarily use heat lamps for our heating needs, however we have found that ceramic heat emitters can be beneficial for nighttime heating, limiting the amount of light output. There's virtually no shortage of heating options to choose from, so your main priority should be selecting a style or setup that suits your needs and maintains the ideal temperature for your animals.
The crucial takeaway is that achieving optimal temperature and humidity management is paramount, regardless of the specific products utilized. Substandard temperature and humidity levels can lead to a myriad of problems and health issues for your Bearded Dragon, making it imperative to address these factors diligently.
Wattage
Choosing the right bulb wattage depends on the proximity to the basking spot. In our setups, we use a variety of wattages, mainly ranging from 75 to 100 watts, with most of our lamps positioned at a distance of 12 to 18 inches from the basking area. There isn't a precise formula for determining the ideal bulb wattage, bulb type, or setup style. To monitor basking temperatures effectively, we recommend using a handheld infrared thermometer. This way, you can adjust the distance or wattage of your lamps as needed.
Nighttime Heat
Nighttime heating is usually unnecessary, provided the temperature outside your habitat stays above approximately 65°F. Bearded Dragons are remarkably resilient to significant temperature variations, but when temperatures fall below this threshold, it can negatively impact their health, making it worthwhile to consider nighttime heating.
If you do find the need for nighttime heating, it's essential to minimize the light emitted and avoid disrupting your Bearded Dragons' natural sleep patterns. Various nighttime heating bulbs and ceramic heat emitters are available, which can effectively help you achieve these objectives.
Humidity
Maintaining the right humidity range in a Bearded Dragon's bioactive habitat is both essential and relatively uncomplicated. Inadequate humidity levels can lead to various issues for your Bearded Dragon, such as skin problems and respiratory infections. A Hygrometer simplifies the task of monitoring humidity and often comes bundled with thermometers for temperature monitoring.
For Bearded Dragons, humidity levels should fall between 35% and 40%. To maintain these levels, we employ several strategies. Avoiding large water dishes is an effective way to prevent excessive humidity, especially when placing them on the cooler side of the habitat, away from the basking heat lamps. The choice of substrate is critical, so it's advisable to steer clear of bark or coco fiber substrates known for moisture retention and saturation. Keeping your plant and decor elements to a minimum can also aid in humidity control. In case these measures fall short, using humidifiers or dehumidifiers can help you maintain the optimal humidity levels.
Lighting
Setting up the proper lighting for your Bearded Dragon is relatively uncomplicated, but there are several standards that you have to follow, and these can be achieved simply by choosing the correct light source. It’s important to replicate the Bearded Dragons natural light cycles with roughly 12 hours of daylight exposure. Providing full spectrum lighting that provides the proper UV exposure is important to your Bearded Dragons health and not providing these sources can lead to mental problems, loss of appetite, and metabolic bone disease.
Full Spectrum Lighting
Full spectrum lighting refers to artificial lighting that closely replicates the natural light spectrum of the sun. It provides a balanced and wide range of colors and wavelengths, including both visible and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared) light, similar to natural sunlight. It is used to provide specific wavelengths, such as ultraviolet light, which is essential for Bearded Dragons to synthesize vitamin D when they don't have access to natural sunlight.
In summary, full spectrum lighting aims to replicate the complete spectrum of natural light to serve specific purposes or provide a more natural and balanced lighting environment.
UVA (Ultraviolet A) Exposure
UVA radiation exposure provides several benefits for your Bearded Dragon. It aids in behavioral stimulation and is crucial for simulating natural environmental conditions. It helps in promoting their natural behaviors, such as feeding, mating, and basking. Providing UVA light can help replicate the natural environment of Bearded Dragons and encourage more natural and active behaviors.
It also plays a role in regulating the circadian rhythms of Bearded Dragons and maintaining a proper day-night cycle, which is important for overall health and well-being.
UVA exposure also helps Bearded Dragons perceive and recognize objects, including prey and other individuals. It enhances their visual perception and plays a role in their hunting and social behaviors.
UVA (Ultraviolet B) Exposure
UVB radiation is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D3 in a Bearded Dragon's skin. When a Bearded Dragon is exposed to UVB light, their skin converts a precursor molecule into active vitamin D3. This vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption from their diet, which is necessary for bone health, growth, and overall metabolic processes.
Vitamin D3, synthesized with the help of UVB radiation, regulates the calcium levels in your Bearded Dragon's body. Adequate calcium levels are essential for bone development and maintenance. Without sufficient UVB exposure, Bearded Dragons can suffer from calcium deficiencies and lead to health issues like metabolic bone disease.
Vitamin D3 also plays a role in regulating the Bearded Dragon's immune system. It helps them resist infections and diseases.
Proper UVB exposure is also critical for the healthy growth and reproductive abilities of Bearded Dragons. Inadequate UVB lighting can lead to stunted growth and reproductive issues.
Like UVA, UVB also assists in the overall health of a Bearded Dragons eyes.
In general, ensuring that your Bearded Dragon has access to comprehensive Full Spectrum Lighting, providing a diverse range of UV exposure, is vital for their overall health and welfare. In The Habitarium, we utilize a combination of Full Spectrum T5 High Output Lights and LED bars for our plants, sourced from a variety of reputable brands.
Clean-Up Crew
Truly bringing Bioactivity to life is none other than your Clean Up Crew. Also referred to as “tank janitors”, your Clean Up Crew does more than clean up your habitat, and consists of two vital additions to your inhabitants, Isopods and Springtails.
Springtails
Springtails are tiny, wingless arthropods that belong to the order Collembola. Springtails are detritivores, which means they feed on decaying plant material, fungi, algae, and microorganisms. They play an essential role in breaking down organic matter and contributing to nutrient cycling in the ecosystem of your habitat. They also help to outcompete other invasive insects such as mites and gnats.
There are thousands of species of springtails, however not all of them are suited for the responsibilities required of the arid environment of your Bearded Dragon, however there are a few up for the task.
Wood Runner Springtails (Entomobrya sp.) – Wood Runners are one of our go to species for Bearded Dragon bioactive habitats, and all arid habitats for that matter. They thrive incredibly in the arid enviornment of the Bearded Dragon.
Bylas Ant Springtails (Pseudosinella sp.) - A voracious and incredible versitile species, along with Wood Runners, these are one of our go to species for Bearded Dragons bioactive habitats. They are prolific and swift custodial workers.
Cotton Springtails (Entomobrya unostigata) – A relatively new springtail species to The Habitarium, the Cotton Springtails have proven their worth in many arid bioactive habitats.
Isopods
Isopods, commonly known as woodlice or sowbugs, play a crucial and multifaceted role in your bioactive habitat. Like Springtails, they are detritivores, meaning they primarily feed on decaying organic matter, such as leaf litter, rotting wood, and dead plant material. They help break down and recycle organic waste within the habitat. This decomposition process is essential for nutrient cycling, as it converts complex organic compounds into simpler forms that are beneficial for plant life. This nutrient recycling promotes a healthier and more fertile environment.
Isopods burrow and move through the substrate, which helps aerate the soil and prevents compaction. Improved soil aeration benefits plants by allowing them to access oxygen and nutrients more easily and establish strong lasting roots.
Isopods can help control pest populations in the habitat as well. They are known to feed on mold, fungus, and other small invertebrates that might otherwise become a nuisance or negatively impact the ecosystem.
Isopods also produce a biofilm on the substrate's surface, which is a beneficial microbial layer. This biofilm is a food source for other microorganisms, including springtails.
Isopods are moisture-sensitive and can help regulate the moisture levels in the vivarium's substrate. They tend to congregate in areas with higher humidity and may distribute moisture as they move through the substrate. The proper isopod species can help you maintain proper moisture and humidity levels within your Bearded Dragons habitat.
In summary, isopods are essential contributors to the overall health and sustainability of a bioactive habitat. They assist in waste decomposition, nutrient cycling, pest control, and ecosystem balance, creating a more natural and self-sustaining environment for the other organisms and your Bearded Dragon.
Like springtails, there are many species of Isopods, but not all of them are suited for the arid environment of your Bearded Dragon. Here are some of the species we have had great success with in our arid habitats.
Powder Orange/Blue (Porcellionides Pruinosus) – The undisputed champions of Clean Up Crew isopods, there isn’t a habitat that we haven’t had success with that included them. They are prolific, and excellent at their jobs, as well as great at staying out of sight so your Bearded Dragon doesn’t gorge on them as a snack.
Giant Canyon (Porcellio dilatatus) – The Giant Canyon isopods do very well under arid conditions, and their voracious appetites make them excellent clean up crews. They are almost as prolific as Porcellionides isopods; however they do prefer a deeper substrate as they are intense burrowers.
Peach (Armadillidium nasatum) – Another excellent isopod for arid environments, they blend into their surroundings exceptionally well. They do take a bit longer to establish larger colonies and are slower breeders, they have an excellent appetite and work quickly.
Substrate and Botanicals
Substrate
Selecting the right substrate for your Bearded Dragon's bioactive habitat can be a bit of a puzzle. The market offers numerous choices, each with its own pros and cons. Various professional Bearded Dragon breeders have their own substrate preferences. At The Habitarium, we maintain an open-minded approach, carefully considering several factors before making our substrate choices.
Preferring an arid and dry environment, your substrate must fit this profile. It needs to remain dry on its surface, support the burrowing nature of the Bearded Dragon, as well as hold just enough moisture to support the bioactive invertebrates within the substrate and support the plant life. To achieve these requirements the best approach we have found is a layered substate.
For our initial layer, known as the sub layer, we use our own handcrafted Bioactive Invertestrate. This substrate is carefully crafted from seven different ingredients that were selected for their excellent bioactive properties, and their nutritional value for bioactive invertebrates, specifically Isopods and Springtails. Its retentive nature allows excess water to collect below the surface, providing hydration for plant roots and bioactive invertebrates. Additionally, it aerates the root zone, ensuring plant roots receive oxygen and preventing suffocation due to water saturation. Invertestrate adds stability to plant roots and prevents soil compaction, a common issue in habitats over time. It also retains some nutrients, making them available to plant roots gradually, which is beneficial for plants with slower nutrient uptake. Furthermore, it provides a habitat for beneficial microorganisms that contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Unlike many Bearded Dragon bioactive setups that avoid a water retentive substrate layer due to potential humidity control challenges, The Habitarium incorporates one. Despite our elevated humidity levels in Georgia, we've discovered that this layer benefits plant growth and invetebrate colonies without causing significant habitat maintenance issues.
Although we've achieved positive results using Invertestrate alone, we also incorporate an upper layer comprised of gravel, silt, clay, and fine sand. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your habitat but also brings your Bearded Dragon closer to its natural environment, as these are the primary components of Central Australian soil.
Botanicals
When it comes to incorporating botanicals into your Bearded Dragon habitat, we adhere to the principle that simplicity is often best. The excessive use of botanical elements can lead to challenging temperature and humidity fluctuations, so we opt for a more restrained approach.
However, it's a wise idea to introduce a substantial amount of hardwood leaf litter. We typically prefer Oak and Pecan leaves for this purpose, as they not only serve as a dry food source for your bioactive invertebrates but also enhance the natural look of the habitat. Additionally, including stones and rocks can be beneficial, as they effectively retain heat, creating additional warm spots for your Bearded Dragon to bask. These rocks also provide a convenient means for your Bearded Dragon to naturally maintain its claws.
To create optimal shelter for your Bearded Dragon, we suggest incorporating at least two designated hideaway areas. Our recommended shelters are crafted from Cork Bark, a material that is resistant to breakdown by isopods, ensuring longevity and maintaining both functionality and aesthetic appeal in your habitat. It's a thoughtful approach that prioritizes the well-being of your dragon while enhancing the overall visual appeal of the enclosure.
In addition to providing shelters, we incorporate numerous large hardwood branches and driftwoods in our setups. These additions offer enrichment for your Bearded Dragon, providing expansive climbing spaces and alternative spots for both sleep and basking. It's essential to ensure that these elements are sufficiently large and spacious, accommodating your dragon's growth for a comfortable and stimulating habitat.
Safe Plants
Incorporating plants into your Bearded Dragon's bioactive habitat is a fundamental component, just as it is in any bioactive setting. However, Bearded Dragons can pose a unique challenge for plants. Their size and behavior can lead to unintentional damage, as they may inadvertently knock over or uproot more delicate plants. Furthermore, their omnivorous nature means they're likely to indulge in a nibble on any greenery you introduce into their habitat.
Acknowledging these inherent traits, we take a pragmatic approach when crafting a bioactive habitat for Bearded Dragons. We prioritize the selection of plants that can withstand their occasionally clumsy interactions safely and, importantly, serve as a non-toxic source of supplemental nutrition. As a result, most of the plants we choose to include are edible, ensuring both the durability of the habitat and the dietary needs of your Bearded Dragon are met.
Below, you'll find a selection of the plants we frequently incorporate into our habitats.
Opuntia Cactus: The Opuntia Cactus, commonly referred to as the Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus, is an excellent choice for your Bearded Dragon's habitat. These cacti are robust and resilient, well-suited to the arid conditions of your habitat. Furthermore, they offer valuable health benefits for your Bearded Dragon. In fact, you can cut up small pieces of the cactus and incorporate them into their daily diet as a nutritious addition.
Elephant Bush: Sometimes known as the "Miniature Jade" because of its likeness to the Crassula ovata Jade Plant, the Elephant Bush is a resilient small succulent. Despite its "miniature" label, it can reach the size of a medium-sized shrub. While your Bearded Dragon may consume most of its lush green leaves, don't worry, as they will naturally regrow.
Rosemary: Rosemary, a well-known culinary herb, is not only a flavorful addition to your Bearded Dragon's diet but also a valuable one. It is entirely safe for consumption, and while your Bearded Dragon will undoubtedly indulge in its aromatic leaves, it also imparts a pleasant fragrance to your habitat. Additionally, rosemary is recognized for its pest-repelling properties, contributing to the overall well-being of your bioactive environment.
Mint: Similar to Rosemary, Mint is another familiar culinary herb that can be a fantastic inclusion in your Bearded Dragon's habitat. With its well-known refreshing flavors and delightful aromas, it offers not only a non-toxic treat but also plays a role in deterring pests, further enhancing the overall quality of your bioactive environment.
Succulents: Several succulent species make excellent enhancements to your Bearded Dragon's habitat. Several types of Haworthia, Aloe Vera, and Agave are well-suited for arid conditions, requiring minimal maintenance, and are safe for your Bearded Dragon to consume. Nevertheless, these plants are relatively small and somewhat delicate, which could make them vulnerable to your Bearded Dragon's curious nature.
Bromeliads: Tillandsia species, commonly referred to as Air Plants, are wonderful additions to your Bearded Dragon's habitat. They don't need to be buried in traditional substrates or follow regular watering routines. Instead, they can grow epiphytically throughout your enclosure. The excellent air circulation in your Bearded Dragon's habitat provides an ideal environment for them to flourish, adding both beauty and a burst of color to the overall aesthetic.
Conclusion
The Bearded Dragon stands out as an amazing pet for numerous reasons. With its unique and charming personality, it quickly forms a special bond with its owners. These reptiles are known for their docile nature, making them particularly suitable for first-time reptile enthusiasts. Bearded Dragons are incredibly low maintenance, requiring only a simple diet, minimal grooming, and a comfortably warm habitat. Their friendly and sociable disposition means they readily interact with their human companions, often displaying amusing behaviors that endear them to their owners.
Creating a proper Bioactive Habitat is a heartfelt way of reciprocating the love and affection our Bearded Dragon companions bring into our lives, and this principle remains close to our hearts at The Habitarium. While this endeavor might appear daunting, rest assured that The Habitarium is here to support you and your cherished Bearded Dragon. If you ever require further guidance for your habitat or have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're more than happy to assist you at every step of the process, and we hope that this guide has been instrumental in your quest to provide the very best for your Bearded Dragon.
Thank you for taking the time to seek out and learn about bioactive Bearded Dragon habitats. We appreciate your interest and dedication to providing the best possible environment for your Bearded Dragon. Your commitment to understanding and implementing bioactive setups not only enhances the well-being of your pet but also contributes to the overall knowledge and advancement of reptile care. We hope our guide has been informative and helpful, and we look forward to supporting you on your journey to creating a thriving, natural habitat for your bearded dragon. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support.
If you have any questions or concern feel free to reach out to us!
A special thanks for their photography:
Adam Mills
Gary Ellis
Jaroslav
Rene Riegal
David Clode
Louis Tripp
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