The bearded dragon is one of the most popular reptilian pets, particularly for beginners, thanks to their easygoing, gentle temperaments. As with any reptile, there’s a fair bit to learn about getting their tank environment just right, especially in terms of lighting, humidity, and temperature, which are crucial to your bearded dragon’s survival and overall well-being. But as a general overview, the temperature of your bearded dragon’s tank will differ depending on whether it’s daytime or nighttime or whether they’re a baby, juvenile, or adult.
Learning the ins and outs of the perfect tank environment can be pretty intimidating for new bearded dragon parents. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best tank temperature for keeping bearded dragons healthy and happy. Before we get started, if you’re ever in doubt, please speak to your vet or an exotic pet expert about the best way to set up your tank.
Normal Tank Temperature
Wild bearded dragons inhabit deserts, savannahs, and subtropical woodlands across Australia. As cold-blooded animals that cannot regulate their body temperature, domestic bearded dragons must live in an environment replicating their natural habitat to survive.
The temperature of your bearded dragon’s tank will differ depending on whether it’s daytime or nighttime or whether they’re a baby, juvenile, or adult. The tank should have a warm zone with a basking area and a cooler zone on opposite ends of the tank, with the temperatures in the middle zone falling between the temperatures of each side of the tank.
Furthermore, each tank should contain at least two thermometers to ensure you always have an accurate temperature reading and can monitor the temperature appropriately.
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Normal Daytime Temperature
For adult bearded dragons, the daytime tank temperature should be between 80° and 88° degrees Fahrenheit, and the basking spot should be between 95° and 105° F. The ideal basking zone temperature for baby bearded dragons is between 95° and 110° F, and the cooler zone should be between 80° and 90° F.
For juveniles, the ideal basking zone temperature should be between 95° and 100° F, and the cooler zone should be between 80° and 90° F.
Normal Nighttime Temperature
At night, the tank temperature should be around 70° to 75° F. If it drops below 65°, you may need to consider extra nighttime heating options. More on this below.
What Causes Low Tank Temperature?
Several factors can contribute to tank temperature drops. One cause is using a heat bulb with a wattage that is too low to keep the temperature up.
Another cause of temperature drops is a thermostat (which regulates the tank temperature) that’s not powerful enough to handle the demands of the tank. You may also not be using a reliable thermometer for bearded dragon enclosures, which results in inaccurate temperature readings.
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Oversized tanks can also cause the temperature to drop in the cooler zone. You may need extra heat sources for a larger tank. It’s also key to consider the kind of substrate you’re using, as this can also affect tank temperature. Sand, for example, is not a good substrate choice—it’s best to go for newspaper, paper towels, or reptile carpet.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to raise the tank temperature to an appropriate level. Let’s explore this further.
How to Increase Bearded Dragon Tank Temperature
1. Get the Lighting Right
Bearded dragons need UV lighting in addition to an appropriately heated basking area. Mercury vapor bulbs are a popular choice and ensure your bearded dragon gets UVA and UVB lighting in one go while simultaneously heating up the tank.
However, mercury vapor bulbs may not be the best choice for tanks under 40 gallons as they reach high temperatures, which can be dangerous. If you’re using a mercury vapor bulb, ensure there are shady spots that your bearded dragon can retreat to and stick to a safe wattage like 100 watts.
If you’re not using a mercury vapor bulb, you’ll need to provide an additional heat source for basking in addition to UVB lighting. There are several types of basking bulbs, including incandescent heat bulbs and halogen flood light bulbs.
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2. Use Ceramic Heat Emitters at Night
Ceramic heat emitter bulbs are a popular choice for nighttime heating because they give off heat without giving off light. Light at nighttime can seriously interfere with your beardie’s sleep, so the tank needs to be kept dark at night.
3. Cover the Tank
If you have trouble keeping your tank at an appropriate nighttime temperature, place a blanket or towel over it. This isn’t likely to do much, but it may help stabilize the temperature.
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4. Warm Your Room Up
Keeping the room with the enclosure warm (central heating, etc.) is a great way to keep your beardie warm at the same time.
5. Provide a Ramp for Basking
A basking ramp or basking platform won’t heat the temperature of your bearded dragon’s tank, but it will help your beardie reap the benefits of the heat source. Remember to keep heat lamps around 12 inches above the basking area to prevent burns and overheating.
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6. Use Digital Thermometers
Digital thermometers are more likely to give you an accurate temperature reading. Your tank should contain two thermometers at either end to help you monitor the temperature in both the cooler and warmer zones. Keeping a handheld monitor to double-check the temperature is also a good idea. You should also use a high-range thermostat for temperature regulation.
Ceramic Heat Emitter vs Heat Mats
You may have heard of other heating sources like heat mats and rocks. It’s not recommended to use them as they can potentially burn your bearded dragon, so ceramic heat emitters are the better choice. However, under-tank heating mats may be a decent alternative, as they don’t physically come into contact with your beardie, but don’t use them with plastic or wood tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bearded Dragons Get Too Hot?
Yes, they can if the temperature is too high and the tank isn’t properly ventilated. Bearded dragons living in hot areas are most at risk. To prevent overheating, avoid placing your tank in direct sunlight, make sure your beardie always has clean water, and perform regular thermometer checks to ensure the tank temperature falls within the normal range.
If you allow your beardie to roam outside during summer, make sure there’s a shady area for them to go to and always supervise. Misting your bearded dragon with clean water throughout the day is also an excellent way to keep them cool in summer.
Symptoms of overheating in reptiles include rapid breathing, panting, disorientation, staggering, loss of appetite, and wobbly gait.
It’s also a good idea to consider raising your heating lamp, using a dimmer attachment, using a heat bulb with lower wattage, and turning off any extra heating sources—like under-tank pads—that you may be using. Move your tank to a cooler area and keep it out of direct sunlight. You may need to close the curtains if necessary.
Conclusion
To conclude, the temperature in an adult bearded dragon’s tank should fall between 80° and 88° Fahrenheit in the cooler zone and between 95° and 105° F in the basking (warmer zone) during the daytime. At night, the temperature should be between 70° and 75° F. The basking zone temperature is slightly warmer for babies and juveniles.
If you’re concerned about your bearded dragon’s health or tank setup, please consult your vet or an exotic pet expert for the best possible advice.
Kit Copson is a freelance writer and dedicated animal lover with a strong interest in animal welfare. She has parented numerous furry creatures over the years and is currently a proud cat mom of two—one very chilled (unless hungry) Siamese and a skittish but adorable Domestic Shorthair—and dog mom of one—an adopted Bichon Poodle cross. When not writing about or spending time with animals, Kit can be found doodling in her sketchpad, reading, or more often than not, drinking tea.
