6 Best Bearded Dragon Enclosures, Tanks, Cages & Terrariums

Bearded dragons have specific cage requirements due to their unique behaviors and needs. Sadly, most cages that are designed for bearded dragons are not actually suitable for them.

Housing a bearded dragon in the wrong enclosure can lead to serious issues, such as a shortened lifespan, higher stress levels, and even injury.

For example, glass enclosures being the popular choice for bearded dragons present a number of problems. Bearded dragons have a hard time recognizing glass as a boundary, and may try to climb or walk through the glass resulting in a behavior known as “glass surfing” that could potentially injure their snouts or even cause severe mouth rot.

The best bearded dragon enclosure is one that offers ample space for your beardie to roam around, has adequate ventilation, has easy access for cleaning and maintenance, and doesn’t cost a fortune.

In this article, we give our review of the six best bearded dragon cages. The reviews are based on our personal use of the terrariums and customers’ feedback on their official websites. We have tried to cover everything from build quality information to what we like about each cage.

Key Points From This Guide

• The #1 Best Overall bearded dragon cage is the Zen Habitat Reptile Enclosure.
• Size, Design, price, and ease of use are the most important things to look for in a bearded dragon cage.
• The minimum tank size for an adult bearded dragon is 75 gallons but they do best in a 120-gallon tank.
• Buying a larger cage from the beginning can save you a lot of money as compared to buying smaller cages and then buying larger cages progressively as your pet grows.

A Quick Comparison of the Best Bearded Dragon Enclosures in 2023

Image	Product	Feature	Price
Best Overall	Zen Habitats Reptile Enclosures	Featured as our editor’s pick Perfect size cage Non-reflective surfaces	Check Price
The Strongest	Essential 4 PVC & Aluminum Enclosure	Better UVB transmission 10 Years warranty Non-reflective PVC walls	Check Price
Best for Beginners	Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium	Large tank Strong mesh top on either half of the cage. 360° view glass.	Check Price
Also our Favorite	REPTI ZOO Glass Reptile Terrarium	Ample space High-quality and durable design Well-ventilated	Check Price
Most Affordable	Exo Terra Allglass Terrarium	Great ventilation system on the sides Durable screen top Natural-looking background	Check Price
	Carolina Cages 67-Gallon Long Terrarium	Practical design and solid build Long-lasting mesh top A deep base	Check Price

The 6 Best Enclosures for Bearded Dragons

With a plethora of tank options available on the market, selecting the perfect one for your bearded dragon can feel like a daunting task. To simplify this process and ensure that your beardie has the ideal home, we have meticulously researched and curated a list of the finest enclosures available.

So, without further ado, here are our list of best bearded dragon enclosures:

1. Best Overall: Zen Habitats Reptile Enclosures

Our choice for the #1 Best Overall bearded dragon cage is the Zen Habitat Reptile Enclosure because of its bamboo-finished side panels and the fact that only the front is glass. Therefore your beardie won’t see and fight its own reflection and is much less likely to glass surf and develop mouth rot.

Bearded Dragons are territorial creatures and will fight their own reflection considering it as some other dragon invading their space.

Your beardie will love the size of this enclosure. It measures 4’x2’x2′ which is equal to 120 gallons which means ample space for your beardie to roam around and exercise.

We like this cage because it not only supports our pet’s physical but also their emotional needs. The doors open from the front instead of the top which is especially helpful because if you approach your dragon from above, it will perceive you as a predator. (Predators usually attack from above in the wild)

As this is a huge terrarium, you can easily add branches, hammocks, and other decor items to make a great bearded dragon habitat without having to compromise the useable space.

The steel screen top comes with screen support bars and wire grommets, allowing you to install your lighting fixtures and heat lamps within or outside the enclosure.

One of the noticeable features of this enclosure is its sliding doors. The doors weigh on rounded surfaces, producing little friction, which makes them easy to open and close. It’s also easy to take them off for cleaning.

The one issue we had with their previous models was that the sliding doors were loose, and often crickets would escape through them. Newer models fix it by adding an aluminum wrap to keep the doors tight.

The bamboo-finished panels not only look beautiful but also help in maintaining proper humidity levels. Bamboo is better at retaining heat and minimizing reflection than glass. Most adult dragons are territorial and don’t like their own reflections.

The 6″ substrate shield is perhaps my favorite feature of this enclosure. Most front-opening enclosures in the market don’t let you use more than a couple of inches of substrate before they overflow. A deep substrate is necessary for maintaining humidity and promoting natural burrowing/digging behaviors in reptiles. However, it sometimes causes problems by obstructing sliding door tracks and generating a squealing grinding noise. With Zen Habitats substrate shields, you can have a nice deep substrate layer and protect your doors at the same time.

Aluminum framing, bamboo-lined panels, galvanized steel screen top, and acrylic front-sliding doors make Zen Habitats one of the best tanks for bearded dragons.

Specifications

Dimensions	4’x2’x2′
Volume	120 Gallons
Weight	48 pounds

Pros and Cons of the Zen Habitat Reptile Enclosure

2. The Strongest: Essential 4 PVC & Aluminum Enclosure

As a reptile enthusiast who has spent years observing and caring for various reptiles, I can confidently vouch for the Maximum Reptile Essential 4 PVC & Aluminum Enclosure as an excellent choice for housing bearded dragons. It’s more than just a sturdy box; it’s a safe and comfortable home that can endure for many years.

Constructed from real PVC panels, this enclosure offers superior humidity control which is a significant factor for reptile wellbeing. More than that, these panels are fireproof, rot-proof, and virtually indestructible – talk about peace of mind!

Despite Maximum Reptile being a relatively new player in the market, the creator, Paul Barclay, brings over four decades of experience in designing and building reptile enclosures, both for personal and commercial usage. This expertise is evident in the thoughtful design of the Essential 4 Enclosure.

This enclosure provides a generous 7.51 sq feet of floor space with dimensions of 48x24x24 inches, offering your bearded dragon ample room to move, explore, and bask.

Despite its robust build, the enclosure remains relatively lightweight. I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I could lift it and move it single-handedly.

Another standout feature has to be the doors. Crafted from high-grade glass resistant to scratches, they’re equipped with a handle that allows for effortless opening without needing to touch the glass directly.

Plus, I love how the doors slide about 1/2 to 1 inch into the enclosure’s frame rather than just stopping in the middle. Despite this, the glass doors are still VERY easy to remove for cleaning or cage maintenance.

Another advantage of this enclosure is the five-inch raised lip, allowing for a deep substrate layer. It’s rare to find PVC enclosures with this feature, and it’s a big deal because it facilitates natural burrowing behavior in bearded dragons and helps maintain optimal humidity levels.

With the 5-inch substrate shield, it can hold up to 108 quarts of substrate. You can easily fit three bags of The Bio Dude’s Terra Sahara and three gallons of water to moisten it.

This tank comes equipped with a Humidity Control Panel, meaning you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional thermometers or hygrometers.

The choice between a partial or full aluminum screen top is another impressive aspect. It has been designed for optimal ventilation and UVB light penetration, allowing 77% UVB to reach your bearded dragon, which is considerably higher than other enclosures with fine mesh tops.

Specifications

Dimensions	48″ L x 24″ W x 24″ H
Volume	120 Gallons
Weight	62 Pounds

Pros and Cons of the Essential 4 PVC & Aluminum Enclosure

3. Best for Beginners: Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium

As a long-term reptile enthusiast and keeper, one of my top picks for bearded dragon enclosures has to be the Carolina Custom Cage. This particular glass tank is a favorite in the community and it’s not hard to see why.

It is made by the same people behind Carolina Custom Dragons, Inc. who are known for successfully breeding healthy dragons for years.

One of the things that really stand out about the Carolina Custom Cage is the attention to detail in its construction. Designed with durability and the well-being of our scaled friends in mind, this cage truly stands the test of time.

One of my favorite features is the variety of sizes available – there are 18 in total! The model I use is a spacious 120-gallon tank, perfect for allowing my adult bearded dragon plenty of room to roam.

The light weight of the cage is a godsend, making it easy for me to move it around on my own, with no extra pair of hands required. It arrives in parts, but the assembly is as smooth as butter – I had no trouble putting it together and I can take it apart with ease if need be.

The quality of this cage still amazes me after a year! And I couldn’t be more satisfied with the dimensions of the cage, which offer my dragon a comprehensive playground. The depth is just right, giving my dragon the freedom to not just move side to side, but in any direction he fancies!

The sturdy aluminum top screen is another well-loved feature. I don’t have to worry about my curious cat climbing on the screen top and breaking the screen, potentially harming my beardie.

With high-quality, sturdy materials and the added bonus of reinforced cardboard, extra Styrofoam, and double packaging, the terrarium arrives safe and sound, ready to become your bearded dragon’s new home. Every model features a waterproof base and key-lock security, prioritizing your pet’s safety above all else.

The terrarium features glass plates of equal size that come together easily at the corners. And the large front opening doors on the top of the cage not only make cleaning a breeze, they also help with arranging decor without fuss.

The terrarium’s base is watertight, which prevents leaks. On top of the cage, there is a metal grating that keeps other pets from getting inside. Additionally, the top mesh can support heating or small equipment and improve efficient air circulation.

Specifications

Dimensions	48Lx18Dx18H
Volume	120 Gallons
Weight	73 lbs

Pros and Cons of the Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium

4. Also our Favorite: REPTI ZOO Glass Reptile Terrarium

On our list of best bearded dragon tanks, we have REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium. I’ve been using it for my own bearded dragon, Spike, and I’ve found it to be one of the best options out there.

This tank, without a doubt, offers ample room for any bearded dragon to roam freely and bask in their natural glory. It offers plenty of room for your beardie in all directions for a natural setup, without being too big.

The glass construction not only provides a clear view of your pet’s daily activities but also ensures durability. And what’s even better? It comes with a full-screen top that lets in plenty of UVB and infrared light – both crucial for your beardie’s health.

One thing that immediately caught my eye was the attention to detail. The included light fixtures and background are designed to create an environment that mimics the natural habitat of a bearded dragon. Spike took to it immediately and I could see him thriving.

The size is ideal at 48″ x 18″x 24″, equating to about 120 gallons of space. The removable screen top is sturdy, giving your bearded dragon excellent air circulation. Moreover, the interior space lets you unleash your creativity in setting up the perfect habitat for your beardie. I had a ball of a time fixing up branches, hammocks, and other decor to make Spike’s home as comfortable and entertaining as possible.

I appreciate the fact that the terrarium has been designed keeping practicality in mind. There are convenient installation features for heaters, thermometers, and lights. The side windows and the raised bottom allow for adequate ventilation and make it perfect if you’re planning to use a substrate heater.

Let’s talk about safety – the lockable front doors are a genius addition. They provide an added layer of security, which puts my mind at ease when I’m away from home.

I know that assembly can be a concern for many, but trust me, the setup is a breeze. You’ll have your REPTI ZOO Glass Reptile Terrarium standing tall in no time.

All in all, I can’t recommend this terrarium enough. It’s got the space, the durability, the thoughtful design – pretty much everything to keep your bearded dragon chirpy and healthy. If you’ve been using it too, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Or if you have any questions, fire away! We’re all here to learn and support each other in providing the best care for our beardies.

Specifications

Dimensions	48″ x 24″ x 24″
Volume	120 Gallons
Weight	90.8 lbs

Pros and Cons of the REPTI ZOO Glass Reptile Terrarium

5. Most Affordable: Exo Terra Allglass Terrarium

Stepping up next on our list of best bearded dragon enclosures is the Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium – a high-quality beautifully designed cage for reptiles with a more “natural” feel.

This cage is an ideal starting point for our young, adventurous dragons. It measures 23.5 x 24 x 17.5 inches which is around 16.8 gallons.

Remember, even though this cage is a suitable size for a baby bearded dragon, you will need to buy a bigger cage in a matter of a few months. Because bearded dragons grow very quickly, especially in the first few months of their lives.

Crafted from all-glass, it offers exceptional visibility, letting you keep a close eye on your bearded buddy’s activities. The convenience factor is upped with front-opening doors, making feeding times and maintenance an absolute breeze.

The terrarium comes with a built-in ventilation system. This feature helps maintain an optimal air flow and temperature, so you can easily replicate a comfy, health-conscious environment for your bearded friend. It also boasts a raised bottom frame and a waterproof bottom, combatting the threat of harmful moisture build-up – a definite plus in my book!

With the Exo Terra Allglass Terrarium, you also receive a removable mesh top. It provides an additional ventilation route and a pathway for those all-important UVB rays.

To make your life easier, this terrarium is shipped fully assembled. However, keep in mind that there have been a few reports of the terrarium arriving with cracks due to transportation mishaps, so give it a thorough inspection before introducing your dragon to their new home.

An added safety feature is the double-hinged doors with a snap-locking mechanism. Though, be mindful when opening and cleaning as these types of doors can be somewhat delicate.

All in all, the Exo Terra Allglass Terrarium has proven to be a durable and thoughtfully designed option for housing a young bearded dragon. Its range of features ensures you can create a snug and healthy habitat for your bearded dragon to thrive.

However, to save some money down the road, we recommend getting an 120 gallon tank right from the start. Instead of buying barded dragon cages progressively as your dragon grows, its best to get a bigger cage and let your beardie grow into it.

Specifications

Dimensions	18 x 18 x 12 Inch
Volume	16.8 Gallons
Weight	33 lbs

Pros and Cons of the Exo Terra Allglass Terrarium

6. Best for Juveniles: Carolina Cages 67-Gallon Long Terrarium

The Carolina Cages 67-Gallon Long Terrarium is a high-quality glass tank that is perfect for a juvenile or subadult. This bearded dragon terrarium is slightly smaller for fully-grown dragons but is perfect for juvenile and sub-adult dragons.

You might be asking about its build quality – a fair point as we all want our pets’ home to be secure and lasting. Well, I found the construction quite impressive with its thick, sturdy glass and strong, durable metal framing. The mesh screen top, while promoting essential ventilation, showed itself to be reasonably sturdy as well.

The terrarium isn’t just about function, it also brings a touch of style to your room. The sleek black metal framing coupled with clear glass effortlessly matches any décor, and the lockable 36″x18″ top not only guarantees safety but also accommodates your lighting and heating setups.

This enclosure stood sturdy in my testing, with no signs of wobble or vibration, even with our energetic beardie exploring inside. A small note though, for those of you planning to place heavy heaters or lights on top, reinforcing the brace could be beneficial.

As for assembly, it took me a bit of time as the instructions are mostly pictorial. But hey, who doesn’t enjoy a little bit of a puzzle now and then?

Even though this a well-designed and built bearded dragon enclosure, it can only be used for young beardies. For an adult dragon, you will need at least 120 gallon. If you do decide to go with this enclosure, you will need to upgrade to a bigger enclosure in a matter of a few months.

Specifications

Dimensions	36Lx24Dx18H
Volume	67 Gallons
Weight	73 lbs

Pros and Cons of the Carolina Cages 67-Gallon Long Terrarium

Once you buy a cage for your bearded dragon, it’s time to decorate it with the right tools and equipment. Read our post on how an ideal bearded dragon habitat looks like.

What to Look for in a Bearded Dragon Tank?

Based on the age of your bearded dragon, what type of setup you want, and how much money you want to spend, there are a number of different terrariums available. Sadly, most of the terrariums available in the market for bearded dragons are not actually suitable for them.

A lot of people in the online bearded dragon community recommend glass enclosures for beardies due to its visibility and easy maintenance, but they fail to consider our scaly friends’ unique behaviors and needs.

You see, bearded dragons are territorial by nature. They establish and defend their turf against intruders, and that’s where an all-glass enclosure can cause a little confusion. Our dragons, despite their charm, may perceive their own reflections in the glass as another dragon invading their space. This can lead to stress and aggressive behaviors as they try to defend their home from this phantom intruder.

Moreover, bearded dragons can’t recognize glass as a solid barrier. It’s an alien concept to them! This lack of understanding can result in a behavior called “glass surfing.” This is when a bearded dragon repetitively moves its legs against the glass, appearing as if it’s trying to walk or run. It’s usually a sign of stress or discomfort, and frequently glass surfing could indicate that something is amiss in their habitat.

To add to the complexity, persistent glass surfing can even contribute to health issues such as mouth rot, a bacterial infection that develops when the dragon’s mouth frequently rubs against a hard surface, in this case, the glass.

From my personal experience as a devoted keeper of these awesome reptiles, I can tell you that their tank is much more than just a container—it’s their universe, a space to thrive, and we owe it to them to make it as comfortable and enriching as possible.

Here are the crucial factors to consider:

Pro Tip: The size and design of the tank are the two most important things to look for as it affects the safety and durability of the tank.

Despite the differences, good bearded dragons terrariums have several things in common:

• Size (120-gallon).
• Design (Material, good ventilation).
• Security (front opening doors with key lock security).
• Safety (sturdy with well-fitted screen top).

As mentioned earlier, size and design are the most important things to consider when picking a bearded dragon terrarium. The recommended cage size for an adult bearded dragon is 120 gallons. Terrariums bigger than this are not recommended because they are hard to clean and heat.

Size

When purchasing an enclosure for your bearded dragon, size should be your top priority. A cramped tank can increase the risk of obesity, injury, and stress in your dragon, while a larger terrarium allows your bearded dragon to regulate its body temperature, and creating a temperature gradient is much easier.

The best way to determine if an enclosure is suitable is by checking the width and floor space.

An adult bearded dragon tank should have at least 75 gallons of space, but they do best in 120 gallons. A tank that measures 48″ x 24″ x 24″ (120 gallons) provides ample room for an adult bearded dragon, with plenty of space for substrate and decorative elements.

Design

Bearded dragons are not very good climbers. They spend most of their time on the ground under the sun or climbing onto low branches. That is why a horizontal terrarium is preferred to a vertical one.

Note: Instead of focusing on the headroom for your beardie, focus more on the floor.

Ventilation is also an important aspect of design. A well-ventilated terrarium is key to maintaining a healthy environment for your pets. Good airflow helps keep the temperature and humidity at optimal levels, ensuring that your pets stay comfortable.

This can be done by using screen mesh tops or adding a mesh side panel to the enclosure. Screen tops are an ideal choice as they not only allow air to circulate but also let in light and heat – which is important for your bearded dragon’s well-being.

A good enclosure will also retain heat better. Some materials are better than others at retaining heat and humidity. If the enclosure loses warmth quickly, heating costs will increase as it will need to be compensated for.

Safety

The enclosure should be secure enough that your bearded dragon cannot escape and other critters cannot get in. It should have key lock security or cover clips. These are especially important if your tank is opening from the top.

For terrariums with front-opening doors, make sure there’s a solid latch to keep the doors closed.

Bearded dragons are curious creatures and can accidentally push open the doors of an enclosure while exploring. So, make sure the cage is escape-proof.

Durability

The enclosure should be made from sturdy and high-quality durable material. A well-made tank should last the lifespan of a bearded dragon without the need for replacement.

For larger tanks, over 100-gallons, it’s important to have a solid support system in place. You’ll likely see reinforcements like braces and crossbars that help keep the sides and top secure.

Pro Tip: Bearded dragons don’t like to see changes in their environment. They feel more secure and comfortable if kept in the same terrarium their whole lives.

Door Openings

In bearded dragon enclosures, front opening doors are preferred over the top opening. Approaching your beardie from above will cause stress as they will perceive you as a threat. (Predators mostly come from above).

Front doors also provide easy access to the terrarium and help to make cleaning and maintenance easy. Top-opening terrariums are hard to access, especially with lighting and heating bulbs in the way.

Other Important things to look for in the bearded dragon terrarium

• Bearded dragon tanks must be easy to clean, including the ability to kill any unwanted additions such as viruses, fungi, helminths, and bacteria.
• Needs to be able to house at least basic furniture without cluttering the ground excessively.
• Must be able to ensure that your pet can never come in contact with heat lamps. They can and do get burnt.
• The enclosure should not emit any toxic fumes from the materials used to create it especially when heating is applied. This could be fatal for your dragon’s health.
• The enclosure should not melt or warp from exposure to heat, in particular around the heat lamp.
• If the enclosure is outside (even if only part of the year), it must be given both sun and shade to allow for movement between the two as required by the inhabitant and protected from cold drafts, rain, and excessive heat.
• It must be high enough to allow to accommodate the bearded dragon’s arboreal activities. 20 inches is enough verticle space.

Common Bearded Dragon Enclosure Issues

The most common mistake beginner pet owners make when buying bearded dragon terrariums is choosing a very small enclosure.

Smaller terrariums are usually more affordable and may seem like a better size for a baby bearded dragon. But don’t be tempted! Bearded dragons grow very quickly and easily outgrow a smaller cage. So, it’s wise to get a larger cage from the beginning.

Bearded dragons do best in larger enclosures. An adult bearded dragon should be housed in a 120-gallon tank.

Glass tanks are the most popular among the bearded dragon community. But glass tanks are reflective, and your beardie may catch its own reflection.

Bearded dragons are territorial creatures and may perceive their own reflection as an intruder. If they see their reflection, they might start to puff up their beard, hiss, or wave their arm.

Another common mistake new bearded dragon owners make is getting an enclosure that is not built specifically for reptiles. Non-purpose tanks often don’t have secure tops to install heating and lighting equipment.

Avoid the All in One Kit

All in one or ready-made bearded dragon’s kit come with necessary décor, lighting, and heating equipment.

These kits may sound like a great deal, but as per our experience, these usually tend to be of low quality. So, avoid them at all costs. Instead, you should invest in a stand-alone enclosure and then decorate it with the necessary equipment.

Bearded Dragon Habitat: FAQs

Bearded Dragon Cage Setup

Once you have chosen the best enclosure bearded dragon, you would want to set it up and install all the necessary equipment. Here is a very good video on how to set it up properly.

How To Set Up A Bearded Dragon Enclosure !! A Very Easy Set Up

Summary

Best bearded dragon terrariums are the ones that are sturdy, large, secure, and safe. The finer details about décor, style, and brand are all personal preferences.

The best tanks are large enough and provide good ventilation. They also retain heat better.

The most important aspects to consider when buying the best enclosure for bearded dragon are Size, Safety, and Design. But you should also look for durability, material, hood fixing, and door styles.

If you have any questions or want us to review other bearded dragon terrariums, let us know in the comments.