[chris-gecko]

I have just purchased a viv/all glass tank, with a mesh top and 2 front opening doors.

The size is 18" (45cm) X 18" (45cm) X 18" (45cm).

I am just enquiring if someone could tell me would i be able to keep a bearded dragon in a tank this size???

i was just thinking of getting a leopard gecko, but ive had a thought and thought the bearded dragon might be a better choice, but i have really no idea.

Many thanks in advance! .

[Olivine]

Though I don't keep beardies myself, I don't think a viv that size wouldn't really be suitable for even a very young one. Beardies need an ambient temperature of 27C-29C (80F-85F) with a basking spot of 40C-46C (105F-115F); establishing that sort of temperature range in a viv that small would be extremely difficult.

If you need a good care sheet for beardies, the one on the Hades Dragons website is one of the best.

[vegeta960]

I own a Beardie, and when i got him, he was approx 7 inches long, which would seem fine for a tank/viv that size.
What you need to know is that beardies quadruple their size and weight in a very short time, i got mine in March, now in November, he has reached full size at a hefty 21 inches and weighing about 380 grams.

That's bigger than your tank! And only in a matter of 9 months.

You need a Vivarium of AT LEAST 36 x 18 x 12 (LxWxH)
Preferrably go for something larger like 48 x 24 x 18
They will use every last bit of space, believe me!

As Olivine has said, temp ranges from 105F (hot) to 88F (middle) and 75F (cold), aswell as a large bowl of water, plenty of rocks and branches/wood to climb upon, and some cover (despite what many people say, it IS a good idea to give them something to hide behind or under.)
Substrates of your choice, though be wary of aspen bark and sand when young (under 12 inches) as it can be very easy to swallow in their over zealous attempts to catch food.

Also, have a think about what you're going to be feeding your Beardie.
I'm not trying to put you off here, but the food is expensive (I spend about £20 per month on Locusts), and in the case of Locusts/Crickets it can become quite....... Stinky! Even if you do regulary clean their tubs.

All in all though, a Beardie is a lovely and heart warming reptile to own, they do have very distinct and noticable personalities, and would seriously recommend them, but you MUST do your homework! Read anything and everythng you can about them, keep dedicated Beardie care sheets/sites in your favourites folder, and work out what space you will eventually need and a budget for their food.

I hope this helps.