While you might think it’s a one tank fits all kind of situation, you’d be surprised to learn that’s far from the case. There are numerous sizes of enclosures available for bearded dragons. We’re going to start by talking about my personal picks for the best 20 gallon bearded dragon tanks. So let’s not waste any more time and just get right into my picks!
The 4 Best 20 Gallon Bearded Dragon Tanks
Here is an overview of my choices for the four best 20-gallon bearded dragon tanks:
| Brand | Dimensions | Weight | Main Materials | |
| REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium | REPTIZOO | 18 x 18 x 12 inches | 20 lbs | Glass, metal, and mesh |
| Zoo Med ReptiHabitat Juvenile Bearded Dragon Kit | Zoo Med | 30 x 12 x 12 inches | 5 lbs | Glass, metal, and mesh |
| OIIBO 20 Gallon Reptile Tank | OIIBO | 30 x 12 x 12 inches | 26.65 lbs | Polyvinyl Chloride, Acrylic |
| REPTI ZOO Full Glass 20 Gallon Reptile Tank | REPTIZOO | 24 x 18 x 12 inches | X | Glass, metal, and mesh |
REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium
ReptiZoo are leaders when it comes to enclosures and supplies for reptile species. For over a decade, they’ve been fostering a company that knows how to provide the tools necessary to care for your scaly friends.
RepitZoo’s 20 gallon reptile glass terrarium is a knock-down model which is easy to clean, provides ample ventilation, and has glass walls. You’ve got two access points in the glass top and the mesh top. The mesh section even has a special feeding hole which makes functionality and accessibility key. You also get a waterproof PVC tray, dual top sliding metal covers, and a unique quality design and construction.
Pros:
- 360-degree view.
- Waterproof PVC tray.
- Easy to clean.
Cons:
- Some have noted gaps in the glass upon putting it together. This might be dependent on the quality of your specific product or incorrect assembly.
Zoo Med ReptiHabitat Juvenile Bearded Dragon Kit
If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to get into owning a bearded dragon but haven’t the faintest clue of how to start, Zoo Med has thought of it all.
In this kit, you get the tank itself, a 10 lbs pack of sand (vita-sand outback orange), rock water and food dishes, ReptiSun 5.0 compact fluorescent, 100w Repti basking spot lamp, 100 w nocturnal infrared heat lamp, food samples, and more.
They’ve gone all out to ensure newbies aren’t left alone to figure things out without guidance. This is how you get familiar with the concept of owning and caring for a bearded dragon. Is it a perfect kit? No. But it’s a decent product nonetheless and perfect for beginners.
Pros:
- Full kit ready to go.
- Quality of the tank is decent.
- Enough items to create a comfortable habitat.
Cons:
- Some of the included items could be better quality. It’s a slightly mixed bag.
OIIBO 20 Gallon Reptile Tank
OIIBO is another brand worth mentioning when it comes to reptile care, and their 20 gallon tank is a great example of what they’re capable of creating. This comfortable enclosure is 360-degree viewing capable, so no matter where you bearded dragon is, you can see them clearly. The easy-to-access dual sliding opening screen top means accessing the inside is easier while also making it more accessible for feeding and cleaning purposes. There’s even an alternative acrylic top cover if that’s what you’d prefer. The mesh covering, which is two-thirds of the top, means it’s perfectly ventilated.
There’s an included PVC tray to hold water, but it’s not of the highest quality, and perhaps one of this model’s biggest letdowns. Overall, it’s a stellar bearded dragon tank that’s going to prove easy to set up and make your little scaly friend feel right at home.
Pros:
- Dual sliding top.
- Easy to assemble and clean.
- Alternative cover options.
Cons:
- Provided tray is low quality.
REPTI ZOO Full Glass 20 Gallon Reptile Tank
For the final 20 gallon bearded dragon tank on the list, we return to the brand that knows best, ReptiZoo. This is by far the best 20 gallon bearded dragon tank there is out there. It’s made by a company that knows what it’s doing and that cares about reptile care, and it shows. This enclosure features a mesh roof and is accessible through the front. It has perfect ventilation to keep everything flowing.
360-degree viewing means you always know what’s happening inside the tank from all angles. The brand has ensured this tank is easy to assemble, has a raised bottom frame, is well-ventilated, and is made using only the best materials. This is a tank that will last. No question about it!
Pros:
- Front opening for perfect accessibility.
- Easy to set up.
- Durable construction with quality materials.
Cons:
- While it’s easy to set up, it’s also easy to get it wrong and break something. Proceed with caution.
My Personal Favorite
The first tank I mentioned, the REPTI ZOO Full Glass 20 Gallon Front Opening Reptile Tank, is hands down my personal pick. It’s a quality tank that’s made by a company that truly cares about reptiles and catering to their habitual needs. While it would be easy to pick the option with everything ready to go, this is the enclosure I feel like any novice (but not a 100% newbie) would find the most use for. A bearded dragon will feel comfortable in this environment in the early stages of its life. Once it outgrows it, maybe it’s time to consider getting another. Once you start, it’s hard to stop.
Buyers Guide
The right size might be difficult to determine, but here’s a guide to how you should consider tanks when looking to buy one for your bearded dragon:
Size
One of the most significant factors to consider is the size of the tank in comparison to the size of your bearded dragon. There are a ton of available options out there. The best way to determine which tank size is right for your bearded dragon is simple. You need to consider their age, current size, and potential size.
Baby bearded dragons will need to start in smaller enclosures. Still, they will eventually outgrow the enclosure, so be wary of the signs. 20-gallons is perfect for a bearded baby dragon. As your bearded dragon approaches adulthood, you’ll want o to upgrade them to a tank that’s 50 gallons and above. If they’re an especially large bearded dragon, go to about 100 gallons.
Design
You are going to come across vertical enclosures. While these might seem like good ideas, they’re not. Bearded dragons aren’t known as great climbers. Instead, they’re known for being creatures that spend a great deal of time on the ground, under the sun, and amongst low-hanging branches. So always ensure the enclosure is horizontal to provide the best environment for your bearded dragon.
Safety
You’ve got two responsibilities when it comes to safety. The first priority is to ensure your bearded dragon can’t get out accidentally. The second priority should be to keep other creatures out of the tank. Look for a tank that has some cover clips or key lock security. You need to remember that regardless of how comfortable your bearded dragon might be in their tank, they’re curious creatures. As a result, there’s always that possibility of them accidentally freeing themselves. The last thing you need is to be searching for a bearded dragon at some ridiculous hour of the morning.
Enclosure Door(s)
The best kind of enclosure doors are the ones that open in the front, not the ones on top. Bearded dragons aren’t fans of people’s hands entering from the top as it causes them stress. When you have front-opening doors, it means they’re easier to access, and it causes them less stress. It’s also helpful for cleaning and feeding purposes.
Durability
What’s the point of buying an enclosure that doesn’t last? You shouldn’t need to replace a bearded dragon tank unless they’ve outgrown the enclosure or you’ve done some serious damage. Look for tanks made using the highest quality materials. Bearded dragons are notorious for enjoying the similarities in their environment and aren’t excited about change, so don’t change their enclosure excessively.
Enclosure Type
There are different types of enclosures, so you should never think they’re all the same. They don’t just come in different sizes but also different styles. You might see some enclosures with metal screens, mesh walls, or glass tanks similar to a fish tank. The best option, in my opinion, is glass enclosures with screen lids. The reason is to keep them from escaping but to instead avoid allowing the heat produced by your heat lamps to escape. You need to find an enclosure that can keep the heat in all while providing adequate ventilation.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions everyone has about bearded dragon tanks:
Does a bearded dragon enclosure end up smelling?
While bearded dragons themselves are odorless, improper enclosure management can lead to unhygienic living conditions and a pungent smell. They’re animals, and all animals need to relieve themselves. As a result, leaving their tanks uncleaned for excess amounts of time is going to result in a few unpleasant smells.
How do you provide heat for your bearded dragon?
You need to get an enclosure warmer in the form of a heat bulb or bulbs. They’re usually inexpensive so they won’t break the bank in comparison to other items necessary for a bearded dragon tank.
Conclusion
These are only my tank choices for 20 gallon bearded dragon tanks. We will be getting into numerous types of tanks available for bearded dragons. You want to ensure you’re getting the right tank for your bearded dragon, so they’re not uncomfortable. The point of owning a pet is to take care of it, and nobody enjoys a habitat that isn’t comfortable. So, when shopping for a bearded dragon tank, take extra care in this step and make sure you make the best possible choice. If you know anyone looking to get a bearded dragon of their own, it might be time to let them know that the proper enclosure matters.
More to Explore
