Out of a bearded dragon, crested gecko, or leopard gecko, which one would be the most social and beginner-friendly? Also, I’ve been told they need a 40-gallon tank—is that too much or not enough?
It really depends on what you’re looking for. Crested geckos are easier to care for, but leopard geckos are usually more interactive. Bearded dragons are very social and friendly, but they need a bigger enclosure, more expensive lighting, and a more complex diet.
@Zan
How big should the tank be for a bearded dragon? I’ve heard some people say 40 gallons is fine, while others say it needs to be larger.
Blake said:
@Zan
How big should the tank be for a bearded dragon? I’ve heard some people say 40 gallons is fine, while others say it needs to be larger.
For an adult bearded dragon, you’ll want at least a 4x2x2 enclosure, which is about 120 gallons. My friend rescued one from a 40-gallon tank, and it barely had any room to move.
Blake said:
@Zan
How big should the tank be for a bearded dragon? I’ve heard some people say 40 gallons is fine, while others say it needs to be larger.
The smallest setup you should consider for an adult bearded dragon is 48x24x24 inches (120 gallons), but bigger is always better.
Bearded dragons grow fast and reach 1.5 to 2 feet in length, so they’d be cramped in a 40-gallon tank. A 20-gallon is far too small.
If you’re starting with a baby dragon, a 40-gallon tank can work for a while, but you’ll need to upgrade by the time it’s about 6 to 12 months old.
It really comes down to what you’re looking for in a pet.
If you’re trying to decide, I’d recommend checking out ReptiFiles. They’ve got detailed care guides for all three species that are very helpful. You’ll get a better idea of what it’s like to own each one and what kind of care they need.
Here are their guides: