Which of these three would be the most social and beginner-friendly? Also, I heard they need a 40-gallon tank—would that be too big?
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 friendly, but they require a much larger setup, pricier bulbs, and a more complicated diet.
How many gallons for the tank should I get for a beardie? I’ve heard i need 40 and some have said at least 20.
For an adult, a 4x2x2 enclosure (about 120 gallons) is ideal. A friend of mine just rescued a bearded dragon that was kept in a 40-gallon tank, and it took up nearly a quarter of the space.
The absolute minimum for an adult bearded dragon is 48x24x24 inches (120 gallons), though a larger enclosure is highly recommended. Bearded dragons grow quickly, reaching 1.5 to 2 feet in length, meaning they’d take up about half the length of a 40-gallon tank—leaving them with inadequate space to move, thermoregulate, and display natural behaviors. A 20-gallon is even more unsuitable. If necessary, you can keep a baby bearded dragon in a 40-gallon tank (no smaller), but you’ll need to upgrade by the time they’re 6-12 months old.
It really depends on what you’re looking for.
I highly recommend checking out the ReptiFiles guides. They offer the most current, comprehensive, and accurate information on reptile care. They could provide valuable insights into what it’s like to own each species and help you determine which one you’d be best equipped to care for. Here are the guides you might find helpful: Bearded Dragon Care Guide, Leopard Gecko Care Guide, and Crested Gecko Care Guide.