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Beardie starter kits

Everything pet-store kits should include, but don't.

Choosing equipment for a first bearded dragon enclosure can quickly become overwhelming. Every piece comes with dozens of options, and many new keepers simply want to know which products will work together.

These kits provide a set of reasonable defaults. Many other combinations can produce an enclosure of the same quality. Starting with this equipment will put you in a good position to build a proper home for your dragon.

Some links below are paid affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Enclosure

4x2x2 ft enclosure is the minimum. Bigger is better.

Brand
Phailozoo 4x2x2
Get 10% off with beardiehouse10 at checkout.

Lighting

Lighting recommendations and shopping links update automatically when you choose a different enclosure size above.

Mounting

UVB

Arcadia ProT5 D3+ 12% UVB 24W ×1
ReptiChip

Basking bulbs

ReptiZoo 150W Intense Basking Spot ×2
Amazon

LED

SANSI 70W LED (Budget) ×2
Amazon OR
Sol Reptile VisionLED 54W (Ideal) ×2
Sol Reptile

Fixtures

Basking bulb cage fixtures ×2
Amazon

Substrate

  • Australian Desert Sand ×10

    One of the best options, but extremely expensive

    Amazon

Alternative mix

Mix these three. Buy them in person when possible; shipping makes them much more expensive.

  • ReptiSoil ×4
    Amazon
  • Children's play sand ×2
    Amazon
  • Exo Terra Stone Desert ×1
    Amazon

Supplements

  • Calcium without D3

    Dust every feeder insect, without exception

    Amazon
  • Multivitamin

    Give once every two weeks

    Amazon
  • Gutloading diet

    All insects should be gut loaded

    Amazon

Decor and enrichment

  • Basking platform

    Use 6 bricks and a light-colored paver. Pick them up at a local hardware store

  • Cork round hide
    Amazon
  • Water bowl
    Amazon
  • Sandblasted grapevine
    Amazon
  • Mopani driftwood
    Amazon
  • Puzzle feeder
    Amazon

Controls and meters

  • Smart plugs

    Automate the lights

    Amazon
  • Smart thermometers

    Monitor temps from your phone

    Amazon
  • Temperature gun

    Check basking spot temps

    Amazon
  • Thermostat

    Safety shutoff; probe goes on the cool side, set to 85°F

    Amazon

Optional, but highly recommended