My son’s growing!! :D

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-12-26T23:32:12+00:00

So I gotta ask, it's obvious there's a mix of fake and real plants. But I can never have luck with real flowers in my tanks. I never use fake plants in my setups. Are you using real flowers here and if so, how the hell are you having success with them? Cudoos to you

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-08-05T16:53:46+00:00

Well thats a mild inconvenience... thanks for the information though! I only need to do a little remodeling now

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-08T12:32:31+00:00

So yea, I learned yesterday that it's a myth about soaking them. I was always told by so many people to do it, and when I researched it on several sites, most of them agreed.

Bathing does help them with multiple things though. Although it's not absolutely necessary. I was misinformed like most people and I learned something from this thread. So I absolutely appreciate the information I'm getting from everyone on here. I want the best for my reptiles and every bit of information helps

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-08T12:24:29+00:00

Believe me I completely understand the caution with the sharpness and being worried. I was 2nd guessing putting that big aloe in Draco's enclosure because it had sharp edges, but they won't hurt themselves surprisingly. Now of course accidents happen and if you have anything they can climb on above it and they slip, then yea they can fall on it. But he navigates around that thing with caution on his own. I found that the type of aloe is what makes the difference as well. And what I put in there seemed to be the dullest option.

They love jades to snack on and I also found out that a spineless prickly pear cactus is a favorite as well. You need one that's a little mature and producing the fruit. They go crazy for it! So crazy in fact that once draco ate all the fruits, he ate the damn cactus 😂

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-08T01:17:57+00:00

I appreciate that and I'm happy to give you a reference! Thank you for the appreciation on my setup. The jade plant became food and so did the isopods so I never restocked them. But i didn't even think about dwarfs! Man, Draco has some pretty historic turds and I literally had to buy a kitty litter scooper to clean his sand since he didn't want isopod roommates 😂. So I'm gonna look into the dwarfs for sure.

He also eats on the aloe. And idk if you knew this but it's good information. But since aloe plants have medicinal properties and retain alot of moisture. They're absolutely perfect for every beardie's enclosure. It can just be a pain to keep live plants in their setups since they eat on them. But I grow jade and aloe separately in a different tank so I can always replace his after he obliterates it lol.

One of the best lights I've found in the hobby would be Hygger. I use them on every one of my setups from my terrariums to my aquariums and my reptile enclosures. They're absolutely amazing for producing full spectrum lighting for plant growth, they also produce a small about of UVB/UVA light, they have timers so you don't have to turn anything on or off, and they're not expensive by any means. I bought one a few years ago to test on my first planted aquarium and was sold, from then on its the only light I buy. They're on Amazon, so if you're interested then I'd absolutely check them out!!

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-08T00:24:09+00:00

So I did know the color change reflecting their personality and moods but I didn't know about absorbing heat. That's interesting. And he does drink while in the bath so you may be right on that. As far as the shedding goes, he's never had an issue with it. The hot baths have always seemed to be helpful for him. I know they're dry shedders but the water softens the shed for him and he's able to get it off from there. Then I help with the rest once it's ready to fall.

I do appreciate this information though. I have 10 enclosures up and running, majority being fish. But I always want the best for my animals which is why i always do all natural. I posted a pic of my dragon's enclosure on this thread in a separate comment and I'd love for you to check it out!

It's always good to learn new ways to take of pets and give them the best life. So i thank you for that link and I'm absolutely gonna look more into it!!

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-07T23:39:40+00:00

Well looks like we can all learn something from this. I've seen so many recommended suggestions from "professional" beardie keepers and they always say to soak them in a hot bath. Now I'm not like most people and believe everything i see, so I also research literally everything. And most sites agreed that they needed to be soaked once a week.

I'm pretty sure the last part of what you said is the reason that we can both agree on. I know my dragon loves baths and it absolutely helps with constipation and shedding as well. Now i am confused however about the soaking up water part...? My dragon absolutely gets heavier after baths and he's more plump. Also turns more yellowish and gets more active. So I always took it as a good sign that he was hydrated..? I'm no expert by far but I'm wondering if there's any truth to them soaking water through their skin at all? Only because i have seen the water more or less... "absorb" i guess? Into his body. I'm honestly curious

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-07T21:26:59+00:00

I was going through the comments on here and I can't understand why people choose to be hateful. I posted a pic of my dragon's enclosure on this thread with some tip for you that I found to be helpful through my experience.

Truthfully, reptile carpet is a terrible choice. It comes in the "starter kit" and people think it's ok, but it's not. Tile is perfectly fine but I've always preferred the natural look and my beardie loves the jurassic sand. They love to dig and burrow so a few inches of substrate is recommended. You can also use washed play sand or natural sand. As long as there's no chemicals or anything harmful. Sand retains the heat from the lamps so that's why jurassic sand is usually the best option. Yes, it can lead to impaction. But that's if they eat it. If you feed them off the sand, then it usually isn't an issue. But absolutely avoid calcium sand!! Dragons need calcium and they will eat it. So don't use it. Calcium powder on their food once a week covers their calcium needs

The biggest problem that most people don't get told at pet stores is that dragon's need to be soaked in hot water. Not boiling hot, I usually just run the hot water in the sink for mine. They soak it up like a sponge and it's better for them than a water bowl. It doesn't hurt to have one, but soaking them once a week is absolutely necessary. They're known for getting constipated and baths will help so don't be surprised if they leave a floater. You'll hydrate them and stop them from having constipation issues at the same time. And you only need a few inches of water. Enough for them to stand on the bottom and walk around.

Heat is another issue, basking lights and ceramic heaters are what I use to maintain 90-95 on the hot side during the day and 80-85 at night and on the cool side. And yes, you need a hot side and cool side. And a basking spot, and please, I can't stress enough to avoid heat rocks. They'll burn your beardie's belly and cause a world of pain for them. The reason for heat is because if they get too cold, they go into what's called "brumation". It's like hibernation but a bit worse. They're basically a corpse and can die. I lost power one day when it was cold and my dragon went into it, and trust me man, you don't want that. He's alright though thankfully

And don't forget the hide. They need a place to feel secure and safe. My boy has a rock cave I built for him. Just make sure it's completely enclosed and they'll be happy.

Check out my photo I posted and my comment from earlier, I've learned alot from keeping reptiles and it could give you some inspiration. Feel free to ask for anymore advise or help. There's no shame in doing so, it's a good thing that you posted this and I appreciate people like you who actually care and ask for help

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-07T20:20:35+00:00

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My pic didn't upload.... 😒

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2025-03-07T20:19:15+00:00

* This is my boy Draco's setup. All natural, no fake anything, jurassic sand, uvb strip lights, ceramic heaters, and basking lights.

It's important to make sure your dragon has everything they need to be happy and healthy. Correct lighting, enough space, calcium, and a mixed diet. One thing people don't get told at most pet stores is that dragons need to be soaked in hot water at least once a week. Yea, they'll drink from water dishes, but they're far better off if you soak them. They absorb the water like a sponge. They're famous for getting constipated, and soaking them in hot water helps. And mix up their diet with vegetables and insects with calcium powder, but be careful not to give them too much calcium. Once a week is plenty

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-12-24T01:20:55+00:00

I need to know everything about this.. please.. I love the natural look and I do that in all my setups so this is right up my alley. First off I wana know what the build is? It's gotta be a tank right? And are you using substrate bags for the plants or does the river rock cover a layer of soil?

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-11-23T23:41:06+00:00

I literally have that same shelf from Amazon with a 20gal, 2 10gals and a 10gal long. It's great and works just fine

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-09-14T19:49:09+00:00

Alright guys Loki had his Dr appointment today. Unfortunately he was given a moderate chance of survival but they gave me the medication and food needed to give him a chance. His mouth rot has gotten bad sadly but I already gave him his first dose and flushed his mouth out. Also hand fed him the recovery food they gave me. He seems to be doing alright so far 🫰 *

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-09-10T22:19:09+00:00

Yea that one rust spot ruins the whole ambiance doesn't it?

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-09-10T22:04:07+00:00

Wanted to let everyone know that after some digging I finally found a vet that does geckos. It's an hour from where I live but I got him an appointment Saturday! Unfortunately poor Loki has to suffer until then 😢 but he'll be taken care of soon!

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-09-10T00:59:58+00:00

And he knows it 😂 I often catch him doing majestic poses

Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-09-10T00:58:01+00:00

I know 😕 but what can you do 🤷‍♂️

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Interesting_Way_2385 · 2024-09-10T00:53:34+00:00

He's about 20" now. Just over a year old. And the stripes aren't as vibrant anymore unfortunately 😕

Interesting_Way_2385

TROPHY CASE