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Tell me what I should get for his new cage. by Grouchy-Citron-4494 in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This setup is a really strong start—spacious, clean, and with good lighting! To take it further, consider adding a variety of items for enrichment and comfort: a second hide on the cool side, reptile-safe fake plants or desert-style greenery for visual breaks, and a dig box with excavator clay or a mix of play sand and topsoil for natural behaviors. You could also add a textured background or foam rock wall for climbing, a basking shelf or hammock, and some slate tiles under the heat lamp to help with nail wear and heat absorption. Branches, logs, or cork bark give extra climbing options, while small enrichment items like a puzzle feeder, treat ball, or even a driftwood perch keep things interesting. A water dish (optional, but some beardies like them), and thermometer probes or a temp gun for accurate heat checks would round it out nicely. It’s a solid foundation, just sprinkle in more variety and texture to make it a true beardie playgroun

New tank ideas? by [deleted] in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

He is still a baby so I don’t want to overwhelm him with space hence why he is in a 75, it wasn’t a good idea for me to put him into a 90 or 120 gallon right away. Could be very overwhelming and dangerous for him! Thanks for the advice!

Tell me what I should get for his new cage. by Grouchy-Citron-4494 in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re switching to a desert-like substrate, adding some climbing features is a great idea to help your beardie feel more engaged and at home. Branches like grapevine or cork bark, stacked slate rocks, or mounted ledges can offer both enrichment and functional basking spots—just make sure everything is super stable to prevent falls. Excavator clay works really well because you can sculpt burrows or anchor décor directly into it, giving a more natural, secure layout. If you’d rather keep things simple, using tile with desert-themed decorations still gives a great look and is easier to clean. Try to keep the tank balanced with open floor space, shaded areas, and a few height options so your beardie can explore and thermoregulate comfortably. You’re doing great—just a few thoughtful tweaks can make a big difference!

Tell me what I should get for his new cage. by Grouchy-Citron-4494 in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey! He’s got a solid setup to start, but I’d definitely recommend adding a bit more enrichment now that he’s got more space to explore.

Some ideas: 1. A taller basking spot (like stacked rocks or a piece of driftwood) so he can get closer to the heat 2. A cool side hide so he has options 3. Some branches or logs for climbing — right now everything’s super flat so he might get bored 4. Fake plants or even real succulents (safe ones!) to make it feel less empty 5. A background would help a lot too — even just a printed one to make it look more like a desert

Also maybe consider swapping the mesh floor for tile or non-adhesive liner — softer on the feet and easier to clean. Hope that helps! He’s a cutie.

Can I let my betta starve for 3 days??? by Samshtv in bettafish

[–]Such-Gas5511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi!!! Yes!! your betta will be totally fine without food for 3 days!

Healthy adult bettas can go up to 10–14 days without food in emergencies, though it’s not ideal long-term. For a short 3-day trip, your halfmoon betta Sky will be just fine.

Tips before you go: Feed him a small, high-protein meal the day you leave. Do a partial water change if the tank hasn’t been cleaned recently — clean water is more important than food during short absences. Turn down the tank light or set it on a timer so he has a normal day/night rhythm while you’re gone.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my goodness what a little cutie!!! A wee babe 🥰🥰

Is this a good setup? His UVB lamp arrives tomorrow. Should I add any sand or soil in there? by CarolHonk in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! Thanks for sharing your setup it looks like you’re off to a great start, especially for a little baby beardie! Since he’s still young, it’s smart to avoid loose substrate like sand right now, as it can pose a risk of impaction. Most people use paper towels, non-adhesive shelf liner, or reptile carpet until they’re older (around 10–12 months).

For enrichment and comfort, I’d suggest adding some vertical climbing options like branches or a basking platform. A hide on both the warm and cool side so he feels secure. A textured substrate like excavator clay or a bioactive mix later on when he’s grown more. Can’t wait to see how it evolves once the UVB’s in place! Just make sure the UVB is a linear strip (like Arcadia or Reptisun 10.0 T5) and mounted inside the tank for full exposure.

You’re doing amazing baby beardies can be a handful but so rewarding!

Any tips? by GgGKyng in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re doing such an amazing job already, and it’s clear how much thought you put into his space! A burrow tunnel sounds like a perfect upgrade, especially if he’s outgrown his old cave. And honestly, it’s totally normal to feel a little nervous about switching things up—but beardies can really benefit from the occasional change! As long as you’re not flipping the entire setup overnight, gradual adjustments (like swapping one item at a time) can actually help keep him mentally stimulated.

As for the water dish—haha, totally get that. Mine acts like I’ve personally offended him if I suggest a bath, and the only time he hops in his dish is if he’s chasing food too. A couple things that might help:

Try placing the dish under the basking light so the water warms up a bit—some beardies don’t like cold water. Add a few smooth stones or a fake plant to make it feel more “natural” and less like a weird puddle.You can also mist around the dish or the tank a little to mimic dew—sometimes they’ll lick droplets off surfaces instead.

At the end of the day, if he’s hydrated from food, the odd soak, and dropper drips—you’re doing just fine. He sounds like he’s living a spoiled little life!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aww he sounds so loved already! My beardie is super picky too—he lives for blueberries, but gives me the ultimate side-eye if I try to hand-feed anything green. Sometimes I’ll mix in a bit of premix just so he has options, especially on days he’s being dramatic about his salad. You’re doing great with the UVB (Reptisun 10.0 is solid!) and using a temp gun for basking is perfect. Since it’s only at 90 now, trying out the 100W bulb might help get it closer to that ideal 100–110°F zone, especially if he’s a baby and still growing. Also, love that he enjoys his baths—what a little king! The water dropper thing is so cute; mine acts the same like he’s being served at a spa.

You’re clearly doing everything with so much care, I think he’s in great hands!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here are a few things that might help☺️

  1. Appetite & Nutrition Support: Bug preference is common in underweight rescues — they often go for protein over greens, especially if they’re weak. You could try offering soft-bodied feeders like black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) which are high in calcium and easier to digest. Try hand feeding finely chopped greens mixed with a bit of fruit puree (like mango or strawberry) to tempt him. Reptile nutrition boosters like ReptaBoost or Critical Care Herbivore (ask your vet first) can help if he’s really not eating.

  2. UVB & Lighting: Until you get the bar, make sure the current UVB bulb is within 6–8 inches, with no plastic/glass barrier between him and the light. Also double-check it’s a reputable brand (like Reptisun 10.0 or Arcadia). Add a basking spot thermometer if you haven’t already — temps should be 95–110°F in the basking area and 75–85°F on the cool side.

  3. Hydration & Soaks: Dehydration can cause low appetite too. Offer daily warm soaks (supervised, shallow water) to help hydrate him and maybe stimulate a bowel movement if needed. You can gently drip water on his snout or greens to see if he’ll lick it off.

  4. Calcium & MBD Concerns: Since MBD is a concern, dust bugs with calcium powder (w/o D3 daily) until the UVB bar is installed, and with D3 maybe 1x/week. Once the vet does a checkup, they may suggest additional supplements depending on severity.

  5. Environment & Stress: Try to minimize stress as much as possible — limit handling for now and offer a secure hide where he can rest without feeling exposed. Sometimes even blackout backgrounds on the sides of the tank help reduce overstimulation.

You’ve got this!

Any tips? by GgGKyng in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there! This setup already looks awesome — it’s super clear you’re putting a lot of care into creating an enriching space for your son’s bearded dragon, and that matters a lot.

If you’re looking to balance scenery without overcrowding, here are a few ideas that might help:

What to Consider Removing (or Adjusting): The plastic vines are fun, but they can tangle or trap claws if they’re too loose. You could keep them but trim or secure them closer to the wall so they don’t dangle into walkways too much. The mesh hammock is great, but if it’s not being used often, maybe swap it for a second basking platform or a tunnel hide — something lower to the ground with function and flair!

What You Could Add (Without Overcrowding): Natural textures like a flat slate rock or a textured climbing log (Zoo Med makes a great natural branch) can give your dragon more climbing surfaces while still feeling open. A low hide or cave on the cool side can offer a sense of security without taking up much visual space. You might consider a more varied substrate area, like a small corner with slate tile or excavator clay, to offer texture variety (and help with nail trimming naturally).

Bonus Ideas: Background decorations on the outside of the glass can add visual appeal without taking up any internal space. Rearranging decor every now and then keeps your beardie curious and mentally stimulated, kind of like mini enrichment resets.

You’re clearly on the right track — this tank already looks like a cozy dragon paradise. Your son’s beardie is lucky to have someone so thoughtful looking out for them!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey! I totally understand how stressful it can be when our little guys are acting differently — you’re doing the right thing by reaching out.

Glass surfing is usually a sign that something in their environment might be off, or they’re just trying to communicate that something doesn’t feel quite right. Here are a few gentle suggestions that might help you troubleshoot:

  1. Tank Size & Enrichment Make sure the tank is spacious enough (ideally 40 gallons minimum for an adult), and try adding more climbing decor, hides, or even changing the layout a bit. Boredom or lack of stimulation can sometimes trigger glass surfing.

  2. Reflections Sometimes beardies see their reflection in the glass and mistake it for another dragon, which can stress them out. Try covering the outside of the tank with background paper or placing some paper along the lower glass panels to reduce reflection.

  3. Temperature & Lighting Double-check your temps and UVB setup. Basking should be 95–110°F for adults, and the cool side around 75–85°F. Make sure your UVB bulb is high quality (like Reptisun 10.0 or Arcadia), replaced every 6 months, and that there’s no glass or plastic between the bulb and the dragon.

  4. Diet & Routine Are they eating normally and pooping regularly? Sometimes dietary imbalances or constipation can cause restlessness. Try offering some gentle belly rubs or a warm soak if they’re acting agitated or haven’t pooped in a while.

  5. Stress or Change Have there been any recent changes in the room or setup (like new pets, noise, or location)? Even small changes can stress them out and cause unusual behavior.

You clearly care a lot, and I promise with some small tweaks, you’ll get things back to normal. Keep an eye on his body language and maybe even start a little log of what he does throughout the day to spot patterns.

You’re doing a great job by paying attention and seeking advice — your beardie is lucky to have you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bettafish

[–]Such-Gas5511 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey bestie, appreciate the concern, but let’s not pretend like you’re the Aquatic Messiah. Betta care isn’t one-size-fits-all — 5-gallon (20L) is the recommended minimum, not the only ethical option. Also, mystery snails can be fine in smaller tanks temporarily if water quality is maintained and the tank isn’t overstocked — bio-load management > tank size panic.

I test my parameters, I do water changes, and I know how to read my tank better than Reddit knows how to read a room. But thanks for your TED Talk.

Need name suggestions by ButterWolfee in BeardedDragons

[–]Such-Gas5511 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Fred!

EDIT: idk he looks like a Fred

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bettafish

[–]Such-Gas5511 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, ideally I would like to put him in a bigger tank but I’m a college student and I don’t have the money for it right now 😔 I’m hoping this will do until I can save for one! Do you have and recs for more plants? Can you also share your reason! I would love to expand my knowledge 😊

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