DIY Water Dragon Cages

The water dragon is a family of large lizards native to Australia, India and Eastern Asia. If you are not familiar with water dragons, don't be fooled by the name given to these gentle creatures. They pose no threat to humans, even though it is not uncommon for a male dragon to reach three feet in length. Like its distant relative, the bearded dragon, water dragons thrive in captivity with proper care. For a water dragon, proper care begins with a comfortable home. Fortunately, putting together a cage for a water dragon is fairly simple, though you do need attention to detail as these creatures require a specific habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium or similar enclosure
  • Heat lamp
  • Ground substrate, including potting soil, newspaper and paper towels
  • Natural structures, including branches and rocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find an enclosure for your dragon cage. An aquarium is the easiest choice. However, you can also use a wooden enclosure like an old dresser drawer. The enclosure should at least measure four feet long by three feet wide and three feet in height.

    • 2

      Place some kind of substrate inside the enclosure. Recommended substrates include sterilized potting soil, newspaper, paper towels and carpeting. Avoid cedar and pine wood shavings as these can be toxic to your water dragon.

    • 3

      Place several structures inside the enclosure to create a natural habitat. A wooden log can provide a place to hide and sleep. Tree branches and rocks can provide a place to climb.

    • 4

      Place a large water source inside the enclosure. A water dragon requires a pool of water to swim and drink. A pool of water is also required to maintain necessary humidity levels. The water source should be large enough that the dragon can submerge at least half of its body into the water.

    • 5

      Attach a heat lamp to the top of the enclosure. The recommended air temperature for a water dragon is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, temperatures should range from 84 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, temperatures should range from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Basking temperatures can reach up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity should fluctuate around 80 percent. Regulate these temperatures with a self-adjusting thermometer.

    • 6

      Attach a UVA and UVB lamp to the top of the enclosure. Water dragons require ultraviolet radiation. Attach the lamp so it is situated just above the dragon's basking area. The lamp should hang into the enclosure so that not more than 10 inches of space is between the lamp and the basking area.