How to Clean a Bearded Dragon Aquarium

A glass aquarium makes a good enclosure for a bearded dragon and is easy to clean. Although many bearded dragon owners use a sandy substrate in the bottom of the aquarium, natural stone tile cut to fit is a lot easier to maintain. Some daily cleaning is a necessary part of bearded dragon care, along with a more thorough weekly cleaning to control odor and keep the bearded dragon healthy. You can clean a bearded dragon aquarium without moving it, since it is heavy and could break. All items in the enclosure should be cleaned outdoors or in a sink.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper towels
  • Small net or slotted spoon
  • Shop-Vac
  • White vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Stiff brush
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Instructions

  1. Daily Bearded Dragon Care

    • 1

      Remove the water and food dishes and clean with hot, soapy water. Refill the water dish.

    • 2

      Pick up any dead crickets or wilted vegetables lying in the enclosure that the bearded dragon didn't eat.

    • 3

      Remove fecal matter as soon as possible to control odor. Use a damp paper towel to clean the basking rock or branch as well as the tile on the bottom. If you have a substrate in the bottom of the aquarium, scoop out the fecal matter with a net or slotted spoon.

    Weekly Bearded Dragon Maintenance

    • 4

      Lift the bearded dragon out of the aquarium and have someone hold it.

    • 5

      Remove the water and food dishes and basking object from the aquarium.

    • 6

      Remove the tile from the bottom. If you have substrate in the bottom, vacuum it out with a Shop-Vac.

    • 7

      Catch any live crickets and put them back in the cricket container.

    • 8

      Spray the inside of the aquarium with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 6 parts water. Wipe clean with paper towels then dry with paper towels.

    • 9

      Douse all the items from the cage--the water and food dishes, basking rock or branch and tile--with the vinegar/water mixture.

    • 10

      Scrub the items with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly with water from a hose or faucet.

    • 11

      Set the items from the cage outdoors to dry, if feasible.

    • 12

      Pour new substrate in the bottom or replace the tile pieces.

    • 13

      Replace the dishes and basking object in the aquarium. Refill the water dish.

    • 14

      Return the bearded dragon to the aquarium.