Chinese Water Dragon Enclosure| Improvemnts & Updates!

Four changes in four years. Undoubtedly there will be more to come!
Chinese water dragons are a lizard that I have been keeping for the past seven years and have bred and hatched eggs the past three. Yet even in times of great success I have experienced failures amongst the many modifications and experimental features going into my captive husbandry for them. Will I perfect it? I hope so! But will it take a while and more trial and error experiments: Absolutely.
I hope this video is helpful to many of you, and that it will prevent issues in the captive husbandry of your Chinese water dragons.
Have any questions?
Email me: [e-mail]
Comment below! or SEND me a message through any of my Social Media pages linked below!
Facebook Page: / alexsagamids
Instagram Page: / alexsagamid. .
#ChineseWaterDragon #ChineseWaterDragonSetup #WaterDragonCare

[@GeekyGeckoCreations]

Just curious, why do people say its ok to have the "front" of a cage for the Dragons clear but all the other sides should be blocked out? Won't they run along the front as well? Thanks for ur input

[@AlexsAgamids]

I believe such a myth comes from a lack of experience or understanding. Chinese water dragons don’t understand clear barriers. So if the front of an enclosure is clear, then they WILL rub against it as well. So they’re better off having a “tall substrate lip” to ensure they don’t bash their faces up. Generally speaking: if someone claims a Chinese water dragon will be fine in a “clear sided” enclosure, they probably have little understanding of the species and it’s habits in captivity.

[@GeekyGeckoCreations]

@@AlexsAgamids good input thanks

[@AnimalEncountersEP]

Greta video Alex, your chinese water dragons are awesome, a big hug from Ecuador my friend!

[@blazetube1164]

Great video!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you!

[@akuma667]

@@AlexsAgamids great video your experience helped me to improof the care of my Water Dragon

[@freak70wayne1]

glad your posting videos again great video looking forward to the next one

[@samueldarke2524]

By any chance do you have a video in how to build that type of enclosure, if not is is possible for printable plans?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yup! I do have a video on how this enclosure was built. It’s on my channel. It’s an older video but it’s titled “How to Build an Adult Chinese water dragon enclosure”

[@infamousinferno2506]

Dude, I've missed you!

[@martingarza8418]

Do you guys turn off your UVB light at night since its basically acting as the sun for the lizard

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yes. The sun sets in the wild. So it should in captivity. I offer these lizards a photoperiod of 14 hours of day light and ten hours of darkness. Do not keep any lights on at night as it will disturb their sleep cycle.

[@martingarza8418]

@@AlexsAgamids Ok thank you. I've only had him for a month still learning. I have a combo dome lamp fixture, so ill just turn the UVB bulb off at nite and leave the heating bulb on.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Turn all the lights off at night. They need total darkness to sleep. Do not allow for any light on during the night time hours as that will disrupt their sleep cycles. If the enclosure gets too cold at night. Use a ceramic heat emitter to ensure proper nighttime temps are being met. (Avoid using “red” and “black” night bulbs as they still emit light and WILL still disrupt the sleep patterns of a water dragon).

[@martingarza8418]

@@AlexsAgamids Ok, thanks.

[@martingarza8418]

@@AlexsAgamids Hey I wanted to ask as well, for my young water dragon wat do you suggest for feeding thats healthy for him. Ive just been using meal worms, just tried a night crawler today gona see if ge eats it.

[@lottasquamata]

Any other agama species you plan working with in the future?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Hydrosaurus & Intellagama are on my “to keep” list. I just need to make room for more custom enclosures.

[@lottasquamata]

@@AlexsAgamids that's awesome! I'm mainly working with boas right now but really wanna specialize in a variety of agamids once I can get a bigger place

[@PlanetOReptiles]

Welcome back dude! It’s been some time! Great video!

[@Livermytimber]

bruh i was using those flood lights since i got my dragon 7 years ago and i have mine in a 9ft x 6 x 12 he loves it and is living his best life

[@АндрейК-х9с]

Will you recomend HID lamps, (lucky reptile bright sun jungle, etc...) instead of using t5/8 uv and heat source? People say they are ok for large enclosures

[@AlexsAgamids]

Those bulbs can work well. I would still suggest the T5 bulbs because then you can use a halogen to isolate a heat spot and overlap the UV light with it so the lizard can have the option to bask with UVB or rest in an area with just UVB light.

[@JTBReptiles]

Try planting Ficus pumila at the bottom. It will take a while but should suddenly take off and cover the whole background.

[@AlexsAgamids]

I’ll have to give it a try! Just gotta make sure they don’t tear it up like they’ve done with everything else.

[@JTBReptiles]

Alex’s Agamids They shouldn’t do - it clings so tightly and so close to whatever it’s growing on, it should work well. My only concern would be insufficient light at the bottom of the viv where it would be planted. You can only try!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Perfect! I know next to nothing when it comes to botony and horticulture. But knowing your experience. It’ll be worth a shot. One can’t know unless one tries! 🤞🏻

[@JTBReptiles]

Alex’s Agamids All I know for certain is that if it does work, it’ll look fantastic!

[@rottweilerfun9520]

You can use a pump instead of siphoning the water. You can also reverse the pump to refill your water feature.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thanks for the tip. However it’s been much easier to simply change a large water pan every day. (Also makes monitoring of fecal matter easier!)

[@clairekoester5726]

Do you have glass on the front? I love the look of glass but I thought you couldn’t have that?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Only the doors are glass. Everything else is wood. You are correct. This species doesn’t fare well with a clear enclosure. So you’ll wanna make sure you use wood or PVC for the material to make an enclosure.

[@PlanetOReptiles]

Do you still have that tegu Alex?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yup! She’s four years old now. A lean, mean, Argentine, machine! I’ll have to film an update on her. She needs some screen time!

[@dylanthirkle2569]

Where would I find them floodlights?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I just go to my local home improvement store and purchase the six pack. They are the Phillips 90watt Par38 Halogen Outdoor Floodlights.

[@WildLife_Perspective]

It's awesome to see how amazing you care for them! Glad they are doing well! Will you be making a update video on the babies?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you. I have a 2020 captive born & bred Chinese water dragon video in the works of my recent clutch I’ve been rearing.

[@WildLife_Perspective]

@@AlexsAgamids awesome I can't wait!

[@KBHURSTHerMenagerie]

When I had my pond with my 7 year old Chinese dragon there were goldfish that would eat the waste. It sounds gross but they helped me when I had to do water changes. My guy would not eat them so he had pets I guess. Now I have a smaller pond with a filter and it isn't used by them that much yet. They are still getting used to the much larger enclosure I put them in two months ago.

[@justinkmiddleton21]

Nice enclosure looks great. I've recently been watching your videos as I'm always looking to learn more and get more ppls experienced input. My girl is little over 3 yo and is in 6×2×5 enclosure and it's full of plants that thrive despite her destroying and trampling them it's all about what plants you use and how you plant them. Keep up the good work and I'll be sure to keep watching your videos.

[@allisonbessette2216]

PLEASE RESPOND‼️ I have a Chinese water dragon about 5 to 6 months old and I’m going to be moving him/her to a larger wooden enclosure and was wondering if you could tell me how I should heat it??? I have a heat pad on the back of the tank he’s in currently but that obviously won’t work on wood so I need some suggestions!😫

[@AlexsAgamids]

Cut holes and add screen sections to the top of the new enclosure build. That will allow for heat lamps to project heat and light into the enclosure.

[@allisonbessette2216]

Alex’s Agamids will it hold the heat throughout the night? I know they prefer it about 75 or so at night but I’m worried about it dropping lower in the winter

[@AlexsAgamids]

If it drops too low. You can always utilize a ceramic heater to warm night time ambient heat.

[@allisonbessette2216]

Alex’s Agamids I’ll look into that! Thank you again🙂

[@ashfox2012]

TY Alex all your videos & replies back on fb are so helpful in getting us up & started... 3days & we pick ours up✨😍🦎🐉

[@MerianyaS]

Regarding humidity in the enclosure, I've found that using a pond fogger in the water area is a huge help for maintaining humidity. The normal ambient humidity where I live (Front Range of Colorado) is very low, like in the 5 - 20% range, so maintaining humidity was extremely difficult when I was starting out. No matter how much I misted, I couldn't keep the humidity high enough, and if I did manage to get the humidity high enough it would cause the enclosure's temperature to plummet. After a lot of trial and error with humidifiers and misting systems, I finally found that if I had a reasonably sized water area (even something as small as a medium sized kitty litter box) and added a pond fogger, controlling the humidity became a lot easier. Add in a water heater like you would use for a freshwater tropical fish tank and it makes the humidity control even easier as well as helping to keep the floor of the enclosure from getting too cold. I've been using foggers for about a year and a half and haven't had any issues with either of my dragons while using them.

[@kenshi6433]

How often do you feed Harriet? And should I feed my lizard like that? He’s 2 years old now.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Twice a week. Monday & Friday mornings. When she’s laying eggs during the breeding season. I bump feedings up to 3-4 times a week as laying eggs takes a lot of calories and calcium out of her. I like to keep the dragons lean, fast, and healthy. So truly, less is more with them.

[@kenshi6433]

Alex’s Agamids should I feed my lizard like that? And thank you for your reply👍

[@AlexsAgamids]

For the health of your Chinese water dragon. That would be a great feeding schedule to utilize.

[@kenshi6433]

Alex’s Agamids ok thanks

[@damonalisa11]

I need to upgrade mines again too.Hes huge. 💪❤And good job "!!

[@myzoo2856]

Just set up a Chinese water Dragon tank It’s a grow tent that is 4 x 2 x 5 do you think that is big enough And I finally found a captive bred one

[@AlexsAgamids]

For babies you want to start them in a smaller enclosure for the first few months. Something along the size of 18”x18”x24” will work well. Once they are around 14” long, they’re ready to go into their adult enclosure. So a 4’x2’x5’ enclosure will work well!

[@myzoo2856]

@@AlexsAgamids Oh I thought the baby could just go straight into there adult tank I don’t know if I have anything smaller to start them off in

[@AlexsAgamids]

If you’re able to go to a local pet shop. They generally carry smaller enclosures that’d work (like an Exo Terra or Zilla).

[@myzoo2856]

@@AlexsAgamids So what would happen if I put it in the adult enclosure just because I spent like $1500 on this enclosure and those other enclosures can be quite expensive to I have money put aside for the feeders and all that

[@AlexsAgamids]

Typically a baby placed in too large of an enclosure will stress out and refuse food, they will also have difficulty finding the right basking spots and getting within distance of the UVB lamps due to their smaller size.

[@dragonoftheemeraldisle7791]

Hello Alex! I recently got a Water Dragon of my own and I need some help with some things. When using a live feeder, do you keep the feeder bugs and feed them so they don't die? Or do you order new live bugs every time the bugs die?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Since I breed Chinese water dragons. I always have my roach colonies breeding year round for me. This ensures that my dragons always have a supply of fresh, well fed, and gutloaded feeder insects.

[@kfields4980]

Alex's Agamids (Snakedude1814), I was supposed to get a collared lizard this month, but unfortunately, the collared lizard that the pet store has had mites, and it had bitten some owners that it used to have, so I have reconsidered getting the collared lizard, and I have decided to get a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) instead.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Nice! A bearded dragon will be a great starter pet lizard. Just make sure you do your research on the heating and lighting! They like a lot of UVB!

[@kfields4980]

I will

[@dominichedquist5235]

HELP! I have a few questions about water dragons and my habitat I have for them. I have tried other public forums and it seems as if no one knows anything! Video chat would be best so you can see the dragons habitat!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Feel free to click any of the social media links in the description for Alex’s Agamids. I’ll be able to respond to any messages with questions regarding Chinese water dragons. 👍🏻

[@krissppywoodz2080]

Is this setup fine for a adult male I plan on getting a male water dragon but just let him grow in his enclosure I plan to get this exact size

[@AlexsAgamids]

This enclosure measuring 4’x2’x5’(L’xW’xH’) will suffice perfectly for a single adult male Chinese water dragon. Remember though. Males can grow to be three feet long, a larger enclosure is always better!

[@krissppywoodz2080]

Alex’s Agamids how much did you spend on your enclosure

[@AlexsAgamids]

This enclosure cost me roughly $460 for the overall build. Then factor lighting, substrate, decor, and all the other add ons and I’d say I’ve spent around $800+ total. While Chinese water dragons are “cheap”. Caring for them adds up. Before you get your Chinese water dragon, I’d suggest budgeting around $1,000 to make sure you have EVERYTHING in order. Especially of you’re dealing with a wild-caught dragon and not sourcing a captive born & bred animal.

[@krissppywoodz2080]

Alex’s Agamids who is a good Chinese water dragon breeder or produces beautiful colors let me know Alex please

[@AlexsAgamids]

I would suggest contacting A.M. Exotics, Capital City Chameleons n’ Critters, Borayus Exotics, or myself (as I breed Chinese water dragons). All the breeders can be found online on Instagram, Facebook Pages, and ads through Fauna Classifieds.

[@jessicae3812]

I’ve only had my boy since March, and I can not tell you how helpful your videos and instagram is, in helping me raise my boy. Thanks again Alex 🙌🏻🐉

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you for the kind words & support! I’m pleased to hear my information has helped!

[@MR-cf2gd]

So what heating do you use and what uvb I know you said it in the video but I want to make sure and If i get a water dragon and if it is wild caught how do I make sure it lives

[@AlexsAgamids]

Heating is achieved via two 90 watt Par38 Halogen Floodlights. For UVB. I am using two, 18” T8 Zilla Desert 50 UVB bulbs.

[@MR-cf2gd]

Thank you so much love the videos one more thing how do I make sure my Chinese water dragon lives when I get it and doesn’t just die on me

[@AlexsAgamids]

There’s no guarantee with wild-caught dragons. A $30 lizard is a $30. You’re getting what you pay for. You can do everything “right” and they’ll be fine. Yet at the same time, you can do everything “right” and they look fine for three weeks then die. There’s a reason you don’t see many adult dragons. Most people don’t realize a $30 lizard, is gonna cost $1,000 to setup by the time it’s an adult. If you’re that worried about a Chinese water dragon dying on you. I would suggest finding a breeder to ensure you get a healthy, captive born & bred animal.

[@MR-cf2gd]

Where do you think I should look online?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Fauna Classifieds is a good site. You can check for captive born & bred dragons that are listed by a number of breeders.

[@zfenimore43]

About how much did just the enclosure cost to build? I have a 5 month old and am going to be looking into building him something similar!

[@AlexsAgamids]

With everything it was around $1,000. That’s the wood and frame for the cage. Background. Lighting. Decor, etc.

[@harleybl5_288]

Can I keep a juvenile dragon in an adult size enclosure

[@AlexsAgamids]

As long as the dragon is around 14”-18” long. Then it will be more than capable of finding food within the expanse of an adult enclosure.

[@harleybl5_288]

Alex’s Agamids thankyou do I just put crickets on the branch

[@AlexsAgamids]

I usually feed crickets from tweezers, or provide roaches within a feeding dish.

[@harleybl5_288]

Alex’s Agamids oh ok thanks it’s just that I have snakes and have had bearded dragons in the past and I’m thinking of getting a water dragon soon

[@mcbron9575]

Nice enclosure lmao just watched that video right b4 this and your voice changes alot

[@AlexsAgamids]

Four years not only changes the enclosure. But the boy who built it 💪🏻 Laughs aside, thank you for watching!

[@madelaineharms618]

Still breeding ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yup! The 2020 season ended with a grand total of 30 captive born & bred offspring being produced! I am hoping for more success in 2021!

[@madelaineharms618]

Alex’s Agamids are there any still available ? I’m located in Canada

[@AlexsAgamids]

I cannot ship to Canada. US sales only.

[@kristinmcintosh91]

I love it!

[@michelletran1039]

nice and helpful!! 💚💚

[@AlexsAgamids]

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching!