How to Setup a Baby Chinese Water Dragon Terrarium

How To Setup A Baby Chinese Water Dragon Terrarium
I hope all of you enjoyed this video and found it to be very helpful and educational. When it comes to raising Chinese water dragons, I cannot recommend this setup enough to raise happy, healthy, hatchlings. Between the proper enclosure size, lighting, substrate, and decor. You will be sure to have a thriving Chinese water dragon in your captive environment.
Thank you again to Zilla Reptile Products!
Check out there website here: www.zillarules...
Want to learn more about the Zilla Products used in this video?
Check out the informational links below on each product used in the video!
Zilla Front Opening Terrarium: www.zillarules...
Zilla Mini Dome: www.zillarules...
Zilla Mini Halogen Bulb: www.zillarules...
Zilla Slimline 18” Desert 50 UVB Bulb & Fixture: www.zillarules...
Zilla Jungle Mix: www.zillarules...
Zilla Terraced Dish: www.zillarules...
Join my Chinese Water Dragon Facebook Group!
Click here to join: / chinesewaterdragoncare...
Links To Purchase Everything Seen In The Video!
NOTE: The Zilla Front Opening Terrariums are still relatively new on the market. As of this video (2019) they are not carried by many online retailers. Your best bet to purchase a Zilla 18”x18”x25” (as used in the video) would be at a local reptile expo.
Zilla Mini Dome: www.amazon.com...
Zilla 25 watt Day Blue Halogen: www.amazon.com...
Zilla Slimline 18” Desert 50 UVB & Fixture: www.amazon.com...
Zilla Four Quart Jungle Mix: www.amazon.com...
Zilla Large Terraced Dish: www.amazon.com...
Cork Bark: www.amazon.com...
3” Ceramic Bowl for Feeder Insects: www.amazon.com...
Have any questions?
Comment below! or SEND me a message through any of my Social Media pages linked below!
Please message my business pages for inquiries on purchasing captive bred & born Chinese water dragons, and other reptile species I breed
Facebook Page: / alexsagamids
HAVE ANY CHINESE WATER DRAGON RELATED QUESTIONS?
Join my Facebook Group on Chinese Water Dragon Care & Ownership!
JOIN HERE: / chinesewaterdragoncare...
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#ChineseWaterDragon #WaterDragonSetup #ZillaReptileProducts

[@infamousinferno2506]

I've been subbed to you for some time now. Likely as far back as your channel dates. And I just wanted to say that being the same age, it's been awesome growing up alongside you and your content. You've never put out misleading information, and have always been transparent the way that I, too have grown to be. There is a steady rise in the "smaller channels" as far as exotic animal owning KZbinrs, and I sincerely hope that you'll rise with all of them while still setting yourself apart from them in a positive way, the way you always have. 👌

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you so much for the kind hearted message! I’m happy you’ve enjoyed my content throughout the years and continue to learn from my videos! Truly, thank you!

[@marcosavila1204]

Awesome Setup

[@jadalove1509]

i really like how you gave good advice

[@Eternalozzie]

GREAT basic set up video.

[@JayyFromTheGrip]

Just got one today 😌

[@JayyFromTheGrip]

Is it okay for me to eat in front of it on the first day? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 its starring at me like it’s terrified

[@leeleeroman8712]

This helped so much! I really wNt a Chinese water dragon for Christmas. And ive been doing SO MUCH RESEARCH

[@AlexsAgamids]

Good luck! They grow fast and need a lot of space & time! It’s a $20 lizard, but around $2,000 to setup properly by the time they’re an adult!

[@leeleeroman8712]

@@AlexsAgamids You are right! First I will be using a $200 Terrarium which is similar to the terrarium you are using!

[@leeleeroman8712]

I also subbed because you are such kind hearted and you are my Favorite youtuber

[@leeleeroman8712]

I Also have a question..

[@xoticmarvelreptiles4459]

Cool setup bro I don't have a Chinese water Dragon but I have a green basilisk

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

Awe this is so cute I love them my brother has one...they are so sweet and have such a personality 😂

[@AlexsAgamids]

That they are! A lot of work to keep and maintain. But worth it!

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

Snakedude1814 yes..😂

[@PeachyBell-yc6lq]

I’m planning on getting a Chinese water dragon relatively soon and this video helped a lot thank you!!

[@itz_vault9744]

Did u get one yet??

[@evanwoody2358]

Did you get one yet?

[@Isaiah_Diaz_]

Did you get one yet?

[@basan3570]

My parents might get me one for Christmas

[@ZerkyP30]

Did you get one yet??

[@lacyladewig9410]

Thank you so much!This really helps alot because I plan on getting a chinese water dragon soon and couldn't find a reliable resource

[@AlexsAgamids]

Be sure to check out the adult setup video on the channel as well. It’s more recent and I have more updated information to better the care this species requires.

[@KBHURSTHerMenagerie]

I have a wooden enclosure that is 4 x 4 to house my two baby dragons and plan to do a more bioactive set up in the very near future. Great video.

[@jerryholmberg7261]

I like your view it helped me a lot with how to set up my Chinese Water Dragon Terrarium so thank you

[@AlexsAgamids]

You’re welcome. Just remember: this enclosure is only meant for hatchling water dragons up to six months old. Afterwards they will need to be upgraded to a large, solid sided, semi-arboreal enclosure.

[@HUNTENMASTA1337]

zilla lighting is decent, but really i dont cut any corners, arcadia is really the best of the best in the hobby, both for lighting and supplementation.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Only con that I have with Arcadia’s lighting is that their UVB bulbs burn out over a six month periods. Whereas the data on the Zilla UVB bulbs shows they have substantial UVB output over a 10-12 month period. Meaning you would get more UVB from a Zilla bulb throughout the year, then you would with an Arcadia bulb. Arcadia is still a good brand though!

[@CarlosGarcia-bq6jj]

Excelente video tutorial de 1 a 10 eres un 20 ..

[@AlexsAgamids]

Es escuchar bueno mi videos esta beneficie and ayuda! Gracias para mires!

[@RichardNoble]

Hi Alex. I loved this video. I just got handed a CWD and am trying ti figure out what to do.

[@jaxattack7b198]

Could I keep a baby in a 5 foot by 3 foot by 6 foot, don't want to lose him

[@AlexsAgamids]

That size would work better for a juvenile-adult sized Chinese water dragon. Raising babies in smaller enclosures will allow them to find food much easier.

[@LizardKingGaming_YT]

hey there im thinking of getting a baby chniese water dragon and i have a question do we still mist the cage or not?

[@LizardKingGaming_YT]

also is the uvb supposed to be flashing?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yup! For babies you want to make sure they’re misted 2-3 times a day. 👍🏻

[@LizardKingGaming_YT]

Ok so I’m pretty much going to be misting it as much as my crested gecko

[@tonysprimitiveanimals8445]

Another awesome video and tips. 👍😊

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you!

[@Dakotahblueexotics]

Was looking for a care video for a friend that just bought a juvie chinese water dragon. Great work, but now I must know how you went about getting a zilla sponsorship!?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I had a friend who knew the brand manager of Zilla. After getting to know him, I asked if he’d be willing to help out with the channel. He said yes, and thus I’ve been able to review their products and use them when raising captive born & bred Chinese water dragons.

[@Dakotahblueexotics]

Ahhh, so now I just need to find a friend of a friend ;)

[@redvermeire6429]

nice job

[@Liquidgold.999]

Hello me and my sons are interested in getting our first Chinese water dragon. I'm wondering how often do you change out the water and how do you maintenance the water that comes off of the dragon when he comes out of the water..? I look forward to your knowledge I thank you for your time.

[@AlexsAgamids]

I change my water bowls every day. They need access to fresh water constantly, so staying on par with consistent cleanliness is key for a dragons well being long term.

[@570exotics9]

How do u get your bark to stay sideways in the tank bro thanks

[@AlexsAgamids]

I try to get pieces of cork that are "just" bigger than the width of the actual terrarium. This way I can easily wedge it into the glass if need be to create one strong structure. I also will drill small holes in cork tubes/hollows and zip tie the pieces together to make a solid "one piece structure". Hopefully that helps! Let me know if you have further questions.

[@lukassejersen520]

Your babies look so helthy

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you!

[@coopsreptiles2588]

Great work mate! Very informative video and such a cool species great to see your successes with them!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you Coop’s Reptiles! It means a lot coming from you. I’m happy to hear you found the video informative!

[@harleybl5_288]

How long will this viv last a hatchling

[@AlexsAgamids]

About 4-6 months.

[@thiswomansworld8945]

My daughter just got a baby one as a gift from the pet store he is starting to turn brown and has not ate since we got him a few days ago. HELP!!

[@AlexsAgamids]

I would suggest speaking to an experienced reptile vet if you find that your dragon is unhealthy.

[@foreversummeranimalrescue9308]

Hey! I just found a baby water dragon. I am in the Philippines. There are many lizards like geckos that are common but I can tell this is a water dragon. It has the colored flaps that come out on it's sides. It's very small, maybe 4" long including the long tail. I'm guessing this has just hatched. I just have a few questions... I guess they eat insects but what would be the best for it at this size? Earthworms? I don't see it's eyes open. (which was prolly why I was able to catch it) Are the eyes open right after it hatches or do they stay closed for a short time? I just want to make sure it's eating and healthy and then I'll let it go. I don't plan on keeping it as a pet. There is plenty of space and countryside here for it to have a safe habitat as I am in a provincial area and not a big city. Any help would be appreciated.

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

When ever my brother cleans his Chinese water dragons cage...I get to”baby sit”him😂I remember when he first got him he was 1 month old he will be 1 year in October. There was a point in time that we thought he was gonna die cause he wouldn’t eat. All he wanted to do was be in his”brothers”cage...a chameleon cage😂we put him in there and he ate😱then we had to put him back in his cause the chameleon couldn’t say out of his cage😂but he got over that stage in 4 day...I love him so much ❤️😂I would do anything for him..I even touched meal worms🤢

[@talye05]

Thank you for the informative video. I’m just learning about Chinese water dragons, when you say this size terrarium only lasts them until they’re juvenile, what size is that? When is it best to upsize their enclosure?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Typvially they are considered “juveniles” once they are around a foot long. To the terrarium shown in the video (18”x18”x25”) would last a haggling Chinese water dragon around six to eight months before you need a larger enclosure. Ideally by then, a foot long dragon can go into its custom made adult home.

[@RichardNoble]

Ca you please help me set my water dragon encloser up

[@AlexsAgamids]

If you have any questions answered that are not addressed in this video. Feel free to email me directly: [e-mail]

[@anastasiacanu3983]

I have a 4 month old water dragon I have been taking care of, is there any specific helpful tips/ pieces of information that could help me in caring for my little guy?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Keep them warm, and keep them humid! They’ll do the rest! 👍🏻

[@yoprobro806]

Do u trim ur water dragon's nails? If you do, can you tell me how you do it because my water dragon's nails are very sharp and that makes him not very fun to handle

[@AlexsAgamids]

I don’t trim their nails. They’re climbing lizards and NEED their nails long to help them climb up and down the terrarium. If you want to handle them. Wear gloves.

[@yoprobro806]

@@AlexsAgamids ok thanks

[@freak70wayne1]

nice video alex

[@AlexsAgamids]

Thank you!

[@arabwhite9907]

Im thinking of getting a chinese water dragon,can I put a baby in a big vivarium that it can grow into? so i don't have to change vivarium and it will be a good size for an adult

[@AlexsAgamids]

If it was a juvenile (12”) that’d be fine. But babies need to be kept in smaller enclosures so they can find their food easier and feel less stressed.

[@arabwhite9907]

@@AlexsAgamids ok thanks,I think I would be getting a juvenile anyway,just wanted to make sure

[@flofatality8953]

love this video! do you sell chinese water dragons bc iknow you captive breed the and not many people do

[@AlexsAgamids]

I do sell captive born & bred babies when I have them for sale!

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

What is some food that most of them would eat.

[@zephyrz0902]

They eat meat? Asking

[@hayleebecker3537]

Thank you so much!! What would you recommend for night time?

[@AlexsAgamids]

They do not need nighttime heating unless the enclosure drops below 65 degrees.

[@AlexsAgamids]

_emma_, if you’re house gets too cold at night. Then the use of a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) will suffice in keeping night time temperatures warm enough.

[@MGM-ej8wx]

Great video! We just bought an 8month CWD at an expo...would this enclosure be a good one for it? We have a regular size terrarium that we have not been using and have it in there temporarily..Thank you!

[@AlexsAgamids]

If it’s eight months old it should be large enough to go into an adult sized enclosure. The habitat shown in this video is only ideal for a water dragon for the first few months of it’s life (less than 12” long)

[@MGM-ej8wx]

Alex’s Agamids thank you!! I’m looking to buy an affordable enclosure today, this week. What do you think is a good size to start with until I can spend a little more? I’m contemplating building an enclosure in the future. The person that we bought the CWD, said that it can also be walked on a leash when it’s older. Now I’m wondering if there’s any truth to it. The people at the booth answered all my questions but I wish I would of asked or they would of said how big the enclosure really needs to be once the CWD is an adult.

[@AlexsAgamids]

Ideally you can start with an adult sized enclosure. A 4’x3’x4’ (LxWxH) would be the minimum I’d suggest. Bigger is always better. If you have the space for something like a 6’x3’x4’ that’d be more ideal. I’ll tell you though: Chinese water dragons and “affordable” housing are two terms that are never together. If you’re gonna do it right. Budget $1,000+ and don’t cut any corners. Do that and you’ll have a lizard that thrives!

[@krissppywoodz2080]

How long would this tank hold them for ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

About 6-8 months.

[@jcexotic2380]

I LOVE YOU FIRST LAMIIA SENPAI

[@AlexsAgamids]

UwU Thank you!

[@mattfishfrog5797]

I dont know if your still answering comments but I watched this video and got the same heating as you and the same size terrarium and put the basking spot at the same height(i looked at the paper towels and measured using them as a reference) and that bulb was showing 140 degrees at the basking spot. The only thing different between what I did and what you did is my basking spot is a flat piece of mopani wood and you used cork bark. I dont see how that would create a difference so im wondering if my thermometer is just wrong which I dont think it is because it measured room temperature the same as the air conditioner thermostat did. I dont feel comfortable ordering a dragon until I know the basking spot is good. pls help.

[@AlexsAgamids]

It can all depend on the ambient temps in the enclosure. If you have a naturally warm or likewarm room. I would suggest using the metal “lamp raisers” the mini halogens come with to put more distance between basking spot. That’ll hopefully cool things down.

[@mattfishfrog5797]

I bought a repti stand and its a foot and a half above his basking spot and I finally got it to around 95 to 100 degrees

[@ivanmoreno2161]

can i use a mercury vapor bulb all in one

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yup! Those will suffice for your Chinese water dragon!

[@user-vi7uw3nn2i]

Does it have to be 18x18x25

[@AlexsAgamids]

18”x18”x25” is the bare minimum I would suggest using for a hatchling dragon. Bigger is always better! But do not use a smaller terrarium!

[@kfields4980]

Snakedude1814, I have bad news. My Chinese Water Dragon has died yesterday. I think he might have died due to the heat. I don’t know for sure. I have decided to switch my enclosure's biome from tropical to desert. I am now deciding to get a collared lizard. (Crotaphytus collaris)

[@AlexsAgamids]

A Collard Lizard will be a lot easier than a Chinese water dragon. I’m sorry for your loss, but hopefully the collard lizard will be a better pet than the difficulty of a Chinese water dragon.

[@tythemanthathasnodad3354]

What color led light would you suggest for water dragons

[@AlexsAgamids]

Chinese water dragons do not require LED light. They need a heating source to provide UVA and a basking zone, as well as a MUST HAVE UVB bulb so they can synthesize vitamin D3 init calcium.

[@tythemanthathasnodad3354]

Alex’s Agamids thank you

[@austenbeech937]

Hey Alex I'm.in the market for a dragon if you have any babies.coming soon

[@AlexsAgamids]

Hello, Please shoot me an email or message any of the social media pages listed in the description in regards to inquiries. Thanks! - Alex

[@justinstancil6069]

Where can i get a captive bred

[@AlexsAgamids]

If you're looking to acquire a USA captive born & bred Chinese water dragon. I would suggest going onto Facebook and messaging either A.M Exotics, Borayus Exotics, or Capital City Chameleons as they are working on breeding Chinese water dragons in captivity.

[@seanh530]

Would this size terrarium be okay for a dragon 10-12 inches for a few months until i get something bigger? Thanks

[@AlexsAgamids]

It could “work”. But you’re truly better off just starting it out in an adult enclosure at that point and not wasting money on a small terrarium.

[@seanh530]

@@AlexsAgamids decided on the zilla 36x18x20 to start off thanks!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Good choice! That should last you till the dragon is around 18”-24” long. Then you’ll wanna get the adult enclosure.

[@seanh530]

@@AlexsAgamids sounds good cause im open to using the old terrarium for another reptile

[@seanh530]

@@AlexsAgamids also thanks for replying. Just earned a sub 👍

[@mixofficial7763]

What do you if you Chinese Water Dragon hasn't finished shedding after more than 2 weeks?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I let them shed at their own pace. The shedding process does take weeks. Typically they’ll shed the head and body, then arms. And finish with the tail. I’ve had them spend a solid month shedding off old skin before they start yet another shed! Be patient and don’t handle them!

[@mixofficial7763]

@@AlexsAgamids Thanks bud! :)

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

What does it mean when they close one eye out of no where

[@AlexsAgamids]

They do it was a defense machnaism. By closing one eye they’re trying to confuse the predator (or person) who is looking at them, to assume they’re “dead”. If a Chinese water dragon is being held and does it. It simply means it’s stressed and doesn’t want to be messed with.

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

Snakedude1814 okay thankyou so much! I’m so glad I know that now. I can’t wait to continue to watch u

[@jennasigman3602]

where did you buy the cage from

[@AlexsAgamids]

Zilla Reptile products supported this video. You can purchase the 18”x18”x25” model from any local reptile supply store.

[@jennasigman3602]

@@AlexsAgamids thx

[@ivanmoreno2161]

is it normal for my chinese water dragon baby not eating for 2 days since i just got him

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yes. The new enclosure is more or less a stressful experience. Be sure to just offer good and not handle your dragon for a few weeks to give it time to settle in.

[@ivanmoreno2161]

@@AlexsAgamids perfect thank u also he does turn brown during the day and at night but i have a heat emitter and mercury vapor heat lamp during the day the night temps is 75 and basking is 90 is he just stressed out

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yes. Dark coloration is a sign of stress in Chinese water dragons.

[@tythemanthathasnodad3354]

What’s the size you should use for 1 year old and up water dragons

[@AlexsAgamids]

By the time a dragon is a year old. They will need their permeant enclosure. I always suggest having a large, solid sided, semi-arboreal habitat that measures AT LEAST four to six feet high, four to six feet long, and two to three feet in depth. Animal Plastics makes some good models such as their A25 and A35 that will be a perfectly suitable home for a Chinese water dragon.

[@tythemanthathasnodad3354]

Alex’s Agamids thank you

[@henrycalcut3239]

So I was thinking about getting a water dragon and was wondering if a 200 gallon tank is big enough? The dragon I am looking at is only supposed to be about 20 inches. Thanks!

[@AlexsAgamids]

Nope! "tanks" are HORRIBLE for housing Chinese water dragons. As I said in the video; Chinese water dragons do not understand the concept of glass, or any clear barrier. Thus, a "fish tank" would never be a suitable enclosure for the species. A 200 gallon would work well for a bearded dragon as they realize that glass is a clear barrier. But when it comes to Chinese water dragons which need a tall solid sided enclosure. A glass aquarium is very unacceptable as far as proper housing goes. It's simple really, a 20" lizard that spends its life high above the ground in the trees does not belong in a horizontal glass fish tank. They're lizards. NOT fish. I would suggest looking into a large solid sided enclosure such as those made by AnimalPlastics Caging, or building your own enclosure, to properly accommodate the needs of a Chinese water dragon.

[@animal-_-man_v1946]

Can u Cohab Chinese water dragons

[@AlexsAgamids]

NOPE! While males and females can be paired short term ONLY for the purpose of breeding. Chinese water dragons DO NOT thrive when kept together. They do not want "friends". These grow to be large, solitary and territorial lizards. Sadly there are so many bad videos out there on KZbin showing keepers with their dragons being kept together, not to mention those people are cramming their lizards together in such horrible enclosures. So if you're reading this comment and are under the impression that your dragon is "lonely" and "wants" a friend, PLEASE DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES cohabitate two Chinese water dragons in the same enclosure. All that comes from cohabbing is stress, competition, and eventually: a dead cage-mate. (I plan to make a more indpeth video to educate novice keepers on the dangers of cohabbing these lizards.)

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

What does it mean when a Chinese water dragons tail is breaking off

[@AlexsAgamids]

Typically it is either due to being kept with another Chinese water dragon (they’re very aggressive and they will nip each other’s tails off!) Or the more often case is people aren’t keeping the dragons humid enough. Then they cannot shed their skin, the skin becomes stuck. And eventually it causes the tail to go necrotic and start to fall off. If left untreated the decaying tail will infect the healthy tissue and cause the death of the dragon.

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

Alex’s Agamids what if the infected part just fell off do I do anything about it?

[@AlexsAgamids]

Yes. Get the dragon to a vet. They’ll be able to test the tissue where the old infected area fell off to ensure that none of the infection as already spread to your dragon.

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

Alex’s Agamids okay thanks I have another question tho

[@AlexsAgamids]

If you have any further questions. Feel free to respond to this comment thread. Or message any of the social media pages listed in the description.

[@aussienscale]

Pffffft !! The Aussie Water Dragon's will kick their arses !!

[@AlexsAgamids]

To each their own… However, the Chinese water dragons seem to calm down much more than Austrailian water dragons in captivity. Making them a more ideal “pet”.

[@aussienscale]

@@AlexsAgamids was a tongue in cheek joke 👌😀 good vid 👍

[@JustMe-if4nu]

👍

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

This is like my 5th time saying something or asking questions but do they like sleeping in water and if so why😂

[@AlexsAgamids]

They don’t “like” to sleep in water. If you’re finding that a Chinese water dragon is calling asleep in it’s water bowl. Chances are there isn’t enough cover or perches in the Terrarium for it to feel safe. Hence why it is resorting to its water bowl to hide.

[@joshlynnabigail9711]

Snakedude1814 omg thankyou so much😂I’m so happy to have u to tell me this

[@sean_2170]

Doesn't this little guy need some Artificial plants ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

You could add artificial foliage. But I won’t lie. The hatchlings makes a mess of everything. They tend to poop and leave urates all over their cork bark, substrate, and water bowl. It’s a lot easier to clean a setup like this with the needs of the dragon first before aesthetics.

[@sean_2170]

@@AlexsAgamids Ok i understand. Can u maby make a video of ur older dragons in their setup ?

[@AlexsAgamids]

I will have one in the works eventually. It’d be a long film to “setup, step by step”. But I do intend to make an “adult Chinese water dragon care and setup video”

[@maitranthimai949]

I'm from Viet Nam and i buy the chinese water dragon just 60000 vnd about 3$

[@amandaohagan3990]

You cant stunt their growth. Thats a myth. They need to be in a 6ft by 6ft by 3ft tank. Get your information stright before you make a video...

[@AlexsAgamids]

Hello, if you can’t tell by what I said in the video. I mentioned this enclosure is for housing HATCHLING Chinese water dragons. I showed my large, solid sided, adult enclosure. When I said “stunt their growth” I was referring to the fact that they NEED a larger enclosure as adults. And that the enclosure used in the video is only a means of raising hatchlings for the first six months of their lives before they need a large, solid sided, semi-arboreal enclosure. How about before commenting, you actually watch and listen to the video? I wouldn’t have made it if I hadn’t been keeping and breeding Chinese water dragons for 6 years now.