Chinese water dragons have special needs when it comes to the ideal housing conditions. If the habitat is unable to provide the recommended conditions, the water dragons can find it extremely difficult to get comfortable in their new home. Enclosures having plants and tree branches are greatly loved by water dragons. The substrate you provide should be something dragons cannot ingest and is non-toxic.
Most importantly, the enclosure you choose should be appropriate for your lizard. It should not be too small or lack hiding areas. You can provide your pet with warm and cool areas in the tank to help it regulate its body temperature. Chinese water dragons stay happy and healthy in enclosures that are warm and humid.
You can maintain the tank temperature between 84 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It is necessary that you monitor the temperature very carefully. Digital thermometer with attached hygrometer can be a helpful tool. Night temperature can be around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity level in the enclosure should be maintained around 80%. This helps in shedding and keeps your pet healthy.
The heating elements you use (including heat bulbs, ceramic heaters or hot rocks) can get too hot and raise the temperature within an enclosure. Thus whatever heating source you use in the tank should remain hidden. This prevents your pet from getting to them and injuring itself.
Normally the basking areas should be slightly warmer, i.e. the temperature should be about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You can achieve this easily by using a bulb directly over the basking or hiding spot. You should however be careful that the area does not get too warm. Using a lamp supported by plant branches directly over the area is ideal for maintaining the required temperature.
You also need to provide your pet with adequate light. If you are unable to provide natural sunlight, UVB lamp does the trick. You should never put a glass enclosure under direct sunlight as it can get overheated and harm your pet. You can use a couple of UVB fluorescent tubes to give your pet the required amount of UVB light. Examples include the likes of Iguana light 5.0 and Exoterra 8.0.
Once you get the light source, you must place it not more than 10 inches from your pet. Enclosure screen filters out a large portion of UVB rays. If the light source is placed faraway, more rays will be blocked which is no good for your pet.
