Chinese Water Dragon Care Tips: Everything You Need To Know About Your Pet Chinese Water Dragon

Chinese Water Dragon Tanks and Housing

Chinese water dragons are tree dwelling, so you’ll need a tank with a large amount of vertical space. Adult dragons should be kept in an enclosure that is at least 4 to 6-feet high and 3 to 4-feet long and wide. Be sure to fill the tank with branches and vines that your pet lizard can climb on. 

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If you choose a glass or plexiglass cage, it will be easier to keep the environment humid. Be sure to use a screen top, however, to allow for proper ventilation. Adding in running water, misting systems and/or drip systems can also help you maintain proper humidity and keep your dragon properly hydrated. Near the top of the cage, create a comfy place for your water dragon to bask under its heat bulb. You also need a large water bowl that provides ample space for your dragon to fully submerge.

How Can You Clean Your Water Dragon’s Cage? 

A clean, moisture-rich cage is important to the health of your Chinese Water Dragon and you should set aside a few minutes each day to change your pet’s water and spot clean. Bacteria and fungus spread quickly in the moist enclosure so you want to stay on top of the cleaning. Do a thorough clean once a week, wiping down the plexiglass or glass surfaces and replacing the moss. 

Which Substrate Is Best for My Chinese Water Dragon?

When using a glass enclosure for Chinese Water Dragons, make sure to place something dark around the bottom few inches of the glass. Water dragons don’t recognize the glass and they will rub against it to try to get through to the other side. Placing an apparent obstruction in that area can prevent damage to the end of their nose. 

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We don’t recommend using loose substrate because it can grow mold easily and harbor bacteria. This can cause health issues in your reptile. Instead, place paper towels or vinyl flooring on the bottom of your tank. This will also make it easier to monitor your dragon’s fecal output and ensure they are passing healthy stools. Sphagnum moss can be added on top to help maintain humidity. 

Hot & Steamy: Providing the Right Climate for Your Chinese Water Dragon

Chinese Water Dragons are well adapted to life in warm, humid environments. Keep the humidity around 80%. You’ll definitely want to invest in a reliable hygrometer so you can easily monitor humidity levels.

 

You’ll also need a UVB light and heat source above the basking area. A ceramic heat emitter or basking bulb can be used for heat. Avoid red or blue heat bulbs as they can be harmful to your dragon’s eyes. 

 

Keep in mind that glass or very fine mesh will block the UV light, so make sure that the basking area allows the light to enter the enclosure. A linear UVB bulb is also much more beneficial than a coil UVB, as it covers a larger surface area of the tank. We recommend changing the UVB bulb every 6 months as the amount emitted diminishes overtime. Read more tips for choosing the right light source for your reptile.

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During the day, the temperature in the enclosure should be 80-88° F and 95° F in the basking area. This can be achieved with a 100w or 150w basking bulb placed approximately 8-10 inches above your basking platform depending on the size of your tank. A basking lamp with a thermostat will help regulate the temperature in the enclosure. To prevent burns, your pet should NOT be able to come into direct contact with the heat source. At night, the UVB light and heat bulb can be turned off as long as the temperature does not drop below 65 degrees. If your tank is getting too cold, a ceramic heat emitter can be left on at night.

 

You also want to provide your pet with a designated cool area so that your water dragon can thermoregulate itself. Keep in mind that because Chinese Water Dragons require large enclosures, you will probably need two or more bulbs to maintain the proper temperatures.
 

Your Chinese Water Dragon’s Third “Eye”

See that little black dot on the top of your dragon’s head? Don’t pick at it! Dragons have a primitive third “eye” or parietal “eye.” This organ is photoreceptive, meaning that it does not “see” clear images. It is believed, however, that lizards can use their parietal eye to discern the absence and presence of light. The third eye helps regulate their circadian rhythm as well as the hormones produced for thermoregulation.