The Basics:

Chinese Water Dragons measure 4-5” at birth, growing to 2-3’ by the time they reach maturity at two years of age. Their skin color varies from a very dark to a lighter green, with green or turquoise stripes. The belly is white or yellow, and the throat yellow or orange. A less common Australian species of Water Dragon is occasionally seen as a pet. Brown in color, the Australian Water Dragon (Physignathus lesueurii) has
similar care needs to its Chinese counterpart.

Enclosure:
The Bigger, The Better:

While hatchlings can live temporarily in a 20 gallon
tank, adults need an enclosure with solid, opaque sides measuring at least 6’ long x 3’ wide x 5-6’ high. When housed in an enclosure that’s too small or made of glass, Chinese
Water Dragons will eventually rub the flesh off their snouts trying to get out. One glass or screen mesh side in the enclosure is acceptable, but the rest of the sides should be made from, or covered with, something non-reflective that they can’t see through.

A Place To Swim:

At least a third of the floor area should be devoted to a pool of chlorine-free water,, with the water temperature maintained around 77ºF. Often the heating method used to warm the enclosure is enough to keep the water at the correct temperature, but if necessary an aquarium heater can be used, or a heat mat can be placed under the pool. (Check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any heating appliance with a plastic pool.) The pool should be large enough for the animal to submerge at least the lower half of its body.

Lighting:
They Need To Soak Up The Ultraviolet Rays:

Chinese Water Dragons need direct exposure to UVB rays in order to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium. If not exposed to an adequate level of UVB lighting, they can develop Metabolic Bone Disease. UV lamps specifically designed for reptiles should be used, and fluorescent tubes should be replaced every six months. Since glass blocks UVB rays, if the enclosure does not have a screen mesh top, overhead light sources should be mounted inside the enclosure within 12 inches of the animal, behind a sturdy wire cover. To give the Water Dragon a natural day/night cycle, lights should be left on for 10-12 hours during the day and turned off at night. Lighting should never be left on overnight – constant light will cause the animal severe stress. Important - see the Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating below.

Temperature:
They Like It Hot:

Ambient temperature in the enclosure should be kept in the
80s during the day, with a basking spot of 90-95ºF. At night, the temperature can be allowed to drop to the mid to upper 70s. Important - see the Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating below.

Note About Day/Night Light Cycles and Heating:

All reptiles, including this pet, must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. (See the lighting entry above for the specific length of this animal’s day/night cycle.) The day period must be light; and night must be dark. A timer should be used to set day/night periods. If a heat source is required to maintain correct nighttime temperatures, use heat mats or strips mounted below or on the side of the tank, infrared heat lamps, ceramic heat emitters, or a combination of these products. This will allow the enclosure to be heated while remaining dark. Follow directions carefully with all products. If ceramic heat emitters are used always choose fixtures with porcelain or ceramic sockets and to protect against fires do not place them by dry wood or flammable fabrics. Ceramic heat emitters must be kept out of the reach of children and all pets, including dogs and cats.

Water:

Though they already have a large “swimming pool” in their enclosure, most Water Dragons will rarely drink from standing water, preferring to lap droplets of water from leaves. When misting the enclosure, be sure to direct the spray onto some large, flat leaves within reach of the animal and always use clean, fresh chlorine-free water. Humidity should be kept at a constant 60-80% by misting the enclosure. If the enclosure is too dry, the animal may have trouble shedding its skin. However, always make sure the basking area is dry.