Future Dragon owner with questions

[HellFire1]

Hello dragon lovers. I am new to the bearded dragon life but i have had reptilians and fish before. i have been doing a lot of research before buying my new friend. I have 20g long tank set up with more then enough play area and basking as well. the few things im still going to be getting is the uvb light (Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO) and a ceramic heater for at night with a
Century Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller for the ceramic heater. i have my lid and thermometer on its way along with a infrared temp gun. i was wondering (for the feeding) if anyone has an alternative to crickets as im not really up for dealing with them. i have heard i can use butter worms or silk worms for the baby dragon. Another thing i was wondering about is do i need to have a water dish in the tank? ive heard mixed opinion on this topic. I cant wait to pick up my new friend once everything is set up and im ready.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this

 

[HellFire1]

i originally was going to set up a 40 gallon breeder and let it grow in there but i was going to be a while for that. Then i found this young lady on Facebook who had previously had a dragon and she was selling everything i have now for $40 so it helped BIG TIME!!i do have a 150w basking bulb (not sure if thats too much) that came with all the stuff. i was thinking about the roaches and mentioned it to my room mate and she was like" oh hell no" but i might grab them anyway lol.

 

[HellFire1]

I believe of old age. She had it for 10 years but I have already cleaned everything and baked the wood lol. I will be getting reptile safe cleaning stuff anyway. Before I even consider picking my new budy up I'm going to make sure the temps are right as I believe for this tank a 150w might be to much

 

[HellFire1]

I have red bulbs but I read it is know to cause problems for the dragon so the will sit there for emergency situations. The heating pad I will not do as they can short out and fry my buddy. Also the dragons dont detect heat on their belly's so they can get burned. I'm not sure what u mean by CHE tho.

 

[Beertruck]

I have red bulbs but I read it is know to cause problems for the dragon so the will sit there for emergency situations. The heating pad I will not do as they can short out and fry my buddy. Also the dragons dont detect heat on their belly's so they can get burned. I'm not sure what u mean by CHE tho.

I think the CHE refers to a Ceramic Heat Emitter, which is good for heat but not for basking.

 

[Beertruck]

and yes, red lights and heating pad are no good for them.

 

[HellFire1]

i will hold off on the CHE as its been pretty warm in my room lately.. i do appreciate the help in info as well.

 

[HellFire1]

i was wondering what would be a safe thing to use as bedding in his cave. i was thinking coconut fiber or something along those lines.