Terrariums
A good terrarium recreates a small slice of desert, rainforest or riverbank, with the heat, light and humidity the animal living there needs. Start with the animal, then build its world.
A temperature gradient lets reptiles move between a basking spot and a cooler retreat.
Most daytime reptiles need UVB to use calcium. Replace UVB bulbs on schedule, often every 6–12 months, because output fades before you can see it.
From dry desert setups to humid rainforest tanks. Match it to your species.
Use a thermometer on each side and a hygrometer, and run heat sources through a thermostat.
Choose a style
The right habitat depends on where your animal comes from. These are the setups most keepers start with.
Dry setups with a hot basking area, rocks and hides.
Humid, planted habitats with climbing branches and regular misting.
A living substrate with plants and a cleanup crew of springtails and isopods that break down waste.
Part land, part water, often with a stream or waterfall.
Mostly water, with a dry basking dock under heat and UVB.
A glass garden of mosses, ferns and small tropical plants, with no animals at all.
Step by step
These are general guidelines. Needs vary by species, so check the specific animals you plan to keep.
Learn its adult size, diet, lifespan, and the temperatures and humidity it needs. Everything else follows from that.
Size it for the adult animal. Front-opening glass terrariums make feeding and cleaning easier, and a secure, locking screen top keeps escape artists in.
Add a basking lamp or other heat source on a thermostat and, for most daytime reptiles, a UVB fixture. Put lights on a timer for a steady day and night.
Use a substrate suited to the species, give hides on both the warm and cool sides, and add branches to climb, a water dish and plants.
Run everything for a few days and check the temperature and humidity at both ends before your animal arrives.
Keep handling light for the first week or two. Spot-clean daily, refresh the water, dust feeder insects with calcium as needed, and replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
See how it works
Keep learning
Our help guides focus on aquariums and ponds today. For terrarium questions, call or stop by the store.
When you are ready to pick out supplies, everything we carry is in one place. Questions first? Call (215) 269-4930 or visit us at 4501 New Falls Rd, Levittown.
