| Housing for a reptile will, of course, vary with the | | | | by a thin layer of filter material then covered in |
| type and size of your pet. A tree dwelling or climbing | | | | sphagnum moss and potting compost. Decorate the |
| reptile will be happiest in a tall narrow cage with | | | | land area with rocks, driftwood or other decorations |
| branches for climbing. A terrestrial reptile will be | | | | and add some moss and plants. |
| happiest in a wide, low cage. Aquariums with screen | | | | For some reptiles you will need to provide a basking |
| covers or glass fronted wooden cages make suitable | | | | area by attaching a lamp to the lid. Place this at one |
| housing or you can purchase a specially made | | | | end of the terrarium to provide a warm area under |
| terrarium. | | | | the lamp and cooler areas at the other ends. |
| Some considerations before you purchase your | | | | Pets that are at home in a semi-aquatic terrarium |
| reptile terrarium | | | | include any of the aquatic reptiles plus crocodile |
| The cage must be: | | | | lizards, basilsks, some turtles and especially newts and |
| Escape proof | | | | frogs. |
| Draft proof | | | | Woodland Terrariums |
| Heat resistant | | | | A woodland terrarium is a land terrarium with plants |
| Well lighted | | | | and/or ornaments. A source of water for the pets is |
| Moisture resistant | | | | also needed. The terrarium can have gravel or reptile |
| As large as you can make it | | | | carpet as a base or potting soil if you are adding |
| Some reptiles that need extra consideration: | | | | plants. Depending on the reptiles you are keeping |
| Boas and Pythons - can grow to over 20 ft | | | | decide if you will have just gravel and rocks, suitable |
| Green iguanas - can grow to 6 ft | | | | for ground dwellers, or plants and branches for |
| Some considerations before you purchase your | | | | climbing for an arboreal (climbing) species. Plants that |
| reptile | | | | are suitable include fittonias, philodendrons and other |
| Only mix reptiles that are known to be compatible | | | | plants suitable for plant terrariums. They need very |
| House reptiles by their kind and size | | | | little maintenance apart from a light misting |
| Types of Terrariums | | | | occasionally. |
| Aquatic Terrariums | | | | Depending on the pet you may need to provide a |
| An aquatic terrarium is similar to an aquarium but | | | | basking lamp and basking area. as in other types of |
| usually has only four to six inches of water. Like an | | | | terrarium ensure that it is warm under the lamp but |
| aquarium it needs a filter and a heater and gravel on | | | | cooler in other parts of the enclosure. Some pets |
| the bottom but needs a raised area above the water | | | | also need full spectrum lighting. |
| for a basking area and a vented or wire screen lid. A | | | | Pets that are at home in a woodland terrarium include |
| basking area can be a rock protruding from the | | | | salamanders, anoles, snakes and many types of |
| water or piece of bark. The vented lid should have a | | | | frogs including green tree frogs and barking tree |
| lamp for basking and a background should be added, | | | | frogs. |
| not only to look nice but to help your pet to feel | | | | Desert Terrariums |
| secure. | | | | Desert Terrariums are very dry and may have |
| Pets that are at home in an aquatic terrarium include | | | | desert loving plants such as cacti and other |
| turtles, newts, frogs, salamanders and water snakes. | | | | succulents. Substrates suitable for a desert terrarium |
| Semi-aquatic Terrariums | | | | include sand, reptile carpet or bark. A heat source is |
| This type of terrarium is a mixture of water and a | | | | needed as in other types of terrariums and full |
| dry area. The two areas are separated by glass or | | | | spectrum lighting is required for almost all desert type |
| by using a water container that is removable. The | | | | reptiles. |
| water area is set up as in an aquarium and needs a | | | | Pets that are at home in a desert terrarium include |
| heater, filter and gravel on the bottom. The land area | | | | desert iguanas, collared lizards, leapard geckos and |
| is best made by placing a layer of charcoal, covered | | | | spiny lizards. |