Six essentials your reptile terrarium needs before your pet comes home

If you have decided to start keeping reptiles, congratulations! Reptiles of all types, from turtles to lizards to popular snakes like the rat snake can make rewarding pets that are generally low maintenance. However, they come with specific care and housing needs that are very different from common pets such as cats, dogs, or fish. It’s vital to learn and attend carefully to their requirements.

Before bringing your reptile home, you’ll need to prepare a suitable terrarium and gather all essential supplies. Selecting the right tank size and shape is crucial—consider your pet’s adult size and behaviour, including whether they require more floor space or prefer vertical climbing space.

Here are the six essentials every reptile terrarium should have to ensure your pet’s comfort, health, and wellbeing:

1. Appropriate Lighting

Lighting is not merely to view your reptile; it plays a critical biological role. Most reptiles need UVB lighting to synthesise vitamin D3, which helps them metabolise calcium — an important factor for bone health. Be sure to select a UVB bulb rather than a UVA bulb, as UVA lights only provide visible light but no UVB radiation.

Many diurnal reptiles benefit from a lighting cycle of about 12 hours on and 12 hours off, mimicking natural day and night cycles. Nocturnal species, however, may rely more on their prey for vitamin D and thus have different lighting needs. Please check your chosen species’ specific lighting requirements.

2. Heat Source

As ectotherms, reptiles depend on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Your terrarium should include an adequate heat lamp or heat mat to create gradients of warmth. This allows your reptile to thermoregulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas.

Some species may not require UVB lighting if they are nocturnal, but heat is nearly always necessary. When choosing heating equipment, consider stability and safety—heated tape and pads are good alternatives to heat rocks, which can sometimes become dangerously hot.

3. Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

Monitoring your enclosure’s temperature and humidity is essential. Use several reliable thermometers placed in different parts of the terrarium to get a comprehensive temperature profile. This ensures the environment stays within your reptile’s ideal comfort zone.

A hygrometer is equally vital, as humidity needs vary widely between reptile species. For example, desert dwellers require dry conditions, whereas tropical species benefit from higher humidity. Combining a hygrometer with a mister or humidifier allows you to keep humidity levels stable and appropriate for your pet’s natural habitat.

4. Suitable Substrate

The substrate is the material lining the bottom of the terrarium, and it impacts both comfort and hygiene. Reptile substrates range from bark, coconut husk, moss, to specialised soil blends. Choose one suitable for your species: desert reptiles need dry, fine substrates, while moisture-loving reptiles thrive on damp moss or similar.

Always prioritise safe, cleanable, and species-appropriate substrates to prevent health issues. Avoid substrates that the reptile might ingest and get stuck in their digestive system.

5. Decorations and Hiding Places

Decorating your terrarium is not just about aesthetics; it contributes enormously to your reptile’s mental wellbeing. Your pet needs places to hide and feel secure—caves, hollow logs, or reptile hides are excellent options.

Provide vertical climbing branches or rocks if your reptile is arboreal. These enrich the environment and allow your reptile to express natural behaviours, reducing stress and promoting activity.

6. Fresh Water Dish

A fresh water dish is essential for hydration and also can aid in controlling humidity. Place a shallow dish that your reptile can easily access. Change the water regularly to keep it clean and free from contaminants.

Depending on the species, water for soaking or bathing may also be necessary, so research your pet’s preferences and needs.

Finally, ensure your terrarium has suitable ventilation and is large enough to accommodate your reptile comfortably as it grows, promoting a healthy, enriched environment.

By preparing these six essentials, you’re helping create a habitat that replicates your reptile’s natural environment, setting your pet up for a happy and healthy life with you.