A Set-up Guide for Reptile Habitats

What kind of terrarium does my reptile need?

• Depending on the species, your reptile may require more or less space to roam. Keep in mind that young pets may require smaller spaces than what they’ll need as adults.
• As for the terrarium’s shape? As a rule of thumb, reptiles that climb should have a terrarium that’s taller than it is wide. Reptiles who don’t climb should have a terrarium wider than it is tall.
• Make sure the terrarium is placed on a very stable surface so it won’t tip over. Put it in a low-traffic area out of direct sunlight, drafts and strong smells. It should be near an electrical outlet so you can plug in the lighting and heating units.

Your reptile’s environment

• Snakes, lizards, tortoises and other reptiles are ectothermic, which means they get their heat from outside their bodies.
• Your reptile’s terrarium should have a warmer end and a cooler end, so your pet can travel back and forth between the two as necessary. For the warm side, place a heat lamp, ceramic heat emitter or night-specific heat bulb over an elevated spot, like a nice, flat rock. This will be your scaly pal’s basking spot.
• The exact temperature and humidity of the habitat depends on where your reptile originally came from. Invest in two thermometers, one for each end of the habitat, to monitor the climate and a hygrometer to monitor the moisture in the air.

What about light?

Some reptile species are diurnal (active during the day) while other species are nocturnal (active at night). Either way, reptiles need a 12-hour light-and-dark cycle that mimics day and night. Otherwise, they get disoriented — wouldn’t you?

Most reptiles require UVB light that may come from lighting, in addition to their heating source. UVB bulbs are available in different types to mimic different outputs of UVB (for example, intense desert UVB or filtered tropical UVB). For more information, click here

Décor details

The floor of a reptile habitat should be layered with either reptile carpet or a bedding material that’s good for burrowing. Reptile bedding comes in lots of varieties, including coconut fiber, aspen/cypress, peat and sphagnum moss or bark. Follow the recommendations on the package or ask a PetSmart associate which choice is best for your species of reptile.

Furnish the habitat with a shallow water dish and a sturdy basking rock or log. Most reptiles appreciate a hut or other area for privacy. Climbing species will enjoy lots of live or artificial branches to play in.