The Best Reptile Terrariums
Whether you're interested in bringing home a couple of itty bitty Dwarf Geckos or a massive Retic, you'll need a safe place to keep them. That's when it's time to check out reptile terrariums. They're designed for safety and convenience, allowing you to provide the best care possible. You just have to figure out which one fits your specific pet's needs.
What to Look For
Providing a proper home is essential to caring for any reptile. To ensure the enclosure you pick is the best choice for your pet, we recommend focusing on size, ventilation, and security. For example, the Repti Zoo 34-gallon terrarium has a locking door and mesh top for maximum protection and breathability. However, it’s a bit too small for most common sub-adult and adult reptiles, like Bearded Dragons and Ball Pythons. On the other hand, the Extra-Long terrarium from Carolina Custom Cages can give them lots of roaming room. These are just a couple of our top picks. Read on to learn more about our favorites.
Repti Zoo 34-Gallon Terrarium
Knock-down design
Repti Zoo’s 34-gallon terrarium is a convenient tank with a knock-down design to make set-up and storage quick and easy. It’s 24″ by 18″ by 18″, which is ideal for juvenile snakes and lizards, and works perfectly for tarantulas, small geckos, and other pets that stay tiny. We also like it as a backup for quarantine because you can store it between uses and set it back up if a pet gets sick or injured.
Pros:
- The included backdrop looks natural and helps give your reptile a little extra enrichment.
- This terrarium has a door lock and lid tabs that work together to keep your pet securely inside. They also help keep kids and other pets out.
Cons:
- Although assembly is straightforward, it’s finicky. You must check and tighten every screw, or the glass may not align correctly.
Repti Zoo Full Glass Terrarium
Maximum convenience
This glass terrarium is available in two sizes that help you meet your specific pet’s needs. Whichever you choose, both feature extras that help provide better care. These include a comprehensive wire management system, a water-tight base, thin mesh that allows maximum UV penetration, security tabs, locking doors, and pre-drilled holes for probes and gauges.
Pros:
- All the entry points are super secure, which is a must when you have a reptile known for escaping. Ball Pythons come to mind.
- It’s easy to assemble, and as long as everything is secured, there are no gaps or sharp areas that can injure your pet.
Cons:
- The bottom is raised for under-tank heating but isn’t as high as some competitors. We recommend a heat-safe barrier between the base and your stand for a little extra security.
Repti Zoo Vertical Terrarium
Perfect for climbers
Arboreal reptiles, like Chameleons and Tokay Geckos, need space to climb and explore. That’s where the Repti Zoo vertical terrarium shines. It offers plenty of room to set up vines, branches, and hides. As a bonus, it includes mesh and glass sides that you can switch out based on your pet’s humidity and ventilation needs and a water-tight base that can hold damp substrate or support a water feature.
Pros:
- Wide-opening front doors make feeding, cleaning, and handling much more convenient than some single-door or top-opening versions.
- Even with the height, this terrarium holds a ton of heat and humidity, making it one of our favorites for tropical species.
Cons:
- It can be tricky to assemble based on the instructions alone. However, there are videos that can help make it easier.
Carolina Custom Cages Extra-Long Terrarium
Spacious and durable
While some species can stay in a 20 or 30-gallon long-term, that’s not the case for most. If your pet is bored, listless, or looking for escape points, it may be time to check out the Carolina Custom Cages extra-long terrarium. Its massive size gives them plenty of room to grow, while a water-tight base and interior light fixtures allow you to provide the best care possible.
Pros:
- The interior light fixtures are fabulous. They allow your pet to soak up every bit of UVB to prevent MBD and other issues. Most terrariums only allow mesh mounting, which filters the light.
- This terrarium is much more affordable than most other models of the same size, allowing you to upgrade your pet without breaking the bank.
Cons:
- You get suction cups meant to help you open the doors instead of door handles, and while we appreciate the unobstructed view, it can be inconvenient.
New Age Pet Ecoflex Mojave Habitat
Airy ambiance
Desert-dwelling reptiles, like Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos, need a ton of ventilation to keep the humidity down. The New Age Pet Ecoflex Mojave Habitat is perfect for them. The side ventilation slots and mesh top supply all the necessary airflow. Meanwhile, the mesh is thin and designed to allow UVB to pass through effortlessly to keep your pet feeling its best. Best of all, it’s available in three sizes to meet almost any reptile’s needs.
Pros:
- The Ecoflex material isn’t reflective, which can help you reduce the defensive behaviors of reptiles that may try to attack their reflection on the sides of glass terrariums.
- Assembly is a breeze compared to many other full-glass models. You’re also less likely to receive a cracked or scratched piece.
Cons:
- This terrarium can’t maintain high humidity levels. It can get moldy if you attempt to add moist substrate or mist it frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size terrarium does my pet reptile need?
We always recommend getting the largest terrarium possible for your space and pet’s species. While there are acceptable minimums, such as a 20-long for a Leopard Gecko, almost every reptile does better with more room to wander. That’s because a larger habitat means more enrichment. You can add extra hides, climbing features, plants, and rocks to help them feel closer to nature. On the other hand, many species just need a bigger terrarium due to their size. For example, Iguanas need a minimum of twelve feet long by eight feet high to stay healthy.
Why are humidity and heat levels important, and how does that affect which terrarium I need?
Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means their internal temperature is based on the environment, so keeping your specie’s recommended heat levels stable is essential for their survival. Humidity varies based on your pet’s particular type. Tropical species, including Ball Pythons, Tree Boas, and Crested Geckos, need very high moisture in the air to shed, breathe, and eat correctly. Meanwhile, desert dwellers need as little humidity as possible to avoid lung infections. Improper heating and humidity can lead to illness, refusal to eat, and even death for some animals.
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