How to Build a Terrarium for Anoles and Tree Frogs

A green thumb, artistic ability and handyman skills are all needed for building a terrarium. A terrarium or vivarium is an essential habitat for pet tree frogs and anoles. Building a terrarium from scratch can be an enjoyable and rewarding project and includes creating a landscape with hills and valleys, planting a tropical garden, and most importantly, making the environment comfortable for the animals. A well-planned and maintained terrarium can also be an attractive feature in your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass or Plexiglas tank
  • Lid with light fittings and light bulbs
  • Thermometer
  • Electric drill
  • Lightweight expanded clay aggregate or gravel
  • Fiberglass window sheeting
  • Polyurethane insulation foam
  • Silicone sealant
  • Natural fiber and cork panels and sheets
  • Driftwood
  • River rocks
  • Tropical plants
  • Misting system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a rectangular glass-sided aquarium. The size depends on the size and quantity of your tree frogs or anoles, but is is safe to work on ten gallons per pet. Clean the glass well and make sure no soap residue remains.

    • 2

      Choose a lid that includes one or two light fittings. Amphibians need warmth to survive and plants need light for growth. Bulbs are sold with a color or Kelvin rating. A low Kelvin rating under 5,000 produces yellow light and a high Kelvin rating will create a blue light. Anoles need a UVB light so they can absorb calcium and also a basking light for warmth. Drill a few small holes in the lid with an electric drill to allow for ventilation and keep a thermometer in the terrarium to help you maintain a comfortable environment for the animals.

    • 3

      Create the landscape or background. Background materials available in pet shops include cork bark forms, coconut fiber panels and sheets, and tree fern panels. Alternately, create your own background. Spray polyurethane insulation foam into the back portion of the tank. Layer it and shape it to look like a natural landscape. Insert plant containers to make places for plants to be placed. Attach the background to the glass with aquarium-safe silicone sealant. Spray bronze silicone sealant over the finished foam to waterproof and seal it, and press coconut fiber or peat moss into it to create a natural looking finish.

    • 4

      Install a substrate for drainage. Spread a layer of gravel on the bottom of the tank, or if that is too heavy, choose LECA -- lightweight expanded clay aggregate, both available at pet stores or hardware stores. Lay a sheet of fiberglass window sheeting on top of the drainage material to prevent the soil from falling into the gravel or clay.

    • 5

      Spread a layer of soil in the terrarium and shape it to make small hills or cliffs. Pet shops stock a range of different terrarium soils which may include coconut husk fiber or peat moss. Other material, including orchid bark, fir bark, sand, tree fern fiber, shredded oak leaves, milled sphagnum moss or chopped live moss can be added and will depend upon the type of plants you intend to use. Arrange pieces of bark or driftwood to look like fallen trees. Add river rocks or pieces of slate.

    • 6

      Plant the tropical vegetation. Not all plants can survive in tropical conditions so it is very important to choose carefully. A good variety of colors and shapes of leaves will add aesthetic beauty to the terrarium. Some species that are commonly used include bromeliads, African violets, philodendron, creeping fig, rabbit's foot fern, prayer plant, button fern, aluminum plants, baby rubber plant and more. Live moss enhances the tropical look, although it may not be necessary to buy it because moss usually grows naturally in terrariums.

    • 7

      Install a misting system. Purchase an ultrasonic humidifier and glue it to the side of the tank with the hose exiting through a hole drilled in the lid.