How to Set Up a Reptile Terrarium

We take reptiles out of their natural environment to keep them in our homes in a terrarium. Depending on the type of species you have, your creature will require heat, light, water and entertainment in the form of climbing or hiding. This applies to any lizard, snake or turtle.

Things You'll Need

  • Fluorescent or ultraviolet light bulb
  • Heat rock
  • Plastic plants
  • Water dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install a heat light and an ultraviolet ligh in the roof of your terrarium or directly on the top if it is screen or glass. An everyday 40-watt bulb will heat a large lizard cage,although you can step it up to 60 watts if your cage is measured in feet rather than gallons. An ordinary fluorescent bulb will provide some UV rays. Glass may absorb much of this, but every brand is different.

    • 2

      Lay down flooring of sand, wood or pebbles. However, these can be messy and hard to clean, Terrarium carpeting--a fake grass that is similar to turf--can be purchased in most pet stores but will not create the most natural-looking environment. Your lizard will not care too much, as any reptile other than turtles and snakes will spend most of its time in the trees.

    • 3

      Provide hot zone with heat rocks that plug into standard outlets and which can be purchased from any pet store. Place your rock under the "hot" light bulb. Most lizards lie on sun-baked rocks in order to digest and will naturally be drawn to them.

    • 4

      Provide shelter from the heating light under the UV bulb by creating a "cool zone." Snakes and lizards will enjoy crawling into a prefabricated store-bought cave or one made out of a well-placed slab of rock, wood, plants or any combination thereof.

    • 5

      Create a watering hole by installing a dish, small bowl or a replica pond purchased from a pet store. Make sure that your lizard can easily reach its head into the water by placing it in an easy-to-reach spot for yourself. Such lizards as iguanas tend to relieve themselves regularly in the same area--often near water--and also enjoy clean water for bathing and the occasional drink. Change the water regularly.

    • 6

      Make vertical space with wood or a substitute. Position logs so your reptile they can reach to almost the top of its cage. If possible, make a large enough space for your reptile to nap by crossing logs and creating landing spots where it can feel comfortable relaxing and habitually hiding from predators.