How to Build a Terranium for a Reptile

Some reptiles, such as Burmese pythons, can reach 20 feet in length and weigh 200 pounds. Other reptiles, such as anoles, only reach a size of nine inches in length and weigh less than an ounce. No matter what species of reptile you keep as a pet, it is important to give it a proper enclosure. A terrarium that consists of natural native plant species, soil and a self-sustaining oxygen system is ideal for any reptile.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 6 pieces of acrylic plastic
  • Drill and bits
  • Silicon aquarium sealant
  • 2 hinges with bolts and nuts
  • 1 eyelet style safety latch
  • Organic potting soil
  • Native non-toxic plants
  • Water bowl
  • Food bowl
  • Dead branch or climbing tree
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Instructions

  1. Build Your Enclosure

    • 1

      Measure your reptile from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, unless your reptile is a snake. If your reptile is a snake, measure from the nape of the neck to the tenth vertebrae. You can locate the snake's vertebrae by running your finger down the snake's back and feeling for small lumps. The tenth lump is your measurement stopping point. Multiply the measurement by three to get the cubic square feet for your enclosure. If your reptile is a lizard, take your nose to tail measurement and multiply it by three.

    • 2

      Lay one piece of acrylic plastic flat on a work surface. This will be the base of your enclosure. Run a strip of silicon aquarium sealant along one edge of the plastic. Hold a second piece perpendicular to the sealant and press firmly until the sealant has set. You have your first wall. On the second wall of the terrarium, run the glue along the side of the piece you've just placed, as well as along the edge of the bottom piece. Hold another piece of acrylic plastic along this sealant line firmly until the sealant has set. Do this with the remaining two walls in the same manner. You should now have what looks like a box.

    • 3

      Drill ventilation holes on each wall of the terrarium. There should be a hole every 2 inches along the middle of each wall. Do not add too many holes because you do not want heat to escape the terrarium. Reptiles need heat to keep their body temperatures norma, as well as to digest food.

    • 4

      Take the last piece of acrylic plastic and lay it on top of your cube. Attach the lid to the box by using the hinges. Install one hinge on the left side of the back wall and lid, and one hinge on the right side of the back wall and lid. Pre-drilling the holes will make installation easier. Attach the eyelet safety latch to the front wall and lid so that it closes securely. Run a line of silicon aquarium sealant along each seam inside and outside the terrarium to make sure it is air and water tight. Allow it to cure for 24 hours.

    Create Reptile's Environment

    • 5

      Place three to five inches of organic potting soil into the bottom of the enclosure. Sprinkle the soil with water so that it is slightly damp but not soaked.

    • 6

      Plant the native non-toxic plants in the soil. Make sure that you choose plants that are not a food item for your reptile. If your reptile is vegetarian, such as an iguana, choose leaves that are unappealing, such as lamb's ear or aloe. Do not add fertilizer to the plants, as it may be toxic to your reptile.

    • 7

      Place food and water dishes within the terrarium, as well as any toys. You should always give a reptile a dead branch or climbing tree so that it can experience what it would in nature. Driftwood works well for this purpose, as does a tree branch that has been sanitized with hydrogen peroxide.