Things You'll Need
- Glass terrarium
- Terrarium lid
- Cypress mulch
- Water dish
- Hide box
- Metal-domed clamp light
- Full-spectrum light bulb
- Thermometer
- Dimmer switch (optional)
Instructions
Assembling a Terrarium
Determine the terrarium size based on the reptile being kept. The terrarium should be neither too large nor too small for the animal over the next year of life. Reptile care books or online research for your species of reptile will indicate the correct size.
Fill the bottom of the terrarium with cypress mulch to a depth of 2 inches. Place the water dish into the terrarium at one end. Partially bury the water dish in the cypress to minimize spilling. Place the hide box into the terrarium. A place for the reptile to hide is an important element in its habitat to reduce stress, and it should be large enough to accommodate the animal comfortably.
Research the required temperature ranges for the reptile being kept in the terrarium. Place a thermometer on top of the cypress at one end. Place the screen top on the terrarium.
Screw the full-spectrum bulb into the clamp light and place the light on top of the terrarium screen, above the thermometer. Turn the light on and wait until the terrarium reaches a stable temperature. Read the thermometer and make sure that the red light is providing the proper temperature for the reptile. Pet stores have bulbs suited to the needs of specific reptiles.
Wire the dimmer switch onto the clamp light following manufacturer's directions, or consult an electrician at this step. Adjust the intensity of the heat given off by the bulb by changing the brightness with the dimmer switch. If a dimmer switch is not used, the intensity of heat may be controlled by different wattage bulbs or raising the clamp light.