How to Make a Styrofoam Liner for a Reptile Tank

Caring for pet reptiles may seem like a simple task compared to caring for warm-blooded pets. But as reptile lovers know, it takes more attention to care for reptiles than it does for other pets. Dogs and cats have a larger space to roam and find comfort, but reptiles are usually kept in small tanks. Comfort is as important for a pet iguana as it is for for a new puppy, and one of the main ways you can make a pet reptile's tank comfortable is by lining it with an easy-to-clean, insulating and sound-damping surface such as styrofoam.

Things You'll Need

  • Piece of styrofoam
  • Hot wire cutter or serrated knife
  • Latex house paint
  • Paint brush
  • Fork
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a piece of styrofoam about one-half inch smaller all around than the bottom of the reptile tank, using a hot wire styrofoam cutter or a serrated knife. Brush away any excess flakes of styrofoam.

    • 2

      Puncture and scratch the surface of the styrofoam with a fork to make it rough in preparation for a latex finish.

    • 3

      Paint one side of the styrofoam liner with latex house paint. Allow the latex to dry. Paint the remainder of the styrofoam liner with latex paint and allow it to dry completely. Apply a second coat of paint to the styrofoam liner.

    • 4

      Place the styrofoam liner in the bottom of the reptile tank. Add a layer of absorbent material such as newspapers or wood chips over the tank liner. For a more elaborate amphibious setting, add sand, water and pieces of natural habitat for your pet directly on top of the styrofoam liner.