How to Turn a Fish Aquarium Into a Reptile Cage

Having a small reptile as a pet can be rewarding and educational. Just as with any other pet, your reptile will need an appropriate home in which to run, eat, play and live. A fish aquarium can easily be turned into a warm, earthy living environment for your lizards, snakes, tarantulas or other reptiles.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild dish washing liquid
  • Aquarium stones or pebbles
  • Peat moss
  • Potting soil
  • Decorative rocks, plants and tree branches
  • Heating lamp
  • Thermostat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean both the inside and outside of the tank with warm water and a mild dish washing liquid. Be sure to rinse the tank thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Allow the tank to dry completely.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the aquarium with aquarium stones or other types of pebbles to aid in drainage.

    • 3

      Add three layers of peat moss on top of the stones.

    • 4

      Cover the peat most with three layers of potting soil.

    • 5

      Add plants, decorative rocks and tree branches to the aquarium.

    • 6

      Place an overhead heating lamp in the corner of the cage to provide your reptile with adequate heat and light.

    • 7

      Regulate the temperature of the cage. Add a thermostat to the inside of the aquarium to keep the environment at the recommended temperature for your specific type of reptile.