FAQ: Enclosures for reptiles

Tall terrariums are for tree-dwelling species such as chameleons or crested geckos, while wide, low ones are for ground-dwellers such as leopard geckos, bearded dragons or tortoises. Choose by how your species lives in the wild.

Usually external dimensions are given, so the internal space is slightly smaller, and the substrate and decorations reduce the floor area further. Check the dimensions before buying and make sure the terrarium will fit in the planned spot along with the lamps on top.

Glass terrariums are easy to clean, give a good view and suit humid species, but lose heat faster and are heavy. Wooden ones insulate better and are lighter, but must be protected from moisture, so they suit species from dry habitats better.

PVC terrariums are light, insulate well and resist moisture, so they suit both dry and humid species. They are often used for snakes and larger lizards, and lamps with guards are easy to mount inside them.

Mesh enclosures provide excellent ventilation, so they are often used for chameleons, which need moving air. They suit most other reptiles less well, as they struggle to hold heat and humidity.

Yes, untreated wood swells, goes mouldy and is hard to clean when damp. The inside of a wooden terrarium is best coated with an animal-safe protective finish that has fully cured, and the seams sealed with suitable silicone.

An aquarium can be adapted, but it usually lacks front doors and proper ventilation, and the lid must be bought separately. Opening from the top stresses some reptiles, as predators in the wild attack from above.

Plastic tubs with ventilation holes are often used for juveniles, temporary housing, quarantine or snakes in rack systems. For permanent housing most species are better off in a terrarium where proper heating, lighting and decor can be set up.

Acrylic terrariums are lighter than glass and less likely to break, but scratch more easily and can warp from heat if a lamp is too close. Clean them with a soft cloth and avoid abrasive products.

Front doors make it easier to reach inside, feed and clean, and the reptile sees the person from the front and is less startled. Opening from above can resemble a predator attack and cause stress.

Sliding glass doors take up less room at the front and let you open only part of the terrarium, while hinged doors give wider access for cleaning and setup. Either way, the doors must close tightly and have a lock.

Yes, especially for snakes, which are good at finding even small gaps and can push doors open. A lock also protects against children and other pets, so choose a terrarium with lockable doors or fit an extra latch.

Check that the doors and lid close tightly, lock them and seal the cable openings. Snakes can squeeze through very small gaps, so in a hatchling’s terrarium every gap must be smaller than its head.

First close the room door and search warm, dark places: behind furniture, near radiators and appliances. A warm hide with water can be put on the floor, and once you find the animal, check how it got out and fix the terrarium.

Good ventilation removes excess moisture and stale air, so there is less mould, odour and risk of respiratory illness. However, too much ventilation can dry the air and cool the terrarium.

Many terrariums have a vent grille at the lower front and mesh on top, so warm air rises and leaves through the top while cooler air enters at the bottom. This creates natural air circulation without fans.

You can cover part of the top mesh with glass or film, use a moisture-holding substrate and a larger water bowl, and mist regularly. Leave at least some vents open so the air does not stagnate.

Better ventilation, a smaller water bowl, less frequent misting and a drier substrate all lower humidity. If the glass constantly fogs or mould appears, it is also worth reconsidering the substrate type.

Most terrariums manage with natural ventilation through the grilles, but very humid ones, such as tropical or bioactive setups, sometimes use small fans. They help prevent stagnant air and fogged glass.

Desert species such as bearded dragons or uromastyx usually need dry air and good ventilation. Even so, many of them benefit from a humid hide that helps with shedding.