FAQ: Enclosures for reptiles

Yes, it is often made from polystyrene coated with tile adhesive or cement and animal-safe paint. Before adding the reptile the background must cure completely and be rinsed so no harmful substances remain.

Place large rocks directly on the terrarium floor rather than on the substrate, so the reptile cannot dig beneath them and bring them down. Stacked rocks can be glued with aquarium-safe silicone.

Many resin or ceramic aquarium decorations also suit a terrarium if they are sturdy and have no sharp edges. They should not sit under the basking lamp unless the manufacturer says they withstand heat.

Flexible imitation vines and bamboo sticks create more climbing routes, especially for tree-dwelling species. They are easy to fix to walls or branches and arrange at different angles.

A flat stone or slab under the lamp lets the reptile stretch out comfortably and warm its whole body. The rock must sit stably on the floor, and its height must keep the lamp out of the reptile’s reach.

Varied terrain, several levels, hides, places to dig and occasionally rearranged decorations encourage the reptile to explore. For some species it helps to hide food or offer it in different spots.

Yes, if decorations fill almost the whole space, the reptile has nowhere to move and the terrarium is hard to clean and check. Leave open space, especially for active ground-dwelling species.

Yes, small mounds, stones and roots encourage the tortoise to move and exercise its legs. Obstacles must not be too high or steep, though, as a tortoise that flips onto its back may not be able to right itself.

A water bowl should be heavy and stable so the reptile cannot tip it, and its size depends on the species. Some snakes and tortoises need a bowl big enough for the whole body, while small geckos manage with a shallow dish.

Usually put the water bowl on the cooler side so the water does not evaporate quickly and raise humidity too much. A bowl on the warm side raises humidity more, so it goes there only if the species needs damper air.

Water is best changed daily or every other day, and immediately if the reptile has soiled it. Wash the bowl regularly, as bacteria and residue build up quickly.

Chameleons drink drops from leaves in the wild and often do not recognise standing water. They need misting, a dripper or another moving water source, and signs of dehydration are worth discussing with a vet.

Some species, such as boas, water dragons and box turtles, like to soak, so they need a larger bowl. Desert species do not need a large one, but a shallow water dish should always be available.

Waterfalls and fountains raise humidity and let some species drink moving water, but they are harder to clean and bacteria multiply faster in them. If you install one, clean the pump and change the water regularly.

An aquaterrarium is a tank with both a water section for swimming and a dry basking area. Aquatic turtles need one, as they spend a lot of time in water but regularly climb out to warm up and dry their shells.

Strong swimmers such as red-eared sliders like deeper water, often at least twice their shell length, so they can turn over. Hatchlings and poor swimmers such as musk turtles need shallower water and an easily reached shore.

The platform must be big enough for the whole turtle to fit and dry off, sturdy and with an easy ramp. It can float, attach to the glass with suction cups or sit above the water, with the basking and UVB lamps mounted over it.

Floating and suction-cup platforms usually suit small and medium turtles, but a large adult can tip them over or pull them off. Large turtles do better with a sturdy platform built above the tank or resting on its edges.

Turtles foul water heavily, so a powerful filter rated well above the tank volume is recommended, often an external canister or a large internal one. Such a filter clogs less often and helps keep the water clean.

With a good filter part of the water is usually changed weekly, while without a filter or in a small tank it must be done much more often. If the water is cloudy or smells, change it more often and check the filter.