Reptiles capture the fascination of some pet enthusiasts; indeed, there’s a great variety of exotic pets to choose from in this animal group.
As far as pets go, reptiles are not fussy – they are mostly docile and will be relatively quiet compared to other pets.
Unlike fish which engage in frantic activity, reptiles would stay absolutely still and stare you right in the face – there’s a certain tranquillity and calmness to these animals.
Looking at how to build a reptile enclosure so that you can house these interesting creatures? We’ll teach you the ideal reptile tank setup.
Let’s get started.
The Great Variety of Reptiles
Before you dive into how to set up a reptile tank, you should know that this is a diverse group – it includes lizards, turtles, snakes, and tuataras.
That means the type of tank you build and the subsequent care depend on what species you pick from this huge selection.
We’ll provide you with some general information on how to build a reptile terrarium for some of the common types of reptiles.
Also, before you get started, please know that certain species, such as snakes, may require you to have a license before you can keep them as pets. Make sure you are aware of local regulations on the matter.
Reptile Tank Size, Dimensions, and Type
The tank size for reptiles depends on the kind of species you intend to keep; there are general guidelines for certain types of reptiles.
For instance, turtles need a big tank due to their size and the fact that they need an aquatic or semi-aquatic tank – adults need anywhere from 60 to 120 gallons. The depth of the water should be twice the length of the turtle’s shell.
Lizards need a tank that is at least twice their adult length.
For snakes, you need at least 40 gallons, with the length of the tank being at least 1.5 times the adult length of the snake, so you’re going to need a long tank.
Coming to the tank dimensions, tree dwellers and reptiles that like to climb such as the frilled lizard need a vertical setting with space to go up.
It is important to get a long tank so that you can create a temperature gradient; we’ll talk more about this later.
As for the type of tank, glass tanks can contain water safely as well as trap in moisture to maintain the humidity level of the terrarium; it is also the most aesthetic.
You can get wooden tanks for better heat insulation, but wood is not great with water and it blocks viewing.
PVC tanks can insulate well while also being able to contain humidity, but they too block the view.
Mesh enclosures are suitable if you want plenty of ventilation, but that means it will dry your terrarium. It also doesn’t offer the best viewing experience.
Whatever type of tank you get, make sure it is secured by a lid on top – reptiles are quite the escape artist, except for turtles. Take extra care with venomous snakes and constrictors – there are many horror stories of cats and dogs being killed by escaped pet snakes.
You can also find a large range of Reptile Tank Kits on Amazon which are suitable for Beared Dragons, Geckos, small desert dwellers and much more!
Water Requirements for Reptiles
All reptiles need water in varying degrees depending on the species; for instance, turtles need at least half the tank to be filled with water.
Other reptiles such as snakes need water to completely submerge and soak themselves. The rest simply need a water bowl to drink.
If you have a small pond or bowl of water, it needs to be cleaned regularly as it can get dirty really fast. If you have a large amount of water you can make use of a filter to keep it clean.
Turtles are notorious waste factories, so you definitely need a filter for them.
Special consideration should be given to the humidity of the terrarium too. Reptiles such as snakes require a warm and humid environment. Chameleons actually drink water droplets from the air.
Tropical species need some level of humidity, while desert dwellers such as the horned lizard can handle a dry environment.
If you’re wondering how to keep a reptile tank humid, you can employ a misting spray; you can save a lot of hassle by using an automated device.
Heat and Lighting for Reptiles
As you may know, reptiles are cold-blooded creatures; this does not mean they like being in the cold – on the contrary, they like warmth as much as we humans. It just means that their body temperature will match that of their environment.
So you are responsible for keeping their bodies warm enough by regulating the temperature of the tank.
More than just providing heat, you should create a temperature gradient along the length of the tank, with one side being hotter than the other side; the temperature should gradually decrease as you move along the tank.
Having a temperature gradient means your reptiles can regulate their body temperature effectively – they can bask in the hot area if they want to increase their body temperature and go to the other side if they want to cool down.
The source of heat you could use for your reptile enclosure setup includes a heat lamp, heat mat, and ceramic heat emitter. Just make sure your pet doesn’t get burned by directly contacting the heat source.
As for lighting, reptiles need both UVA and UVB lights; the latter is crucial for Vitamin D synthesis, which is needed to process calcium.
If you have snakes, get a dim light as they are averse to too much brightness.
It is a good idea to create a 12-hour day/night lighting cycle to mimic the natural lighting.
The Best Reptile Substrate
Reptile carpet is a popular choice as it is convenient, but its downsides are it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet’s nails can get stuck in it.
Also, avoid shavings as they can irritate your reptile’s skin and can cause digestion issues.
Some critters, such as snakes, like to burrow, so get a substrate that allows for that.
Your options for reptile substrate include dirt, desert blend, coconut fiber, aspen, peat & sphagnum moss, and bark.
Reptile Tank Décor
You can let creativity be your guide when setting up your reptile décor. However, avoid using sharp objects like lava rocks that can cut your pet. Also, make sure all items are toxic-free.
For reptiles that like to climb, introduce plants, logs, and branches. You can place a flat rock under the basking area.
Don’t forget to create hiding spots for your scaly pets – reptiles can get easily spooked. Again Amazon has a great range of Reptile Tank Décor
Conclusion
We have given you the basic information on how to build a reptile terrarium, including things like tank size, dimensions, water, substrate, heat, lighting, and décor.
Reptiles are a highly diverse group of animals, so we recommend that you learn how to make a reptile terrarium for the specific kind of reptile that you want to keep.
A reptile enclosure can be something fascinating that you can use to awe your guests. And reptiles aren’t so bad as pets.
Good luck with your project and thanks for reading.
