Reptile Housing & Reptile Tanks

Your reptile can be broken down into one of two categories; desert or arboreal. Arboreal means the reptile lives or spends much of its life in trees and other plants. Arboreal lizards are quite common as pets. There are chameleons and geckos that make up the lizard category, and Bearded Dragons are also included in this. Bearded Dragons or Komodo Dragons fall under the desert category. They are used to living in the desert sand with sparse plants and rocks. The type of reptile you have will help you decide on the reptile housing and reptile tanks you need.

We are going to explore information about reptile housing and reptile tanks to help you figure out what you require for your pet reptile. To begin reptile vivariums or terrariums are enclosures designed for reptiles. They look a lot like aquariums, except for the glass doors on the front of the tank. You can house semi aquatic or terrestrial reptiles in these enclosures.

Semi aquatic reptiles can have water in the bottom of the tank along with some substrate to make them happy, without you worrying about the water escaping. The sizes of reptile tanks will vary. The typical vivariums run from 12 inches to 48 inches in width, 12 to 24 inches in depth, and 12 to 36 inches in height. Glass terrariums are a little shorter than the wood terrariums. In other words glass terrariums tend to max out at 36x18x24 inches total, whereas wood terrariums can be 48 inches by 24 inches by 36 inches.

Plastic vivariums or garden terrariums will be a lot smaller. Some lizards like desert lizards that grow a few inches in size can be housed in garden terrariums where the sizes are 18 inches in height and no lid is offered. Any lizard that maxes out in size around six inches can be in a smaller plastic or garden terrarium. These options are often less expensive and easier to clean or move.

Glass or wooden reptile tanks are better for the larger species in which humidity is imperative. The glass and wooden reptile housing is large enough for a couple of reptiles, as well as the trees, plants, or hides you might like to offer your pet. Lizards may not burrow as much as other reptiles, but they do like to be able to hide on tree limbs or under rocks.

Wooden reptile housing is a better option for humidity and insulating your pet. The wood is naturally going to keep the inside of the reptile tanks warmer than glass. Glass is good for easy cleaning and 360 degree views, but if you live in a particularly cool home you might require more in heating than a wood vivarium.

Your choice for reptile tanks or a lizard vivarium may come down to budget, yet remember you need to have a reptile housing that fits the size and needs of your reptile. While wood is more expensive you at least know your lizard will remain at the right temperatures and humidity.