Reptile Vivariums

Lizard and Reptile Vivariums

Have you often wondered about the reptile jargon you encounter when looking for products? Perhaps you are new and have heard about lizard and reptile vivariums and terrariums, but are unsure of the difference? According to Webster vivariums are an enclosure where you keep and raise reptiles and plants indoors. Many in the world of reptiles will tell you it goes a step further in that a vivarium is made up of water and land. It could even go so far as to be 50 percent water and land. A terrarium is considered just a land based enclosure for reptiles.

The fact is that while the terminology can seem confusing many people and manufacturers will use terrarium and vivarium interchangeably. So, you should worry less about the terminology and more about what size, type, and features your lizard and reptile vivariums require to produce a healthy and happy pet reptile.

SIZES:
Lizard and reptile vivariums will range in size depending on the type of vivarium you purchase, but we can give you an approximate width x depth x height of the enclosures. Reptile vivariums begin at 12 x 12 x 12 inches. The width of a terrarium can be up to 48 inches. Depth generally tops out at 24 inches, and is most commonly 12 or 18 inches. Height ranges from 12 to 36 inches. If you have a tortoise or other large reptile for a pet you might require a custom built terrarium from one of the manufacturers. A tortoise for example can reach 4 feet in diameter of the carapace, which pretty much rules out the 48 inches in width of the standard lizard and reptile vivariums.

TYPES:
Like the sizes of lizard and reptile vivariums the types of vivariums for sale can differ. You have four options when buying terrariums: wood, glass, plastic, and starter kits. Most starter kits will actually have glass tanks; they are just a different type because the decorations, accessories, lighting, and other features come with the kit.

When you purchase just a wood, glass, or plastic tank you get the tank with a lid. Glass and wood terrariums will have a mesh top with an area for a compact lighting fitting. The plastic lizard vivarium comes with a plastic lid that has slats for ventilation and a small plastic lid for getting into the tank. Plastic vivariums are the smallest on the market and can rarely be found over 18 inches on all sides.

Wood lizard and reptile vivariums are best for increased insulation and humidity. Wood works as a natural insulator, helping you keep the inside of the vivarium warmer or cooler for your pet reptile. The wood vivarium has glass doors, so you can still see inside.

Glass lizard and reptile vivariums will offer less protection from heat leaking out, but they offer 360 degree views. They also have glass doors on the front for easy access for feeding and cleaning. You can add heaters, lights, and humidity to a glass tank, as well as the wood. Wood terrariums come in larger sizes than most glass, by 12 inches.