Best reptile terrariums and habitats for amphibian and reptile pets

Having reptiles and amphibians as pets is a trend that is slowly picking up. Reptiles require less daily care and attention than most other pets – a trait that makes them a favorite of teenagers and young adults. But it is important to remember that such pets require proper care and habitats, or reptile terrariums, to flourish.

So which are the best terrariums for reptiles and amphibians, which can provide them a comfortable ecosystem to thrive in?

In this article, we will look at some of the best reptile terrariums and habitats available in the market. We will share the options for arboreal as well as amphibious reptiles such as anoles, geckos, frogs, bearded dragons, even small snakes. We will also look at some of the major factors to consider before picking the best reptile terrarium and share our top picks.

If you are looking for some additional small aquatic terrarium choices, check out our articles on the best fish tanks. Some of the options listed in that article can also work well for small reptiles and amphibians.

Best reptile terrariums list

Picture	Product	Specifications
	Exo-Terra All Glass Reptile Terrarium	24” x 18” x 18” 30 gal. Other sizes also available.	Check Price
	Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium	36” x 18” x 18” 50 gal. Other sizes also available.	Check Price
	REPTIZOO Glass Reptile Terrarium	M: 36” x 18” x 18”, 50 gal. L: 36” x 18” x 24”, 60 gal.	Check Price
	Zilla Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit	20.25” x 10.5” x 12.6” 10 gal.	Check Price Chewy Price
	Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage	16” x 16” x 30” 33 gal. Other sizes also available.	Check Price
	Atasuki Knock Down Reptile Terrarium	24” x 18” x 24” 30 gal.	Check Price
	Exo-Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit	S: 12” x 12” x 18”, 10 gal. M: 18” x 18” x 24”, 30 gal.	Check Price Chewy Price
	SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set	24” x 13” x 16” 20 gal. Other sizes also available	Check Price
	Zen Habitats Large Reptile Enclosure with Wood Panels	48" x 24" x 24" 120 gal.	Check Price

Which are the best reptiles and amphibians to have as beginner pets?

Before we dig deep into the different types of reptile terrariums, let us look at some of the best beginner reptiles and amphibians (often collectively referred to as herptiles) to have as pets. For more details on choosing the best reptiles and amphibians as pets, we recommend you check out What Reptile?: A Buyer’s Guide by Chris Mattison. It is an excellent reference for anyone looking for having reptiles or amphibians as pets.

• Lizards: The lizards are the most popular types of reptile pets to have. They are relatively easier to maintain and with proper care, can live for long. Some of the most common types of lizards as beginner pets are:
  • Geckos: Geckos are the most popular beginner pets to have. They are relatively small (10-12″) and easy to care for. Geckos can have a life span of 10+ years and can live in a 15-20 gallon habitat. They can be terrestrial like the leopard geckos or arboreal like the crested geckos.
  • Bearded Dragons: Native to Australia, bearded dragons are more specialized types of reptiles. They can grow to 18-25 inches and need a proper 20+ gallon enclosure and a specialized diet, but they are royal and looks and fairly entertaining pets.
  • Anoles: Anoles are small (up to 8″) and relatively inexpensive to take care of. Some of them are native to the Americas while others are more exotic. They have a shorter life-span of 3-4 years.
  • Skinks: Blue-tongued skinks make excellent starter lizards as they are friendly, intelligent and can live longer – more than 20 years. However, they may require a bigger, wider terrarium and specialized lighting for proper upkeep.

Other lizards like Iguanas, Tokay Geckos, Chameleons, and Tegus require more care and hence are suitable for experienced owners only.

• Snakes: Some snakes can also be a suitable beginner pet for teenagers and adults as they require limited attention and do not require a complex setup. However, should remember that some snakes are escape-prone and hence a proper enclosure is an absolute must. Moreover, they would need to be fed whole prey such as rats and mice.
  • Corn Snakes: Corn Snakes are beautiful creatures, relatively docile and easy to handle. They can live for around 9-10 years and grow a maximum of 3-5 feet only.
  • Ball Pythons: These non-venomous snakes are the most common types of pet snakes and available in multiple sizes – adults grow to be 4-5 feet long while juveniles stay at about 3-4 feet. They have a longer life-span – over 20 years. They need a 10-20, wide-base tank to thrive and need 40+% humidity with some water to soak in.

• Amphibians: Amphibians such as frogs can live on both water and land. Frogs thrive in tropical or rainforest habitats. Though they are small pets – not more than 10 inches long and weighing less than 5 lbs., they require more care than other herptile pets, because of their need to metamorphize during their lifetime. Pixie or Bull-frogs and Pacman frogs are two popular breeds of pet frogs. An Axolotl is another amphibian popular as a pet.

What are the different types of reptile terrariums?

Reptile terrariums refer to tanks or enclosures that can be used as the primary habitats of pet reptiles and amphibians. The market is filled with quite a few different types of enclosures, but we have kept our focus on the two primary types of reptile terrariums – the glass or acrylic reptile enclosures and screen-vented reptile enclosures.

Glass terrariums are the most common types of reptile habitats. They are durable, provide a clear view and do an excellent job in retaining humidity and temperature. Moreover, smooth glass surface means that it would be difficult for an escape-prone pet to climb up and escape from the terrarium. Some glass terrariums are meant for dry dessert habitat, while others have bottom trays to add 3-5 gallons of water, making them suitable for amphibians as well.

Acrylic tanks are just like glass terrariums and have become popular in past few years because of their similar clear-viewing properties with better durability and lighter weight, but they tend to get scratched more easily by the claws of a reptile. Therefore, we recommend sticking to a glass terrarium if you are looking for a clear-view enclosure.

Screen-vented (meshed) reptile terrariums provide better ventilation and are lighter in weight when compared to glass terrariums. They are also cheaper than glass terrariums. Such enclosures are especially suitable for arboreal reptile pets who need a wider range of temperature and humidity throughout their lifetime. They do have a couple of problems that you need to keep in mind – they are a little flimsy and the feet of a reptile can get stuck in the screen.

In our picks, we listed all these different types of enclosures, you can pick the right type as per your requirements. For more information on different types of reptiles and their habitats, you can refer to the Reptiles Magazine e-zine. It has some excellent information on all the different types of herptile pets and has a bunch of care sheets to download and print.

Which are the best reptile terrariums to buy?

Exo-Terra All Glass Reptile Terrarium – Best reptile terrarium

Material: All-glass enclosure. Steel meshed screen cover and tank frame. Styrofoam background.
Size and Capacity:

• Nano, Wide- 8″ x 8″ x 8″, 2 gallons.
• Nano, Tall- 8″ x 8″ x 12″, 3 gallons.
• Mini, Wide- 12″ x 12″ x 12″, 7 gallons.
• Mini, Tall- 12″ x 12″ x 18″, 10 gallons.
• Small, Wide- 18″ x 18″ x 18″, 25 gallons.
• Small, Tall- 18″ x 18″ x 24″, 30 gallons.
• Medium, Wide- 24″ x 18″ x 18″, 30 gallons.
• Medium, Tall- 24″ x 18″ x 24″, 40 gallons.
• Medium, Extra Tall- 24″ x 18″ x 36″, 60 gallons.
• Large, Wide- 36″ x 18″ x 18″, 50 gallons.
• Large, Tall- 36″ x 18″ x 24″, 60 gallons.
• Large, Extra Tall- 36″ x 18″ x 36″, 100 gallons.
• Other options and starter kits are also available.

Suitable for: Geckos, anoles, iguanas, chameleons, and bearded dragons. Small and medium pet snakes. Frogs, turtles and pet tortoises.
Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Best-selling reptile terrarium featuring an all-glass enclosure with a stainless-steel frame and wire mesh. Designed by European herpetologists and made in Montreal, Canada. Marketed by Hagen Inc.
• Equipped with dual front-opening doors (single door on Nano-terrariums) that allow easy access for maintenance, misting and feeding. The doors have a bolt door lock for escape-free access.
• Features a patented ventilation system that provides ample air circulation for healthy growth of pets.
• A stainless-steel screen cover provides additional ventilation and access to lighting. The screen cover has durable side locking with built-in inlets for wires and tubes.
• Raised bottom frame and waterproof base supports deeper layers of substrates and can be used to hold 4-6 gallons of water for amphibian pets.
• Comes with a high-quality Styrofoam decorative background. But all other accessories and lighting have to be purchased separately. Comes fully/semi-assembled. Easy to setup.
• Available in 12 sizes and wide and tall designs. Backed by a two-year warranty by the manufacturer when purchased directly on Amazon or through authorized re-seller.

Detail Review:

Canada-based Rolf C. Hagen is one of the most prominent brands for pet supplies and the Exo-Terra product-line is their flagship brand for terrariums and supplies for reptiles and amphibians. So, it is not a surprise that they are also our favorite pick for herptile habitats.

The Exo-Terra All Glass Reptile Terrariums feature high-quality all-glass enclosures supported by a black-coated steel frame with a stainless-steel mesh screen cover. The terrariums are available in 12 different sizes and both tall and wide shapes suitable for almost all reptile and amphibian pets. The terrariums are made in Montreal, Canada under strict quality control measures.

The Exo-Terra terrariums feature a waterproof base and a raised frame that supports deeper layers of substrates and can even be used to hold 4-6 gallons of water for amphibian pets. All terrariums are tested for water leakages, so you can be rest assured that the terrarium won’t leak when filled with water.

Another distinguishing design feature is the design of the doors of enclosures. All terrariums, except the Nano-models, have dual front-opening doors that allow easy access for maintenance, misting and feeding. You can always leave one side closed to prevent a fast pet from trying to escape. The doors have a bolt door lock to prevent accidental opening by children and pets in the house.

The Exo-Terra terrariums feature a patented ventilation system that provides ample air circulation for healthy growth of pets. The stainless-steel screen cover provides additional ventilation and infrared penetration in the tank. The screen cover has durable side locking with built-in inlets for keeping the wires and tubes hidden. This means there are no more protruding wires to worry about – a big plus over other terrariums.

All Exo-Terra All Glass Reptile Terrariums come with a high-quality, natural-looking Styrofoam decorative background. To simplify the installation, the terrarium comes fully or semi-assembled, along with a care and instruction manual for reference. The terrarium, however, does not come with a lighting system or accessories to get you started and you will have to purchase them separately.

Like other Exo-Terra products, the Exo-Terra All Glass Reptile Terrariums are backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty. Just make sure you purchase directly from the manufacturer or authorized reseller.

Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium

Material: All-glass tank. Steel meshed screen cover and tank frame.
Size and Capacity:

• 36” x 18” x 18”, 50 gallons. 60 lbs.
• Other sizes are also available.

Suitable for: Chameleons, geckos, anoles, iguanas and bearded dragons. Small, medium and large pet snakes. Frogs, turtles and pet tortoises.
Price: $$$ to $$$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• High-end reptile terrarium featuring an all-glass construction with stainless steel frame and screen mesh. Made in USA and marketed by Carolina Designer Dragons Inc.
• Equipped with twin front-open doors that are secured by a key-lock latch. A bottom door for accessing the feeding tray and removing the substrate.
• Features a waterproof base that is 4-7.5 inches deep depending upon the size. Can hold 4-8 gallons of water. A deep model with 12” deep waterproof base is also available.
• Easy to assemble with a screwdriver. All the hardware to setup is included. However, starter accessories and lighting are not included and have to be purchased separately.
• Available in 18 different shapes and sizes. Shipped in a double-boxed container for better protection.
• Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

REPTIZOO Glass Reptile Terrarium

Material: All-glass tank. Metallic screen cover mesh and metal tank frame.
Size and Capacity:

• Medium: 36” x 18” x 18”, 50 gal.
• Large: 36” x 18” x 24”, 60 gal.
• Other sizes are also available.

Suitable for: Chameleons, geckos, frogs, anoles, iguanas and bearded dragons. Small and medium snakes.
Price: $$$.
Features:

• High-capacity reptile terrarium with a patented wide length design featuring an all-glass tank with a stainless-steel frame and cover. Made in China for a popular China-based aquatic pet brand.
• Features twin front opening doors for easy cleaning and maintenance. The doors have an escape-proof door lock but comes with only a single door key.
• The waterproof bottom is raised to allow mounting a terrarium heater. The bottom of the tank also allows adding up to 5 gallons of water.
• Meshed metallic screen cover provides ample ventilation and light penetration. The cover is secured with a screw lock.
• Easy to assemble with a Philips screwdriver. All the hardware and instructions to setup are included.
• Can be customized into a habitat for desert or tropical terrain. However, does not come with a lighting system or any starter accessories.
• Available in multiple shapes and sizes. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer. Costlier than most other terrariums.

Zilla Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit

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Material: All-glass tank. Metallic screen cover and frame.
Size and Capacity: 20.25” x 10.5” x 12.6”, 10 gallons. 17 lbs.
Suitable for: Small desert or Tropical tree frogs and reptiles such as anoles, gecko, salamander and skinks. Not suitable for large lizards like iguanas and monitors.
Price: $.
Features:

• An all-inclusive reptile terrarium starter kit featuring a high-quality all-glass tank with sturdy metal frame. Made in the USA.
• Comes with all necessary starter items for Tropical or Desert Reptiles – one or two reflective domes, incandescent bulb, screen cover, humidity/temp. gauge, terrarium liner and heating mat. A setup guide for desert/tropical reptile care with basic information is also included.
• Features a sturdy top screen cover with cover clips for secure enclosing.
• The odor-absorbing substrate liner included with the kit is non-abrasive and easy to clean.
• Available in two starter kit choices – Desert and Tropical. Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. Suitable for small breeds and juvenile reptiles.

Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage

Material: Corrosion-resistant anodized Aluminum screen cover with a plastic frame and base.
Size and Capacity:

• 16” x 16” x 30”, 30 gallons. 5 lbs.
• Other sizes are also available.

Suitable for: Arboreal lizard pets such as anoles, geckos (with a heater), juvenile iguanas and chameleons. Not ideal for bearded dragons or amphibious reptiles.
Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• A high-quality reptile cage featuring a plastic frame with an open-air anodized aluminum screen. Rust-resistant and lightweight. Made in China for California, US-based company.
• Features a large front door for convenient access to the cage and a small bottom door for accessing the feeding tray and removing the substrate.
• Aluminum meshed sides and screen cover provides excellent ventilation throughout the cage.
• Easy to assemble with a Philips screwdriver. All the hardware to setup is included. However starter items and lighting are not included and have to be purchased separately.
• Also available in large 50-gallon and smaller 22-gallon capacity sizes. A costlier, Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Deluxe model with an acrylic door panel and touch-activated LED lights is also available.
• Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

Atasuki Knock Down Reptile Terrarium

Material: All-glass fish tank with a stainless-steel frame and screen cover.
Size and Capacity: 24” x 18” x 24”, 30 gallons. 32 lbs.
Suitable for: Iguanas, chameleons, geckos and small snakes and amphibious reptiles like frogs. Not ideal for aquatic pets like turtles.
Price: $$.
Features:

• Versatile knock-down terrarium featuring an all-glass tank and stainless-steel frame and cover. Made in China.
• Features a unique door design with sliding doors having a tamper-proof safety latch.
• Comes with a removable screen top for additional access, ventilation and light penetration. The screen cover has an additional lock for safety.
• Meshed vents on the lower part of the tank provide additional ventilation. The tank also supports adding 3-4 gallons of water in the bottom part or add a substrate heater.
• Can be customized into a habitat for desert or rainforest terrain. However, does not come with a lighting system or any starter accessories.

Exo-Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit

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Material: All-glass fish tank with Styrofoam back. Stainless-steel screen cover and frame.
Size and Capacity:

• Small: 12” x 12” x 18”, 10 gallons. 20 lbs.
• Medium: 18” x 18” x 24”, 30 gallons. 50 lbs.

Suitable for: Small to medium snakes, frogs, lizards, chameleons and geckos. Not ideal for bearded dragons.
Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• An all-inclusive rainforest habitat kit featuring an all-glass tank and accessories to setup a cozy habitat for small to medium reptile pets. Designed by European herpetologists and made in Montreal, Canada. Marketed by Hagen Inc.
• Comes with all necessary items – substrate, water dish, jungle vines, jungle rope, and tank décor. A care guide is also included for help in installing, decorating and maintaining the habitat.
• Has dual front doors with a bolt door lock for escape-free access. A removable substrate tray is also provided. Twin doors and tray make feeding and maintenance easy.
• Features a patented ventilation system that provides ample air circulation for healthy growth of pets.
• A stainless-steel screen cover provides additional ventilation as well as allows lighting through a compact fluorescent lighting system. The bulb for the lighting system is not included and must be purchased separately.
• Available in two-sizes suitable for small to medium reptile pets – frogs, lizards, geckos and small snakes.
• Backed by a two-year warranty by the manufacturer when purchased directly on Amazon or through authorized re-seller.

SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

Material: Acrylic aquarium fish tank with bonded seals.
Capacity and Size:

• 15 gallons: 15″ x 15″ x 20″ Deluxe Hexagon.
• 20 gallons: 15″ x 15″ x 20″ Deluxe Hexagon.
• 20 gallons: 24″ x 13″ x 16″ Rectangular.
• 26 gallons: 36″ x 12″ x 16″ Flat-back Hexagon.
• 29 gallons: 30″ x 12″ x 18″ Rectangular.
• 30 gallons: 36″ x 12″ x 16″ Rectangular.
• 40 gallons: 36″ x 15″ x 16″ Rectangular.
• 46 gallons: 36″ x 16″ x 20″ Bowfront.
• 50 gallons: 36″ x 15″ x 20″ Rectangular.

Suitable for: Ball pythons and small snakes, turtles and amphibious reptile pets. Not perfect for geckos, dragons etc.
Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• A high-quality acrylic aquarium that can also work as a terrarium. Made in China for California, US-based company.
• Made of high-quality acrylic which is multiple times stronger than glass, with half the overall weight. Molecularly bonded seals make the tank leak and escape-proof.
• The combo comes with the aquarium, a reflector and a fluorescent light fixture. The aquarium is covered with a full-sized hood that can act as a screen cover.
• Suitable for snakes, frogs and aquatic reptiles and turtles. However, the tank surface can be scratched by geckos or dragons.
• Available in multiple designs – hexagon, rectangle and bowfront, and 9 sizes from 15-50 gallons.
• Backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer – CASCO Group, Inc.

Zen Habitats Large Reptile Enclosure with Wood Panels

Material: Unique wood-panel terrarium tank with a 1″ aluminum frame and stainless-steel screen cover.
Size and Capacity: 48” x 24” x 24”, 120 gallons. 48 lbs.
Suitable for: Bearded Dragons, Ball Pythons Boa Constrictors, and other low humidity reptiles. Not ideal for aquatic pets.
Price: $$$.
Features:

• High-capacity knock-down desert terrarium featuring a 1″ anodized aluminum frame, bamboo-finished wood panels, a galvanized steel screen top, and a 6″ substrate shield. Made in the US
• Features front acrylic doors that are removable and have a tamper-proof safety latch.
• Comes with a removable screen top for additional access, ventilation and light penetration. The screen cover has an additional lock for safety.
• Features non-reflective bamboo-finished wood panel surfaces that reduce anxiety and retain heat better than glass.
• Most suitable as a habitat for a desert or low humidity pet. However, does not come with a lighting system or any starter accessories.
• Comes in an improved packaging for safe transportation. Backed by a 30-day hassle free money back guarantee.

Accessories for the reptile terrariums

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Once you get a terrarium, you would need to get the appropriate accessories such as a lamp, humidifier or thermometer. You would also need to get the aquarium substrate and bowls and some aquatic plants or décor.

While the best terrarium accessories would be the topic of another article and the exact items you need would depend upon the reptile or amphibian you have as a pet, some of the options that you can consider are:

• Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner: A low maintenance bedding made of absorbent, non-abrasive materials. Available in over 10 sizes and can be cut to size as needed.
• Zoo Med Combo Reptile Rock Food and Water Dish: A combo of feeding and water dish made of durable materials and colored to look like natural rock. Available in three sizes.
• Fluker’s Pothos Repta Vines: Natural-looking vines for reptiles and amphibians, made of non-toxic polyethylene material. A total of 6-feet in length and come with suction cups for affixing to the tanks.
• Zoo Med Reptile Shelter 3 in 1 Cave: Excellent reptile cave made of durable resin. Excellent hiding place for most reptile pets, including ball pythons and geckos.

How to pick the best terrariums for pet reptiles and amphibians?

With so many different types of tanks and enclosures available in the market, picking the best reptile terrarium for your beloved pet can be a challenging task. In our list above, we have tried to separate the chaff from the wheat and listed only the best-quality options and left out the cheap-quality choices. However, there are quite a few factors you need to consider before pulling the plug on a specific terrarium model.

Once you have decided on the best type of habitat for your reptile pet (glass or meshed/screen-vented enclosures) and finalized your overall budget, you should keep the following things in mind before picking the best reptile terrarium for yourself or as a gift to someone:

• Construction material of the terrarium
• Design of the terrarium
• Size and Capacity of the terrarium
• Ease of setup and maintenance
• Additional factors and considerations

Construction Material of the terrarium

Along with the type and design, the construction material and quality is an important factor to consider before picking the best reptile terrarium.  This includes the building material of the enclosure, frame, and screen cover.

As discussed above most reptile terrariums are made of one of the three materials – glass, acrylic and aluminum/steel mesh. Of these, glass aquariums are the most popular because of their superior ecosystem control, clear viewing and escape-proof designs. Screen-vented aluminum/steel terrariums are also popular for arboreal reptiles who need a wider range of humidity and ventilation. We do not recommend acrylic terrariums simply because reptiles can scratch or mark the surface of the enclosure.

Irrespective of the primary enclosure, you need to check the building material of the frame and base of the terrarium. Metallic frames are more durable and stable, so you should prefer them over plastic frames and bases.

Finally, since most reptiles are escape-prone you would need an enclosure which has a stable screen cover. The cover should be such that it allows the light and UVB rays to pass through, support humidifiers and misting systems and provide proper ventilation. The screens should still be sturdy and clipped properly to prevent a determined pet from turning it open.

In terms of build-quality, out top pick – the Exo-Terra All Glass Reptile Terrarium offers one of the best combinations – it has a heavy-duty glass enclosure material with a sturdy metallic frame and decent metallic mesh cover.

So, depending upon your preference and budgets, pick a glass reptile terrarium with a sturdy frame and screen cover.

Design of the terrarium

The shape and design of the terrarium is also an important factor to check out as it governs the type of ecosystem – rainforest, tropical, aquatic or desert and the reptile a specific terrarium can support.

Arboreal reptiles that live on trees prefer a terrarium that has a tall design – rectangular base with a bigger height. On the other hand reptiles such as snakes (and leopard geckos) prefer a wide terrarium with a long length and limited height. So, depending upon the reptile you are looking to keep as a pet, you would have to opt for one of these terrarium shapes.

The design of the enclosure doors is also an important design feature to check out. Though sliding doors look elegant, we prefer front-open doors as they are easy to install and close completely. Some small terrariums have a single front-door which opens on the sides, while bigger models have twin doors that open side-to-side – making cleaning and maintenance easy. Such terrariums even have a separate opening for the bottom part of the enclosure. Exo-Terra All Glass Reptile Terrariums are one of our favorites in this regard.

Another design feature is the ability to hold water – this is especially important for amphibious reptile pets such as water dragons and frogs. Some of the terrariums that we listed such as the REPTIZOO Glass Reptile Terrarium can hold up to 4-5 gallons of water, making them a perfect choice for amphibians.

Some other design features to look out for are the door locks/latches and screen covers with clips to hold them secure and opening to add temperature gauges or lighting fixtures.

Check the overall shape and design of the terrarium and pick a versatile terrarium for your pet.

Size and capacity of the terrarium

Closely related with the shape of the terrarium its size and overall capacity. The general belief that a smaller enclosure requires less maintenance is actually not a valid assumption – in fact, it is the other way around. The smaller the terrarium more the maintenance it would need for proper upkeep of the reptile. You would also need to account for the growth of the pet during its lifetime.

Most manufacturers publish the list of sizing charts such as ones below by Zilla and also provide a dedicated customer support service to help you pick an enclosure of the right size and capacity, so make sure you look at this information before zeroing in on a terrarium.

While it may look like picking the biggest terrarium that you can afford or have space for would be the most convenient option, but in reality, it is not advisable. A small or juvenile pet may become shy or feel depressed and lonely in a bigger enclosure. Therefore, it is recommended that you pick a terrarium depending on the breed, size and age of the reptile you plan to raise.

Many of the options that we listed are available in multiple sizes and capacities, so you can pick the best terrarium model as per your needs.

Ease of setup and maintenance

Terrariums are delivered in knocked-down state and you will have to assemble them yourself.  Moreover, in addition to proper tanks or enclosures, reptile and amphibian pets require additional items such as lighting, humidifiers, thermometer/hygrometer, substrates, liners, and décors for their proper upkeep. Furthermore, you would have to feed the pets regularly and clean the enclosure periodically.

So the ease of setup and maintenance is also something to keep in mind before picking the best reptile terrarium for your pet. Look for a model that is easy to assemble and disassemble with minimal tools and comes with easy-to-follow instructions for setting it up. Similarly, look for all the maintenance requirements before pulling the plug on a specific model. You can generally get this information from the video reviews and Q&A section of a specific model.

Top manufacturers such as Exo-Terra, Zoo Med and Carolina Custom Cages provide a variety of options, so you can pick one which is easiest for you to maintain.

Additional factors and considerations

In addition to the four major factors discussed above, there are a couple of other considerations that can make a purchase more attractive than others.

One of the major factors is the accessories, if any, that come with the terrarium. Though most of the options that we listed do not include any additional items, such options such as the Zilla Reptile Terrarium Starter Kit and  Exo-Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit come with all the items you would need to build a basic reptile habitat. So, if you do not want to hunt for all the items yourself, these reptile starter kits are an excellent option to check out. The availability of replacement parts and instruction manual also something to look out for.

Last but not the least, check out is the warranty and service support provided by the manufacturer. Most top brands such as Hagen Exo-Terra, Zilla, and Zoo Med provide excellent warranties on their products, so you can purchase them without a lot of apprehensions on the quality and durability. A word of advice: to avail the full warranty support, always look for an authorized seller and register your purchase with the manufacturer.

Keep these other small considerations in mind before picking the best reptile terrarium and habitat for your needs.

Final thoughts on the best reptile terrariums to buy

Reptiles and amphibians are one of the most exciting types of exotic pets to have for teenagers and adults alike. But you need to provide them with the best habitat and care for them to thrive.

In this article, we looked at some of the best reptile terrariums available in the market. We left out the cheap, impractical tanks and focused specifically on high-quality options that can provide a flourishing ecosystem to the exotic pets they house. We also listed some of the most important factors you need to keep in mind before picking the best terrariums for reptiles and amphibians and shared our top picks.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best reptile terrarium for yourself or someone else. Do let us know your feedback and questions by commenting below. Until next time, have a happy stint building your reptile habitat!

Image credits:Amazon.com