Reptile Housing & Vivariums

The word vivarium is Latin for a “place of life”. A reptile vivarium is an enclosure or tank in which animals are kept in an environment similar to their natural habitat. Vivariums are suitable for reptiles such as snakes, lizards, geckos and bearded geckos. An aquarium is a kind of vivarium for reptiles that live in an aquatic environment. A terrarium is a kind of vivarium for dry habitat such as a desert.

When purchasing a vivarium you will need to consider the requirements of your reptile. The vivarium will need to be bought to suit the size of your reptile once fully grown, or you will need to be prepared to buy a new one when more space is needed. Consider carefully how much space your reptile will need, and this should be both floor space and height if your breed of reptile likes to climb. The width of the vivarium will determine the feeling of spaciousness that it has, and is therefore also important.

A vivarium should be a sturdy construction, and should also look good in your house. The vivarium should show off your reptile and allow you to have a good view of the inside of the enclosure. Most vivariums are made from wood, metal or plastic frames with a glass or plastic window on at least one side. The vivarium may be bought readymade or as a flat pack. If the tank is made with glass, it should be toughened glass. The back panel is often solid, and is ideally waterproof.

Vivariums will have access doors or a removable roof. The access is important as you will need to be able to handle your reptile, provide food and clean the interior with ease. The doors or roof should be able to close securely in order to prevent accidental escape. Ventilation is needed for providing fresh air for the reptile. Some models have ventilation holes in the doors and others in the roof. The main requirement is that the holes are small enough to prevent any live food from escaping. Ventilation will also help to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.

Vivarium Heating & Lighting

In order to create the natural habitat of reptiles the heating, lighting and humidity need to be regulated. Vivariums should have cable access points and the capacity to provide different lighting and heating for the needs of different reptiles. Heating can be managed through heating mats, lamps or rocks. Heat rocks warm up as if they have been in the heat of the sun. Some reptiles need to heat themselves in the sun, and lamps with certain bulbs can create this effect. The temperature should be regulated to change throughout the day and be cooler at night, as it would in a natural environment. Natural lighting changes should also be simulated, and a day/night regulator can accomplish this.

There are a few different designs of vivarium commonly available. Wooden vivariums are good for retaining heat, and also look stylish in your home. Some wooden vivariums are available as a combination unit including a wooden cabinet. Glass vivariums provide a really good view of your reptile. For those with reptiles that like to climb, there is an extra tall model of vivarium available. Modular vivariums are made with one main module vivarium to which you can add extensions, and this will enable you to increase your room for a growing reptile. Some vivariums are designed to stack neatly and easily on top of each other, which is a housing solution for someone with many reptiles.

To complete the natural habitat that has been created in a vivarium, some accessories are available. These will include bedding, substrate, sand, rocks, and tree bark. Some environments will contain an aquatic section. All vivariums will need a food and water dish, and you may require feed tongs. When choosing accessories remember that your aim is to provide an environment that is as natural as possible for your reptile.

Buying a Vivarium Online

Visit these recommended stores for the best ranges of reptile housing and accessories available online.

Seapets

Seapets offer one of the best choices of reptile housing available online. Take a look now.