Terrariums are the land animal version of an aquarium, so buying one is essential if you plan on housing any kind of reptile, whether that's a snake, lizard, gecko or turtle. How do you know which type will make a good habitat for your pet though? Well, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve done the digging online for you when it comes to setting up your mini zoo space!
Regardless of the species you aim to home, all terrariums must be safe, secure and big enough for the animal as well as all of the necessary décor and equipment. In addition to the size, you’ll need to consider the openings, the height and the materials used in the manufacturing process. So, if this is your first time buying this type of product, read on to get the whistle-stop tour on all things vital for an enclosed vivarium.
Quick List - Top Terrariums for Reptiles
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Naturally, the first thing to consider is the capacity of the terrarium. If you’re opting for a small tank that is going to house small geckos and snakes, then generally companies don’t provide capacity information. Therefore, you might want to refer to the dimensions to get a better idea of the size.
When it comes to terrariums designed for larger animals, capacity measurements are usually included. As you’d imagine, there is a full range of sizes from as little as 20L up to over 100L. The best way to know which capacity will be suitable for your pet is to check their measurements or research the average measurements of their species if you don't have them at home yet.
However, there are some rules of thumb for each species. For lizards, the tank should be 2-3 times the length of their body, from snout to tail. For snakes, a terrarium should be around ¾ of their total body length. Those who own turtles need to make sure that there is plenty of space for them to walk around, so roughly 4-5 times their body length should suffice.
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The next factor to consider is whether you want to opt for a low or high design. Again, this will depend on the species of reptile. Generally speaking, if you’re looking to buy a larger animal then you’ll likely require a low design. What this means is that the terrarium sits horizontally and is wider, rather than taller, providing more floor space than height.
However, when it comes to smaller reptiles, many of them like to climb. So, having a tank that can accommodate this activity is essential. Of course, you’ll have to provide the decoration and equipment to facilitate this as well. Choosing between a high or low design is all about understanding your reptile's natural habits, so this research must be done before you start shopping for an enclosure.
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Another feature that needs considering is the opening and, more importantly, where it's situated. If you have a pet snake or lizard, then front openings are usually a better idea. This allows you entry into the terrarium without appearing threatening, as a hand coming down from the top could easily be mistaken for a predatory bird.
If you’re opting for a turtle or smaller geckos then you have the choice of either, as these species are more tolerant of being picked up from the top. Plus, a front opening may encourage smaller pets to attempt to escape from their enclosure, meaning you’ll have to spend your afternoon searching the nooks and crannies of your home trying to find them!
Finally, you'll need to decide on a material. Glass remains the most popular option due to its durability and superior visibility — after all, you want to be able to see your exotic pets! They're also easier to keep in tip-top shape, as they clean more thoroughly. That said, they will be much heavier, so keep this in mind if you plan to move the enclosure around.
Plastic terrariums are more compact and are designed for smaller pets, as not many people like to keep a big and potentially dangerous snake behind some acrylic! While this material is inexpensive, terrariums made from plastic can become discoloured and streaky over time, so they won't look as aesthetically pleasing as glass.
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Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium | ![]() | Pretty Spacious, Very Durable and Well Worth the High Price | |
2 | Zilla Micro Habitats Arboreal | ![]() | An Online Cult Classic | |
3 | Repti-Life Flat-Pack Vivarium | ![]() | One for Bigger Pets Who Need More Space | |
4 | Keweni Terrarium Containers | ![]() | A Standalone Unit That's Stackable Too | |
5 | Monkfield Terrarium | ![]() | Ideal for Snakes, Geckos and Many Other Species | |
6 | Repti-Life Vivarium Flatpacked In Oak | ![]() | Fits Snugly Into All Kinds of Spaces and is Stackable | |
7 | Boyu Glass Reptile Terrarium Vivarium Tank | ![]() | Great Ventilation and Visibility | |
8 | Vivexotic Repti-Home | ![]() | Stylish and Suitable for Contemporary Homes | |
9 | Aujelly Reptile Terrarium Box | ![]() | Enjoy the 360-Degree View |
Granted, this might be the most expensive option in our ranking but sometimes in life, you get what you pay for! In this instance, the price provides you with an incredibly durable glass terrarium that features two front openings as well as one top entrance.
While this might seem like a lot of entry points, it's nice to have the option depending on why you're going into the tank. We love that the back wall already comes decorated— this addition doesn't just save you money, it also creates a more authentic place for your pet to live. This is the best terrarium around, hands down!
This affordable plastic terrarium from Zilla is a brilliant buy for small reptiles and amphibians or invertebrates. The 100% see-through material ensures that you have a 360-degree view of your pets, while clever locking handles keep every creature safely where they should be.
Again, the design is stackable. However, this time it's high-style (vertical) which may be more convenient for some owners, depending on the space you have available at home. It's a cult classic among Amazon reviewers, who are a hard bunch to please, so we rate this product very highly!
If you need plenty of space because you've got a big pet, then this 131L capacity tank will surely be of interest to you. It comes with a lovely black finish and is a low design with two front entrances. The size and style seem to suggest that this would be ideal for large snakes or lizards. It would also work as a massive utopian space for smaller animals if you have the room!
This design has a solid back, which is vital if you have larger animals, but it does also come with a ventilation area to ensure a decent airflow. Best of all, this terrarium has an excellent build quality, thanks to the durable yet affordable materials used.
Made completely out of transparent acrylic, this terrarium from Kewenit works perfectly as a standalone unit or can be stacked, as the ventilation won't be covered in the process. So, if you're a keen herper and wouldn't mind a small collection of reptiles and amphibians in multiple units, this product could be right up your street.
Included in the design is an anti-escape lock, which enables you to open the box without the risk of your pet(s) slithering their way to freedom! This terrarium is quick and straightforward to assemble, so all you'll need for its arrival is some cosy decorations to make it feel more homely.
This offering from Monkfield is ideal for housing geckos, snakes and plenty of other species. It has a top open design with trusty secure clips that lock the hinges, so you don't have to worry about anything escaping. Plus, there are plenty of holes, which are crucial for ensuring proper airflow.
The bottom of the terrarium is double-layered glass, which means that setting up the heating mat and an insulating tier is much easier, as it will be projected through to the tank without any issues. We think this is a safe, sensible option for owners of smaller reptiles.
The dimensions of this vivarium means it's capable of fitting in many of those places around the home that others on our list can't, for example between bookshelves or below windowsills. It's also stackable, which makes for an impressive display if you have a collection of little critters.
The oak finish is solid and will add an earthy look to your space, while the glass is toughened to guarantee safety. Plus, there are large airflow vents at the back which ensures that your inhabitant gets plenty of air.
With perforated pure metal netting on two sides and the top, this tank offers great ventilation for your pet. This is an excellent option for smaller reptiles, arachnids, or snakes, but there are also two other bigger sizes available if you have a bigger pet.
Everything is removable, from the roof to the front door, which makes for easy cleaning. The sliding doors are also lockable, with keys included to ensure safety. However, our only gripe is that some users have reported that this tank may not be as sturdy as the other options on our list.
While we've opted for the smaller option, this terrarium from Vivexotic comes in two different sizes, with a larger one being available if you need it. It has a classy, modern black finish which is sure to be a hit with people who have a contemporary style interior.
Furthermore, the product will arrive as a flatpack and can be easily assembled at home. However, some of the hardware (the screws mainly) is a little weak so you might want to upgrade it for additional security.
First up in our ranking, we have this small terrarium box from Aujelly. It's made from acrylic and comes in with pretty standard dimensions for smaller options. It's completely transparent, so you'll be able to view your little reptiles from 360-degrees, and it also has plenty of ventilation holes throughout.
However, some customers have found that the plastic is a little flimsy. So, you'll want to be especially careful around it, especially if you have young children who are involved in caring for your pet.
Traditionally, a vivarium refers to a wooden box with heating and lighting elements for housing animals, whereas a terrarium is a glass container for housing plants. However, recently, glass terrariums have been proven to be the perfect home for reptiles and amphibians too.
Terrariums are great for lizards who prefer to live in open spaces and on the ground, including those who enjoy digging and burrowing. Just remember to make sure that you get a size that's at least 2 to 3 times the length of their body so that they have plenty of space to move about.
No. 1: Exo Terra|Glass Natural Terrarium
No. 2: Zilla|Micro Habitats Arboreal
No. 3: Repti-Life|Flat-Pack Vivarium
No. 4: Keweni|Terrarium Containers
No. 5: Monkfield|Terrarium
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