Reptile Terrarium Designing

I always enjoy building a new reptile terrarium. It usually means I am going to acquired a new reptile which is exciting enough, the process of creating a new environment for the little critter is also thrilling. Once you have decided on a reptile, if you don't already have one, you can begin to imagine what you want his or her home to look like. It is important to understand your pet's needs; amount of space, climate and lighting. Once you know all of this use this information to design your cage. I usually start with an aquarium of the appropriate size, then ad a suitable substrate; news paper for babies, cyprus bark for a tropical reptile, sand for a desert reptile, etc. After that find something he or she will like to hide under such as a half a log or some rocks. If you collect these from outside make sure to soak them in bleach to kill anything that might harm your reptile. On top of the hide structure I put something to climb on, usually more rocks or sticks. I put the lighting on the side with the stuff to climb on so the reptile can get close to it. I use a basking light for heat and a fluorescent light to provide UVB. The UVB aids in the production of vitamin B3 which helps in the absorption of calcium. On the other side I place the food and water. Depending on how cold it gets in the room at night I'll use an under tank heater to add heat. Having all of this on a timer is an easy way to control your pets photo period.

If it is necessary to increase humidity a fogger will work. Having a jar of water with an aquarium heater and bubbler in a back corner where your pet can't get to it will also work. Desert animals usually do fine because houses are usually dry enough.

Once you've got all of the basics taken care of then you can add some scenery. Some plastic plants, more rocks, sticks or some fake vines. Be careful with putting fake or real plants with reptiles that might eat them. It could make your pet sick. These will ad aesthetics as well as make your reptile feel more in his or her natural habitat.