How do you set up a terrarium?
You’ve already decided which species of exotic animal will live with you under one roof. You’ve acquired the necessary knowledge about it, you know what it eats, how it behaves, and what conditions it requires in a terrarium. Exactly the terrarium. But how do you prepare the right home for your chosen species? Theoretical knowledge alone may not be enough here, so a few practical tips will likely help answer the question of how to set up a terrarium.
Terrarium size and shape
When choosing a terrarium, always consider the size, mobility, and lifestyle of its future inhabitants, as these factors determine its dimensions and shape. For animals that live in trees and like to climb, choose a vertically oriented terrarium. This will allow you to properly arrange cork tubes, bamboo poles, smaller tree branches, or create a structured background and side walls.
For ground-dwelling animals that inhabit open spaces, the most important factors are adequate floor area and its layout, meaning the terrarium should be horizontally oriented. In this case, the height of the terrarium is less important.
Terrarium decor
Use only safe, non-toxic materials designed specifically for terrarium use. Be sure to include secluded areas, hiding spots where the animal can retreat. These reduce stress by giving the animal a sense of security. The terrarium should also be arranged so that you can easily monitor your pet and react quickly if any concerning symptoms arise. Good ventilation is essential in every terrarium. Arrange the decor so that cleaning and daily maintenance are easy and convenient.
Heating and UV radiation in the terrarium
In all types of terrariums, it is necessary to create zones with varying temperatures, allowing cold-blooded animals to regulate their body temperature. Remember to use thermostats to prevent overheating or excessive cooling. In many cases, it is also necessary to install a source of ultraviolet radiation, especially UVB. This enables the synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin of reptiles and thus indirectly supports calcium metabolism and bone development and, in the case of turtles, shell development as well.
Use products designed for terrariums that are safe for both you and the animals. You can only forego UV light sources when keeping snakes and species with a typically nocturnal lifestyle. Even then, however, the weakest UVB sources can still have a beneficial effect.
Dry terrarium – desert or steppe
Dry terrariums are designed for animals that inhabit deserts, semi-deserts, and steppes. They are relatively simple to set up and very easy to maintain, provided you use the right materials. Sand-and-clay structural substrates, such as Tropical Terraclay, are best suited for this type of setup. You can combine this substrate with Tropical Bioterra coconut fiber, stones, and pieces of bark and roots to create arrangements that are both practical and visually appealing. Tropical Terraclay can be freely shaped when moist and, once dry, forms a compact surface while effectively retaining essential moisture in the deeper layers, just as in nature. This allows you to create burrows and tunnels where animals feel safe and can find a moist hiding place that aids the molting process.
Make sure that stones and roots do not have sharp edges. Succulents, such as crassulaceae, aloes, dracaenas, and sansevierias, can add variety to the decor. However, avoid plants with long, sharp thorns and spines that may be dangerous to animals.
In this type of terrarium, it is extremely important to create zones with varying temperatures, hot (sometimes reaching up to 40°C) and moderate. The strongest UVB light sources available for terrariums are also used here. Remember to secure heat sources so animals cannot touch them and get burned. In desert terrariums, larger drops in nighttime temperature are acceptable. You can read more about this type of terrarium in How to set up a desert or steppe terrarium?
Humid Terrarium
In a humid terrarium, you can recreate a fragment of tropical jungle. UVB light sources are also installed here, although with lower intensity than in desert terrariums. A small water reservoir, waterfall, or automatic misting system is an essential component of this type of setup. Only in smaller tanks can you rely on manual watering and a bowl of water placed inside.
Live plants are an indispensable part of the decor. You should only use species that are non-toxic to animals, in case they are ingested. Many specialized manuals and websites list suitable and unsuitable plants. However, keeping them in optimal condition can be challenging with certain reptile species (especially larger ones). In a humid terrarium, you can use coconut-based substrates, such as Tropical Bioterra or Tropical Cocochips, as bedding for animals and as a growing medium for plants. If you opt for a bioactive terrarium, products such as Tropical Terralava, Tropical Coco Carb Terra, Tropical Bacto-Active Terra, and Tropical Nitri-Active Terra will be useful.
Tropical Bioterra is a natural substrate made from shredded coconut fiber. It contains no chemical additives, ensuring safe use even for the most delicate animals. It comes in briquette form, compressed ground coconut fiber, which should be soaked in about 3–4 liters of water before use, yielding approximately 8 liters of ready-to-use substrate. The resulting soft, moist material works perfectly in terrariums housing tropical forest amphibians and reptiles, as well as in arachnid breeding and insectariums. It can be used on its own or as an additive to other substrates. Check what are other possible uses of the Tropical Bioterra reading Coconut fiber – more than just a cheap soil.
Tropical Cocochips, in turn, is a natural substrate in the form of small cubes made from coconut husk. It also comes in briquette form and should be soaked in about 3–4 liters of water before use, producing approximately 4 liters of moist substrate. Tropical Cocochips is suitable for terrariums with amphibians and reptiles from tropical forests, as well as for invertebrate breeding. It can be used on its own or mixed with other substrates.
Aquaterrarium
Aquaterrariums are most often set up using standard aquariums with a separated land area. The size of the land section depends on the species’ specific requirements. Some animals spend most of their time in water, while others prefer to bask on land for hours between baths. Regardless of individual preferences, you must provide a safe and comfortable way for the animal to climb onto land. The surface must not be too steep or too slippery. Above the land area, you must install heat sources and UVB lighting in the form of terrarium bulbs and heat lamps.
Maintaining water cleanliness is extremely important in aquaterrariums, and efficient aquarium filters are essential for this purpose. Regular, periodic water changes are also necessary. In larger tanks it is worth considering installing drains to make water removal easier.
When preparing water, you can use tap water treatment products designed for aquariums, such as Tropical Supreme or Tropical Esklarin with aloe vera, combined with Tropical Antychlor. It is also worth using bacterial preparations such as Tropical Bacto-Active Terra and Tropical Nitri-Active Terra, which accelerate the breakdown of organic matter and support biological filtration. Remember that in this type of setup, the water should not be warmer than the air above it, as this may cause animals to catch a cold. At the same time, it must not be too cold. This type of terrarium is discussed in detail in How to arrange an aquaterrarium for semi-aquatic turtles?
Basics of proper reptile care
Most reptile health problems result from improper care, primarily due to an inadequate diet and unsuitable terrarium conditions.
- Learn your pet’s requirements.
- Set up the terrarium according to those requirements.
- Maintain proper temperature and humidity.
- Provide a source of UVB radiation.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the terrarium.
- When setting up the terrarium, consider how easy it will be to clean and maintain.
- Do not allow terrarium animals to roam freely around the apartment. This can lead to injuries, colds, limb deformities (due to slippery floors), and even poisoning.
- Provide a proper diet along with appropriate mineral and vitamin supplementation.
Meeting these basic care requirements will allow you to enjoy healthy animals for many years to come.
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