Terrarium Options

There are five basic types of terrariums for pet herps:

1. Desert Terrariums -- Intended to simulate a desert environment, these terrariums are kept hot during the day, cooler at night -- and always dry. The foliage in a desert terrarium should consist of cactus-type plants. The substrate should be sand, with plenty of rocky hiding places. Even though a desert terrarium is arid, water should always be available. Suitable animals to house in a desert terrarium are horned lizards, spiny lizards and many tortoises.

2. Temperate Woodland Terrariums -- These terrariums should have a moist, but not wet, surface with bark, twigs and green plants. A container of water should be provided so that the animals can swim and soak. Suitable animals: garter snakes, green snakes, American toads and box turtles.

3. Temperate Semiaquatic Terrariums -- Dry perches and a large swimming area should be included in these terrariums. The wet area should be arranged so that it can be easily drained and replenished with clean water. One possible tank set-up is to put rocks on the bottom of the tank and fill it with water until the top surface of the rocks is level with the water surface. Suitable animals: pond turtles, salamanders, newts, ribbon snakes and common water snakes.

4. Tropical Woodland Terrariums -- Although they’re similar to the temperate woodland, these terrariums have higher temperature and humidity levels and more intense light. Bark, twigs and green plants should be provided. Suitable animals: green iguanas and many geckos.

5. Tropical Semiaquatic Terrariums -- A warmer version of the temperate semiaquatic terrarium, this is the most difficult terrarium habitat to maintain, because the combination of high temperatures and moist conditions can promote bacterial growth. Suitable animals: crocodilians, some soft-shelled turtles and African clawed frogs.