Living In A Box: How To Transform A Plastic Terrarium Into A Pet's Paradise

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You've chosen the perfect pet -- now it's time to give it a home. If you have a lizard, snake, tortoise, or other similar animal, a terrarium is an ideal container to house it. Plastic terrariums are a good choice for because they are easy to clean and last longer than other materials such as wood and glass. 

How do you make a plastic terrarium a cozy habitat for your pet?

A veterinarian or animal specialist will know the specific needs of your animal. As you are preparing the terrarium, here are some important considerations:

  • Size: Size is a crucial aspect of your pet's home; your pet should have enough room to grow, move, and play within its environment, while leaving space for heating and light elements, flooring, and vegetation. Terrariums can range in size from 2 square feet for a small gecko to 8 or more square feet for pythons, tortoises, and other large pets.
  • Substrate: Substrate is the material used for flooring at the bottom of the terrarium. There are several choices of substrate including sand, stones, bark, soil, and so on. A specialist will know the best type of material for your pet. Be especially careful with sand, as some reptiles can ingest too many particles during feeding.
  • Water and Food: A good source of water is an essential part of your animal's home. Some animals will prefer a large container of water to soak in, while others will need a drip system to drink from to maintain hydration. Make sure your animal's feeding spot is accessible and convenient for you and your pet.
  • Light/Heat: If your pet is a reptile, you will need to add a heat source to your terrarium to regulate the temperature to between 68 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold-blooded animals rely on external sources for either basking or ground heat. Light sources such as basking lamps, heat mats, and hot rocks are a few sources of warmth for your terrarium. Plastic terrariums retain heat better than many other materials. Many reptiles also need full spectrum UVA or UVB lights for vitamin D3 and calcium production. Lights should be switched on and off to imitate day and night in your animal's environment.  
  • Finishing Touches: Just like you wouldn't enjoy a house without furniture, your animal won't be happy in an empty terrarium. The goal is closely imitate your pet's natural habitat. Purchase tree branches, rocks, and hiding places from a pet store to ensure they are not contaminated from the wild.

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