The best terrariums
Terrariums – Buying and Comparison Guide in 2022
Some pets such as chameleons, turtles and snakes need a closed space that allows greater control, for the safety of people and the animals themselves, in this sense, a terrarium can reproduce the appropriate ecosystem for the development of reptiles and insects. However, it is good to know its basic characteristics, such as type, size and design. The market offers a large number of terrariums, so we have chosen some of the most outstanding. The Ciano Tartarium 80 has been made with 4 mm transparent glass and is indicated for turtles and other reptiles. For its part, the Repiterra SB1206060 is made of wood and thanks to its size it can house lizards and snakes.
Opinions on the best terrariums
Your pets deserve a pleasant life, that’s why it’s not just about providing them with food, but they need an appropriate space for their proper development. However, the number of terrariums available can complicate the choice, as each one has different characteristics. For this reason, we have created a list with some of the best terrariums of 2022, so that you can select one that suits the needs of your animals.
Terrarium for turtle
Cyano Tartarium 80
This model offers enough space for you to raise some species of reptiles, since it has dimensions of 79 x 29.7 x 24.5 cm, in addition, it has a total capacity of 80 liters. However, you can choose the water level that is most appropriate for your animals, which is why some users consider it to be the best terrarium in this selection.
It has two ramps to access the dry area, whether your pets want to rest or sunbathe. This structure is made of resistant white plastic, so it is very durable, also, you can remove it if the animals do not need it and place it whenever you want.
It is a turtle terrarium that also works as an aquarium, so it is very convenient if you want to include some aquatic plants or decorative stones. As if that were not enough, it is compatible with devices such as filters and heaters, allowing you to create an environment that is as close to natural as possible.
If you do not know which terrarium to buy, this may be a good option, since it is two products in one. However, it is good to review in more detail the pros and cons of this model before making a decision:
Pros
Versatile: You can use it as a terrarium and as an aquarium, so you are getting a versatile product for a fair price.
Capacity: This model has a capacity for 80 liters, so you can choose the level of water that seems most convenient for your pet.
Ramps: Includes two ramps to access a dry area, where turtles and other reptiles can sunbathe.
Cons
Inclination: A user thinks that the ramps are quite inclined, so some species of turtles may have problems climbing to the resting area.
Cyano Tartarium 40
It is a turtle terrarium that has dimensions of 40 x 25.6 x 16.9 cm, so it is convenient for a small house, since it does not take up too much space. However, it has a plastic ramp to access the dry area, which allows your pet to rest and sunbathe. However, it is important to know that it also has a lid to prevent the animal from jumping out.
This model could answer the question about which is the best terrarium, since it can be used as an aquarium, thanks to its resistant glass design, with a thickness of 3 mm, but completely transparent, in this way, this product allows you to observe in your pet’s behavior at all times.
It is also useful for growing aquatic plants and you can install a filter and water heater, achieving a more controlled ecosystem. Likewise, it is possible to add decorative elements to give it a more attractive appearance.
The best brand of terrariums is not necessarily the most expensive, but you should look at the positive and negative characteristics of each particular product. For that reason, we invite you to review the following:
Pros
Compact: Thanks to its size of 40 x 25.6 x 16.9 cm, you can easily install it anywhere without taking up much space.
Dry area: Its plastic ramp allows the pet to rest, as well as sunbathe, very convenient in the case of reptiles.
Material: It has been made with high quality glass and thickness of 3 mm, however, it is transparent so you can keep an eye on your pet.
Cons
Height: According to the opinion of a user, the ramp is not adjustable in height, so you have to place stones or some elements that allow the turtle to climb to the dry area.
chameleon terrarium
Repeat SB1206060
This chameleon terrarium has a main OSB structure, that is, a chipboard made up of layers of shavings oriented in a common direction, so it offers a more homogeneous behavior. This wood is 12mm thick, but has been manufactured without formaldehyde, making it safe for your pet.
The front part has 4 mm thick float glass panels, in this way it is possible to observe the behavior of your pet, in addition, the glass is designed as sliding doors for greater practicality. You can do the assembly with just one screwdriver, so you don’t have to hire a carpentry expert.
It has ventilation on the side walls, allowing oxygen to enter for a more pleasant environment. In this sense, it is especially indicated for snakes and lizards. As if that were not enough, it includes epoxy resin that is very easy to apply.
The best terrarium of the moment must have the appropriate dimensions for the good development of your pet, for this reason, the Repiterra SB1206060 is one of the most outstanding. However, it is good to review its pros and cons before making the purchase:
Pros
Dimensions: Thanks to its measurements of 60 x 120 x 60 cm, you can use it for chameleons or snakes of a certain size.
Materials: It is made of 12 mm thick OSB, to offer greater resistance.
Practical: In its front part it has sliding doors made of 4 mm float glass.
Cons
Accessories: This terrarium does not come with stones or plants to decorate the terrarium.
Radiss 54 L
This model has the particularity of being arranged vertically, so it is not only a terrarium for chameleons, but also works for insects, rodents and other animals typical of dry environments. In this sense, it has a capacity of 54 liters, so that it allows you to raise several pets at the same time.
Thanks to its ventilation holes both on the sides and on the lid, this terrarium allows pets to have enough oxygen for a pleasant ecosystem. In addition, it measures only 30 x 30 x 60 cm, so you can install it in a corner of your house without taking up much space.
It has been made with strong glass and high-quality plastic frames, making it very durable. On the other hand, it has sliding doors that allow easy access to feed pets, add decorative elements or perform maintenance on the terrarium.
A vertical terrarium can be the solution if you want to provide a controlled space for your reptiles, since it allows you to place branches so that they can climb and play. For this reason, we invite you to learn more about the most relevant features of this model:
Pros
Capacity: It has a capacity of 54 liters, since it offers measurements of 30 x 30 x 60 cm. For this reason, it is a model that does not take up too much space.
Vertical: Its vertical layout allows the pet to climb on branches and other decorative elements.
Transparent: It has been made with transparent glass, to easily see inside the terrarium.
Cons
Lighting: This terrarium does not have a light or support to place a lamp, which can be inconvenient if you want to observe your pet at night.
Terrarium for dendrobates
Reptiles Planet 877670
If you are thinking of raising dart frogs, looking for a terrarium for dendrobates is the most appropriate, such as the Reptiles Planet model 877670, which has dimensions of 45 x 45 x 80 cm, maintaining a modern and durable appearance.
With this space you can recreate an environment with natural vegetation, perhaps placing some bromeliads and moss on a trunk, so that the amphibians can go up and down as they please, as well as hide among the leaves to feed.
In addition, it has an elegant design, which will look good in any room or room. Likewise, its aluminum structure stands out, which also favors the maintenance of space. For its part, the internal grid system provides efficient temperature retention, so that the animals receive lighting and warmth as if they were in nature.
Now, we have summarized some pros and cons of this product that we believe you should know before deciding whether to invest in it.
Pros
Assembly: The assembly process is quick and easy, thanks to the illustrated instruction manual that shows the step by step.
Lighting: In this terrarium you can place interior light, thanks to the lighting ramp with screws pre-installed in the structure.
Ventilation: The upper grid favors ventilation inside the terrarium, isolating the interior to provide the dendrobates with an environment similar to their natural habitat.
Cons
Cost: The high price of this product may be out of reach for some users.
terrarium for pogona
Terrarium-Discounter Repi Terra
The pogona or bearded dragon is a strong and easy-care animal, but for its development it needs a good space to live, like other reptiles. In this sense, a pogona terrarium like this one, made of wood and with front ventilation, could be the best option.
With measurements of 100 x 40 x 40 cm, this terrarium offers ample space for the pet to move around, since in adulthood it can measure up to 45 cm.
The structure of this model is made of 12 mm thick chipboard, known as OSB, which provides good strength and durability. At the front, 4 mm glass with polished edges, whose access system is sliding, and allow the bearded dragon to be seen.
In this product we observe other characteristics that we summarize in the pros and cons section below.
Pros
Ventilation: The front ventilation grilles favor the circulation of air inside the terrarium.
Assembly: The terrarium comes partially pre-assembled and the rest of the assembly is very simple, only a screwdriver is needed to complete it.
Value for money: The design of the terrarium, its easy assembly and affordable cost is positively valued by users.
Cons
Residues: During assembly it is normal for wood chips to be released, since the boards are made of pressed wood. Therefore, it is recommended to wear gloves.
Terrarium for ants
Anthouse.es Blue Gel
If you have a child who is fond of myrmecology, then this terrarium for ants may interest you, since it allows you to keep them in a controlled space, where the child can study their behavior. However, it is also suitable for an adult beginner in this scientific activity.
It measures 20 cm high, 14 cm wide and 3 cm deep, so you’ll have enough space for a considerable number of insects, but without taking up too much space in the house. It is made of high-quality plastic, so it is very durable.
This model works with edible gel for ants, so it is not necessary to buy an additional food, in addition, it comes with seeds so that you can quickly have ornamental plants. As if that were not enough, you will not have to capture the ants, since it brings between 20 and 30 to start immediately.
If you want an anthill with LED lighting, then you may be interested in this product. However, it is good to pay special attention to its positive and negative characteristics before making the purchase:
Pros
Kit: It includes the gel, the seeds and even the ants, for this reason, you do not have to make any additional expenses.
Lighting: It incorporates LED light in its base, which, by passing through the blue gel, creates a pleasant atmosphere in the dark.
Compact: It measures only 20 x 14 x 3 cm, so you can place it in your child’s room without taking up too much space.
Cons
Instructions: According to the opinion of a user, this product does not have the steps to make the gel in Spanish, which could complicate its installation.
Exo Terra Terrarium
Exo Terra PT2604A1
It has two doors at the front, which allow easy access when feeding your pets or cleaning. In addition, it has a lock to prevent them from escaping, providing greater security for both people and the animals themselves.
The Exo Terra PT2604A1 terrarium is indicated for amphibians and reptiles, since it works well to create dry and humid environments, in addition, it is made of transparent glass so that you can easily observe your pets. You can also buy some decorative elements separately that at the same time make the ecosystem more pleasant.
It includes a painted cork background with a design that recalls arid landscapes. Likewise, the mesh cover allows the correct ventilation of the terrarium, offering enough oxygen to the animals. This piece is very durable, since it has been manufactured with high quality stainless steel.
If you are interested in a product available in a variety of sizes, this may be a good option, however, it is important to know each of its characteristics in more detail:
Pros
Dimensions: This is the medium 81 liter version, but it is available in various sizes. The price varies from one to another.
Materials: It is made of transparent glass and stainless steel, so that it offers strength and durability.
Security: It has a lock that prevents escapes, providing confidence in case of dangerous animals.
Cons
Light: This terrarium does not have lighting, so you must purchase it separately if necessary.
Terrarium for gecko
Exo Terra PT3779
This gecko terrarium has a double door on the front, so it offers greater comfort when cleaning and feeding the animal, especially if you have a pet that usually jumps, since it allows you to open a single door separately..
It has dimensions of 45 x 45 x 60 cm, so it corresponds to the large version, however, you can also find it in a small size of 30 x 30 x 45 cm. It is a kit that has all the necessary accessories, so you will not have to incur any additional expenses. It also includes a thermometer and hygrometer, so you have information about temperature and humidity.
Its lid is made of metal mesh, to provide greater resistance and allow ventilation according to the needs of the geckos. Its main structure is made of transparent glass and has a safety mechanism to prevent leaks.
It is a complete product that provides a suitable ecosystem for the Correlophus Ciliatus species, however, it is good to review its positive and negative characteristics in more detail before making the purchase:
Pros
Kit: This model contains everything you need to start breeding geckos, including temperature and humidity meters.
Doors: The front part is made up of two doors, which can be opened separately, making feeding and cleaning easier.
Material: The terrarium allows you to visualize your pets and the decoration in a simple way, thanks to the fact that it is made of transparent glass.
Cons
Temperature: A user has commented that it can be difficult to get the right temperature in winter, because the terrarium does not retain heat.
Terrarium Accessories
plants for terrarium
SourcingMap Plastic
These plants have been made of plastic, so they are an artificial product capable of lasting a long time, in this sense, it is possible to place them in areas where natural plants cannot grow. In addition, they are very easy to clean, so you only have to spend a few minutes on this task.
They offer a heavy base for stability, so pets like snakes, frogs, lizards, chameleons, and other reptiles have enough room to move around without damaging your décor.
On the other hand, you can use them in an aquarium or simply as part of your home decoration, since these terrarium plants only measure 6 x 5 x 11 cm, so they take up little space.
Heating cable for terrarium
It will be 32008
This terrarium heating cable allows you to raise the temperature in the environment you want to create for your reptiles, in this way you can have hotter and colder areas, which are very convenient for certain species. It is made of flexible material, so it is possible to install it by making a zig zag on the ground.
It is 4 m long, so you have a greater reach from the plug to the terrarium.
This model offers 15 W of power, so it is recommended for the winter season, managing to control the temperature above that of the room.
Guide to buying a terrarium
The terrarium is a fundamental container if we want to have a reptile or amphibian as a pet, since these types of animals need an adequate space that is similar to their natural ecosystem, to keep them healthy. For this reason, each manufacturer offers several models with different characteristics. In this sense, we have prepared this guide to buy the best terrarium, where we will show you relevant information that you should analyze before purchasing the product.
Shopping guide
Ability
If you are making a comparison of terrariums, it is good that you first define your possibilities and space limitations, since the large capacity ones occupy a considerable area, but there are very compact size models, which can be very useful when it comes to a small house or room.
The capacity of the terrarium has to do with the type of reptiles, amphibians or insects and the amount you want to have. In this sense, if you want to raise a few frogs, about 50 liters of capacity will be enough, while if you are going to take care of turtles, approximately 80 liters will be necessary, depending on the size of the pets.
The dimensions are also directly related to the capacity of the terrarium and the type of pet, since chameleons and pogona snakes need at least 100 cm to move, but if you want to raise ants a few centimeters may be enough, so a small model that does not take up much space.
Terrariums of 120 cm or more are recommended if you have enough space at home. These products allow you to place a greater number of decorative objects that also serve for pets to hide and exercise.
It is good that you take into account the size that your pet will have after its development, since it would not be convenient to invest in a small capacity terrarium if after a while the reptile will not fit in it, so it will be necessary to spend money again in a larger product.
Design
Although most terrariums are rectangular containers for raising animals, there are different models specially designed for pets according to their species and way of life. One of the characteristics that varies is the material with which they have been manufactured.
Wooden terrariums usually have a very natural finish, with colors typical of the arid environments where some reptiles originally live. In this sense, they can create a very pleasant ecosystem for your pets. This material resists the passage of time and impacts, making it very durable.
For its part, glass is a little more versatile, since it works well for animals in dry and humid environments, since it resists humidity, a characteristic that wood does not have. In this case, a glass terrarium can have several areas at the same time, therefore, several species could coexist in it.
Another important issue in terms of design is the layout of the terrarium. The horizontal ones are suitable for chameleons, snakes and other animals that, due to their dimensions, need more space on the ground. On the other hand, frogs, pogonas and other pets may be better in a vertical one, to jump more comfortably, you can also include objects so that pets have the opportunity to climb.
Accessories
The breeding of exotic animals, whether they are reptiles, amphibians or insects, requires special care due to the environments where these pets come from. This is the reason why there are some objects that give them a more pleasant life despite being in captivity.
The answer to the question of how much does a terrarium cost has to do with the contents of the package. There are kits that contain all the necessary implements to start reptile farming from the comfort of your home. If this is your case, you may be interested in a set that is cheap but includes objects to decorate, as well as a thermometer to maintain a suitable ecosystem, especially if you have a gecko or similar pet.
In case you want a terrarium for ants, it is good that it includes the edible gel and the seeds, since this way you will not have to feed the insects, which is particularly useful if it is for a child.
Artificial plants are also interesting, not only to decorate the terrarium, but also for pets to hide. On the other hand, some models may have lighting, which allows you to observe the animals at night.
If the temperature drops a lot in the place where you live in winter, then you will need a heating cable that allows you to increase the heat inside the terrarium to keep your reptiles healthy.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: What terrarium does a pogona need?
Let us remember that the pogonas are native to desert regions, so a dry terrarium, which can be made of wood, is convenient to maintain the humidity between 30 and 40%, in addition, it is good that it has a warm area where the temperature is higher than 30°C and less than 40°C, as well as a cold area that should be between 25 and 28°C. Some meters such as thermometers and hygrometers are easy to use and allow you to know this important data.
Q2: Where to put a terrarium?
This will depend on some variables, such as the type of pet, the time of year and the available space you have at home. Some reptiles need to sunbathe, so a place where they can receive direct natural light is convenient. However, an excess of heat can be counterproductive for certain species. If it is very hot, it can be very useful to place it next to a window where it can receive ventilation, but in the winter it needs to be in an area where you can better control the temperature.
Q3: How to make a chameleon terrarium?
If you want to breed a chameleon but your budget is a bit short, you could choose to make it yourself, since it is not a very complex process. You will need some long wooden strips, suitable for cutting according to the measurements of the available space, also squares and lag screws to join the pieces, a metal or plastic mesh for the walls, hinges for the door and a security system that could include a padlock. In addition, it is possible to make a lighting system for your pet, with a light cable, sockets, light bulbs and a plug. It is only about joining the materials correctly depending on the desired measurements.
Q4: Is a gel terrarium safe for ants?
Parents always worry a little about this type of product when we want to give a terrarium to a child interested in insects, however, terrariums for ants generally do not have toxic substances and, in particular, gel ones are usually the safest, since the little one doesn’t even have to feed them, but just watches how the little ones dig long tunnels in their tireless work. A good start for a scientific future.
Q5: What plants to put in a terrarium?
To create a suitable ecosystem for terrarium pets, it is necessary to choose plants that can survive the environment of the animals, but it is important that they serve as a decorative element at the same time, for this reason, the Fittonia is suitable for controlled interiors and is creeping, so it does not grow more than 15 cm, likewise, it develops with indirect light and you can find it in combinations of green, white, purple and pink. Another similar option is the Tradescantia, a perennial plant that requires minimal maintenance, but provides ornamental purple flowers and very showy leaves.
Q6: Where to put a thermometer in the terrarium?
This depends on the type of thermometer. Some terrarium temperature meters have a sensor connected to a cable, so you can place it in different areas of the terrarium to take measurements of the coldest and warmest areas.
On the other hand, round thermometers also work digitally, but have a needle that indicates the temperature. Generally these have adhesive on the back, to stick the meter inside the glass, however they remain fixed, so it is convenient to place them in a strategic point between the cold and the warm zone.
Q7: Which is better, terrarium or fish tank?
We could make a mistake if we evaluate one of th
