How to Set Up a Terrarium Animal Cage

If one has a pet reptile or amphibian, it is very important to set up the terrarium cage correctly. Terrariums are not an appropriate home for larger reptiles and amphibians, but the smaller versions of these pets adapt well to the mixture of real plants in their captive habitat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the size and type of terrarium to purchase. If creating a tropical terrarium, the habitat develops a high humidity, so it is best to buy a cage that can withstand moisture, such as acrylic or glass. To determine the size of cage, take into account the size of the space where the terrarium will be placed, the number of pets that will live in it and how many plants that will be included.

2. Choose a cover for the terrarium. A good choice is a screen cover which provides ventilation. The ventilation from the screen can be easily modified by placing a piece of glass/acrylic or plastic wrap over part of the top to maintain the level of humidity.

3. Arrange the lid so the lamps for basking and UVB ray exposure shine through the screen only. The heat from the lamps will break the glass and melt the acrylic, so do not allow the lamps to concentrate heat on those areas.

4. Place a 2- to 3-inch layer of gravel on the bottom of the aquarium. This will be the drainage for the terrarium when the humidity gets too high. Cover the gravel with 1 inch of a combination of peat moss, soil, sphagnum moss and coconut husk.

5. Think about the hiding and egg-laying habits of the pet. Create the habitat with wood and rock that will recreate the reptile's or amphibian's natural surroundings.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful if introducing leaf compost to the soil mixture. Sometimes pests, such as snails and slugs, are introduced to the terrarium by hitchhiking on the leaf compost.