Reptile Vivarium

Caring for reptiles is not an easy task. There are many things one needs to consider in keeping a reptile. Since these creatures are cold-blooded animals, their living conditions vary. Different kinds of reptiles have different ways of living. It is vital to first know and understand what conditions are needed to ensure the survival of the reptile. Reptiles that 'feel at home' in their tanks or vivariums, often do well. This means that it is of prime importance that a reptile vivarium has a close resemblance to that of a reptile's natural habitat.
First, assess what kind of reptile you have. Next, find out what its natural habitat is. When you get the answers you seek, then you will get the idea on what kind of reptile vivarium to get. Furthermore, you'll also know what you can do to maintain its living conditions. These are the general types of reptiles;
Fossorial:
These reptiles like to be beneath the ground. They often burrow in soil when they're feeling particularly sleepy or hungry. They are generally either legless or have very short legs. To house such reptiles, one needs to ensure that the substrates have enough depth. An example is the Florida worm lizard.
Arboreal:
These are often dubbed as 'tree-dweller reptiles.' They are usually found on tree branches and vines. Vivariums for these reptiles need to be tall so long tree branches can be fitted inside. The branches need to be securely in place to ensure the safety of the reptile. One good example of such a reptile is the arboreal salamander.
Terrestrial:
Terrestrial reptiles are 'land-walkers.' They are usually found on arid or semi-desert areas. Temperatures inside the vivarium should closely match the temperatures they are used to. There should also be plenty of rocks, branches and caves. The barking gecko, found in Western Australia, is a good example of a terrestrial reptile.
Scansorial:
These reptiles like to hide. Housing scansorial reptiles means there is a need for plenty of rocks, hides and caves. They should be secured and stable as well, to prevent unpleasant circumstances, such as the reptile getting trapped inside, from occurring.
Aquatic:
As the name itself implies, these reptiles live in water. Vivariums for such creatures means lots of water is needed. However, there should be plenty of rocks as well, so they can have something to get on when they temporarily get out of the water. An example of an aquatic reptile is the turtle.
Semi-aquatic:
These reptiles live in both land and water. When housing these reptiles, one should ensure that there is a big space. There should be an aquatic set up, as well as ample land. The viper, found in eastern United States is an example of a semi-aquatic reptile.
Armed with this information, finding a reptile vivarium will be a lot easier. Unfortunately, these enclosures are not maintenance free. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to maintain favorable living conditions for your reptile. Finding the right materials is also a daunting task. Wooden enclosures are highly recommended because they help maintain the humidity and temperature inside. It's hard work, yes, but seeing your reptile thrive is in itself, a most rewarding experience.

A vivarium is an enclosed structure or area where animals can be placed for either observation or research. Reptile vivariums, in this case, are enclosed areas where reptiles can live. The most common reptiles that are usually housed in these structures are lizards, snakes, chameleons, geckos, salamanders and tortoises.
First and foremost, the most important thing to remember is that reptiles are living things. They need air to survive. It is vital for reptile vivariums to have an integrated ventilation system. This ensures that there is an adequate supply of fresh air that reptiles need. Secondly, the structure itself has to be taken into consideration. When building a reptile vivarium, it is important to choose the right sealant to hold the joints together. The sealant should be water-proof, resilient and non-toxic to the reptiles.
It is also important to create a reptile vivarium that suits your reptile's needs. In this case, extensive research is necessary. Since this enclosed space is where the reptile is going to be for quite some time, one has to create the perfect environment that is agreeable to it. For example, some reptiles are sensitive to light; this means one has to either minimize the lighting inside or eliminate it altogether depending on the reptile's degree of sensitivity. Another is temperature; some reptiles need a high temperature so they can function normally. Here, one has to make sure that the internal temperature is conducive for that reptile's survival and normal functioning.
The material one is going to use to build this structure has to be carefully chosen as well. Typically, wood encloses the three sides and a glass door is fitted to the fourth, so the reptile can be seen. The most common material used is the epoxy-coated plywood which helps maintain the natural environment inside. Shapes can also vary, but the most common is the rectangular one. The size, on the other hand, should also depend on the specie of reptile that will be placed inside. It should be enough to accommodate the full grown or adult size of that particular reptile.
Substrates are the materials that will be placed inside the reptile vivarium. Once again, these should be chosen based on the specie of reptile that will be living there. The most commonly used substrates are pebbles, grass, wood mulch, tree limbs, foliage, sand, soil or a combination of all. The most important thing is to make sure that the inside resembles and feels like the reptile's natural habitat.
When building a reptile vivarium, one should be armed with the knowledge about the different reptiles and their respective living conditions. Animals are sensitive to environment changes and may die if exposed to certain elements that they're unfamiliar with. One should be able to recreate the environment where they usually live so they can continue to thrive and reproduce. The physical materials that adorn the inside of the structure is not enough to ensure the reptile's survival, one should also be able to create the same ambiance that the reptile is familiar with. In short, make it a home away from home for reptiles.

Pets, such as reptiles, cannot just live anywhere. They have different physiologic needs so they can function normally. It is important that they be put in an environment that resembles their natural habitat. The best way to do this is by using a vivarium. This is a modified animal tank where reptiles can be placed, the size of which depends on the reptile in question. The inside can be arranged to create favorable conditions tailored to the specific needs of the reptile that will inhabit them. This enables them to thrive and survive. Geckos, lizards, snakes, chameleons, and salamanders are the most common species of reptiles that are housed in these enclosed structures. An effective enclosure needs to have the right temperature, humidity, plants, aesthetics, hardware, design and substrates. More often than not, one needs to research about the living conditions of a specific reptile before purchasing or setting up a reptile vivarium.
These enclosed structures can be bought in pet stores; however, making one instead is more economical. Another advantage is that you can design it to suit your tastes.
The materials needed to build a basic reptile vivarium are;
- Wooden boards/plywood
- Glass
- Substrate
- Small fan
- Fluorescent light
- Waterproof sealant
It is vital to first create a plan on one wants the reptile vivarium to look like. This gives you direction. When the plan has met your satisfaction, you can then begin the construction. First, cut the wooden boards to desired length and size then set it up and put it together using screws. Remember to use waterproof sealant on the place where the boards meet to secure that it is airtight. Do not, however, seal off everything. Leave a side or two uncovered so you can work on the inside. Make sure to drill small holes at the base to allow wires in and out of the vivarium.
Next, lay the substrates at the bottom. You can use soil, clay, pebbles, stones, aspen, moss etc. You can also glue the background in. It can be a picture or a carpet of bark. If you're planning to add a thermo sensor, then arrange the wires and put up the remaining boards. Also set up the lighting system and fan so the inside is well-ventilated. After all electrical inputs are done; decorate the inside by adding substrates like tree trunks, vines and plants.
Finish off by sealing the front with glass. This way, you can observe your pet. This is a basic procedure on how to build your own reptile vivarium. However, you are free to modify the steps and expand on it. If you dislike cutting boards or lack the tools to do so, you can use an empty fish tank or aquarium as a substitute. If you've got the hang of making these enclosures, then you can experiment by adding water ponds or waterfalls.
Building your own vivarium has a lot of advantages. Not only are you able to save up on the costs, but it's also a great way to challenge yourself and let your creativity out.