Category: Reptile Supply

A Comfortable Home for Your Reptile

What is a reptile?  The dictionary defines a reptile as : A cold-blooded vertebrate of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having a dry scaly skin, and typically lay soft-shelled eggs on land.   So if you are planning on getting a reptile for a pet or have a reptile the following information will help make his vivarium comfortable.   Oh… A vivarium is a place for your reptile to live that is planned in natural conditions as if they were in their own habitat.  In other words, their home in your home.

Important things to remember when setting up your reptile’s home.

Keep the home:

– Away from excessive noise.

– Away from airborne contaminants like cigarette smoke, air fresheners and pesticides

– Away from extreme temperatures

– Away from drafts

– Away from other pets

– Away from small children

 

You will need to provide an artificial source of heat and light for your pet, but you still should place his home in a location that will expose the home to natural sunlight and a controlled temperature area.

 

When looking for a new reptile home, take a look a the new Zoo Med Repti Breeze Screen Cages.  The cages are incredibly affordable, attractive and high quality. Constructed from corrosion-resistant black anodized aluminum screening which will look great with any decor. They are  completely open air aluminum screen cages that include a hinged front door for ease of access ! The bottom door makes cleaning your substrate a breeze .   Recommended for  Old World Chameleons, Juvenile Green Iguanas and other arboreal species of lizards, such as Geckos, Anoles, etc.

In addition, all hardware is included and assembly is very easy requiring only a screw driver.

Available in 4 sizes.  One of the Zoo Med Rept Breeze Screen Cages is sure to make a great home for your pet reptile!

Dimensions:

  • Small  – 16″ Width  x 16″ Length  x 20″ Height
  • Medium – 16″ Width x 16″ Length x 30″Height
  • Large – 18″ Width  x 18″ Length x 36″ Height
  • X-Large – 24″ Width x 24″Length  x 48″ Height

 

Ranking Reptile Cage Litter / Substrate

Reptile cage substrates are getting more sophositicated as researchers understand what is needed to keep pet reptiles healthy and happy in a captive environment.

Although Reptilite is our best seller, there are a few other substrates worth considering.

1) Reptilite™ is an all natural calcium substrate, ideal for desert dwelling reptiles and arachnids. The naturally spherical grains won’t scratch your pet reptiles inside or out! There are no artificial dyes or chemicals in Reptilite™.  This low impact substrate also contains strontium and magnesium; while being free of silica and phosphates.  by Carib Sea

2) Repti Sand by Zoo Med stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior. Excellent heat conductor and egg-laying medium for many reptiles. Creates a very naturalistic and attractive environment for desert reptile species. Long lasting and easy to clean.

3) Douglas Fir Shavings with Eucalyptus Reptile Litter is made to very absorbent bedding. Great for the environment and made with no toxic resins or oils. Helps to keep your pet’s tank fresh with the clean eucalyptus scent. Made with only biodegradable fir and eucalyptus chips.  by Zilla

Picture to the right is Reptilite Calcium Substrate in Aztec Gold.  You can buy this in bulk and save a bundle.

Use coupon: sizzle for orders >$100,

Essential Items for Any Reptile Owner

Keeping your reptile healthy and happy is a delicate balance for any reptile owner,  but if you have the essentials items that are necessary for the health and well-being of your reptile in your reptile’s habitat, your reptile should live a long, healthy and happy life.  A few of the essential items that every reptile owner should have in the terrarium include a reliable source of heat and light, a mister or water source to keep your reptile’s habitat humid and comfortable, and reptile litter for bedding or burrowing.  Below are some essential items that will make your reptile’s habitat healthy and happy:

  • A good source of light and heat is essential to the health and well-being of your reptile.  The Single Socket Terrarium Hood is an easy way to add heat and light in your reptile’s habitat.  This terrarium hood has a reflector to help keep your warm as he lays under this light source and provides both daytime and nightime heat to help mimic nature.   It is also available in two sizes to properly fit your tank.
  • A great way to keep your reptile’s habitat humid and comfortable is to install a mister in your reptile’s terrarium.  The Tropic-Aire Terrarium Humidifier and Air Exchanger helps to keep the terrarium feeling moist and helps to keep your reptile hydrated.  It is easy to install and use and eliminates the need for using a hand mister on a regular basis.  It is designed to be used with a 55-gallon tank and keeps air feeling fresh and moist.
  • Give your reptile a place to burrow and nest by using sand and substrate in the tank.  Use Repti Sand Box in the terrarium for a natural look and to make your reptile feel more at home.  It is also a good idea to put Reptifresh Substrate in the terrarium to keep the sand fresher.  This substrate may be mixed in with the sand to keep it fresher.

Setting Up a Terrarium for a Turtle

A pet turtle can be a great pet for any child or anyone who is fond of reptiles.  Turtles are easier to care for than other types of reptiles and are a lot of fun to watch.  It is important to make sure that you have the proper habitat for your turtle to live a long, healthy life.  Here are some essential items that you will need when setting up a terrarium for a turtle:

  • A book on turtles.   If you are a new turtle owner or have a new type of turtle, a book on that type of turtle is the best way to get to know the type of turtle you have and the items that you will need to properly set up the terrarium. 
  • A terrarium made especially for reptiles.  The Rectangle Reptile Ranch with Lid  is made especially for use with a turtle and is very easy to clean.  Keep your turtle inside this terrarium when your are not playing with your turtle.  Choose a terrarium that is large enough to hold all of the items that your turtle needs on a daily basis.
  • A turtle tub for aquatic turtle.  If you have an aquatic turtle, you will need to put a turtle tub in your terrarium to help encourage your turtle to bathe and lay eggs.
  • A tank conditioner.  The Wardley Turtle Tank Neutralizer helps to condition the water in your turtle’s tank, which helps keep the shell harder and healthier.
  • A place for your turtle to relax and sit.  Use a Turtle Hut to give your turtle a place to nap, sit or relax.  You can place this over water to give your turtle a place to rest and relax.
  • Some turtle food. Don’t forget to give your turtle a healthy daily diet, such as the Hikari Turtle Sticks, and offer your turtle fresh food on a regular basis.