A terrarium is a special limited space in the form of a container or a separate room, building or structure, where there are optimal conditions for keeping and breeding some representatives of flora and fauna. In most cases, these are reptiles, amphibians and other invertebrates.
Content
The main purpose
Terrariums are a place where a variety of species of fauna are studied, action plans are developed to protect the environment and control pests of agricultural crops.
A whole range of breeding developments is also carried out here: animals are bred for laboratory research, used in experiments. The terrarium serves as a breeding ground for a variety of tropical or exotic fauna participating in exhibitions held in zoological gardens and parks, or for sale and subsequent maintenance as a pet.
Several types of terrariums are produced for keeping freshwater:
- for snakes, agamams, geckos, newts and reptiles belonging to this type, the horizontal type is well suited;
- For chameleons, iguanas, tree frogs and certain types of snakes, vertical dwellings are well suited, which are equipped so that these representatives of the fauna can meet the existing needs associated with climbing trees;
- some reptiles have the same needs for crawling and climbing;
- cube-style equipment is ideal for reptiles burrowing in the sand.
How to choose
Terrariums provide an opportunity for some representatives of flora and fauna to live in conditions close to natural. With the right choice of habitat, animals will sleep, eat and reproduce, so you need to choose the perfect home for the animals. Let's figure out what to look for when choosing.
Space
It must be free. So, for a small turtle, the length of which is 15 cm, the habitat should have a height of 0.5 m and a width of 0.4 m. The length of the device should be several times the size of the turtle. If the plans contain several small turtles or one, but large size, then the place of keeping should be chosen more.
The main thing to remember when choosing is that animals should not be in cramped conditions, because reptiles grow at a rapid pace, therefore, the dimensions of the container should be chosen taking into account the size of an adult.
Material
The material from which the habitat is made should allow to control the vital activity of reptiles and not harm their health. In most cases, standard or organic glass is used as a material. This type of material allows observing reptiles from any angle.
The material must meet the following requirements: be environmentally friendly, lightweight, shockproof. It should be borne in mind that the turtles do not see the glass and constantly bump into it, therefore, in this case, it is worth making the part open, which will allow you to control the life of the inhabitants, and close the rest with a cloth or thick cardboard with the image of the corresponding theme.
Recommendation! In many cases, the terrarium is equipped with a lid, which allows maintaining a stable temperature regime inside. This is necessary so that the inhabitant does not leave the place of detention. If the lid is a sliding glass, it will allow you to conveniently feed the pets and clean.
The simplest terrarium includes four walls, a bottom, top and bottom panels, and a cover. Four racks in the corners act as a kind of frame. They are, in most cases, metal or wood. The bottom is a box in the form of a rectangle or square, the height of the walls of which is 10-20 cm.
It is filled with water. The bottom needs to be larger than the size of the terrarium. Supports for racks are installed in it, and a ventilation hole is placed in one of the parts. The average price of a full-fledged home for exotic representatives depends on its size and additional functions.
Equipment and accessories
In a house for reptiles, a temperature regime and a degree of moisture should be provided, close to the natural habitat required for them:
- For warming up, incandescent bulbs (mirrored or with a reflector) are installed, the intensity of which is at least 60 W.
- For reptiles that love warmth, you should use an ultraviolet lamp, which will serve as a kind of sun. Light is needed to produce vitamin D. Lamps of this type are fixed from the outside at a distance of 0.3 m from the bottom. The period of operation of the lamps depends on the required temperature, which must be maintained inside.
- At the bottom, a substrate is placed, including gravel, pebbles or sawdust. The structure of the substrate depends on the type of reptiles and the environment of existence in natural conditions.
- The equipment of the internal space of the reptile habitat is made taking into account the degree of humidity corresponding to the natural conditions of their habitat. If animals are accustomed to a dry climate, then there is no need to place plants that will humidify the air. For those representatives of reptiles and reptiles who live in areas of high humidity in the natural environment, they not only place plants, but even arrange an artificially created swamp where a variety of bog plants will grow.
Reptiles like solitude, so it is necessary that inside the terrariums be equipped with grottoes or other secluded corners. It should be ensured that they are comfortable for keeping pets and do not harm them.
What are the types
A number of types of terrariums are known, differing in use, interior equipment and location.
It is necessary to equip the terrarium based on the characteristics of the person who is planned to settle in the created conditions. Based on the shape, terrariums are horizontal, vertical and cube-like:
- Horizontal devices are suitable for those individuals of the fauna that in the natural environment live in open areas, in the steppes, deserts and for representatives of amphibians, in most cases, reptiles.
- Vertical terrariums are made for those representatives of the animal world that live in the natural environment, on tree branches or mountain slopes.
- Cube-shaped terrariums make it possible to keep two types of animals, as well as those who live in the strata of the earth in their natural habitat.
- The size of the terrarium depends on the number of animals living in it and on their size. If the animals are small in size, for example, turtles, lizards and frogs, then a small house is suitable for them. For reptiles of impressive size, such as a crocodile, a large-scale structure is required.
Reference! Housing for animals must be chosen so that they have freedom of movement. It is good when its size is 3-5 times larger than the pet. For those reptiles that spend a long period in the water, aquaterrariums are needed. They resemble an aquarium with a small area of land where the animal can bask under the light of a lamp.
- A variety such as paludarium is used for representatives of marsh flora and fauna that need a 2: 1 ratio of land to water. They can consist of several levels. On the lower one, amphibians swim, on the middle one is the dwelling itself, and at the top is a level with a lamp.
- Faunariums are used to transport animals or for their temporary keeping. They are miniature in size, light in weight and with a carrying handle.
- A terrarium incubator is necessary for the temporary keeping of sick or pregnant animals, as well as during the period of animals getting used to new conditions of keeping, for example, when raising cubs separately from adults.
- Ant farms are one of the varieties of terrariums. This is an ordinary container filled with gel, sand or any other substance.
Many options are equipped with sliding or hinged doors to facilitate pet care.
Rating of quality terrariums
This article reviews the best models with detailed specifications and descriptions. The review is based on customer reviews. Having studied it, you will know which is the best terrarium to buy and at what price. The popularity of the presented models is based on consumer feedback.
Turt-House Terra 85
Glass house for turtles, fish, other amphibians and invertebrates made in Russia. There are no partitions inside, so it is impossible to combine several types of animals at the same time, for example, turtles and fish.
It is a small aquarium located on a cabinet with doors. There is no cover provided here, so air exchange is natural and maximum. The centrally located lamp provides the animals with ultraviolet light. It is often used only as a fish tank.
Advantages:
- quality model;
- with stand;
- without additional accessories.
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for accommodating different representatives at the same time;
- without cover.
Cost: from 7 668 rubles.
Lucky Reptile Aqua-Terrarium
This model was developed by a German company and created for a favorable life in it for crabs, turtles, snakes and even fish. The functionality is so diverse that you can simultaneously contain representatives of flora and fauna. Well suited for growing tropical plants and red-eared turtles.
It is divided into a bathing area and a dry area, thanks to the paludarium florarium. Animals can receive at the same time a sufficient dose of ultraviolet radiation and water procedures. There is a ventilation and aromatization system. The set is equipped with a lid. The allowed volume is up to 80 liters.
Advantages:
- combination of two zones simultaneously;
- suitable for keeping small turtles;
- versatility in terms of the content of different representatives (water and land);
- the filter can be cleaned freely;
- with additional lighting;
- reliable lock and cover.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Cost: from 34,000 rubles.
Imac Dafne Beach
This representative of rectangular shape is easy to assemble and disassemble. Has a horizontal layout. Suitable for breeding turtles and other small terrestrial fauna. The appliance is equipped with a secure lid, and openings on the sides help improve air circulation inside. The package includes 2 palm trees with an island. The model is made of plastic.
Advantages:
- non-toxic material;
- interesting design.
Disadvantages:
- small size.
Price: from 2 795 rubles.
Exo terra
This segment representative is manufactured in Canada. All the requirements and conditions for caring for animals at home are met here. The model is made of thick-walled glass that can withstand maximum loads. The background is presented in the form of a landscape of stone.
For ease of use, the front doors open, and the top is blocked by a removable cover at maximum filling. A good climate is ensured by a patented ventilation system. A natural setting is guaranteed for reptiles and other representatives of nature.Light penetrates well inside, and stones have the ability to heat up. There is a place to install a waterfall or an embankment from the ground, for rodents and burrowing representatives.
Advantages:
- big bottom;
- with a light measuring device;
- the best manufacturer;
- better ventilation system and light transmission;
- with a terrace;
- natural glass without harmful materials;
- realistic background, both in appearance and composition.
Disadvantages:
- price;
- impressive weight - 25 kg.
Cost: from 20,000 rubles.
Repti Zoo 0119RK
Suitable model for snails, amphibians, reptiles and some types of water turtles. The Chinese model is designed with a metal mesh ventilation cover. Holes are provided for connecting additional equipment (waterfalls, stones, etc.). The kit includes a water pallet. Possesses sealed properties with a heater.
Advantages:
- comfortable and well-swinging doors;
- strong glass;
- suitable for all fish;
- holes for connecting accessories;
- side and top ventilation;
- favorable conditions for the life of Achatina snails;
- easy to assemble and transport.
Disadvantages:
- not found, according to buyers.
Price: from 14 675 rubles.
Barbus Вox 013
Miniature and lightweight model for breeding turtles, beetles and small fish. The model is made of plastic. It is convenient to transport and rearrange it from place to place. In the center there is a small simulated island with a palm tree. Suitable for beginner zoologists. Contains no more than 5 liters of water.
Advantages:
- convenient and compact;
- plastic;
- easy to wash and keep track of your pet.
Disadvantages:
- too primitive.
Price: from 318 rubles.
Meijing
A branded and inexpensive representative in this segment with a highlight function for turtles, reptiles and fish. The streamlined shape will easily fit into the interior of an apartment or office. Animals will be able to sunbathe under daylight. According to the reviews, it became clear that the model is in demand, thanks to the manufacturer's experience. You can easily arrange a real tropical corner in your home for a reasonable price.
Advantages:
- budget price;
- interesting design;
- inside is equipped with daylight.
Disadvantages:
- according to customer reviews, it was not found.
Price: from 5 867 rubles.
Aquatlantis TORTUM
This representative is designed exclusively for land and water turtles. The Portuguese manufacturing company took into account all the needs of living and comfortable caring for animals. The model is made of glass with a TK-500 filtration system, which works on the basis of coal and foam. This allows you to purify water from microparticles and bacteria.
Advantages:
- a real paradise for turtles;
- popular model;
- improved water filter;
- with lighting system.
Disadvantages:
- not detected.
Cost: from 4,000 rubles.
AquaEl 60
Polish producers have developed a reptile terrarium. The model is made of natural glass and equipped with special doors, which guarantee that the animals will not escape. The terrarium kit includes air circulation, which functions thanks to a powerful ventilation system. The lid covers the surface tightly. When condensation occurs inside the device, the liquid flows down the grooves to a specially designated place.
Advantages:
- good ventilation system;
- comfortable flap doors;
- tight-fitting lid.
Disadvantages:
- not detected.
Price: from 4 765 rubles.
Hagen Exo Terra Natural Terrarium Mini Wide
It is a great place to live, develop and breed amphibians and reptiles. Suitable for keeping spiders, scorpions and beetles. Feeding and cleaning can be done through the front doors with an integrated shutter. A mesh cover is provided for the penetration of large amounts of oxygen and ultraviolet radiation. There is a side to create a small pond.
Advantages:
- acceptable price;
- multifunctional.
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for waterfowl and fish.
Cost: from 4,000 rubles.
On the market, models of French, American and Italian production have proven themselves well.
Where can I buy
There is an opportunity to buy a terrarium at a point of sale selling goods for animals or to make it with your own hands.
There is a wide variety of terrariums to choose from. For their production, glass or plastic with or without a frame can be used. Large-scale products are made on the basis of a frame, which makes it possible for them to be durable and have a long service life.
Frameless products, in most cases, lose their shape due to temperature fluctuations, which is why their dimensions are usually small. The terrarium can be made independently, which does not require a lot of funds.
Selection errors
The main mistakes when choosing a terrarium are:
- Incorrect equipment.
- Violation of the ventilation system.
- Wrong type of terrarium.
On a note! Plexiglass is considered the best type of material for creating a terrarium, because it is difficult to damage it. Standard glass is fragile, and plastic loses its transparency from the smallest scratches.
Having studied all the selection criteria and useful tips, you can easily understand which terrariums of which company are better and how much they cost.
