Recommended Supplies
My recommended supplies are based on personal experience. While I hope they work well for you, always consider your own needs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for you support!
Enclosures
These are my standard enclosure sizes for most animals.
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I've used ReptiZoo as my go-to glass enclosures. They come flat-packed and are easy to move around. The base (on the ones I'm recommending) is water-tight, so doesn't need to be sealed. They're easy to assemble and have side portals for cable management. Most have swinging doors that include built-in locks. Finally, the wire mesh top is sturdier than window screening and doesn't require plastic crossbars, meaning no melting due to heat fixtures and you're not likely to have it collapse. These enclosure are also stackable and have the option of adding wheels (I will include links for stacking posts and wheels).
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For PVC, which holds better humidity and temperatures, I've included a link to the company who makes all my enclosures. I do not receive anything for this recommendation, but I've had a good experience with the products I've received from them.
3. ReptiZoo 48" Wide & 18" Tall
Dimensions: 48" x 18" x 18". For those animals that are a bit bigger or just a little more active, but don't need climbing space (or are clumsy), this is a great way to go. Often used for: rat snakes, corn snakes, ball pythons (careful with humidity), bearded dragons, etc.
8. ReptiZoo 36" Wide & 36" Tall
Dimensions: 36" W X 18" D X 36" H. This is a great size for some of your moderate sized arboreals or semi-arboreals (i.e. ackie monitors, false chameleons, young boa constrictors, etc.). I do NOT recommend for ball pythons. Despite being semi-arboreal they are clumsy and can hurt themselves with this much height in many cases.
Enclosure Accessories
2. ReptiZoo Wheels
These wheels are designed to be used for ReptiZoo enclosures. I recommend using two people while getting them set up and if you are moving your enclosures around your house (i.e. over any doorways that have a bump, over carpet that is not super smooth, etc.) please be sure to have a helper as they do snap on but can dislodge. The best price I've found on these is via the RepftiZoo site.
Substrate
1. Eco Earth
You can purchase Eco Earth coconut fiber loose in a bag or in compressed blocks. If you purchase in a block, you will need to add water to expand the block and, depending on the species, will need to dry the substrate out again. This link will take you to all Zoo Med substrates and you can find a number of Eco Earth options for purchase. Eco Earth can be mixed with larger coconut chunks to help hold some humidity (I do this on rare occasions), or can be used by itself.
2. ReptiChip Coconut Bedding
Coconut chips are my favorite bedding for almost all my snakes and lizards. It holds humidity well, which helps keep them shedding well. I use it for my arboreal and terrestrial animals of all sizes, as well as those that like to dig. You can get it compressed and just use warm water to help break it up. Just make sure it's not soggy when you put your animal in. ReptiChip comes in a number of different sizes. I use the regular coconut chip for most of my animal but I've also had good luck with BabiChip for some of my baby snakes and very small lizards.
4. Forest Floor
If you're looking for an alternative to coconut chips, many people have great luck with forest floor and I have used ft before in my own enclosures. It holds humidity well; however, I have found it can be a bit harder to spot clean and it does leave splinters in your fingers if you're not careful.
Heat
Remember, for heat sources you need to be able to control the temperature output. Unregulated heat sources can cause burns and are a risk. This could be via rheostat or dimmer fixture (usually for above-tank heat sources) or thermostat (used for under-tank or above-tank heat sources).
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You also need to be able to adequately gauge temperature within the enclosure to ensure that you are maintaining an adequate ambient temperature for your animal.
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I am providing a variety of options for temperature control, thermometers, fixtures, as well as heat sources. Please note, these are options that I use and have worked well for me in the manner that I have them set up.
Temperature Control
Heat Sources
1. Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitters
Fluker's ceramic heat emitters are one of my go-to brands for reliable and efficient heating solutions. They provide consistent, long-lasting heat without emitting light, making them ideal for maintaining optimal temperature in reptile enclosures. Check out my link for various wattages available to suit your needs.
2. Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels
For efficient and effective heating in my reptile enclosures where I want supplemental and/or additional overhead heat with low enclosure clearance, I trust Vivarium Electronics radiant heat panels. These panels provide consistent, gentle warmth, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment for your reptiles.
UVB
UVB lighting is essential for reptiles and amphibians as it helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. It also supports their immune system and overall well-being. These are the UVB products I use and have experience wit.
3. ReptiSub T5 Bulbs
Another T5 UVB lighting option I recommend are Zoo Med's ReptiSun bulbs. These bulbs provide essential UVB rays that help reptiles synthesize vitamin D3, crucial for their health and well-being. Ensure you select only the T5 bulbs and the correct output from this page for safe and healthy results.