Accessories for reptiles and terrariums

What accessories does a reptile terrarium need?

Besides lighting and heating, a reptile terrarium needs four types of accessories: hides, a food dish and water bowl, items for climbing or basking, and tools for measuring and handling. They are not decoration: each one plays a role in the animal's routine and wellbeing.

• Hides: caves and cork so the reptile feels secure and stress is reduced. A leopard gecko, for example, needs at least two, one in the warm zone and one in the cool zone.
• Food dish and water bowl: so that food does not touch the substrate; resin ones imitate stone or wood.
• Ceramic lamp holders and domes: to connect heat and UVB bulbs safely.
• Thermometer and tongs: an infrared thermometer measures the surface where the animal basks, and steel tongs let you offer food without contact.

Why does a terrarium lamp holder have to be ceramic?

A terrarium lamp holder has to be ceramic because heat bulbs, HID lamps and mercury vapour lamps run at very high temperatures for hours, and a plastic lamp holder cannot withstand that. The product sheets for HID and mercury vapour lamps state it explicitly: a ceramic lamp holder is mandatory.

There are three ways to fit it. The wired ceramic lamp holder with switch is the simplest option: just plug it in. The flexible clamp lamp holder clips on anywhere without drilling and lets you angle the bulb. The aluminium lamp dome, with a polished reflector, increases the projection of UVA and UVB light and can be mounted on a clamp stand that rotates 360º. To regulate the temperature, heat sources such as the spot lamp or the heat mat are connected to a thermostat, which you will find in parameter control.

Can household objects be used as terrarium accessories?

Household objects can be used only if they are safe, non-toxic and easy to clean. Reptile-specific accessories are designed to avoid sharp edges, unsuitable materials and contaminants. Any item with rough edges can injure the animal, especially while shedding, when the skin is more sensitive.

You should also avoid uncured wood or wood of unknown origin and porous materials that hold moisture, because they encourage fungus in terrariums that need to stay dry, such as those for a leopard gecko or a bearded dragon. Food and water dishes should be cleaned frequently with reptile-safe products, and any uneaten insects removed after each feed. For safe, natural decor, virgin cork bark is 100% natural, lightweight and works as both a hide and a climbing surface.