The Best Reptile Enclosures

Everything about reptiles requires extra care as they don’t adapt easily and so need a replica of their natural habitat to be comfortable.

Putting them in an enclosure offers them adequate security and ensures that you don’t have to look for your pet every time, or have a child accidentally step on it.

There are a lot of enclosures available as reptiles are commonly kept as per, but which ones are the best reptile enclosures you can choose?

What are the factors to consider when purchasing an enclosure?

Apart from the security an enclosure provides, it makes it easier for you to take care of your pet.

You can easily feed them, provide them with heat and adequate humidity that they require for good health.

Depending on the type of enclosure you choose, you can watch them jump around and have fun, adding to the décor of your home.

So in this article, we would be discussing the best enclosures you can get for your reptile friend, and the factors you need to look out for when making any purchase.

Complete Guide for The Best Reptile Enclosures

There are a lot of shapes, designs, and sizes of reptile enclosures available, and your choice of one over the other would depend on your pet’s specific needs.

So when choosing a tank for your reptile friend, go for that which works best for your pet.

Best Reptile Tanks for Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons have a long life span and can live up to 10 years.

They also grow as long as 24 inches at adulthood.

So with these in mind, you would need a space that can accommodate their length and last for a long as they are alive.

Bearded dragons are very active animals and require enough ground space to explore and play about.

So apart from durability and space for their size, you also need to make provision for space to accommodate their activity.

They also have natural needs like a basking spot, shade, and other forms of toys to play with.

So take these into considerations so you can provide enough space.

Don’t use wired tanks for your bearded dragon.

Such tanks don’t retain heat and bearded dragons require a basking spot with a minimum temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Their legs can even get caught in the wire, leading to injury and discomfort, so wire cages are not recommended at all.

Best Reptile Enclosure for Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are unlike other geckos as they prefer to walk on the ground rather than climb.

A leopard gecko can live for as long as 20 years but won’t grow above 12 inches.

So with a durable 10 to 15-gallon tank, you are good to go throughout the gecko’s life.

A lot of available tanks will adequately satisfy the needs of a leopard gecko, but don’t consider using a wire cage.

Leopard geckos need a good amount of heat and such cages won’t be able to hold that much.

Their limbs could also get caught in the wire and could lead to very serious injuries.

Best Reptile Enclosure for Crested Geckos

Crested geckos rather live in trees than walk on the ground as is the case with leopard geckos.

So choose a tank and accessories that would allow them to climb.

A vertical than a horizontal tank would be better as it gives you the space to create a more natural and comfortable habitat with branches and other long accessories for climbing.

Best Reptile Enclosure for Corn Snake

Corn snakes are docile pets and love to explore, but this doesn’t mean you should give them too much room in their enclosure as it can make them insecure and cause stress and discomfort.

Juvenile corn snakes would be comfortable in a 10-gallon horizontal enclosure up till 3 years of age.

At this age, they would have nearly doubled in size and you can offer them a 20 or 30-gallon enclosure.

Best Reptile Tanks for Ball Python

For juvenile ball pythons, a 10-gallon horizontal tank would be enough space for movement.

When they get to 2 years and 6 months, the males would usually grow up to 2 to 3 feet in length, while the females would be as long as 3 to 5 feet in length.

At this stage, you would need to increase the size of your pet’s enclosure to 20 to 30 gallons.

You may be tempted to go for the bigger size right from the juvenile stage for your pet, but this would affect your pet negatively.

If offered too much space, a ball python can become shy and insecure, leading to stress.

So to ensure that your ball python is comfortable, only increase the size of the enclosure with an increase in the size of your pet.

Best Reptile Enclosure for Red Eared Slider

Red-eared sliders require a lot of space because of their aquatic nature.

And so to provide them with comfortable space to swim around, they need a 10-gallon tank size for every inch of carapace length.

Best 5 Top-Rated Reptile Enclosures

Editor’s Picks	Brand	Rating
Top Pick	Zilla Basic Tropical Reptile Starter Kit	4.1
Runner Up	Repti Zoo Reptile Glass Terrarium	4.4
Best Budget Buy	Repti Zoo 10 Gallon Reptile Tank	4.4
Best Tank Sand for Leopard Gecko	Zilla Reptile Starter Kit 10 with Light and Heat Desert Set	4.2
Best Leopard Gecko Starter Kit Tank	Exo Terra Leopard Gecko Starter Kit	4.0

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

The Best Reptile Enclosures

1.   Hagen Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium Kit

First on our list of best reptile enclosures is the Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium Kit.

It ensures your pet is safe inside without interfering with your daily communication with your reptile friend.

So the doors are designed to allow you easy access for feeding and maintenance, but without having to worry that your exotic pet would escape.

The top allows for adequate ventilation and UV rays penetration that is needed by your pet for good health.

You can completely take this cover apart if you need to decorate or clean.

The bottom of the enclosure is raised to allow for the installation of a substrate heater.

So you have features in place that supports your pet’s comfort.

So no matter the type of reptile you have, or the type of accessories you want to use, this enclosure is compatible and perfect for all.

Pros

• Allows for installation of substrate heater and other accessories
• Can be used with a wide variety of reptile pets
• The doors ensure your pet doesn’t escape as you feed them
• The top screen allows for ventilation and UV rays penetration

Cons

• Doesn’t prevent the escape of small animals

---

2.   Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit

The Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit doesn’t leave any stone unturned as it provides you with this enclosure that is befitting for your small-sized aquatic reptile.

To try and replicate the natural environment your pet needs, there is a white LED light that mimics underwater light from the sun, to mark day time from night time in your pet’s cycle.

Its design is stylish and meant for you if you intend to show off your pet to friends.

You don’t have to worry about experience as you can pull this off even if you are a newbie.

The aquarium comes with complete filtration systems that offer mechanical, biological, and chemical filtrations.

This is in a bid to keep the water clean, clear, and free from foul smell.

The glass canopy serves to protect your pet, and protect it from escaping. it does this without preventing your access to clean and feed your reptile buddy.

Pros

• Presence of LED lights for both day and night time
• Security
• Filtration system

Cons

• Light isn’t good enough

---

3.   Marina LED Aquarium Kit

The Marina LED Aquarium Kit is the perfect enclosure for those who are just starting with aquatic reptiles.

It’s made primarily for fish but will do very well for your aquatic reptile friends.

It has features that would help a newbie get everything right, and keep your pet happy.

It’s a 10-gallon glass tank and has a long-lasting LED light to create a daylight effect.

This is important in the regulation of your pet’s day time and night schedule.

It’s easy to set up and comes with a guide, so that even as a novice in this area, you won’t be found wanting.

An appealing feature of this aquarium is the filter system that exists in it.

It may be good enough for your pet but if you require a stronger filter system, don’t hesitate to get one.

Pros

• 10-gallon tank
• Easy to use and set up
• Has a filter system
• Uses a LED light to simulate daylight in the aquarium

Cons

• The filter may be inadequate for tank

---

4.   Repti Zoo 34 Gallon Large Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank

This reptile enclosure is made to allow your pet to enjoy all it needs to stray healthy as you can see from the top which is tough but still provides penetration of UV rays, infrared, and ventilation.

Nothing says “I care about the wellbeing of your pet” more than this.

It’s easy to install thanks to the installation notes, so if you are looking for something simple that you can fix on your own, here is a good example.

The bottom is waterproof and raised so you can install a substrate heater.

This would allow you to provide heat for your pet, and meet up to its needs for absolute comfort and good health.

You can also have access to your pet easily but without fear of your pet escaping as the front doors open separately.

There is adequate ventilation, and all your pet would love this.

Pros

• Adequate ventilation
• Doors prevent escape even during feeding
• Easy to install
• Raised bottom to accommodate substrate heater
• Allows UV rays and infrared penetration

Cons

• Snakes may slide out easily

---

5.   Seaclear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

Last on our list of best reptile enclosures is this Seaclear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set.

It speaks of quality and class just by a glimpse of the product.

It comes with a reflector and light fixture as features that are necessary to provide heat, UV rays, and light for your pet to maintain normal activities in the wild.

This is one of the best choices for you if you want to place your pet for all to see as it is clearer than glass, and would show off your decoration in the best light.

It isn’t only clearer than glass but is also stronger with only half the weight.

If you have children around, but don’t want to compromise class for durability, Seaclear has you covered.

The acrylic is strong and less prone to cracking compared to glass.

It also means you can use this for a long without having to replace it immediately, saving you cost in the long run.

Pros

• Has a light fixture and a reflector
• Less prone to cracking
• Clearer than glass and fit for see-through situations
• Durable
• Stronger than glass but with less weight

Cons

• No removable lid which makes cleaning difficult

---

Things to Look Out for in The Best Reptile Enclosures

Price

The cost of an enclosure depends on the quality of materials it’s made of, its size, and also the accessories it has.

When making your choice of a tank, always go for the best and have a generous budget as premium tanks don’t come cheap.

With such tanks, you can be sure that your pet would be more comfortable.

Construction and Design

Different materials can be used to construct a reptile’s enclosure, including acrylic, glass, metal, and plastic too.

Cages made of metal usually have an open-air screen design, while those made of acrylic of glass have a metallic base and screen cover.

Reptile tanks that are made of plastic usually have both the body and base of the same material.

Note that these tanks come in different shapes and it’s important that you choose the shape that is most suited for your pet.

Since reptiles can’t regulate their body heat by themselves and require an external source of heat, they would be comfortable in an enclosure that can help control temperature and humidity.

Some reptiles love to burrow, and if you have such you need an enclosure that is big enough to accommodate enough substrate for them to dig into.

Choose a design that keeps your reptile secure as they will constantly try to run away.

Some manufacturers provide a multi-door system with locks and latches to ensure that your pet stays put.

The perfect design for your pet is one that closely resembles its natural home.

That’s why some enclosures are fitted with heat sources, retreat caves, plants, and branches amongst others.

Only buy an enclosure that has what your pet needs to be comfortable.

Performance and Ease of Use

Apart from choosing a product that guarantees the security of your pet, make sure it’s durable enough to last for a long time.

A product that allows you easy access if also preferable as you can clean with ease and reach out to your pet without stress if you need to.

Features

Always remember that the goal is to replicate as much as possible, your pet’s native home.

So when choosing a product, go for one that suits your pet’s needs and gives it more comfort. Some features to look out for are:

• Design: the terrarium could be tall, wide, circular, or any other shape. Go for that which would be most comfortable for your reptile.
• Size: the weight and overall size of the enclosure should be enough for your pet’s activity.
• Capacity: good enough capacity would reduce stress to your pet.
• Ventilation: does it have enough opening for free airflow?

Commonly Asked Questions About Reptiles Enclosures

What Animals Can Live in A Glass Tank?

Several animals can live in a glass tank including fish, other invertebrates, snakes, lizards, amongst others.

What Is the Difference Between a Fish Tank and A Reptile Tank?

Fish tanks are designed to accommodate the pressure from water without breaking.

Reptile tanks on the other hand make use of thinner glasses and could also have holes for ventilation.

If filled with water, the glass could break because it’s not equipped to withstand water pressure.

Should I Cover My Bearded Dragon’s Enclosure at Night?

You don’t have to but it could be beneficial if you do.

Covering your bearded dragon’s enclosure at night will allow for a better night cycle as light sources that may not be obvious to you would be cut off. It would also help to maintain the temperature better.

Conclusion

There are a lot of enclosures around, but not all of them cater to the basic needs of your pet like security and comfort.

Some are difficult to use and are not flexible in allowing you to care for your pet properly.

The Hagen Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium Kit is one product that ensures you can interact with your pet without fear of it escaping.

It allows adequate UV penetration, and also can be used with a variety of reptiles.

Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit is a great choice for use with your aquatic reptiles and it promises comfort due to the filtration system it has.

The Marina LED Aquarium Kit is another reptile enclosure that is easy to use and comes with features that aim to make your pet comfortable such as the filtration system and LED light.