How to set up a Reptile Enclosure

Before anyone buys a reptile it's vital to know how to care for the animal properly. I have been reading too many posts online were people have bought a snake or lizard without a few pieces of equipment and have been asking 'why has my animal got burns?' etc. I have also seen people asking 'where do you put a probe for a thermostat?'. If you're unsure about equipment or setting up your reptile's new home, then this post is for you.

Equipment

• Thermostat
• Heat Mat or Heat Strip or Ceramic Bulb or Basking Bulb
• Bulb guard (with heat resistant paint) if required
• Substrate
• Vivarium or Rack System or RUB/tub
• Humidity Reader
• Temperature Reader (Temperature Gun)

Rack Systems

• If you have decided to keep your reptiles in a rack system then your set up should be as follows: Firstly, you will need to tape down your heat mat or heat strip to the shelfs using aluminium tape to stop the heat source from sliding. The heat mat should cover roughly 1/3 of the floor space of the rub/tub.
• Next you will need to set up your thermostat. This should be placed on the middle of your shelf system. For example if you're housing three animals, your thermostat needs to be placed on the second shelf above your heat source. Use a screwdriver to set your required temperature. Check the temperature inside the rubs/tubs 24 hours after you first turn on the heat mats and thermostat. Ensure the temperature is correct inside the rubs/tubs and adjust the thermostat accordingly.
• Place your boxes and substrate on top of the taped down mats.
• If you want to a add humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe, as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the rub and towards the middle.

Thermostat Probe

Rack System

Vivariums fitted with heat mats

• As a vivarium is made of wood that is not a heat conductor, your heat source will need to go inside the tank under the substrate. The heat mat should cover 1/3 of the floor space of the vivarium.
• Next you will need to fit a thermostat which, is vital to ensure your reptile does not burn itself with the mat being inside the enclosure. Ensure the probe is placed just above the substate, above the heat source. Secure the probe if required to keep it in place. Then using a screwdriver, set your required temperature.
• Place in your substrate and check the temperatures every few hours and if they are too low, turn up your thermostat and if they are too high turn it down. You can also add more bedding if needed.
• If you want to add a humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the vivarium and towards the middle.

Vivarium

Vivariums fitted with ceramic bulbs

• When using a wooden vivarium, heated by a ceramic bulb, you will need to start by fitting the correct socket or bulb holder, this should be at one corner of your enclosure. Screw the bulb into the fitting. Add the bulb guard around the heat source and secure firmly in place with screws. 
• Next you will need to add the thermostat. Place the thermostat probe under the bulb and above the substrate. Secure in place if required. Then using a screwdriver, adjust the thermostat accordingly.
• Place in your substrate and check the temperatures every few hours and if they are too low, turn up your thermostat and if they are too high turn it down. Ensure you are achieving the temperature gradient that you require.
• If you want to add a humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the vivarium and towards the middle.

Terrariums with heat mats

• When using heat mats to heat a terrarium, some people will place the mat inside the terrarium and some will place it underneath. There have been cases that the glass has cracked due to the heat from the mat being inside the terrarium. Ensure the temperatures are monitored thoroughly. You can use polystyrene to distribute the heat more evenly. The heat mat should cover 1/3 of the floor space of the terrarium.
• You will need a thermostat to regulate the temperature of the heat mat. Ensure this is placed above the substrate, above the heat mat. Use a screwdriver to adjust the thermostat accordingly.
• Add your substrate and check temperatures every few hours and adjust them accordingly. 
• If you want to add a humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the terrarium and towards the middle.

To view more information on reptile housing click here and for further information on heating click here.