Zoo Med Reptile

Reptile Lighting: Choose the Best Heat & UVB Lamp for Your Pet

When it comes to reptile habitats, one of the most essential elements to creating a happy home for your pet is including the appropriate type of lighting. Zoo Med helps outline which lights are right for your pet.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Reptile Enclosure Setup: Create a Thriving Habitat for Your Pet

Learn how to setup your reptiles terrarium to ensure your reptile lives a wholesome & happy life. Shop at your local Petco for all reptile terrarium needs.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

Reptile UVB Lighting: Help Your Pet Thrive with the Right Lamp

Learn the importance of UVB light for your reptiles and the right reptile lights for your pet’s habitat.

Updated on March 30th, 2026

Reptile Feeding: Live Insect Selection & Care for Optimal Health

Learn about live insects for reptile feeding, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.

Updated on April 9th, 2026

Is a Reptile Right for You? Essential Questions Before You Buy

Explore our tips about what to keep in mind when choosing the right pet reptile for your family. Consider what they need to stay happy and healthy.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

How to feed a red ear slider with pyramiding & choose a heat lamp?

A proper diet for red-eared sliders includes a complete pellet, such as those made by ReptoMin, and dark leafy green vegetables. This can be fed once per day, and the amount should be based on how many pellets Cooper can eat in 5-7 minutes. This is just a guideline, and your veterinarian can help you to determine if this is appropriate based on Cooper's body condition score (i.e. whether she is overweight or not). For a heat lamp - photo 1 just looks like the dome, and there doesn't appear to be a bulb in it. The second lamp looks like it is a daytime only heat lamp - it is often beneficial to have a heat source that can be used during the day or at night, and if that is what you are looking for, I would recommend a ceramic heat bulb. If you are looking for only a daytime basking bulb, there are many brands that would be appropriate. The key words that you should look for are "daytime basking bulb." For watts - it depends on how far the bulb is away from your turtle - there are some b

Can a 7.5x12 inch faunarium house any reptile or insect long-term?

It is too small to be used for much beyond transport, quarantine or temporary housing (i.e. during cleaning of main enclosure). The plastic construction does not allow for light or heat sources which most reptiles or exotic pets require.

My reptile won't eat, has nose rub. Is it stress or enclosure issues?

Use a background to block his view. This may prevent glass surfing or nose rubbing as well as provide more privacy/security. Again, check the temps in his enclosure to make sure it is species appropriate. Offer a variety of crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, silkworms and wax worms. Gut load prey for 24 hours prior to offering. Dust appropriately with vitamins and minerals regularly. He may also benefit from a soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. If his appetite does not return after adjustments to environment and diet, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth.

What kind of food and brand is best for my red eared slider?

Fluker's or Maxuri pellets/sticks are quality diets. The diet should be varied to maximize nutrition. Offer leafy greens, crickets, small feeder fish, krill/shrimp (either can be freeze dried) or superworms in addition to a commercial pelleted diet.

My reptile is neglecting food and treats. When should I be concerned?

Check the temperature an dlighting. Low temps can affect appetite and digestion in reptiles. Offer a biologically appropriate diet. This can include a commercial pelleted or stick diet, and being omnivorous, should also include insects, fresh fruit and vegetables. See your veterianrian or vet experienced in treating reptiles if she does not regain her appetite.