Reptile Habitats & Enclosures

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 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

How to Prevent Reptile Illness: Safe Handling & Habitat Cleaning

Read these guidelines about handling reptiles to provide a safe and fun environment for your pet, friends and family.

Updated on October 23rd, 2025

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

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.

How do I get rid of reptile mites and clean their habitat properly?

You must treat both the environment and the pet. You can try some over the counter products but many can be ineffective if the environment is not treated concurrently. Ivermectin can be dispensed by your veterinarian to use systemically or topically. Do not treat with ivermectin without the advice of your veterinarian as it is quite easy to overdose. A 30 minute soak in a diluted Betadine bath can remove most mites and may soothe irritated skin. Remove the substrate, bag it and take it outdoors. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls and tank furniture. You can use hot, soapy water followed by a 1:30 dilution of bleach and water followed by a thorough rinsing on the tank, bowls and non porous surfaces. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. You may need to clean and sanitize the enclosure weekly for several weeks. The pet may need multiple treatments as well.

I want a Collared lizard! How do I find a reputable breeder nearby?

Check out online sources such as LLL Reptile ( www.lllreptile.com ) and DFW Reptarium ( www.dfwreptarium.com ). You can also look up any upcoming reptile shows. A quick search showed ReptiCon ( www.repticon.com ) coming to Grapevine during the summer months.

How can I improve my reptile's tank setup for safety and comfort?

Ideally, the UVB light source should run the entire length of the tank. A thermometer/hygrometer should be on each end of the tank to confirm cool and warm sides. Use a digital thermometer to verify temps. Those little ones you have can be inaccurate. Provide a hide on both sides as well. Personally, I would remove the fake grass as it has the potential to cause eye injuries. Your tank looks good otherwise.

Is my bearded dragon's tank setup good for their health and safety?

Thanks for your question about Smaug, and thanks for the photo as well! I think that you have a good start to your set up, and that we can tweak a few items. First, your lighting situation appears adequate - I see a UVB light (please change this bulb every 4-6 months), a basking light, and a ceramic heat bulb. I would ensure that your temperatures are appropriate for this species, and that you are monitoring them using digital thermometers (I think that you see both a digital and analog thermometers currently) at the level of Smaug. Analog thermometers are inaccurate, so I don't recommend using them (also, they are high up on the sides of the enclosure, so they wouldn't be giving an accurate temperature read for Smaug). For the cage furniture that you have, I like that you have places for Smaug to climb and hide. However, I would recommend having a hide on both the warm side of the enclosure and the cool side so that Smaug has choices. Same for the climbing structures. I may have misse