Terrarium Advice

Terrariums are a fantastic way to bring a touch of the exotic into your home. A terrarium is an enclosed glass or plastic unit where you can simulate a desert to rainforest environment.

Designed for pets that require constant humidity, a terrarium is a sealed unit that maintains a level of humidity that cannot be guaranteed in a vivarium.

A terrarium differs from a vivarium in that they are kept at a constant humidity - whereas a vivarium is kept at a constant heat because its wooden housing is a better insulator.

For animals that require humidity such as amphibians, we recommend a terrarium. For animals that don't require as much humidity but require warmth, such as bearded dragons and snakes, we recommend a vivarium.

A terrarium's defining feature is an environment that is contact with the earth, so some form of soil, sand, bark, rock, wood, must be used.

At Swell Reptiles we offer a range of only the best Terrariums available in the UK and sell all equipment and accessories that you will need to decorate and set up your terrarium. letting you grow tropical flowers and plants (which are unable to grow in the outdoor, UK climate) in your front-room.

What are terrariums?

Terrariums are glass (or plastic) enclosures similar to traditional fish tanks in appearance. Where they differ from Vivariums is that Terrariums are more humid and kept at a constant temperature.

Terrariums simulate the tropical conditions that many of the world's most fantastic plants thrive in. Through a process of planting and maintenance you are able to grow and sustain all manner of plant life as well as your amphibian and reptile friends.

How to maintain terrariums?

Maintaining your terrarium needn't be a chore. By following some simple do's and don't you can help your terrarium thrive:

• Do water/spray regularly to keep the atmosphere humid
• Don't over water so that the ground becomes like a bog
• Do use a small, low power fan to circulate air and prevent the build up of mildew
• Don't over-plant your terrarium; remember less is more
• Don't put your terrarium in direct sunlight

What sized terrarium is best?

Terrariums can bought in various sizes with smaller terrariums recommended for beginners and large, unique terrariums suitable for more advanced pet owners. Swell Reptiles have a selection of affordable terrariums for all skill levels.

Online superstore Swell Reptiles is fast becoming the UK's most popular one stop shop for Reptile, Amphibian and Snake keepers in the UK. For specialist advice about Terrariums and keeping reptiles or amphibians as pets, call us on 08456 589 599.