Vivarium Advice

Vivariums are for exotic pets what Terrariums are for exotic plants; a safe, accommodating environment in which your pet can thrive.

What are Vivariums?

Vivariums are (often large) display cases which simulate the natural environment of your reptile or exotic pet. They frequently contain foliage, forna and environmental conditions (heat, humidity and water sources) that your pet would expect to find in it’s natural habitat helping it to live a healthy and active life; much like it would in the wild. The ‘design’ on the Vivarium’s interior can be as intricate and detailed as you would like; allowing you to create a more natural habitat for your exotic pet and a more interesting focal point for your room.

How to maintain Vivariums?

The goal of any reptile enthusiast is to create an attractive, self sustaining and (virtually) maintenance free ecosystem that can offer a healthy and long life to the reptile and plant inhabitants. Because Vivariums provide a habitat for your pets it’s even more important that some basic do’s and don’ts are followed so ensure a healthy environment is maintained:

Do regularly monitor heat and humidity levels
Do regularly remove large bits of waste from the vivarium such as dead foliage and feeder insects
Do remove any dying plants to prevent a build up of toxic gasses
Don’t regularly remove all forna and waste from the tank
Just like in a natural environment a certain amount of rotting material can help sustain life and help good micro organisms to develop
Do refresh water supplies regularly
Do use distilled water to mist your vivarium
This will prevent water marks from appearing on the inside of the case
Do trust your instincts
A well maintain vivarium will smell pleasant and fresh (like a woodland might do)
If the ecosystem is unstable (i.e. too much waste) your nose will detect the unpleasant odor

What sized Vivarium is best?

Swell Reptiles offer a number of different sized vivariums which are suitable for all ages, all skill sets and all manner of reptiles. To choose the vivarum that is best for your exotic pet, talk to one of the friendly Swell Reptile staff who can guide you in the right direction.

Vivariums and Accessories at Swell Reptiles

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 Vivariums and keeping reptiles or amphibians as pets, call us on 08456 589 599