Best Vivariums

Terrariums and vivariums are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Where terrariums are for plants, almost like a miniature greenhouse, vivariums are a miniature ecosystem designed to self sustain both plant and animal life. They are best suited for reptiles, like lizards and snakes, amphibians such as turtles and frogs, or invertebrates like tarantulas or scorpions. You can create vivariums that can house both along with fish. Here are a few of the best vivarium enclosures for your critters including our top pick by Exo Terra. 

Exo Terra is king when it comes to vivariums and the Allglass is one of its best sellers. These enclosures come with natural-looking, three-dimensional rock formations in the background that create the basis of your ecosystem and provide a natural climbing and basking area. It is easy to incorporate in either a tropical or desert habitat. Behind the faux rocks is a cavity to hide wirings and tubes for water features, heat lamps, and lighting. The top is ventilated and the doors are located in front of the vivarium, so it’s easier to get into the enclosure to set it up or to care for your animal. Exo Terra has five different sizes available ranging from 2.22 gallons to 100 gallons.

The top of the background does have a small space where geckos and other small reptiles may like to hide. Because it isn’t sealed, it is possible for your animal to fall behind the faux rock background. You will need to seal this yourself. Also, this space may be too tight for some animals to back out or turn around in. Adding additional features to your vivarium can help close this gap and prevent a stuck critter.

This vivarium by ReptiZoo is designed to stand tall rather than lay long like traditional aquarium tanks. This makes it easier to add taller logs for smaller reptiles, like geckos. The enclosure is reinforced so you can add heavier substrate like rocks, bark or cork to the floor, and it’s watertight in case the water bowl is tipped. However, this enclosure isn’t made for water features and not a good choice for amphibians like frogs, newts, or skinks. The lid is vented at the top and includes a small opening to feed your animal without having to open the hold lid.

The ReptiZoo reptile vivarium is a small size measuring 8 inches by 9 inches by 12 inches. This isn’t big enough for bigger critters, and its tall design doesn’t make it a good choice for snakes. However, ReptiZoo does offer different sizes and shaped enclosures

The PETLAOO habitat is specially designed for turtles. There are several areas made into this habitat so you don’t have to add much for it to be comfortable for your turtles. There is a basking area, feeding area, and a swimming area. There is also a breeding area. The outer rim of the PETLAOO works with heating lamps with clamping mechanisms, and the inside of the vivarium will hold a water filter. This habitat works for hermit crabs and crayfish, too.

The water filtration system and a heat lamp aren’t included with this vivarium, so you will have to purchase these separately. Also, it’s not big enough to hold turtles larger than four inches. The overall design is lacking a bit and it isn’t the most pretty for displaying, but it has all the features your turtle needs in a healthy and stimulating habitat.

This 15-gallon vivarium can be used to create habitats for just about any reptile or amphibian. It holds plants to create tropical ecosystems for poison dart frogs, or add heat and sand for bearded dragons. This Critter Cage is made to hold water bottles and wired accessories including climbing logs and water features. You can also create both a water and land ecosystem where land and water critters coexist. The top of this vivarium slides open for easy access, but there is also a secure lock to ensure your animals can’t escape.

This Zilla vivarium tank comes empty without any extras. You’ll need to purchase the lighting, substrate flooring, and other features to build your ecosystem from the ground up.

This tortoise house by unipaws can be used both indoors and outdoors. Made from Chinese Fir wood the whole house is painted to ensure it resists corrosion and is waterproof. The top is made from wire mesh and allows good ventilation and heat from either natural light or a heat lamp. This vivarium is designed with two separate rooms including a hiding box. But you can remove the partition wall and make the whole box one room. On each side of the unipaws tortoise house are wide handles that make it easier to carry between inside and outside. The biggest downfall of this particular vivarium is that because the sides are solid it isn’t as pretty to display in a way to show off your animal. 

For invertebrates, this clear acrylic vivarium is the best solution. This habitat by Biback has holes strategically placed to allow for good air ventilation without creating large enough space for your bugs to slip through. The top of the enclosure slides back so you can care for your critters and there is enough space inside to hold a watering dish and hiding places. It isn’t the best solution for amphibians or reptiles that need a lot of space for climbing and exploring, but it works well for tarantulas and exotic insects like hissing cockroaches, scorpions, giant millipedes or stick insects. Because every side of this vivarium is clear it is easy to display this impressive enclosure and your animals anywhere in your home. 

Natural habitats for the creepers

The vivarium you choose depends on your animal’s size and natural habitat. Exo Terra is the best for recreating an ecosystem that is tropical or desert, and with an extra-large enclosure, you can house more than one type of critter. It is leak-proof, which is great for adding water features, and the bottom is raised to add a heated substrate. There is a three-dimensional rock feature in the background that works for both desert and tropical habitats and doubles as a way to hide wires and tubing for heaters, lighting, and water features.