From dense forests to arid deserts, every reptile requires a particular habitat to thrive. While terrariums, vivariums, and aquariums are used to recreate these habitats, not all of these enclosures are suitable to house reptiles. For instance, aquariums are meant for aquatic life, whereas terrariums help you create bioactive tanks with plants. To eliminate the confusion concerning each enclosure’s features and purposes, this guide makes it easier to spot the differences between terrariums, vivariums, and aquariums.
What Are Terrariums, Vivariums, and Aquariums?
Terrariums, aquariums, and vivariums are types of glass habitats and are very closely related, so it’s easy to understand why these terms are used interchangeably. While there are many similar features between these habitats, each of them serves a specific purpose for plants and animals. Simply put, terrariums and vivariums provide housing for terrestrial creatures and plants, while aquariums are only meant for aquatic life, such as fish and small crustaceans.
You can set up a saltwater or a freshwater aquarium made of thick glass to withstand water pressure. A traditional aquarium isn’t recommended for reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, because it doesn’t provide adequate ventilation. If you want to raise reptiles, then you’ll be looking at a terrarium or vivarium. These types of glass habitats allow you to add lighting and ensure that your pets receive proper airflow. Interestingly, both aquariums and terrariums are types of vivariums.
Should You Choose a Terrarium or Vivarium?
A terrarium is mainly used to grow plants and dates back to the Victorian period when glass containers were preferred to house vegetation. While terrariums were synonymous with plant growth, the glass container offered humidity suitable for reptiles. This gave rise to the use of terrariums for certain types of reptiles.
When you choose a habitat for a reptile, the first step is to consider the species, its needs, and its anticipated size. Many small amphibians do well in glass terrariums that are filled with live plants. These tanks are also suitable for plants and creatures that enjoy high humidity levels. The most common lizards that you’ll find in terrariums include crested geckos and skinks.
A vivarium is preferred for reptiles because these enclosures are available in wood and other materials that are large enough to accommodate them. For example, if you were interested in getting a bearded dragon, you would invest in a vivarium. Corn snakes and hognose snakes can thrive in glass vivariums where you can control the lighting and heating.
What Animals Are Suited to Terrariums and Vivariums?
Smaller reptiles that prefer roaming on the ground and in sheltered spaces will enjoy a glass terrarium. These include:
- African fat-tailed geckos
- Skinks
- Leopard geckos
- Corn snakes
- Anoles
- Crested geckos
- Cuban false chameleons
But if you are going to keep larger species, then it is important to purchase a vivarium. Vivariums are available in a range of sizes and styles. You can add rocks, branches, and other types of accessories to these containers to enrich your pets. Most importantly, vivariums for reptiles are designed that include special UVB lighting and ventilation to maintain your pet’s health.
If you are thinking of keeping live plants along with small reptiles or amphibians, then a glass terrarium is the better option. Be sure to keep watering to a minimum though, as it can lead to root rot if you aren’t careful. The excess moisture isn’t good for reptiles either and increases their risk of developing common health conditions.
Why Know the Differences Between Enclosures?
It is important to recognize the differences between each type of enclosure so you know which environment is suitable for your pets. While some people choose traditional aquariums to house small reptiles, it is not the best idea because of ventilation problems. Rather than try to cut corners, invest in the right environments based on the needs of the species. This ensures that you avoid issues such as reptile diseases that are attributed to a poor habitat. Reptiles such as bearded dragons can suffer from illnesses when they become stressed in an enclosure that’s too small. These conditions can include mouth rot, skin issues, and fungal infections.
Vivariums have features and dimensions to include lighting, pumps, and heating systems to house animals. A terrarium is a glass enclosure that plants are grown in, and usually, these are self-sustaining systems. The construction of vivariums and terrariums is different because one is meant to support animal life, and the other is designed for plant life. While you can still grow certain plants in a vivarium, your options will be limited.
Final Thoughts About Choosing the Right Enclosure
Picking your next glass or wood enclosure very carefully will ensure that your plants or cold-blooded pets thrive. On a final note, aquariums are suited to aquatic life, vivariums are preferred for reptiles, and terrariums are meant for plants and small lizards. Each type of tank has a slightly different construction, which is the reason you cannot simply purchase an aquarium or terrarium to house a bearded dragon or ball python.
Careful consideration for the requirements of the reptile species will guide your decision when you need to find the best possible home for them. Whether a tiny gecko or an impressive blue-tongue skink, always choose habitats that are compatible with your species of pet reptile.