The Best Reptile Decor
Having a pet reptile is a great joy and responsibility. As their human parent, it's your job to make sure your scaly friend is happy and healthy, and it starts with their tank. Creating a home for your reptile should reflect their specific heating, lighting, nesting, and climbing needs. Then there are the fun things, like adding in toys and fixtures for your pet to enjoy. If you're just starting out in the world of reptile pet ownership, or are looking to get inspired for a tank revamp, we've got you covered.
What to Look For
Finding the perfect addition to your pet’s tank can be tricky if you’re unsure where to begin. We’ve found a handful of great products that we know you and your reptilian friend will absolutely love. This list reflects the best products in regards to comfort, value, and style. Give your pet a cozy spot to kick back and relax with the Penn Plax seagrass lounger, which suctions securely to the side of their tank for a reliable rest. But you can’t have a complete home without a great hideaway spot, such as the Zilla Decor rock lair, which offers your little friend the space they need while resting easily. To find out more about which products you need to amp up your reptile’s crib, read on below.
Penn Plax Lounger
Lounging lizard
Woven with all-natural seagrass, this lounger by Penn Plax is a must-have for any midsize reptile’s tank. The 17″ x 20″ size makes for the perfect hang-out spot for bearded dragons, geckos, anoles, and more. Simply stick the suction cups on either end of the product to the walls of your pet’s tank, and you’re set to go. Your reptile will be able to self-regulate the distance to their heat source by climbing higher or lower on the lounger for ultimate comfort.
Pros:
- This lounger is sturdy even for a large-sized pet, such as an iguana.
- Even though this product is very light and stretchy, it holds up well even after months of use.
Cons:
- This product is not suitable for young or very small reptiles as they may slip through the holes in the lounger.
Penn Plax Shading Hide Out
Stone throne
Give your snake, gecko, lizard, newts, or other small reptilian pet a fun jungle gym hiding spot with this ledge by Penn Plax. They’ll be able to climb around to find their favorite angle for light basking with the many levels of this ledge or hide out underneath to catch some sleep and shade. Designed to mimic their natural habitat, it will help your pet feel right at home.
Pros:
- This ledge is usable even for a leopard gecko from a small size of a few inches to adulthood at almost ten inches long.
- For small or young animals, this is perfect for adding levels to a tank as the steps are small enough for even hermit crabs to climb over easily.
Cons:
- The edges on the rock formations are a bit sharp upon arrival but can be sanded down easily with sandpaper or a nail file.
Fluker’s Repta-Vines
Pothos party
Decorate and pad your scaled friend’s home with realistic-looking pothos vines by Fluker’s. This six-foot-long faux plant gives the illusion of wild jungle living while also providing shade and nesting. Made with non-toxic polyethylene material for easy disinfecting, you can rest easy knowing your pet is living in a safe and clean home.
Pros:
- This product makes for a great supportive bridge if wrapped across itself a couple of times.
- If you drape this across the bottom as well as the top of the enclosure, it stimulates creativity and curiosity in your pet as they explore.
Cons:
- The suction cups included are not very reliable so we recommend buying higher-grade adhesive hooks or suction cups.
PIVBY Habitat Bundle
One stop shop
Get all you could need for your pet’s home with this set of decor by Pivby. In this bundle, you receive a cozy seagrass hammock bed, bendable life-like vines, and faux plants for a jungle-inspired home. Your reptile will be decked out while feeling good when you decorate their tank with these natural habitat items.
Pros:
- The fake, bendable branches are very lifelike with individual knobs and knots painted on them.
- Even with larger-sized pets, the seagrass lounger is very sturdy.
Cons:
- The vines are not very strong and may snap easily but work great when wrapped around the branches.
Zilla Rock Lair
Lizard liar
Staying moisturized is very important for reptiles of any kind. This rock lair by Zilla is the perfect addition to any tank with its lifelike design and interior nest hideaway. The top of the hideaway is removable for easy cleaning but closes tightly to trap humidity for a comfy nest. You can give your pet a hand with shedding their skin as well when you pick this product, as its exterior is slightly rough for your reptile to rub against.
Pros:
- For restless pets that like to kick the material out of their nooks, this is great since its closed walls keep the nesting inside.
- Even picky reptiles that are not keen on hideaways seem to crawl right up into this rock lair happily.
Cons:
- This product is best for a humid or moist hideaway rather than a warm one as it doesn’t let much heat in with the thick walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are necessary for a sufficient reptile home?
Depending on what animal you have or are planning to adopt, it’s important to check what their needs are. Pet reptiles require sources of light, heat, and moisture in their home. Heat can be provided by things such as basking heat lamps or heat pads, which attach to the bottom of the cage to regulate its temperature. It’s a good idea to get a thermometer that can stick to the cage since that will always know when your pet is warm enough. As for the floor of the home, we recommend laying the bottom of the tank with materials such as sand, peat moss, wood shavings, potting soil, or other mold-resistant materials. Next, you’ll want to decorate with things that resemble your reptile’s natural habitat that also provide spots for shade, privacy, and climbing.
How often should I clean my reptile’s cage and decor?
It is recommended to clean your pet’s tank at least once a week. Simply change the bedding, then wipe down all surfaces and decor items with an animal-safe disinfectant. This cuts down on bacteria growth and keeps your pet happy and healthy.
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