The second stage of filtration is called biological filtration. To accomplish this, beneficial bacteria are cultivated on some type of matrix-like structure, where they metabolize undesirable compounds in the water, such as ammonia. Typically, these bacteria colonize the filter naturally with use, but you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you don’t kill off the bacteria during water changes and filter cleanings. The first step is usually mechanical filtration, which seeks to remove particulate matter from the enclosure. This is typically accomplished by forcing the water through some type of filter media that acts as a sieve. A fine screen may also be placed over the inlet to prevent animals and large items from entering the filter. Some stores recommend using the Viva+ terrestrial medium for a hatchling corn snake, and it is possible to get enough of a temperature gradient for a very small snake in this size of enclosure. Better still is the Viva+ terrestrial large, although this is still very narrow and not really suitable for long term use. The easiest way to satisfy your pet’s drinking-water needs is by leaving a sturdy, smooth-sided water dish in the habitat at all times. Some keepers are inclined to provide the water for brief periods every few days, but this usually causes more problems than solutions.

Some people choose to remove their reptile from the viv at feeding times completely. We have written a blog post about the issue, and so take a look at our impaction in bearded dragons post for more information. Because plants draw in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, while animals breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, it is difficult to keep the air refreshed. This will also allow microorganisms to thrive keeping the tank clean. And just like the water in the habitat’s air will escape into the surrounding room, so will the heat you add to the habitat. Enclosures with large portions of screen will allow the warm air in the vivarium to flow out into the room. This means you’ll often need to adjust the amount of ventilation provided while simultaneously adjusting the amount of heat you add to the habitat. Provide your pet with the proper conditions Bigger is always better! The standard recommended is the VivExotic ReptiHome AAL Bearded Dragon, which measures 120 x 62.5 x 62.5cm (48 x 25 x 25″). This really gives your young dragon room to thrive and grow! You’ll need to install a very high-quality filtration system to keep this type of water reservoir clean. Minimally, this will require a three-step filter and a pump suitable for moving the quantity of water in question.All Vivexotic vivariums also have toughened glass, which is five times stronger than original glass. This is much safer as it will only break into small, blunt fragments when broken. Rear vents Even reptile experts agree that the most important thing is that there is ventilation allowing airflow. After that, you might need to experiment a little to determine what works best for your reptile. Hiding Spots: Create hiding spots or microclimates within the vivarium where humidity levels may naturally be higher. This allows the inhabitants to seek out their preferred humidity conditions. It's widely recommended that you regularly change your UVB tubes every 6-8 months, as after this time UVB rays can lessen, resulting in your reptile absorbing less calcium.

Because most homes are much drier than rainforests, it is usually necessary to increase the humidity level of rainforest vivaria. There are a number of ways to accomplish this tactically, but they all fall under one of two strategic options. You can either add more water to the habitat or reduce the amount of water leaving the habitat. This occurs when water-laden air in the habitat flows into the surrounding room. How to Control the Humidity? There are other people who claim to have kept bearded dragons on sand for many years without any health concerns. It's important to be aware of the risks so that you can make up your own mind. If you do opt for a sandy substrate, we recommend feeding your reptile by hand, to prevent them from eating sand particles along with their meal.One full side of screen (whether the screened wall is placed on top of the enclosure or on one of the sides) will typically provide more than enough air exchange for most commonly kept pets. However, a few species – including, most notably, true chameleons – will require more air exchange than this.

We’ll discuss each of these needs separately but be aware that they’ll influence each other to some degree. For example, adding a large water reservoir to a habitat will typically raise the humidity level too. Accordingly, you’ll often need to adjust the ways you satisfy these needs and tweak the system routinely. Drinking Water The main purpose of ventilation in a vivarium is to maintain temperature. You can tell whether or not your vivarium requires more ventilation by observing your reptile’s behavior. Available in a huge range of sizes to make it easy to find one that sits your reptile, you can choose from a range of finishes to find one that suits your home decor.Screen will provide plenty of open space for air to flow into and out of the habitat, while still preventing your pets from escaping. Screen is not always secure enough for very large or potentially dangerous species (such as venomous snakes). But it is usually adequate for the types of frogs, lizards, small snakes that are typically kept in rainforest vivaria. However, air exchange will also alter a few other characteristics of the habitat. You’ll need to keep these characteristics in mind when designing, constructing and maintaining the vivarium. Providing Air Exchange for the Habitat Accordingly, you’ll need to ensure that the air in your vivarium is refreshed more-or-less constantly. This will ensure that all of the organisms in the habitat will remain healthy and thrive. It includes your pets, the plants and all of the microorganisms lurking in the substrate. The size that we recommend as permanent housing for all commonly kept colubrids (corn, king, and rat snakes, western hognose, garter snakes), as well as small python species (royal/ball python, spotted python, anthill python) and small boa species (Columbian and Brazilian rainbow boas, rosy boas, sand boas), is the Viva+ large deep terrestrial vivarium. This vivarium is large enough to establish an effective heat gradient for tropical or temperate species, and as long as all vents are firmly seated then they are escape-proof for all but the tiniest individuals. Again, we need to look at size and ventilation. Really, the only wooden vivarium we could recommend for the commonly kept species of chameleon (panther and Yemen, or veiled) is the VivExotic Large Deep Arboreal. Coming in at 115cm width, an impressive 61cm depth and a 91.5cm height (45 x 24 x 36”) with large vents specifically designed to make installing equipment easier, this is a great base for your chameleon’s habitat.