Best Reptile Supplies for Beginners
Reptiles are awesome pets but they're not low-maintenance the way some people think. You can't just toss a gecko in a tank and call it a day. Temperature gradients, UVB lighting, humidity — these little guys need their environment dialed in or they get sick. And vet bills for reptiles aren't cheap. But don't let that scare you off. Once the enclosure is set up correctly, daily care is actually pretty minimal. The upfront investment in the right equipment pays off big time. Here's what you need to get started without guessing.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Reptile Terrarium with Front Opening Doors | Reptile | Front-opening doors reduce stress on reptile | Buy on Amazon |
| Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater for Reptile Glass Tanks | Reptile | Adhesive backing creates permanent secure attachment | Buy on Amazon |
| Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO Terrarium Hood 24-Inch | Reptile | Powerful UVB output | Buy on Amazon |
| Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner (40-Gallon) | Reptile | Prevents impaction from loose substrate | Buy on Amazon |
| Fluker's Ceramic Clamp Lamp with Dimmer for Reptiles 8.5-Inch | Reptile | Built-in dimmer is very useful | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Reptile Terrarium with Front Opening Doors
Large glass reptile enclosure with dual front-opening doors and top screen ventilation. Waterproof base holds substrate and water features without leaking. Raised bottom frame allows under-tank heating pads.
- Front-opening doors reduce stress on reptile
- Waterproof base for bioactive setups
- Excellent ventilation
- Heavy at 55 lbs
- Glass can scratch during moving
- Expensive shipping
Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater for Reptile Glass Tanks
The Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater provides gentle bottom heat for reptiles that need a thermal gradient in their enclosure. A solid-state nichrome heating element distributes heat evenly across the adhesive pad surface. Compatible with glass tanks and designed for 24-hour continuous operation.
- Adhesive backing creates permanent secure attachment
- Energy efficient at 8 watts for small to medium tanks
- Designed for continuous 24-hour safe operation
- No built-in thermostat requires separate temperature controller
- Cannot be used under wood or plastic enclosures safely
Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO Terrarium Hood 24-Inch
High-output UVB fixture designed for reptile terrariums needing strong UV exposure. Reflector maximizes UVB delivery to the basking zone below. Compatible with Zoo Med T5 HO fluorescent bulbs for optimal vitamin D3 synthesis.
- Powerful UVB output
- Built-in reflector boosts efficiency
- Easy bulb replacement
- Bulb sold separately
- Must be mounted inside the enclosure for best results
Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Liner (40-Gallon)
Absorbent terrarium liner that replaces loose substrate to prevent accidental ingestion. Non-abrasive felt material is gentle on reptile bellies. Can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing long-term substrate costs.
- Prevents impaction from loose substrate
- Washable and reusable
- Very affordable
- Needs frequent washing
- Not suitable for burrowing species
- Can stain over time
Fluker's Ceramic Clamp Lamp with Dimmer for Reptiles 8.5-Inch
Ceramic heat lamp fixture rated for bulbs up to 150 watts. Built-in dimmer switch allows precise temperature control for basking spots. Spring-loaded clamp attaches securely to tank rims up to one inch thick.
- Built-in dimmer is very useful
- Ceramic socket handles high wattage
- Strong clamp grip
- Cord could be longer
- Reflector dome gets very hot
Frequently Asked Questions
What size terrarium do I need?
Bigger than you think. A 40-gallon is the minimum for most popular beginner reptiles like leopard geckos and bearded dragons (beardies actually need 75+ gallons as adults). The REPTI ZOO 67-gallon is a great starting point — front-opening doors make feeding and cleaning so much easier than reaching in from the top.
Do all reptiles need UVB lighting?
Most do. Bearded dragons, chameleons, and most turtles absolutely need UVB to process calcium — without it they develop metabolic bone disease, which is painful and preventable. Some nocturnal species like leopard geckos can get by without it, but even they benefit. Just get the Zoo Med ReptiSun and don't risk it.
What's the best heat source for a reptile tank?
You'll want a combo: an under-tank heater for belly heat plus a basking lamp for overhead warmth. The Zoo Med under-tank heater is the standard, and the Fluker's clamp lamp with a dimmer lets you dial in the basking spot temperature. Always use a thermostat — this isn't optional. Burns are one of the most common reptile injuries.
What substrate should I use?
For beginners, the Zilla terrarium liner is the safest bet. Loose substrates like sand can cause impaction if your reptile accidentally eats it while catching food. The liner is washable, reusable, and takes that risk off the table entirely. You can switch to bioactive substrate later once you've got more experience.