There is a lot to think about when designing building a vivarium. If your planning to build a vivarium for your animal here are some things to think about before you start.
Good vivarium design begins witht the animal. i’m no genius but it seems to be pretty much a no brainer that if your are build a habitat for a dart frog the design will be different from the design you’d use for a bearded dragon. Before you start to build your vivarium learn what conditions your animal need and base your vivarium’s design on those needs.
When it comes to vivarium design in most cases building a bigger enclosure will lead to your animal being healthier than building a smaller enclosure. There are exceptions such as when you have a baby frog and you want to be able to monitor there feeding behavior, health and well being daily. A small frog could get lost in a big enclosure. In the case of the baby frog it may make sense to keep the frog in a small viarium or better yet a temporary quarantine vivarium with a paper towel substrate. The rule of thumb is is to get the biggest habitat you can afford unless there is a reason not to build bigger.
Finally when building a vivarium remember that your vivarium is not just for your animal it is for you. Make sure you build something you’ll enjoy. If you like live plants pick ones you find attractive. If you want low maintenance keep that in mind when your planning your design. Think about your life , likes and dislikes and build accordingly. I personally like tanks with a background on the back because It hides the cords, adds visual interest and provides the animals with more habitable space. Others don think they are necessary. you want the work you put into build your vivarium to pay of in enjoyment.
Remember to take some time before you build your vivarium to think about the design both you and you animal will have a more enjoyable experience. Consider your animal ‘s needs first then build something you’ll enjoy.
