As a lifelong chameleon enthusiast and keeper, I’m constantly researching the best terrarium products to keep my herps healthy and thriving. In my quest to find the ideal enclosures, lighting, substrates, and accessories, two brand names stand out – Exo Terra and Zoo Med.
But when it comes to important factors like quality, selection, price, and customer service, which one comes out on top?
I’ve created the ultimate side-by-side comparison between these leading terrarium brands so fellow keepers can make informed decisions when outfitting habitats.
After diving deep into Exo Terra and Zoo Med’s histories, product lines, and reputation, a few key differences emerged that are worth considering.
Let’s explore how they stack up across all the essentials, from terrariums and lighting to heating and humidity accessories.
I’ll also share my hands-on experience using these products over the years to help you invest wisely.
Company Backgrounds
When buying any major purchase, I always research the reputation and track record of the manufacturer.
With animal habitats, you want to choose brands that are committed to quality materials and solid construction.
Exo Terra’s Innovative Legacy
Exo Terra entered the market in 1993, founded by industry giant Rolf C. Hagen Inc. From the beginning, Exo Terra disrupted the status quo by pioneering realistic, naturalistic terrarium designs using state-of-the-art European manufacturing.
They introduced innovative features like glass walls paired with screen tops for optimal viewing and ventilation. Exo Terra also brought dual-door terrariums into the mainstream, allowing easy access from both sides of the enclosure.
Over their 25+ year history, Exo Terra has earned a reputation for staying ahead of trends and continually improving their product lines. Recent additions like front window ventilation and extra-deep false bottoms demonstrate their commitment to quality materials and animal welfare.
Zoo Med’s Grassroots Origin
Unlike the corporate giant Exo Terra, Zoo Med has remained a small, family-owned business since its founding by avid herper Gary Bagnall in 1977. He started handcrafting terrariums in his garage to meet the needs of reptile enthusiasts like himself.
This grassroots origin led to a company culture focused on close customer relationships rather than profits. Today, Zoo Med is praised for their top-notch customer service and active involvement in herpetoculture communities.
Their terrarium designs reflect Bagnall’s original mission – simple, functional enclosures catering more to animal welfare than aesthetics.
This breeder-focused approach has earned Zoo Med a loyal following among hobbyists and professional herpetologists.
Widespread Availability
Both Zoo Med and Exo Terra have extensive retail partnerships to make their products widely available to reptile keepers. Exo Terra’s terrariums and accessories can be found at almost all major chain stores like PetSmart and Petco.
Zoo Med has a smaller retail footprint, but they actively court independent pet shops, reptile expos, and online vendors.
This wide distribution allows new and seasoned keepers alike to easily obtain terrariums and supplies from these top brands.
Overseas Manufacturing with Quality Control
To keep costs down, Exo Terra and Zoo Med terrariums are mass-produced in overseas factories – Exo Terra in Europe and Zoo Med primarily in China. But both companies thoroughly vet facilities and impose rigorous quality control standards.
The terrariums must survive long ocean journeys in climate-controlled containers before ever reaching retailers. Throughout this process, Exo Terra and Zoo Med ensure their products arrive in flawless condition.
Responsive Customer Service
Exo Terra operates a customer care team out of Montreal, while Zoo Med is reachable at their California headquarters. Keepers compliment both brands for quickly replacing defective products without hassle.
They also provide helpful guidance on terrarium setup and troubleshooting. This responsive support builds confidence among hobbyists that they’ve made a smart choice.
Exo Terra vs Zoo Med Terrarium Comparison
The actual enclosure is the foundation of any thriving reptile habitat. So how do Exo Terra and Zoo Med’s terrarium offerings compare when it comes to size options, quality, and helpful starter kits?
Read Full Exo Terra Habistat Glass
Terrarium Review
Diversity of Sizes
One of the first considerations when selecting a terrarium is finding the proper size for each species. Exo Terra offers an unmatched 19 sizes of glass terrariums, ranging from petite 8x8x8″ cubes up to spacious 36x18x36″ enclosures.
Zoo Med provides a simpler range with 5 sizes of glass Natural Terrariums from 10 to 36 inches long. Exo Terra’s diversity allows housing anything from delicate juvenile geckos to large, active iguanas.
Quality Craftsmanship
Both brands construct sturdy glass and mesh terrariums built to last years. Exo Terra’s dual doors enable easy access from both sides, while Zoo Med’s single hinged doors maximize interior space.
Thoughtful ventilation and drainage layers are cleverly worked into their designs as well. These well-made enclosures can readily recreate tropical, desert, or aquatic terrarium environments.
Helpful Starter Kits
For beginners, Zoo Med and Exo Terra both offer starter terrarium kits that simplify setup. Their kits target popular species like chameleons, bearded dragons, geckos, snakes, and frogs.
These bundles include essentials like hides, plants, dishes, thermometers, and background decals. For easy terrarium decoration and substrate recommendations, the kits come with care guides catering to first-time owners.
Substrates and Decor
To transform plain glass boxes into naturalistic homes, Exo Terra and Zoo Med provide numerous substrate and decor options. I recommend choosing products that match the terrain and climbing abilities of your particular species.
With quality substrates like rainforest bedding or desert sand and realistic decor from Exo Terra or Zoo Med’s selections, you can construct comfortable, engaging living spaces.
Reptile Lighting Comparisons
Proper lighting is critical for maintaining your chameleon’s health, sleep cycles, and vitamin D3 production.
How do Zoo Med and Exo Terra’s extensive lighting products compare when it comes to meeting herps’ needs?
Basking Bulbs
Overhead heat lamps allow reptiles to thermoregulate by basking below concentrated warmth.
Both brands offer suitable wattage daylight, halogen, and night heat bulbs. Zoo Med’s heavy-duty fixtures securely handle high wattage bulbs.
For 24/7 heat, Exo Terra’s ceramic heat emitters and Zoo Med’s ceramic infrared heaters safely warm caves and hides all night long.
Essential UVB Options
Just as vital as heat is UVB light for natural vitamin D3 synthesis. I’ve had great success using both Exo Terra and Zoo Med’s extensive Repti UVB bulbs.
Their 5% to 12% UVB output selections cater to species’ specialized exposure needs.
Specialty Bulbs
Mimicking outdoor light cycles with Zoo Med and Exo Terra’s moonlight, colored day/night, and plant growth bulbs creates a naturalistic terrarium habitat.
Alternating between white and specialty bulbs provides enriching variety.
Quality Fixtures
Great bulbs need proper fixtures, like Exo Terra’s dual lamp stands or Zoo Med’s deep dome reflectors.
Both brands also offer lighting timers, dimmers, and manual switches to control day/night cycles.
Heating Product Comparisons
Since reptiles rely on external heat sources, providing proper temperatures across the terrarium is essential.
Exo Terra and Zoo Med offer extensive heating options to meet every species’ needs.
Under Tank Heaters
Under tank heat mats from Exo Terra and Zoo Med provide concentrated heat for species needing belly warmth. Zoo Med’s large 11″ x 17″ mats can accommodate up to 40 gallon enclosures.
Both brands’ mats are waterproof and safe for use directly under substrate inside the tank.
Their textured surfaces prevent slippage while eliminating hot spots.
Diverse Heat Sources
Beyond main heat mats, Exo Terra and Zoo Med offer specialty heating products like heat rocks for small crevices, heat cables for extensive areas, and infrared heat panels preferred by arboreal animals.
Having these niche heat sources in my toolbox allows recreating precise temperature gradients.
Temperature Monitoring & Control
I use Exo Terra and Zoo Med’s digital thermometers with remote probes to monitor temperatures in multiple terrarium areas.
Their thermostats and rheostats prevent overheating by automatically regulating or manually adjusting heat outputs.
Water Features and Humidity Products
Maintaining adequate humidity is vital for species from tropical regions.
Exo Terra and Zoo Med provide products for adding moisture through mist, fog, and water features.
Waterfalls and Drips
For aesthetically pleasing hydration, Exo Terra’s cascading waterfalls and Zoo Med’s slow-dripping walls add serene sounds. Submersible pumps and tubing route water flow smooth and simple.
Misting and Fogging
Both brands offer handheld misters for spot cleaning and misting shy drinkers. For automated humidity, Exo Terra’s programmable foggers generate refreshing clouds on set schedules.
Adjustable mist amounts cater to your species’ preferences.
Humidity Monitoring & Adjustment
Digital hygrometers from Zoo Med and analog dials from Exo Terra allow closely monitoring moisture levels.
If the environment trends too dry or saturated, Exo Terra’s humidifiers and dehumidifiers restore balance.
Water Conditioners
When preparing animal drinking water, Zoo Med and Exo Terra’s dechlorinators and vitamin supplements ensure safe, healthy water free of tap water contaminants.
Choosing What’s Best for Your Chameleons
After this extensive side-by-side comparison between Exo Terra and Zoo Med’s histories, terrariums, lighting, heating, and humidity products, both brands shine as leaders in the reptile care world.
While Exo Terra surpasses in size diversity and high-tech features, Zoo Med’s functional enclosures and close customer relationships also impress.
Combined, this gives reptile lovers an exceptional range of terrarium gear to choose from.
I recommend doing your own research to determine which brand’s strengths best fit your needs. Make sure to provide the habitat conditions each unique herp thrives in.
With Exo Terra and Zoo Med’s outstanding products readily available, our scaly friends will enjoy ideal homes.
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