In this comprehensive review we’ll be covering everything about Exo Terra’s acclaimed glass chameleon enclosures.

You’ll get a full overview of the Exo Terra Habistat Glass Terrarium and the inside scoop on the setting up, decorating, maintaining, and troubleshooting these exceptional habitats for thriving reptiles, amphibians, and exotic invertebrates.

Section	What You’ll Learn
1	Exo Terra terrarium features, benefits, specs, and reviews
2	Perfect terrarium placement, cleaning, heating, lighting, and bioactive setup
3	Choosing suitable pets and care including feeding, taming, and health monitoring
4	Fix humidity, temperature, odor, and escape issues
5	Enclosure alternatives and must-have terrarium accessories

Whether you’re a seasoned herp hobbyist or researching your first pet lizard, frog, or spider, this detailed review will help you make an informed decision if the Exo Terra glass habitat is right for your chameleon pet.

And also get tips on choosing species for different sized terrariums, proper heating and humidity, handling techniques, bioactive substrates, troubleshooting common problems, and much more!

Everything you need to know in one place…

A Chameleon Pet Lover’s Review of the Exo Terra Habistat Glass Terrarium

As an exotic pet enthusiast with a growing collection of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, I was in need of an organized, uniform housing solution for my beloved creatures.

The mismatched assortment of plastic bins, wood cages, and glass boxes I had accumulated over the years just wasn’t cutting it. My pets deserved better and my home needed a more cohesive, professional pet-room aesthetic.

After much research, I decided to standardize my terrarium collection with Exo Terra’s glass habitat line.

Here’s my in-depth review of these exceptional vivariums based on weeks of painstaking evaluation.

Exo Terra’s Sleek, Modern Terrarium Design

The moment I laid eyes on the Exo Terra tank, I was struck by their clean, contemporary style. The combination of clear glass walls and sleek black plastic trim gives the enclosures a polished, high-end look.

Unlike the hodgepodge of old tanks I’d been using, these matching terrariums help create a unified chameleon habitat that keeps the focus where it should be—on my pets.

I also appreciate the durability of the glass construction. Plastic scratches easily and wood rots, but these sturdy glass boxes can withstand years of use.

The quality craftsmanship and long-lasting materials justify the reasonable price tag.

Convenient Front-Opening Doors

Trying to care for my geckos, mantises, and other creatures in old-fashioned top-opening tanks was a constant hassle.

To reach inside, I had to remove the entire cage from the shelf, placing it on the floor to feed, water, or handle each pet.

No more! The Exo Terra’s double front doors give me easy access without disturbing my pets’ environments. This practical design makes terrarium maintenance a breeze.

Innovative Locking System for Security

A few escapes from subpar habitats taught me the importance of secure doors. I’ll never forget the day I got home from work to find my baby chameleon roaming free.

Luckily I found him quickly, but things could have been disastrous if he’d gotten outside.

The Exo Terra’s smartly designed doors lock tightly, preventing jailbreaks. And since each door opens independently, I can drop in food on one side while keeping wanderlust lizards contained on the other.

Such thoughtful engineering gives me peace of mind.

Ventilated, Removable Mesh Top

As a new terrarium owner years ago, I struggled to modify old tanks to meet my pets’ needs. Cutting holes for wires and fittings, attaching lights inside—it was a nightmare.

Exo Terra’s mesh lid simplifies installing lighting and allows airflow. The fine holes let in UVB rays while keeping inhabitants safely inside.

Removing the top makes decorating easy. I wish all tanks had this versatile, well-ventilated design. It’s a game changer.

Variety of Sizes to Suit Any Species

With a vast array of pets—tarantulas to tortoises and everything between—I needed an array of terrarium sizes.

Exo Terra offers an impressive selection:

• compact 12 x 12 x 12 inch cubes for juvenile chameleons and other reptiles
• spacious 36 x 18 x 24 inch palaces for adult chameleons or bearded dragons.

With all models sporting the same great features, I can create a stunning, cohesive display. The range accommodates any species at any life stage.

After conducting exhaustive research, the choice was clear: Exo Terra’s glass terrariums beat the competition by a mile.

I eagerly began transitioning my exotic pets into their sleek new homes. More professional-looking than any DIY setup, these high-quality tanks both beautify my home and provide my precious herps, arachnids, and insects the secure, enriching habitats they deserve.

I’ve scoured the internet and can’t find a single drawback.

Stay tuned for more tips as I continue optimizing my pet room around these stellar terrariums!

Optimizing the Exo Terra Terrarium’s Environment

Now that I’d filled my exotic pet room with stylish new Exo Terra glass terrariums, it was time to outfit each vivarium with the perfect habitat for its inhabitant.

Proper setup and maintenance ensures my beloved critters stay happy and healthy in their new enclosures.

Finding the Ideal Location

I allotted plenty of space around each terrarium for easy access to the front doors.

And I positioned them near outlets, allowing me to plug in lighting, heating elements, and other electric accessories. But I avoided placing tanks in direct sunlight, which could overheat delicate species.

Disinfecting Prior to Use

Before introducing pets, I disinfected each terrarium to eliminate any contaminants. I mixed a solution of vinegar and water and scrubbed down all surfaces.

After rinsing thoroughly, I allowed the glass to dry completely. Starting with a sterile environment prevents health issues.

Furnishing with Proper Substrates and Decor

I researched substrate options specific to each species, choosing coconut fiber for a naturalistic bearded dragon habitat and paper towels for my moisture-sensitive tarantula.

I added hides, plants, branches, and other décor to enrich their worlds. The open mesh tops made furnishing a breeze.

Heating and Lighting Essentials

Following wattage guidelines, I selected appropriate heating and lighting elements for the enclosure sizes. I used a thermostat to maintain ideal temperatures day and night.

Proper heating is critical for cold-blooded critters. The mesh tops again simplified installing lighting above the tanks.

Encouraging Beneficial Bioactivity

For naturalistic vivaria, I introduced clean up crews of springtails and isopods that feast on waste and mold. I also added live plants to absorb toxins.

This bioactive environment cuts down on cleaning needs while closer replicating my pets’ native habitats.

With ideal placement, cleaning, decorating, heating, lighting, and bioactivity, my exotic creatures quickly settled into their customized Exo Terra homes.

Seeing them thrive in their optimized glass enclosures filled me with joy. Next I’ll share tips on choosing and caring for pets in these outstanding terrariums.

Caring for Pets in the Exo Terra Terrarium

Now that my exotic pets were happily settled into their customized Exo Terra glass terrariums, providing proper daily care and husbandry became my top priority.

From choosing suitable inhabitants to preventive health measures, maintaining a thriving vivarium takes knowledge and vigilance.

Selecting Appropriate Species

I researched species appropriate for each terrarium size, factoring in adult dimensions and activity level.

For example, my 12 x 12 x 18 inch cage houses juvenile crested geckos, while my 18 x 18 x 24 inch habitat suits an adult chameleon. Proper pet selection prevents cramped conditions.

Establishing a Healthy Feeding Routine

I crafted nutrition plans tailored to each pet’s needs, providing species-specific diets.

My chameleon and bearded dragon thrive on chopped veggies and live insects, while my pinktoe tarantula prefers live crickets and worms.

With supplements as needed, their Exo Terra homes include clean water and appetizing meals.

Socializing through Gentle Handling

Daily gentle handling socializes pets to human contact. I move slowly when interacting to avoid stress.

My initially shy geckos now seek out my touch, and even my tarantulas tolerate handling well. Patient, positive handling enriches the bond between keeper and exotic companion.

Performing Regular Habitat Maintenance

From spot cleaning waste to wiping down glass, I learned the maintenance rhythm of each enclosure. I check temperatures and mist plants daily.

Partial substrate changes keep cages fresh. While Exo Terra’s bioactive setups are self-cleaning, I monitor all habitats closely.

Monitoring Health and Behavior

Observing each pet’s normal behavior provides a baseline for recognizing issues early. Any appetite or activity changes deserve attention. I watch for signs of illness and research unknown conditions thoroughly.

Close observation is key to keeping my exotic creatures healthy and thriving for years to come!

Caring for the menagerie of fascinating scaled, furry, and exoskeletoned creatures in my Exo Terra collection brings me joy.

But proper husbandry also requires continuous learning. Next I’ll share troubleshooting tips and solutions for common terrarium problems.

Troubleshooting Common Exo Terra Terrarium Issues

While Exo Terra’s glass vivariums provide ideal reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate habitats out of the box, maintaining optimal conditions takes attentive care and quick problem-solving when issues arise.

After learning the hard way, I now tackle problems promptly to keep pets healthy.

Monitoring and Managing Humidity

I use hygrometers to track humidity levels, misting as needed for moisture-loving species.

Leaving the mesh top slightly ajar provides added ventilation and prevents overly damp conditions that could harm pets or encourage mold growth.

Maintaining Proper Heating

When temperatures fluctuated, I adjusted wattages and added or removed heating elements as needed.

An external thermostat controller keeps heat steady by automatically regulating connected elements. Stable temperatures prevent illness in cold-blooded creatures.

Preventing Terrarium Escapes

Despite Exo Terra’s secure front doors, I discovered gaps along the side panels where clever herps could squeeze through.

Now I apply weatherproof caulking to seal up potential escape routes. And I have an action plan ready in case a crafty pet does end up on the loose!

Eliminating Unpleasant Odors

Prompt waste removal and spot cleaning is key, but sometimes terrariums develop lingering odors. Swapping out substrate or cleaning decor solves most smells.

Peroxide tackled a stubborn fungus gnats issue. And routine deep cleaning keeps tanks fresh.

Reducing Damaging Condensation

Some moisture-loving setups developed heavy condensation along the glass despite my best misting efforts. Adding more ventilation alleviated the problem.

I also wipe all surfaces daily and use a dehumidifier in the room for severe cases. An ounce of prevention avoids major mold headaches!

With attentive troubleshooting, minor terrarium issues don’t stand a chance against this experienced exotic pet owner.

Next I’ll recommend useful Exo Terra accessories to further customize and enhance these outstanding glass enclosures.

Enhancing Exo Terra Terrariums with Accessories

With my exotic pets happily settled into their Exo Terra glass enclosures, a few final touches fully optimized their habitats. From supplemental heating to hygrometers, certain accessories fine-tune the terrarium environment.

And backup tanks provide options for quarantine or housing offspring.

More Exo Terra Sizes and Specialty Enclosures

With juvenile critters outgrowing starter cages, I’m glad Exo Terra offers larger models. Specialty versions like the Compact Top terrariums suit arboreal species needing more height.

Their uniform aesthetic keeps my collection looking cohesive as pets and tanks evolve.

Decor and Enrichment Products

Exo Terra’s vines, plants, caves and hides provide mental stimulation and security.

Their realistic backgrounds create seamless illusions of natural rock walls. Quality decor makes terrariums feel like home.

Comparing Other Reptile Terrarium Brands

While Exo Terra remains my top choice, brands like Zilla, Zoo Med, and ReptiZoo offer comparable quality at various price points.

I suggest researching multiple reputable companies to find the perfect product and price combination for your needs.

Converting Existing Enclosures

With some DIY skills, old tanks can become suitable terrariums. I converted a fish tank by adding screen ventilation and a front access door.

Custom builds allow more size flexibility.

Helpful Add-On Accessories

I added supplemental Exo Terra heat lamps over screened sections to fine-tune temperatures. An external thermostat controller provides set-it-and-forget temperature regulation.

And digital hygrometers monitor humidity precisely. Such accessories optimize conditions.

In Conclusion

Transitioning my exotic pets into the Exo Terra terrarium ecosystem transformed my haphazard reptile room into a polished, professional habitat haven.

After reviewing every facet, from their sleek aesthetics to husbandry tips, I enthusiastically recommend Exo Terra’s glass enclosures to fellow exotic pet lovers.

Their quality construction, smart design, and comprehensive accessory line make maintaining thriving vivariums wonderfully easy. Any newbie or seasoned herp keeper is guaranteed success with these exceptional terrariums.

Thanks for joining me on this exotic pet care adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions about Exo Terra Terrariums