Value Vivariums

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. Can the Halogen Basking Spot Lamp PT2182 be used with a dimming thermostat as the usuall incandescent bulbs can?

Q. need to upgrade the housing for my Boa Constrictor. Again, I will be purchasing another GT55, I believe I need the Arcadia Aquarium Control Gear IP67 Ultra Seal 36/38 watt as before. Can you confirm that the PT2155 Exo Terra Repti Glo 2.0 (48”) 40 watt is the light that I require for my snake?

Q. March 09, 2012
Hi there

I have an approx 2yr old corn snake who is now over 4ft. He is in a 36inch vx range vivarium at the moment and I am considering getting him a larger vivarium. Can you please advise me how long he can stay in his current vivarium before he needs an upgrade and what would you recommend for his next vivarium?
Many thanks

Q. March 03, 2012
Hi. I have a corn snake that’s roughly 6 months old. I’ve had him for nearly 3 weeks now and when I’ve fed him about 2 days later ill find the pinkie either on the floor of his home or the other day in his water bowl. His eating it fine and its well thawed out when I give it him. I have another one which is younger and she’s eating fine and not doing it. What advice can you give me and why do you think his doing this?
Thanking you in advance,
Emma

Q. How big will a female Yemen Chameleon grow to.

Q. I have ordered VivExotic - LX36 Vivarium-Ellmau Beech, Royce Heat Mat 16x12 and Habistat Mat Stat are they a suitable combination for 2 leopard geckos? I already have lighting.

Q. I would like to ask is the AX36 suitible for a yemen chemeleon at 9 month old, she is getting quite big, she seems to be staying more to the bottom on the tank I'm thincking this is because in the vivarium she is in now is not that big, and the has no where really to climb, if you think this is for other reasons please let me know thank you.

Q. My blue tounge skink has something odd coming out of his cloaca (about 1 centimeter and a half long) when he deficates and goes back inside him. He does not seem to be in any distress. Is this s prolapsed colon? And if so, is there anything i can do about and can it be harmful to him?

Q.
Can Interpet Fungus and Finrot remedy be used when sturgeon are present?

Q. Please could you help me? I have inherited a pond which has a Hozelock Cascade 1000 filter. I checked this as the water is cloudy and it doesn't seem to have any foam sponges inside it. I don't think this can be made anymore but are there any that would fit? I know nothing about ponds but hope to learn fast!

Q. I have just added a filter to my pond about three weeks ago. Most of the water (which was green) was replaced by fresh spring water although some sediment remains on the floor of the pond. Shortly after, a layer of scum and bubbles appeared on the surface of the water. Each time the scum is removed by adding more water from the spring and allowing the pond to overflow, it returns after a day or so. The EasyClear filter foams have been cleaned and the pond water tested for Ph value, Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite. The water tests clear on all counts.
This is the first time I have installed a filter unit and I expected that the water would be crystal clear by now so I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you might be able to offer. Otherwise, I am at a loss to think what else I can do.

Q. Do you have any recommendations on where to position the Solar Glo + Komodo ceramic fitting? As it is an all in one Im almost worried that it will only light up the space in front of it and in a 48" viv that could get dark on one side.

Q. What Thermostat do I need for a spot bulb?

Q. I recently purchased an AX36 vivarium and cabinet from your site ( it's great by the way ), and was wondering the best way to install my clamp lamps to the wooden top as my previous one was a mesh top where they were just sat.
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Q. I am going to be getting a Leopard Gecko, I wish to order a few bits from your site but was wondering if you could give me some advice on a light?
I have the Exo Terra Glass Terrarium its the 45cm by 45cm one.
I have seen you do these - Compact Fluorescent Terrarium Canopy do you have one that will be suitable?

Or if not can you tell me what lighting will work for that terrarium? (I would need light holder and bulb itself)

Q. Would a Blagdon P9000 be compatible with a vorton 14000 using a 32mm connection over a 3m run at about 0.5m head. I am concerned that there may be too much flow for effective UV penetration????

Q. What do I need for a Hatchling Cornsnake

Q. Can you give me some information on the Komodo Ceramic Lamp Fixture

Q. How do I use TetraPlant Complete Substrate when setting up an aquarium.

Q. Can you give me some more information on the ADCH Ceramic lamp Holder and Bracket

Q. I have a Corn snake that I've had since last may. It was quite small then, but I'm not sure how old it was exactly. I'm looking to purchase a larger vivarium for it and was wondering what to get. I've been using a heat mat up to this point and wanted to know whether I can turn a lamp off at night? It's in my bedroom and don't want to be kept up by it. Could move it if needs be?

Q. What bulbs can I use with these?

Q. What advice can you offer regarding heating a Vivarium using bulbs

Q. Would you advise me of the availability and cost of a vivarium with the necessary heating and lighting for a 4 month old Spur Thigh

Q. Hi I am setting up a viv for some Cordylus Tropidosternum.

Q. Hi. I am looking to set up a tank for Pueblan Milk Snake, Can you advise what size heat mat ,water bowls etc i need for your VX24?

Q. Hi I have recently purchased a yellow bellied 9ins turtle, please can you advise me on what I require?

Q. Hi, I need to know what fittings i need for my 55"vivarium to connect my uv long bulb light and for basking bulb i also need a thermostat controller and 2 digital thermometers. I have 2 bearded dragons male and female lilo and stitch, I have only had them since Xmas eve and I love them so much I want to make sure i set up there new viv the best I can will be very greatfull for all help!

Q. Hi, Do you have any advice for keeping a frog here in the UK. I kept green tree frogs in Australia but am new to the concept of vivariums. I have made a pond in my back Garden but would love a more exotic frog inside.

Q. What equipment would I need to set up a Vivarium to house a Blue Tongue Skink, including plants etc and feeding requirements!

Q. I have two young uromastyx, currently around two inches in length. I would like to buy a new vivarium for them would you recommend the 3 ft VX vivarium or would the 4ft VX vivarium be OK for them? Also what lighting will be required for the new tank, can I easily set this up by myself?

Q. What would be the ideal setup for a boa constrictor! Mine has a pennine set up at the moment which I bought previously for a corn snake. It is not ideal as i know the size to which a boa can grow. Size wise what am I expecting to buy in feet and inches? and what kind of accessories are recommended?

Q. I am interested in keeping a snake and need some advice setting up a vivarium. I like the look of the viv-exotic 24inch vivarium on the site, but could you advise on what would be the best additional items to purchase with it in order to complete the set up?

Q. Hi. I've recently bought two tortoise and a glass fronted wooden cabinet style vivarium, as part of a private sale. I appreciate this is not the ideal set-up but although they appear to have been OK in this for 12 months or more, I plan to winter them in this until spring, when they will be moved to a correct indoor / outdoor pen. The tortoise are around 4 years old. At present the only heat and light source is a 100W 'red' bulb operated via a thermostat, operating day and night. I'd appreciate your advice in recommending a suitable heat and light source that will offer a greater benefit to the animals - I realise that they have no UVA source or a definite day / night condition. The cabinet is 90cm x 40 x 40. I'm a little confused with the choice of equipment, so any help is valued. Thanks.

Q. I am writing to enquire about three products. I have seen that you've updated the Corn Snake page, with the Komodo Habitat Thermostat - is this essential? Also with the cave that you have mentioned on that page will that be good enough for the snake to shed? As I know that mine likes to rub against something a bit bristly but not to sharp to help it shed.

Q. I currently own a Corn snake and Coastal Carpet Python and am a little unsure of what the correct temperatures from the hot end going down to a cool end. What are the recommended temperatures?? Also i was thinking of getting a Green Tree Boa and was wondering how easy these are to look after,how big they grow and what size vivarium and heating equipment would be required?

Q. I am looking to buy my son 1 or maybe 2 bearded dragons for his birthday . I have an idea of the package I require as a start up kit and would be greatful if you could give me an idea a cost . I am told I will need a 4ft vivarium and stand, light ,basking lamp, heat mat and thermostat as well as water bowl and hide . It would be very helpful if you could let me know if this is correct or if there is anything else I need. Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

Q. Thank you for your previous advice. I have just purchased a tortoise table as you suggested. I currently have a uv tube for lighting and a ceramic heat bulb with a habistat for heat. I want to change this. You have advised the PT2193 all in one lamp. Can I use this without the habistat if using the 125 watt version. You also suggested the glow light holder what size to you advise - 5.5" 8.5" or 10? I don't really understand the difference between uva and uvb light, the bulb you advise is the only one which mentions uvb - does that mean the others don't emit uvb? Is uvb light essential for a tortoise? I have always been under the impression that my uv strip light was a uva light it was purchased from a reptile shop so therefore am worried that my tortoise needs uvb that I have not been supplying it!

Q. Hi I was wondering what I would require for a full set-up for a Royal Python?

Q. Can you recommend a set up to house a milk snake based around the
VX36 vivarium on your website!

Q. I was going to purchase a western hognose hatchling for a pet, and
have seen a vivarium I liked on your website. It is the 36" VX, and I was wondering what size of heat mat would be required? Any other advice on what accessories would be needed to get me started would be welcome also.

Q. I am looking for a tortoise vivarium with stand. I have a 3 year old Hermann. I have lighting already to transfer over. Can you recommend, many thanks.

Q. Hi, I’m just after some advice firstly. I’ve had a Florida King for about 18 months and he has nearly outgrown his current viv so imp looking for a new set up for him. I have been looking at the viv-exotic vivs but really need some guidance on the size, heating etc. I am after the best for my beloved little guy!
Currently I have an Exo-terra 45x45x45 with a medium desert Exo-terra heat mat, compact Exo-terra canopy with 2x Reptiglo 2.0 bulbs in it, small water bowl, Exo-terra rock background, Exo-terra digital temp and humidity gauges and small Exo-terra hide. Which ill be selling, its all great stuff. How much do you think i should be asking for the lot?
You seem the cheapest that I have found online which is great as I have been using xxxreptiles for the last 18 months.
Any advice on a good setup would be greatly received, I already have a microclimate 600w B2 magic eye day/night thermostat along with tons of aspen bedding and a couple of plants.

Q. I just purchased my Mali today from a girl who has had him for a year. She has kept him in a plastic 90.8 litre tub. He has two basking hide away rocks both I placed on opposite sides of the tub. In the middle he has a flat rock. The lighting he has is a ceramic bulb holder with only a 75 w bulb. He has in the middle a UVB light. I know the bulb as far as the heat needs to be higher. I am going to purchase a 150 w bulb. I don’t know how long to run either of the two. I've got a lot of different material. I am thinking I need the basking light for day and the UVB for 12 hours and turn them both off at night and use a red or moonlight bulb. Can you help me out and what size terrarium should I get? Is what he’s in ok? What size gallon aquarium could he be in? I am having a hard time in my area finding terrariums. I can't put hundreds into it right now. Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Q. I have a 5 foot vivarium which i intend to home 3 bearded dragons in. I would like some info on live plants if you can assist - where can I buy them, how much, which ones and how to grow them. Do they need watered fed etc and what substance should i use to plant them in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Q. Could you tell me please the size and amount of fake foliage we will need for the vivarium VX36.
(I quite like the idea of it looking like an indoor garden rather than a home for snakes - not my ideal pet I have to say).

Q. Your information on basilisk is very thorough and informative. while reading the information on breeding a question came to mind. In your article you mentioned the female will check for temp and humidity. What is optimum temperature of the substrate and how is it best achieved? I am considering the Hydor HydroKables but needed a target temp to help determine the wattage. Unless there is a better way as I understand from my local store Hydor stopped mfg. the Kables but there are still some available on the webs. Thank you in advance for any insight you may share.

Thanks,

Q. What we are looking for is a vivarium or similar to transport our tortoise, and to have her live in it for short periods of time, e.g. when on holiday. Our tortoise is very small at moment. On your website we noticed the small pen super large plastic tank and the large flat plastic tank would either of those be suitable.
We would also need to kit it out with the heat lamp; thermometer etc. is this possible in these tanks. If not do you have ideas of what would be suitable for our situation.

Q. I was wondering if you could tell me, is there such a thing as insurance for a reptile and is there many vets that do this in England. Can you point me in the right direction if you know of any?

Q. I am in the process of setting up a vivarium and i am going to keep a trio of royal Pythons, what size viv would you recommend.
I would like to use an AHS for my heating system but i would like to know if it has a night time drop incorporated as i would like this as i intend to breed them. can you also advise on any lighting or a spot bulb.

Q. I am currently reading a vast amount of information in my research into Bearded dragons as i am looking to buy one. I have found that there is a lot of conflicting information on the dragons from vivarium sizes shapes and minimum volumes to diet choices such as what percentage live insects to percentage greens and I have found this very confusing in what to believe.
1. Diet
2. Is it possible to have a bearded dragon in ax22 vivarium or does it have to be vx48 or is vx36 large enough for one adult?
3. Is play sand the best substrate to use and how old does the dragon have to be before I can use this?
4.There are also various lighting options and i don't know which is best.

Q. I am looking to buy a 48in Viv with cabinet to house two ball pythons. I need the whole setup with heating. I was thinking of using an infra red bulb with guard running through a day/night dimming stat'. I will need accessories, Hides at both ends of the viv', Plants, water bowl, substrate, thermometer etc.
I would appreciate any help and advise you can give for the best set up for two Ball Pythons.

Q. I have aquarium gravel (not the fine type the small standard pebble type) in, is that ok for Terrapins as well?

Q. I have a 5 foot vivarium which I intend to home 3 bearded dragons in. I would like some info on live plants if you can assist - where can i buy them, how much, which ones and how to grow them. Do they need watered fed etc and what substance should i use to plant them in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Q. Hi
Spoke on the phone with you today and wanted to buy the vx48 black
Vivarium but also need lighting and under heating mats for our new spur
thighed tortoise approx 2 inches in size.
Also wanted the corner hatching dish small bark and a straight back bark pool.
What do you advise.

Q. PART 1 Hi John,

I am getting a 12 month old Royal Python, What do I need to keep it correctly.

Q. PART 2 Hi John,
Thanks for the speedy reply. If I used one of the Fer-plast tanks, should the heat mat be underneath the tank or on the tank wall as mentioned?
Also, what size of heat mat would heat the tank and fit inside on the tank wall if this is preferable?

Thank you for all your help and fast replies.

I have a wood viv with sliding glass doors but she can actually squeeze out between the glass doors just now, so I daren't let her loose in that again just now.
Does this sound ok?
I feel bad having put her back into the plastic tank after her Houdini impression.
">Q. I have a 1 year old Cali King who's getting a bit big for the original plastic viv I have "her" in. I've ordered the biggest one of your plastic tanks for now.
I have a wood viv with sliding glass doors but she can actually squeeze out between the glass doors just now, so I daren't let her loose in that again just now.
Does this sound ok?
I feel bad having put her back into the plastic tank after her Houdini impression.

Q. How far should the UVB light be from the turtles in the Turtle tank? Currently I have a gap of about 20 cm (8 in) from the light and the basking area.

Q. I brought a 48" x 24" Vivarium from you for my Hermann Tortoise and I was just wondering if you could give me some information on the lights I will need and how much?

Q. Hi I am looking for advice on which is the best reptile for my son who is ten. He has been researching snakes and iguanas, with a preferred interest in snakes.We have been to the local exotic pet shop who recommended a 2 year old snake he had in stock, and the most expensive vivarium. I would appreciate your advice.

Q. Hello

I am going to be buying a leopard gecko, I wish to order a few bits from your site but was wondering if you could give me some advice on a light? I have the Exo Terra Glass Terrarium its the 45cm by 45cm one.
I have seen you do these - Compact Fluorescent Terrarium Canopy do you have one that will be suitable? Or if not can you tell me what lighting will work for that terrarium? (I would need light holder and bulb itself)

Q. Can you tell me what the hottest reptile light is please?

Q. What will I need for an 8month old Iguana

Q. I have a tiny baby tortoise, and at the moment I am housing it in the plastic bottom of a hamster cage. What do I need to house the tortoise correctly?

Q. I have a 4yr old Burmese python who is currently housed in a 6ft x 2ft x 2ft.
I am looking for a larger vivarium, not worried if it is of square design or like the one I have. Please may you email or call me with some ideas I would be extremely grateful

Q. Please can you give me some information on Exo Terra Heat Emitters?

Q. What Bulbs can I use to heat my Vivarium!

Q. I am getting a bearded dragon as soon as she is old enough (he/she is 5 days old now ), I am very interested in your Black Viviariums, can you tell me what size you would recommend and can I have it directly on the floor or should it be up off the ground

Q. What should I include in a reptile First Aid kit!

Q. Please can you give some information on the Microclimate AHS units!

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