Even Orange County reptiles need a place to feel at home in. Since they cannot be in the wild it is important to create the right environment for your pet reptile. A veterinarian may be able to give you an idea about what kind of environment your reptile needs, but don’t forget to do some research.
Start with size and construction of the habitat. While not all reptiles require a great deal of space it may be more enjoyable to them. Find the right materials to build your habitat so that it is the perfect place for them to call home.
After deciding on size and materials it is important to include necessities such as heaters, lighting, plants, and other accessories. Foggers and misters are great for maintaining high humidity levels. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels.
If you decide to include an aquatic area in the habitat it is important to maintain that area. Cleaning and filtration is a high priority. Large filters will be far more effective. Be sure to change them regularly so they will work their best.
Photo by Kai Schreiber.
Temperature is dependent greatly upon the species of reptile that you have. Many species require that their water area and their basking areas have different temperatures. Water temperatures can be maintained with a submersible aquarium heater. Basking areas can be taken care of with basking lamps or heat bulbs. To ensure the right temperature is maintained use a thermometer.