How to choose reptile vivarium kits
Vivarium is the word used to describe the housing for reptiles, just as aquarium describes that which houses fish. More than just a container, however, the vivarium has within it various materials and devices which control or influence many environmental parameters, ensuring perfect conditions for its reptile inhabitants. Important components include lighting, heating, substrates and decoration plus devices for monitoring temperature and measuring and controlling other conditions such as humidity. The reptile keeper has a choice of either putting all these components together himself or buying a complete package, which is already configured with all necessary equipment. Lifeforceonline offer a large range of reptile equipment and accessories and the option of purchasing ready to run kits suitable for both beginners and the advanced reptile hobbyist. Whether you are trying to re-create a corner of the beautiful but forbidding tropical rainforest or a plateau swept and scoured by the dry desert winds we have a kit for you. Examples of these kits are detailed below.

About Vivarium Kits.
The vivarium kits supplied by Lifeforceonline are either by manufacturers such as T-Rex or configured and built by our own technicians. Some do-it-yourself input will be required for assembly at home. As with all electrical equipment you should consult a qualified electrician if at all in doubt. Most systems will, however, offer no more challenge or require more input than the average aquarium. All of the Lifeforceonline kits are constructed from glass and most feature sliding front opening doors. Some are available without sliding front doors and are, therefore, a little cheaper. The vivarium has a lid made of metal. A sliding glass panel allows top access and the lid also features a ventilation grill at one end and a hole to accommodate a basking lamp or ceramic element at the other end. Lid and vivarium are trimmed in black. Some kits have a mesh lid above which a heat lamp can be suspended. All kits contain everything necessary for successful keeping of a range of reptiles that like similar conditions or, may be specific to just one type of reptile.

Vivarium Kit Sizes.
T-Rex kits are mainly starter kits suitable for juvenile specimens of snakes, lizards and spiders. There are three standard sizes, 16x8x10 inches (40x20x25cm), 20x10x12 inches (50x20x30cm) and 24x12x15 inches (61x30x38cm). Upgrades to larger systems will be required for some reptiles as they mature.

Lifeforceonline kits are mostly available in four standard sizes, 18x15x12 inches (46x38x30cm) 24x15x12 inches (60x38x30cm), 30x15x12 (76x38x30cm) and 36x15x12 (90x38x30). There are a few other variations, mainly for reptiles requiring unique or special conditions. Most kits are designed to provide housing for reptiles up to and including maturity. If a kit up-grade is recommended then this will be indicated in the more details section of the appropriate product information page.

Types of Kit featured.

Desert lizard Vivarium Kits.
Desert vivarium kits are suitable for a range of desert dwelling species including Bearded Dragons, Euromastix, collared lizards and others that need similar conditions.

The kits feature:

Sizes available are 24x15x12 inches (60x38x30cm), 30x15x12 (76x38x30cm) and 36x15x12 (90x38x30).

Rainforest Vivariums.
Rainforest vivarium kits are suitable for a wide range of snakes and lizards that are native to tropical rainforest and jungle environments. These would include many types of Pythons and Boas, Water Dragons, Basilisks and Iguana’s. The kits feature the same components as desert kits with the exception of substrate, which is rainforest substrate and the decoration that is chosen specifically for this very different environment. They are available in the same sizes as desert kits.

A lizard starter kit is also available from T-Rex.

Snake Vivarium Kits.
Snake vivarium kits are suitable for a large range of snakes commonly available and that live in field, woodland and forest habitats. These would include Corn Snakes, Milk Snakes, Rat snakes, King Snakes, Garter Snakes, Ribbon Snakes, Grass Snakes and others.

The kits feature:

* Some snake kits are supplied without this.

Sizes available are as Desert Vivarium Kits.

A snake starter kit is also available from T-Rex.

Tortoise Vivarium Kits.
Tortoise vivarium kits are similar in component content to Desert Vivarium Kits. They are designed to house a tortoise from hatchling to stage of sexual maturity at around seven years old. It is vitally important that hatchlings are housed in a quality, temperature controlled environment. More information is available in the more details section of the detailed product page.

Sizes available are as desert vivarium kits.

Leopard Gecko vivarium Kits.
Leopard Geckos are essentially nocturnal in habit and do not, therefore require a kit with full spectrum lighting. This makes for a cheaper set up and as the lizards themselves are very hardy and readily available, this system is a good choice for the younger or novice reptile keeper.

The kits feature:

A Leopard Gecko starter kit is also made by T-Rex.

Sizes are as for Desert vivarium kits with and addition, 18x15x12 inches (46x38x30cm).

Tarantula and Exotic Insect Vivarium Kits.
These Kits are suitable for housing most Tarantula’s, Scorpions, Tiger Beatles and other exotic insects. They are all top opening and do not have front sliding panel access. Lifeforceonline kits are available in the following sizes. 18x10x10 inches (46x25x25cm), 18x15x12 inches (46x38x30cm), 24x15x12 inches, (60x38x30cm). Other sizes are available to order by quotation. Kits include all necessary items including decoration as kits above.

A Tarantula starter kit is also available from T-Rex.

Terrapin and Turtle Vivarium Kits.
Terrapin and Turtle kits are all top opening and do not have front sliding panel access. They are designed to have a free-swimming water area with a depth of around 5 inches (13cm) and include a basking lamp (It is important that these reptiles can leave the water and dry out their shells).

The kits feature:

These kits are available in the following sizes. 24x15x12 inches (60x38x30cm), 24x18x12 inches (60x46x30cm), 30x15x12 inches (76x38x30cm), 30x18x12 inches (76x46x30cm), 36x15x12 inches (90x38x30cm) and 36x18x12 inches (90x46x30cm).

Other Vivarium Kits.
In addition to the above a few special kits are featured. Also vivariums constructed of wood effect material are available see “Vivariums”. Special requirements and non-standard vivariums and kits can be individually configured by quotation. Please e-mail your requirements.