Reptile Terrarium Glossary: 14 Terms Explained
The words that show up in reptile terrarium specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon.
- Arboreal
- Tree-dwelling species that need tall enclosures with climbing branches.
- Related: Best Tall Arboreal Enclosures for Climbing Species →
- Basking spot
- The hottest area under a basking bulb, set to the species' needs.
- Related: Best Basking Bulbs for Reptile Heat Gradients →
- Bioactive enclosure
- A living setup with soil, plants and cleanup crews like springtails and isopods that break down waste.
- Related: Best Bioactive Soil Mixes for Terrariums →
- Brumation
- A slowed, reptile version of hibernation some species go through in cooler months. Discuss it with an exotics vet.
- Calcium dusting
- Coating feeder insects with calcium supplement to prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Related: Best Calcium and Supplements for Reptiles →
- Ceramic heat emitter
- A heat source that produces no light, used for night heat when needed.
- Related: Best Ceramic Heat Emitters for Night and Ambient Heat →
- Deep heat projector
- A heat source emitting infrared that warms deeply, similar to sunlight.
- Related: Best Deep Heat Projectors for Terrariums →
- Hygrometer
- A gauge for humidity. Digital units with probes are more accurate than dial gauges.
- Related: Best Reptile Thermometers and Hygrometers →
- Quarantine
- Keeping a new animal separate for weeks to watch for illness before joining other animals.
- Related: Best Quarantine Tubs for New Reptiles and Amphibians →
- Terrestrial
- Ground-dwelling species where floor space matters more than height.
- Thermal gradient
- A warm side and a cool side in an enclosure so reptiles can regulate body temperature.
- Thermostat
- A controller that stops heat sources from overheating. Every heat source should have one.
- Related: Best Thermostats for Reptiles →
- UV index
- A measure of UVB strength at the animal's position, checked with a meter.
- Related: Best UV Index Meters for Checking Reptile Lighting →
- UVB
- Ultraviolet light many reptiles need to make vitamin D3 and absorb calcium. Bulbs weaken with time and need regular replacement.
- Related: Best UVB Bulbs for Reptile Enclosures →