The 5 Top Snake Terrariums for Your Pet

Written by Kristin Hitchcock
Updated: March 3, 2023
© iStock.com/SerrNovik

Advertisement


This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

When it comes to keeping snakes, reptiles, and other small pets, the cage you purchase for them is vital. After all, it is where they will be spending most of their time. Therefore, when you’re looking for a snake terrarium, your choice matters a lot.

Surprisingly, most snakes do not need a very large enclosure — even if they are a bit larger. They are usually not terribly active. In fact, some snakes actually do better in smaller enclosures, as they tend to get stressed when provided with lots of room.

Of course, the exact size is species-specific. You will need to consider which type of snake you have or are adopting. Below, we’ve reviewed five different terrariums of various sizes to help you find the best option for your snake.

  1. REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Reptile Terrarium With Sliding Doors
    • Great for species that spend most of their time on the ground
    • The top screen allows access of UVB light
    • Features a water-proof bottom so you can add a substrate heater if desired
    • The front door slides open for quick access to your pet and locks securely
    • Side screens provide ventilation for snakes that don't require high humidity
    Check Amazon
  2. Zilla 10-Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Habitat Kit
    • Perfect for first-time snake keepers
    • Includes a terrarium and a light
    • Also includes a substrate liner, heated mat, gauge, and setup guide
    • A humidity gauge and temperature guide are also included
    • It does not come with decorations and hides
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. OiiBO Glass Screen Ventilation Reptile Terrarium
    • Perfect for owners looking for a longer terrarium
    • Not suitable for climbing snakes
    • The screen top allows UVB and infrared rays to pass-through
    • The screen also provides plenty of ventilation
    • Each front door sides separately for easy access to your pet
    Check Chewy
  4. Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium
    • One of the highest-quality terrariums on the market.
    • Hinged doors stay securely shut with a key-locking mechanism.
    • Strong clips keep the steel mesh lid securely in place and prevent escapes.
    • Ports for cables and wires are located at each corner.
    Check Amazon
  5. Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
    • Safe, secure terrarium
    • Ideal for snakes 2.5-4 feet long
    • Great for ball pythons
    • Front window provides great ventilation
    • Double doors make feeding time easy
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Snake Terrariums Today

#1 Best Overall: REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Reptile Terrarium With Sliding Doors

The REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Reptile Terrarium With Sliding Doors is a longer terrarium, making it a great option for snakes. It is made with thick, high-quality tempered glass, and measures 48 by 18 by 18 inches. The two front doors slide easily to allow for quick access to your snake. It also locks securely so that you don’t have to worry about your snake getting loose.

This terrarium has a top screen to allow UVB and infrared light to pass through, which is essential for the health of many snakes. The top screen is also strong to keep your snake contained while providing ventilation. However, while the top screen is metal, the lid frame is made of plastic, so it is best to use a lamp stand to keep lights from melting these edges.

In addition, extra screens on the side allow for ventilation, though this may not be great for snakes that need high humidity. Closable inlets allow you to run wires and tubes through the tank as necessary. However, you can also close these inlets to prevent escapes.

Furthermore, this terrarium includes a waterproof bottom so that you can use it for desert snakes or more tropical snake species, or add a substrate heater underneath. You do have to assemble the tank yourself, but it is easy and can be done fairly quickly.

Pros and Cons of the REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Reptile Terrarium With Sliding Doors

ProsCons
This is a large and long tank.You do have to assemble the tank yourself.
It is made with thick, high-quality tempered glass.The frame around the top screen is plastic and can be melted by lights that are placed too close.
The front doors slide easily so you can get to your snake and its habitat quickly and efficiently.
The doors also have a lock on them.
The top screen is made of metal, provides ventilation, and allows UVB and infrared light to pass through.
There are extra screens on the sides of the tank.
Inlets in the tank allow you to run tubes or wires through. You can also keep them closed if needed.
The bottom is waterproof.
Assembling the tank can be done at home and is fairly quick and easy.
Best Overall
REPTI ZOO 67-Gallon Reptile Terrarium With Sliding Doors
  • Great for species that spend most of their time on the ground
  • The top screen allows access of UVB light
  • Features a water-proof bottom so you can add a substrate heater if desired
  • The front door slides open for quick access to your pet and locks securely
  • Side screens provide ventilation for snakes that don't require high humidity
Check Amazon

2. Best Budget: Zilla 10-Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Habitat Kit

The Zilla 10-Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Habitat Kit is a great tank if you are new to the world of snake-keeping. This tank is for smaller snakes and measures 20.25 by 10.5 by 12.56 inches. It is made of glass and has a removable mesh lid to allow easy access and adequate ventilation for your snake.

This is a great kit at a decent price that includes many of the accessories you will need for your new snake. In addition to the tank, you also get a 5.5-inch reflective dome light fixture and a blue daytime lightbulb, and a small heat mat. In addition, it comes with a non-abrasive green terrarium liner that absorbs odors and is easy to clean. The included gauge helps you measure the temperature and humidity of your snake’s habitat so you can make sure they are happy and healthy.

Keep in mind, however, that this tank is more of a starter tank. As your snake grows, it may need a larger tank, depending on the species. In addition, this tank does not come with any decorations and hides, so you will need to purchase those separately.

Pros and Cons of the Zilla 10-Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Habitat Kit

ProsCons
The tank is made of glass and is sturdy.This is a starter kit and is meant for smaller snakes. You may need to purchase a larger tank later on as your snake grows.
The removable mesh lid allows easy access and ventilation.It does not come with decorations and hides
The tank comes with other starter kit accessories.
The overall kit is less expensive than many other options.
It comes with a 5.5-inch reflective dome light fixture and a blue daytime lightbulb, along with a heat mat.
The green terrarium liner is non-abrasive, absorbs odors, and is easy to clean
It also comes with a temperature and humidity gauge.
Best Budget
Zilla 10-Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Habitat Kit
  • Perfect for first-time snake keepers
  • Includes a terrarium and a light
  • Also includes a substrate liner, heated mat, gauge, and setup guide
  • A humidity gauge and temperature guide are also included
  • It does not come with decorations and hides
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Sleek Design: OiiBO Glass Screen Reptile Terrarium

For those that want a larger, sleek-looking terrarium, you may want to try the OiiBO Glass Screen Reptile Terrarium. It is extremely long, which works well for most snakes (climbing snakes won’t find this tank suitable, though). The tank is made of tempered glass and has a white aluminum-alloy frame, and has closeable inlets for tubes and wires.

This tank offers a screen top to allow UVB rays to pass through, as well as infrared. Plus, the screen provides plenty of ventilation to prevent mold growth and common snake illnesses. There are also screens on either side of the tank as well. The lid also has clip-on bolts to help keep your snake from knocking it off.

Each front door slides separately, making accessing your snake easy. You can choose which side of the habitat you would like to access without opening up the whole tank. This feature is great when you’re feeding your snake and trying to prevent escapes.

A lock on the front keeps the doors closed. The snake can’t get out with the lock engaged, and the lock helps keep children out. The tank is raised slightly on the waterproof bottom frame, so you can fit a heater underneath. It is also very easy to set up and can be ready to go in just five minutes! The tank measures 48 by 18 by 18 inches and holds 67 gallons. However, one of the main downsides is that this terrarium is much more expensive than many of the other options on our list.

Pros and Cons of the OiiBO Glass Screen Reptile Terrarium

ProsCons
This terrarium has a clean and sleek look with tempered glass and a white aluminum-alloy frame.This tank is much more expensive than some of the other options.
Closeable inlets allow you to run tubes and wires through the tank.
The lid has a screen that allows UVB and infrared rays to pass through.
The top screen and smaller screens on the sides of the tank provide ventilation and prevent mold and disease.
The lid has clip-on bolts to keep it secure.
There are two front doors on the front that slide easily and separately.
There is a lock on the doors as well.
The bottom frame is slightly raised so you can fit a heater underneath it. It is also waterproof.
This is a large tank and is quick and easy to set up.
Sleek Design
OiiBO Glass Screen Ventilation Reptile Terrarium
  • Perfect for owners looking for a longer terrarium
  • Not suitable for climbing snakes
  • The screen top allows UVB and infrared rays to pass-through
  • The screen also provides plenty of ventilation
  • Each front door sides separately for easy access to your pet
Check Chewy

4. Included Background: Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit

The Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit is a great choice that comes with its own 3D background. This medium-sized tank measures 24 inches by 18 inches by 12 inches and comes from Exo Terra — a trusted name in terrariums that provide safety and security for all types of reptiles.

The dual doors on this tank make it easy to feed your reptilian buddy, and also have locking systems to keep snakes from escaping. The top of the tank is made from stainless steel mesh to protect your snake while providing ventilation and letting in UVB and infrared light. There is also an additional ventilation strip just below the doors as well.

The bottom of the tank is waterproof and has a raised plate so you can put a reptile heater underneath to keep the ground nice and warm for your snake. The front window is placed higher than other tanks, so you can add plenty of substrate and bedding to the tank as well. In addition, there are closable inlets on each side of the tank for tubing or wiring.

However, it is important to note that many customers said that the terrariums they bought from Amazon were broken when they arrived. Amazon kindly sent new ones right away, but that means it could be longer to get set up than you want.

Another thing to watch out for is that some customers said their pets can get stuck behind the 3D background — so make sure your snake can’t get to that part of the tank!

Pros and Cons of the Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit

ProsCons
This tank comes with its own 3D background piece.Many customers said their products arrived damaged and had to have Amazon send a new one.
Exo Terra is a trusted brand for reptile products.Some pets can get stuck behind the 3D background.
The tank has dual doors that make it easy to feed your snake. The doors also lock to keep your pet from getting out.
The top of the tank is a stainless steel mesh that allows UVB and infrared light in and provides ventilation.
There is also a ventilation strip across the front of the tank.
The bottom of the tank is waterproof and raised so you can put a heater underneath.
The front window is placed up high so you can add plenty of substrate.
There are closeable inlets for tubes and wires.
Best 30-Gallon
Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
  • Safe, secure terrarium
  • Ideal for snakes 2.5-4 feet long
  • Great for ball pythons
  • Front window provides great ventilation
  • Double doors make feeding time easy
Check Amazon

5. Premium Quality: Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium

If you are looking for a top-of-the-line terrarium option, look no further than the Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium. This terrarium is one of the highest-quality ones that money can buy, which means it is pricey, but customers report that it is well worth the cost. The tank measures 36 inches long by 18 inches deep by 18 inches tall with hinged doors that open completely to make cleaning easy. The doors stay securely shut with a key-locking mechanism.

Carolina Custom Cages terrariums combine quality materials with smart design features. The glass and metal construction of this tank is strong, reliable, and secure. It offers a 4-inch deep waterproof base that is slightly lifted so you can slide a heater under the tank. The steel mesh screen top offers optimum ventilation and access for cleaning. The lid also comes with four clips to lock it securely in place. In addition, it is designed so you can easily attach a heat bulb for your snake.

There are also ports for cables and wires at each corner that are covered with plastic tabs that lock in place when you’re not using them. The terrarium is easy to assemble. However, it is very heavy, so we suggest assembling it where you plan to keep it when it’s set up. The company also makes several other sizes of terrariums, so you can find the one that best fits your needs.

Pros and Cons of the Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium

ProsCons
This is a very high-quality terrarium that is sturdy and durable.You’ll need to assemble the terrarium yourself.
There are hinged doors on the front that open completely for easy cleaning. The doors stay securely shut with a key-locking mechanism.It is very heavy.
The tank is made of glass and metal materials that make it strong, reliable, and secure.
The 4-inch deep waterproof base is slightly lifted so you can put a heater underneath.
The steel mesh screen top offers excellent ventilation and can be removed for cleaning.
There are strong clips for the lid to lock it securely in place and keep your snake from escaping.
The tank is designed so you can easily attach a heat bulb.
This terrarium has ports for cables and wires at each corner that are covered with plastic tabs that lock in place when you’re not using them.
It is easy to assemble.
Premium Qualtiy
Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium
  • One of the highest-quality terrariums on the market.
  • Hinged doors stay securely shut with a key-locking mechanism.
  • Strong clips keep the steel mesh lid securely in place and prevent escapes.
  • Ports for cables and wires are located at each corner.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

There are several factors to consider when choosing a snake terrarium. Not every terrarium is suitable for every snake, so a lot depends on your snake’s species. The type of snake you have, as well as size, material, ventilation, and access, are all vital.

Let’s have a look at each aspect in turn:

Type of Snake

Each type of snake has its own specific requirements. So, just because one terrarium works great for a corn snake, doesn’t mean that it will work at all for a ball python. Smaller snakes may not need long tanks, but larger ones definitely will. In addition, some snake species are better escape artists, and others may be more dangerous, so you’ll need to be sure that your tank is extremely secure.

Size

Snakes are unique in that they don’t always need a gigantic enclosure, although bigger is always better when available. You may have heard that some snakes get scared if their tank is too big, but in reality, this is not true. Snakes only have problems when there are not enough hides in their tank.

You should pay attention to the size recommendations of the particular species you’re purchasing. Ensure that you purchase a terrarium within these recommendations.

Also, be sure that you consider whether your terrarium needs to be vertical or horizontal. Vertical terrariums are best for climbing snakes, while horizontal ones are suitable for ground or terrestrial snakes.

Material

The material of the terrarium needs to be strong enough to hold everything inside the habitat. Glass and acrylic are quite common, as they are strong but also provide visibility.

With that said, glass and acrylic are not suitable for the top of the habitat. These materials block UVB light, which most snakes need from their heating lamp. That is why a steel mesh lid is a much better option.

Ventilation

Most snakes need proper ventilation to stay healthy. Muggy air promotes mold growth, which can be dangerous to our reptiles (and us). Therefore, choose a terrarium that features a mesh top or includes ventilation holes on the sides. However, again be sure to research the species of your snake, as some require more humidity than others.

Access

You need adequate access to the inside of the tank to feed your reptile, check on them, and clean their habitat. Terrariums often have hinged or sliding doors on the front for easy access. While sliding tops are fine as well, you will need to move the heating lamp every time you pull off the top. After a bit, this can get annoying, and it prevents fast access should you need it.

The Different Types of Snake Terrariums: Pros and Cons Compared

When choosing a terrarium for your snake, there are several different types available. There is no particular terrarium type that is better than another, however, it all depends on what is best for you and your snake. The main types of snake terrariums are made of glass, mesh, wood, or plastic.

  • Glass: Glass terrariums are heavy and often more expensive. They have a high aesthetic quality and offer excellent visibility so you can see your snake easily. They are also easy to clean. However, glass can crack and shatter, so if the tank is being handled by someone with less experience, this could be dangerous.
  • Mesh: Mesh cages are typically for temporary housing, such as when you need to clean your snake’s main terrarium. These are inexpensive and lightweight, but they are also less sturdy. In addition, snakes can often escape mesh enclosures, and they do not typically provide enough humidity for reptiles.
  • Wood: A wooden terrarium is usually handmade and can be used as a temporary habitat. However, you must take care that the wood is non-toxic and appropriately treated so that it is safe for your reptile. If well-designed and suitably constructed, wood enclosures can also be used permanently. These tanks typically are made of 70% glass as well.
  • Plastic: A plastic cage is usually inexpensive while still being durable. They are lighter than glass tanks, so you can put them anywhere, and they are usually easy to clean (although not as easy as glass). While they are see-through they are not super clear, so plastic tanks are not great for displaying your snake. In addition, you’ll need to be extra careful if you choose a plastic tank, since they easily melt when heat mats and lamps are added.

About the Author

Kristin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering dogs, cats, fish, and other pets. She has been an animal writer for seven years, writing for top publications on everything from chinchilla cancer to the rise of designer dogs. She currently lives in Tennessee with her cat, dogs, and two children. When she isn't writing about pets, she enjoys hiking and crocheting.

The 5 Top Snake Terrariums for Your Pet FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do snakes like terrariums?

With all the different types of terrariums on the market today, you are sure to find one that your snake will enjoy. However, there is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all option. Instead, each snake has its own individual personality and needs. For example, snakes do great in a glass terrarium, while others may be frightened by the seemingly open space. To remedy this issue, you can add extra hides and decorations to your tank to help your snake feel safer and more secure. You’ll want to do whatever you can to help your snake like their new home.

What do snakes like in their terrarium?

Your snake will need some sort of substrate, whether that is a non-abrasive mat, astroturf, paper, butcher paper, newspaper, etc. In addition, they will also need a water dish to keep them hydrated, and several places to hide.

Snakes also need objects like rocks and branches for climbing and for rubbing against when it is time to shed their skin. Make sure, however, that anything you put in your snake’s tank is pet-safe, and that objects are secured and won’t fall on your snake and injure them.

Snakes like basking spots like large rocks, a light source, and a heating source (the light and heating source should be outside of the terrarium to prevent your snake from getting burned).

How big does my snake's tank need to be?

It’s important to choose a terrarium for your snake that is big enough to provide room for growth or that you are ready to get a second tank later on, as snakes tend to grow quickly.

Additionally, make sure that your snake tank is well-ventilated and completely escape-proof. The seams should be sealed tightly and the top securely locked, so there won’t be any escapes.

Be sure to do plenty of research on the snake species that you have or are getting, and if needed, consult with your veterinarian so that you are well-prepared and know what your snake needs.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.