Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Learn how to setup your reptiles terrarium to ensure your reptile lives a wholesome & happy life. Shop at your local Petco for all reptile terrarium needs.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn the importance of UVB light for your reptiles and the right reptile lights for your pet’s habitat.
Updated on March 30th, 2026
When it comes to reptile habitats, one of the most essential elements to creating a happy home for your pet is including the appropriate type of lighting. Zoo Med helps outline which lights are right for your pet.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to safely handle your aquatic life to avoid toxin & bacterial exposure. Find aquatic life care supplies at your neighborhood Petco pet care center.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Discover how to hardscape your aquarium here at Petco. Visit Petco and check out aquarium hardscape ideas, solutions and much more for your fish.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Ideally, the UVB light source should run the entire length of the tank. A thermometer/hygrometer should be on each end of the tank to confirm cool and warm sides. Use a digital thermometer to verify temps. Those little ones you have can be inaccurate. Provide a hide on both sides as well. Personally, I would remove the fake grass as it has the potential to cause eye injuries. Your tank looks good otherwise.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for your question about Smaug, and thanks for the photo as well! I think that you have a good start to your set up, and that we can tweak a few items. First, your lighting situation appears adequate - I see a UVB light (please change this bulb every 4-6 months), a basking light, and a ceramic heat bulb. I would ensure that your temperatures are appropriate for this species, and that you are monitoring them using digital thermometers (I think that you see both a digital and analog thermometers currently) at the level of Smaug. Analog thermometers are inaccurate, so I don't recommend using them (also, they are high up on the sides of the enclosure, so they wouldn't be giving an accurate temperature read for Smaug). For the cage furniture that you have, I like that you have places for Smaug to climb and hide. However, I would recommend having a hide on both the warm side of the enclosure and the cool side so that Smaug has choices. Same for the climbing structures. I may have misse
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! Here is a link of a good example of a good environment for an aquatic turtle though there is going to be some variation depending on the species. Have a good night! https://www.myturtlecam.com/habitat.php
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It is too small to be used for much beyond transport, quarantine or temporary housing (i.e. during cleaning of main enclosure). The plastic construction does not allow for light or heat sources which most reptiles or exotic pets require.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I am very glad that you are looking into husbandry before purchasing an ackie! There is a good care sheet with information on ackies on the Reptiles Magazine website. Based on your location in TX, it may work well to have the ackie outside, but there are a few things to consider. Evaluating the temperature requirements for this species in comparison to the temperatures that you have in your area during the year will be important. We don't want the monitor to get too cold at any point. Thankfully, if needed, supplemental heat sources can also be used outdoors. If these are used, please ensure that they are properly positioned so the ackie cannot access them, and that they are weather-proofed to prevent any electric shock. Also ensure that humidity is high enough in the enclosure - depending on your area, it may need to be supplemented for this species. I would recommend the use of digital thermometers and hygrometers (measure humidity) to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity i
Updated on September 24th, 2025