Best Reptile Habitat Starter Kits

Updated October 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Exo Terra Rain Forest Habitat Kit
Exo Terra
Rain Forest Habitat Kit
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Bottom Line

A high-quality tank that includes everything you need to get started. Perfect choice for small snakes, lizards, and frogs.

Pros

We loved that the Exo Terra tank was spacious and well-ventilated. The dual front doors make access to the tank simple and secure. Kit comes with all the accessories you need to get started. The foam back and rope vines provide quality climbing options for small, active reptiles.

Cons

Sits at a higher price point than its competitors.

Best Bang for the Buck
Zilla Reptile Starter Kit
Zilla
Reptile Starter Kit
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Bottom Line

A well made tank that doesn't break the bank. A perfect choice for owners of small snakes.

Pros

We were pleasantly surprised at the durability of the top screen. It is thick and able to support the included lamps with ease. Comes with both a daytime and nighttime lamp. Also includes a humidity and temperature gauge, which we found helpful.

Cons

The included light bulbs burn out quickly. We suggest purchasing some backups.

Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
Zilla
Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
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Bottom Line

An easy to assemble, well manufactured tank. Ideal for frogs and crested geckos.

Pros

Assembly of this tank is simple and fast. The large front glass door opens wide, making cleaning the tank a breeze. Features top lighting system. The screen top latches securely to the tank so there is no fear of your little critter escaping.

Cons

The included water dish was quite small – may be too shallow.

Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage
Zoo Med
ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage
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Bottom Line

A quality choice for someone interested in raising reptiles.

Pros

The screen is sturdy but lightweight. We love how the bottom slips out for easy cleaning. While it's a quality choice for reptiles, the Zoo Med ReptiBreeze would work well for butterflies, too. It makes an excellent environment for raising baby reptiles.

Cons

Assembly was confusing and decorative items were not included.

Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit
Aqua Culture
10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit
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Bottom Line

The perfect choice for beginners. Ideal for reptiles, turtles, or fish.

Pros

Our favorite part of the Aqua Culture kit was the included food sample. Included lighting is of good quality and easy to use for newcomers. Basking platform provides a lovely area for turtles to lounge and soak up the heat. The screen top locks in securely as well.

Cons

The included filter was not the best, so you may want to purchase a better one separately if using the tank for fish.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

30 Models Considered
16 Hours Researched
2 Experts Interviewed
211 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Keeping reptiles as pets takes a lot of supplies, and a reptile habitat starter kit is the perfect purchase for novices or anyone planning to own a new reptilian pet. In addition to a sturdy glass tank, a kit contains components such as a heat source with bulbs, thermometer, secure lid, reptile food, bowls, and terrarium decor like bottom cover and objects for for reptiles to climb. It’s important to keep in mind that each kit is different, so you will have to purchase additional items if you choose a less comprehensive option. In addition, take the size of your pet – and how large it is expected to grow – into consideration and compare the tank sizes in the kits your are considering before you choose.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
EXO-TERRA
Nano Wide Terrarium
Hamiledyi
Reptile Habitat
Hamiledyi
Turtle Tank
khonanpai
10-Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit
EXO-TERRA
Rainforest Habitat Kit
X1
Total Turtle Tank Reptile Starter Kit
Zilla
Reptile Starter Kit 10 with Light and Heat
Zoo Med
Repti Breeze Chameleon Kit
Hamiledyi
Turtle Habitat, Reptile Habitat
CalPalmy
Habitat for Small Reptiles
OMEM
Portable Reptile House Terrarium Habitat
Zoo Med
Reptihabitat 20 Long Snake Starter Kit
Zoo Med
Reptihabitat 20 Long Beard Dragon Starter Kit
REPTIZOO
Mini Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank
Exo Terra
Glass Natural Terrarium Kit, for Reptiles
KollerCraft
Repitat Mangrove Swamp Reptile Habitat
OMEM
Portable Reptile Terrarium Habitat
kathson
Turtle Habitat, Reptile Tank
Binano
3 Piece,Turtle Tank
PETLAOO
Turtle Tank Aquarium
crapelles
Reptile Terrarium
See more
×

Exo Terra

Rain Forest Habitat Kit

Exo Terra

Rain Forest Habitat Kit

A high-quality tank that includes everything you need to get started. Perfect choice for small snakes, lizards, and frogs.
$341
×

Zilla

Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit

Zilla

Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit

An easy to assemble, well manufactured tank. Ideal for frogs and crested geckos.

$199
×

Zilla

Reptile Starter Kit

Zilla

Reptile Starter Kit

A well made tank that doesn't break the bank. A perfect choice for owners of small snakes.
$102
×

Zoo Med

ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage

Zoo Med

ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage

A quality choice for someone interested in raising reptiles.
$68
×

Aqua Culture

10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit

Aqua Culture

10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit

The perfect choice for beginners. Ideal for reptiles, turtles, or fish.
$170

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Our Top Picks
Exo Terra Rain Forest Habitat Kit
Best of the Best
Exo Terra
Rain Forest Habitat Kit
Shop Now
Zilla Reptile Starter Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Zilla
Reptile Starter Kit
Shop Now
Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
Zilla
Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
Shop Now
Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage
Zoo Med
ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage
Shop Now
Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit
Aqua Culture
10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit
Shop Now