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Best Reptile Habitat Starter Kits

Updated December 2018
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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.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
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.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
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.

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.

Best Bang for the Buck
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.

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
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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.

  • 15 Models Considered
  • 5 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 101 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

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

    Why trust BestReviews?
    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.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    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.

    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.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Amber
      Amber
      Writer
    • Jacob
      Jacob
      Editorial Manager
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    ×

    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.
    $89
    ×

    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.

    $87
    ×

    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.
    $87
    ×

    Zoo Med

    ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage

    Zoo Med

    ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage

    A quality choice for someone interested in raising reptiles.
    $52
    ×

    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.
    $72

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