Reptile vivarium accessories
A reptile vivarium needs more supporting kit than most pet setups — the right lighting, a suitable substrate, and somewhere to drink and hide, all matched to the specific species you're keeping. There's no single accessory list that works for every reptile, so start from what your species needs rather than buying by the shelf.
Lighting and heat
UVB bulbs are essential for most reptiles, providing the light needed to process calcium properly, and they come in different strengths matched to different species' needs — a desert species generally needs a stronger output than a woodland one. Basking bulbs provide a separate warm spot within the vivarium, letting your reptile move between warmer and cooler areas as it needs to.
Both types of bulb lose effectiveness over time even if they still light up, so check manufacturer guidance on replacement intervals rather than waiting for a bulb to visibly fail.
Substrate, water and hygiene
Substrate choice — aspen shavings, beech chip and similar options — depends heavily on species, since what's safe and appropriate for one reptile can be a health risk for another. A stable water dish, sized so your reptile can access it easily, is a basic but easy-to-overlook essential.
A dedicated cleaning and disinfectant product formulated for reptile housing helps manage bacteria without introducing anything harmful, which matters more here than in most pet setups given how enclosed a vivarium is.
In this section
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Tetra Reptomin Sticks
Complete Tetra ReptoMin dry sticks for water turtles, with calcium and phosphorus
£4.98
Tetra ReptoMin
Floating stick food for water turtles, with 39% protein and added calcium for shell growth
£9.06
Supa Turtle Food Super
A freeze-dried shrimp and tubifex food for turtles, alongside fresh food
From£5.99
Komodo Tortoise Food Dandelion
A complete holistic tortoise diet in dandelion flavour, high in fibre
From£7.29
Komodo Tortoise Food Fruit Flower Flavour
A fruit and flower flavoured tortoise diet, high in fibre with a calcium-forward mineral ratio
From£7.29
Komodo Aspen Bed Terrain
A 6-litre aspen bedding for snakes, built to hold its shape when burrowed into
£6.79
Komodo Habitat Moss
1.5L of ready-hydrated natural sphagnum moss for reptile humidity and shedding
From£7.29
Komodo Ceramic Lamp & Bracket
A ceramic lamp holder and mounting bracket for bulbs up to 200w, 172cm cable
£24.99
Exo Terra Intense Basking Spot
A focused-beam basking bulb for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, in a range of wattages
From£9.39
Exo Terra Infrared Basking Spot
A red-glass infrared heat bulb that can run overnight without disturbing a reptile
From£11.39
Hagen Exo Terra Daylight Basking Spot
A broad-spectrum daylight basking bulb, providing heat and light for a terrarium
From£8.39
Common questions
- Do all reptiles need UVB lighting?
- Most reptile species kept as pets do need UVB to process calcium correctly, though requirements vary in strength and duration between species. Check the specific needs of what you're keeping rather than assuming one bulb type or strength suits every reptile equally.
- How often should I change vivarium substrate?
- This depends on the substrate type and how quickly it becomes soiled, but spot-cleaning waste as you see it and doing a fuller change on a regular schedule keeps things manageable. A vivarium that starts to smell or looks visibly dirty needs attention sooner rather than waiting for a set date.
- What substrate is safe for my reptile?
- It depends entirely on the species — some substrates that are perfectly safe for one reptile can pose a real health risk, such as impaction, for another. If you're setting up a vivarium for the first time, check species-specific guidance before choosing rather than picking whatever looks most natural.
- How do I know if my vivarium setup is right for my reptile?
- Check temperature, humidity and UVB levels against guidance for your specific species using a proper thermometer and hygrometer rather than guessing by feel. A setup that looks right can still be out on one of these measurements, which is why checking with equipment matters more than it might seem.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.