Reptiles
Substrates
Every habitat, well looked after.
Bark, sand and bedding for a vivarium floor.
The essentials for a healthy home.Shop substrates
Little essentials. Lots of love.
Pettex Reptile Desert Sand
- Material
- Reptile-friendly sand, heat treated and sanitised
- Brand
- Pettex
£11.40
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Everything for reptiles, one department at a time.
A little guidance
Choosing from our substrates range
Start with the part of the range that matches what your reptile needs, then compare the available products and filters above.
Reptile Accessories →
Reptiles rely entirely on their environment for warmth, light and a sense of security, so the accessories in this aisle aren't decoration — they're what keeps a captive reptile healthy in a way that would happen naturally in the wild.
What's in this aisle
Heating and lighting are the backbone of the range, including the Hagen Exo Terra Daylight Basking Spot, which provides both warmth and daytime light for basking species. Water and feeding equipment, like the Exo Terra Water Dish, gives reptiles somewhere to drink and, for some species, soak, without the whole enclosure becoming damp.
Decor and enrichment items, such as the Exo Terra Forest Branch, aren't just for looks — branches, hides and climbing structures give a reptile places to feel secure, bask at different heights, and behave more naturally than a bare tank allows.
Getting the basics right
Every species has its own temperature and lighting requirements, and getting these wrong is one of the most common causes of poor health in captive reptiles, so it's worth researching your specific species' needs, ideally through a specialist care sheet or your vet, before buying equipment rather than after.
A thermostat to regulate a heat source is not optional for most setups — an unregulated heat lamp or mat can overheat an enclosure quickly, and reptiles can't move away from heat the way a mammal might if given the chance.
Common questions
Do all reptiles need a heat lamp?
Most pet reptiles do, since they can't regulate their own body temperature and rely on an external heat source to stay within a healthy range. The exact type and wattage depends on the species, so check a care guide for your specific reptile or ask your vet if you're setting up a new enclosure.
How do I know if my reptile's enclosure is too hot or too cold?
A reliable thermometer at both the basking spot and the cooler end of the enclosure is the only accurate way to check, rather than guessing by feel. Signs a reptile is uncomfortable include spending all their time at one extreme of the enclosure or becoming unusually inactive, which is worth investigating rather than waiting to see if it resolves.
What's the difference between a heat lamp and a UV light?
A heat lamp provides warmth, while a UV light provides ultraviolet light many reptiles need to process calcium properly. Many basking species need both, and a combined basking bulb like the Hagen Exo Terra Daylight Basking Spot can provide warmth and daytime light together, though some species still need a dedicated UV source as well.
Why does my reptile need branches and hides, not just a heat lamp?
Branches and hides let a reptile express natural behaviour — climbing, basking at different heights, and retreating somewhere enclosed when they want to feel secure — which reduces stress compared with a bare enclosure. They're a genuine welfare consideration, not just decoration.