When you decide to get a pet snake, it can seem a little daunting at first, especially if you are new to pets or new to the world of amphibians.
Choosing the best snake terrarium for them to live in is very important, as this will affect their quality of life and how happy they are. You want your snake to have plenty of room to live in, and to ensure they have everything they need to be comfortable, such as special equipment like heating lamps or tank decorations.
Every snake is different, and the type of tank you choose will depend on the species of snake you are housing. You’ll also have to take into consideration your needs as the owner, such as where the tank is going to be placed in your home and whether it needs to be portable or not. But where to start?
Fortunately for you, we have laid out a buying guide below that shows you everything you need to know about choosing a tank for your pet snake. We’ll go through the types of snake terrariums, what to look for in a terrarium, and have even included some of our best picks out there on the market today.
So, whether you’ve got a corn snake, boa, kingsnake, ball python or another species that needs a home, keep reading on.
Best Snake Terrarium – Comparison Table
| Image | Product Name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1) REPTI ZOO 67 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium - 36" x 24" x 18” | Tough screen top provides ventilation Allows UVB and infrared penetration Easy to assemble or disassemble | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 2) REPTI ZOO 50 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium | Easy to feed your pet and prevent escape Easy to install or knock-down in 5 minutes Tough screen top provides ventilation | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 3) Zilla Reptile Starter Kit | Size 10 glass terrarium with fresh air screen cover Two 5.5” Reflective Dome Light Fixtures Night Black Incandescent and White Spot Bulbs | 4.3 out of 5 |
 | 4) Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium | 12” deep waterproof base Feature hinged doors Very easy to assemble | 4.8 out of 5 |
 | 5) REPTI ZOO 67 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium - 48” x 18" x 18” | Tough screen top provides ventilation Front doors can open separately, Easy to feed your pet and prevent escape | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 6) Exo Terra Short All Glass Terrarium | Closable inlets for wires and/or tubing Waterproof bottom Front doors can open separately | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 7) REPTI ZOO 85 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium | Tough screen top provides ventilation Raised bottom frame in order to fit a substrate heater Front doors can open separately | 4.7 out of 5 |
 | 8) Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit | Glass terrarium for reptiles or amphibians Patented front window ventilation Escape-proof dual doors lock to prevent escape | 4.5 out of 5 |
 | 9) Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit | Glass Terrarium holds up to 5” of water Mini Halogen Dome with light bulb Front opening door with locking latch and hinged screen top | 4.6 out of 5 |
Types of Snake Terrariums
There are four main types of snake tanks to choose from.
Plastic Cage
A plastic tank is one of the cheaper types of tanks, but is durable and easy to clean. The construction is lightweight which means they can be placed anywhere, too.
However, plastic cages are not the best display tanks as often the plastic is not very clear. You will also have to be careful with heat lamps, as plastic melts easily.
Glass Tank
A glass tank is one of the more expensive types of tank, but it is also the most durable. Glass tanks are secure and sturdy, and make excellent displays. They are also easy to clean and are not too heavy, so can be easily placed.
One of the major downsides to glass tanks is their break-ability. Glass can smash easily, so this should be taken into consideration if someone with less experience is going to be handling the tank.
Mesh Cage
A mesh cage is usually used as a temporary enclosure for a snake, especially when an owner is cleaning the main tank. While they are cheap and light, they are not as durable and most likely won’t be suitable for long-term housing of your snake.
Wood Enclosure
A wooden enclosure is usually a handmade cage. Again, this can be used as a temporary enclosure, or can be used more permanently if designed well. A wood enclosure will normally consist of around 70% glass, while the rest is wood.
This provides you with a durable cage with an unobstructed view of your snake. However, it is important to note that wood can create a breeding ground for bacteria and it can be hard to maintain humidity and temperature. These tanks can also be difficult to clean, and they’re heavy so finding space to place them can be tricky.
Things to Consider in the Best Snake Terrarium
There are a few things to consider when purchasing your snake tank to ensure it is going to be comfortable for your snake and practical for you as the owner.
Type of Snake
There are many different species of snakes, so what works for one snake might not work for another. If you’re housing a smaller snake, you might not need to worry about the length of the tank, but if you’re trying to find a tank for a ball python, then you’ll need to look for something longer. Some snakes can be dangerous or more prone to escaping, with which you should consider a durable and secure tank that they can’t escape from.
Size
The size of your tank is one of the most important things to consider. You don’t want your pet reptile to be cramped! While you may take your snake home when they are young, you should consider the size of them when they are fully grown, so you don’t have to keep buying a new tank every few months.
Capacity for Heat and UVB
Many snakes require heat lamps and UVB light lamps to stay happy and healthy. Some tanks have this automatically built in, while with others you will need to attach your own lamps or heating pad. You’ll also need to make sure your tank is big enough to accommodate the size of the tank heater.
Portability
Once you have set your snake terrarium up, you’re probably not going to want to move it around. However, there may be some occasions when having a portable or collapsible tank is useful, so this is something to think about.
Now you know all about the different types of terrariums and what you should consider before purchasing, take a look at the best snake terrariums we recommend below. These are all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Snake Terrariums — Reviewed
1) REPTI ZOO 67 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium – 36″ x 24″ x 18”
This 67 gallon glass terrarium from REPTI ZOO measures 36 x 24 x 18 inches and is perfect for larger snakes and many other reptiles, such as iguanas, hermit crabs or bearded dragons. It is easy to assemble and disassemble if needed and comes flat packed to avoid breakage during transport.
With double front hinged doors, this tank can be accessed easily for feeding and cleaning and the secure locking system means you won’t have to worry about your snake escaping! The lock is also specially designed to be child-proof, so you can be sure your snake is in the terrarium at all times.
A well-ventilated mesh roof provides optimum airflow while also allowing for UVB and IR light penetration. The raised bottom panel of the terrarium gives you space for heaters underneath the tank and the bottom is also completely water proof.
A cable pass is included to keep your tank looking neat and to keep any cables out of your snakes way. Furthermore, these terrariums can be stacked with further equipment from REPTI ZOO, great if you have more than one snake.
Key Features:
- Tough screen top provides ventilation
- Allows UVB and infrared penetration
- Easy to assemble or disassemble
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2) REPTI ZOO 50 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium
The REPTI ZOO glass tank measures 36 x 18 x 18 inches and is rectangular in shape. It comes with a double hinged set of doors that can be opened separately for feeding and a flexible side vent that can be positioned as required.
The base of the terrarium facilitates the placement of heat mats, or a substrate heater or heat cable, and the removable top mesh screen provides plenty of ventilation for optimum airflow. The mesh screen also provides full spectrum UVB and IR light penetration.
The side mesh panels and side glass panels can be switched if needed, and the tank comes with a specially designed lock to prevent unwanted opening from children or pets and is an extra security measure to keep your snake in the terrarium.
The cage is water-tight up to the hinged doors. This allows for a water bowl inside the terrarium if needed.
A cable pass is included with the tank to help tidy away cables and keep the tank looking neat, too. What’s more, the terrarium comes flat packed for safety and ease of transport. It is also easy to take down, should you need to move it.
Key Features:
- Easy to feed your pet and prevent escape
- Easy to install or knock-down in 5 minutes
- Tough screen top provides ventilation
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Zilla Reptile Starter Kit
The Zilla Reptile Starter Kit is the perfect tank to buy if you are new to the world of snakes and unsure of your setup. This tank measures 20.25 x 10.5 x 12.56 inches and is made of glass. It comes with a removable mesh lid, providing you easy access to the tank while also allowing for adequate ventilation.
The kit includes a two 5.5” reflective dome light fixtures and a day blue bulb to provide both light and heat. A humidity and temperature gauge also allows for a quick and easy read of the environment parameters to ensure they are at the right levels, so your snake is kept comfortable.
The green terrarium liner is a low maintenance, odor-fighting carpet substrate that cannot be digested and is non-abrasive, so you don’t need to worry about the safety of your snake.
Overall, this is a great first terrarium for small snake owners.
Key Features:
- Size 10 glass terrarium with fresh air screen cover
- Two 5.5” Reflective Dome Light Fixtures
- Night Black Incandescent and White Spot Bulbs
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium
The Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium measures 35.9 x 17.9 x 18 inches and is the perfect size for a number of snakes. It features a 4” deep waterproof base and hinged, “swing out” doors that offer you easy access for cleaning, but lock securely for ensuring your snake cannot escape.
A steel mesh screen top offers excellent ventilation and clips easily to the top of the frame. It is also removable for cleaning access when needed and is perfect for adding heat bulbs to.
This reptile enclosure comes with a built-in background, giving your snake a natural looking habitat! There is also space to tidy away cords so the tank stays looking neat and they don’t get in your snakes way.
Users have reported that this tank is extremely durable and study with no leaks, and even works as a fish tank! It is also easy to assemble and packaged well for protection during shipping.
Key Features:
- 12” deep waterproof base
- Feature hinged doors
- Very easy to assemble
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) REPTI ZOO 67 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium – 48” x 18″ x 18”
Another 67 gallon glass terrarium from REPTI ZOO, this tank measures 48 x 18 x 18 inches and is longer in length and shorter in height than the 67 gallon tank above. However, it still has many of the same features and is great for longer snakes.
The hinged double front doors provide you with easy access to your pet and lock securely to keep your snake inside. A raised bottom frame gives you space to fit a substrate heater and the bottom is waterproof, too.
There is window ventilation on the sides of the terrarium and the removable mesh top also provides great airflow, as well as penetration of UVB and infrared rays. There are also closable inlets for wires and tubing to keep the tank looking clean and wires out of the way.
The glass that this terrarium is made out of is high quality thick and tempered glass that is very tough and durable, so you don’t need to worry about it breaking or smashing. The tank is easy to set up and is sent flat-packed to prevent damage.
Key Features:
- Tough screen top provides ventilation
- Front doors can open separately,
- Easy to feed your pet and prevent escape
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) Exo Terra Short All Glass Terrarium
This short all glass terrarium from Exo Terra measures 18 x 18 x 12 inches and is perfect for smaller snakes.
The raised bottom frame provides you with space to put an under tank heater if needed, and the entire tank is waterproof, including the bottom. It comes with dual doors for escape-free access and premium locks to ensure your snake is completely safe and can’t get out.
A stainless steel mesh cover is durable and allows UVB and infrared penetration. It is completely removable for easy accessibility while decorating or cleaning. A patented front window offers excellent ventilation, too.
What’s more, there is a natural looking rock background included for a cool and naturalistic design, and special wire management at the back of the tank helps to keep tubes or wires out of the way, leaving the tank looking clean.
Key Features:
- Closable inlets for wires and/or tubing
- Waterproof bottom
- Front doors can open separately
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) REPTI ZOO 85 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium
This REPTI ZOO terrarium is very similar to the other terrariums from REPTI ZOO on our list, although this one is slightly bigger. Measuring 48 x 18 x 24 inches, this is an 85 gallon tank and perfect for larger snakes.
It has many of the same features as the other REPTI ZOO tanks, including a removable mesh top that provides excellent ventilation and UBV and infrared penetration. The bottom of the tank is raised to allow for space for a heater, and the entire bottom is waterproof.
The two sliding doors can be opened separately for easy access without having to worry your snake will escape, and both doors are completely lockable for extra security. Window ventilation on the left gives a better balance of moisture and ventilation and there are inlets to keep tubing and wires in their correct place.
Like the other terrariums, this is also easy to set up and disassemble when needed.
Key Features:
- Tough screen top provides ventilation
- Raised bottom frame in order to fit a substrate heater
- Front doors can open separately
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
This Exo Terra natural terrarium is a glass terrarium perfect for snakes and measures 24 x 18 x 12 inches. The patented front window provides excellent ventilation and the hinged double front doors are completely escape proof with a secure locking system, while allowing for easy access for maintenance and feeding.
The stainless steel cover not only also provides ventilation, but allows UVB and infrared penetration and is completely removable for easy access while decorating or cleaning. At the back of the screen cover are 5 closable wire or tube inlets.
The bottom plate of the snake tank is raised to mount a substrate reptile heater to heat a part of the extended ground surface. The extra high fixed front window is ideal for thick layers of substrates or bedding, too.
Even better, the natural reptile habitat background provides a climbing decor dimension and will really make your snake feel like they are at home.
Key Features:
- Glass terrarium for reptiles or amphibians
- Patented front window ventilation
- Escape-proof dual doors lock to prevent escape
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
9) Zilla Tropical Reptile Vertical Starter Kit
Another starter kit from Zilla, this terrarium is only suitable for very small snakes or another reptile such as a leopard gecko, chameleon or newts. As a vertical tank, it measures 16 x 16 x 22 inches and would not suitable for a larger snake, but is a great place to start if you are looking to house a smaller pet.
The tank comes with a mini halogen dome with a light bulb, great for keeping your snake warm and providing them with enough light. There is also a temperature gauge included and coconut husk bedding.
This reptile terrarium itself is made of durable glass and has a mesh top for adequate ventilation and light penetration. There is a front door that gives you easy access to your pet, and comes with a locking latch and locking pin for added security. The top is also hinged so you can feed or access your snake through the roof, too.
The bottom of the terrarium is capable of holding water if needed. What’s more, there is a textured background that will make your pet feel at home and provide a natural aesthetic to the tank.
Key Features:
- Glass Terrarium holds up to 5” of water
- Mini Halogen Dome with light bulb
- Front opening door with locking latch and hinged screen top
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Summary
Choosing a snake enclosure for your new pet can seem daunting, but as long as you ensure they have enough space, the tank is secure and they have all the equipment they need to live comfortably, picking the best snake terrarium can be fun. Always ensure the tank is durable and consider factors such as portability before buying. Which terrarium from our list are you going to go for?