What size tank or enclosure does my reptile need as it grows?
- Bambi Eggert
- May 9
- 2 min read
Reptiles need the right-sized tank to feel comfortable and healthy as they grow. Here are some general guidelines based on common reptile types:
Small Reptiles (e.g., leopard geckos, anoles):
Young/Reptile Hatchlings: Start with a 10-20 gallon tank.
Adult Size: A 20-30 gallon tank is usually enough when fully grown.
Why: These reptiles don’t need too much space, but they should still have enough room to move around and explore.
Medium-Sized Reptiles (e.g., bearded dragons, corn snakes):
Young/Reptile Hatchlings: Start with a 20-40 gallon tank.
Adult Size: A 40-75 gallon tank is needed as they grow.
Why: Medium reptiles grow bigger and need more space for climbing, digging, and basking.
Larger Reptiles (e.g., ball pythons, large turtles):
Young/Reptile Hatchlings: Start with a 40-60 gallon tank.
Adult Size: A 75-120 gallon tank (or larger) is needed for full-grown reptiles.
Why: Large reptiles need more space to move, as they can grow very long or wide. They may also need extra features like water areas or climbing branches.
Tortoises (terrestrial reptiles):
Young/Reptile Hatchlings: A small 20-40 gallon tank is enough for baby tortoises.
Adult Size: Large tortoises need a spacious enclosure, ideally 4x4 feet or more. Some need outdoor enclosures depending on their species.
Why: Tortoises need a lot of space to roam and graze.
Aquatic Reptiles (e.g., turtles):
Young/Reptile Hatchlings: A 20-40 gallon tank works for baby aquatic turtles.
Adult Size: A 55-75 gallon tank is necessary for adult aquatic turtles.
Why: Aquatic turtles need water to swim in, and the tank needs to have enough space for them to move comfortably.
Additional Tips:
Vertical Space: Some reptiles, like chameleons or geckos, like to climb, so it’s important to have a tall tank with branches and other climbing accessories.
Tank Enrichment: A tank should have different areas for your reptile to bask, hide, and eat. Make sure there are places for them to explore and feel secure.
Change as They Grow: As your reptile grows, make sure to move them to a bigger tank. If they’re showing signs of stress or not moving around much, it could be time to upgrade.
General Rule of Thumb: It’s always better to go for a larger tank than a smaller one, even if your reptile is still small. This gives them room to grow and keeps them happy!
Comments