ZM Naturalistic Terrarium Tropical Kit Overview

ZM Naturalistic Terrarium Tropical Kit

Kit Includes:

• 12”x12”x18” Naturalistic Terrarium with a built-in screen top.
• Eco Earth substrate.
• Crested Gecko food.
• Natural Twisty Vine Wood.
• Combo food & water dish.
• Small Naturalistic plastic plant.
• Booklet: Care of Crested Geckos.
• Reptisafe Water Conditioner.
• Reptivite Reptile Vitamins.
• Repti Calcium.

SPECIAL FEATURES & INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER USE OF ZM Naturalistic Terrarium Tropical Kit

SCREEN COVER:

The mesh used in the screen cover has been selected for its superior UVB and light transmission properties, and is made of
corrosion resistant Stainless Steel. The screen cover is removed by pressing on the two tabs and lifting up on the front of the cover. It can be reinstalled by inserting the rear edge of the cover first, and lowering the front of the screen cover until it snaps into place.

DOOR:

Your new ZM Naturalistic Terrarium Tropical Kit features a single, full front glass door for optimum viewing pleasure. To open the door, press down on the latch and pull on the plastic door frame just above the latch.To close the door, press down on the latch, push the door closed, and release the latch.

LOCKING THE DOOR:

For the safety of your terrarium animals and small children, the door of your terrarium may be locked by installing a small lock through the holes just above the door latch. Zoo Med’s Naturalistic Terrarium Repti Lock (Item NT-TL, sold separately) is easy to use and allows you to choose your own 3-digit combination.

NATURALISTIC TERRARIUM LIGHT BAR:

.The Naturalistic Terrarium Light Bar (Items NT-L12 and NT-L18, sold separately) allows you to mount lamps inside your terrarium for a clean and modern look. The light bar attaches to the inside of the screen. Instructions for installation and use are included in the package with the Naturalistic Terrarium Light Bar. If you choose not to mount your lamps inside the terrarium, you may suspend a light fixture above the screen cover (i.e. Zoo Med’s Deep Dome Lamp Fixture, Item LF-17).
FOR TERRARIUM ITEMS#
NT-1, NT-2, NT-3, NT-4
To close the door, press down on the latch, push the door closed, and release the latch.

POWER CORD/AIRLINE TUBING EXIT SLOTS:

There are six exit locations (three per side) for power cords and airline tubing on the back of the upper frame of the terrarium. Hold-down clips in the screen cover create a tight seal at this location to prevent insects from escaping. To run power cords or airline tubing out of the terrarium, insert into one of the slots and pull to remove unwanted slack . When the screen cover is reinstalled, the hold-down clips will press against the power cords or tubing and hold them in place .

USING UNDER TANK HEATERS*:

Special care has been taken in the design of your terrarium to easily accommodate under tank heaters like Zoo Med’s Repti Therm U.T.H. Under Tank Heaters. There are two power cord exit slots on the back side of the base of the terrarium (one on each side). In addition, the back and sides of the base of the terrarium are elevated to allow excess heat to escape.

ZM Naturalistic Terrarium Tropical Kit VENTILATION

Traditional terrariums have poor ventilation with only a screen cover on top. Your terrarium has “flow-through” ventilation to allow for greater air exchange. Just below the door there is a grill with small ventilation holes that allow air to enter the terrarium. A temperature gradient in your terrarium will cause a natural flow of air into the front grill, up to the top of the terrarium, and out through the screen cover. This is beneficial for both plants and animals in your terrarium.

WATER FEATURES IN YOUR TERRARIUM*:

The bottom portion of your terrarium is designed to hold water, allowing you to fill the terrarium with water up to the plastic vent
below the door. You can create a natural paludarium with land and water areas, or fill the bottom with water and gravel only. You can also add a pump and a background to create a waterfall!

* WARNING: Do not use Under Tank Heaters when filling the base of your terrarium with water!

HOW TO CREATE A ZM Naturalistic Terrarium Tropical Kit

The following example illustrates one method of setting up a naturalistic terrarium. You can follow this example, or design your own unique habitat. With the proper tools, materials, and animals, setting up your terrarium will be fun and rewarding. Be sure that your set up will provide the correct habitat for your particular species of reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Consult a good book to learn about the requirements of a particular species.
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
The following natural Zoo Med products were used to create this set-up: Zoo Med’s Natural Cork Flats, Zoo Med’s Mopani Wood, Zoo Med’s Eco Earth, and Zoo Med’s Terrarium Moss  In addition, live plants, live moss, and jungle vines were used and can be added as desired.
TOOLS NEEDED:
The following tools were used to construct this habitat:
• Silicon and silicon gun: Use silicon that is not toxic after it has dried. Aquarium silicon is a good choice. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions and give the silicon plenty of time to dry before placing animals in the terrarium. Do not use silicon with mildew inhibitors as this can be harmful to terrarium inhabitants.
• Hack saw (to be used only by adults!): A hack saw was used to cut the cork bark to fit asna background in the terrarium, and to cut the vine to length.
• Phillips Screwdriver: Used to puncture holes in the cork for inserting plants.
• Stainless steel wire (optional): Used to secure plants to the cork background.
CONSTRUCTION:

BACKGROUND:
Select one or more pieces of Zoo Med’s Natural Cork Flats to use as your terrarium background. Large pieces can be cut to
fit inside your terrarium, or use several small pieces and fit them together. Test fit the cork bark before using silicon to adhere to the glass. Brush the cork to remove loose debris, or rinse with water and allow it to dry before installing. Remove the screen
cover of the terrarium and lay the terrarium on its back. Apply silicon to portions of the cork that will contact the glass
Cut or break small pieces of cork to fill any holes and to cover the
entire back wall

Apply silicon to any remaining small open spaces and apply dry, loose Eco Earth to the silicon while it is still wet . Be sure that there are no open spaces that will allow terrarium animals to climb behind the cork. Leave the terrarium on its back while the silicon dries, allowing sufficient time for the silicon to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Your background is now complete!

LIVE PLANTS AND ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

To complete your terrarium, add branches, jungle vines, or other accessories as desired, Add live or synthetic plants, like Bromeliads, to your terrarium  . Add a water dish or water feature as needed by your reptiles and amphibians. Be sure to consult a good book to learn about the requirements of the species you will be keeping. Finally, place reptiles and/or amphibians in their completed naturalistic terrarium!