The 6 Best Vivarium Canopies for Your Pet Today - AZ Animals
Key Points
- The best overall vivarium canopy is the Zilla Reptile Terrarium Fresh Air Screen Cover.
- For your vivarium canopy to be right for your pet, you must consider the type of animal, its ventilation and light requirements, reliability, and durability.
- Some higher-end canopies come pre-equipped with light fixtures and power cords.
One thing that many pet owners ignore while keeping an indoor reptile, amphibian, or fish is how important it is to get a suitable lid (canopy) for your pet's vivarium. This might seem like a trivial thing to focus on, but the proper vivarium canopy makes all the difference. As a matter of fact, if your canopy isn't equipped specifically for your pet, it could lead to several issues, such as:
- Bad ventilation
- Lack of sufficient light
- A reptile break-out
- An accident
So, if your reptile vivarium canopy is not suitable for your pet, you may need to upgrade it in order to ensure your pet is getting the care it needs. If you are unsure of where to find the best canopy, don't worry! Here's a list of the best vivarium canopies that you can buy.
Best Overall: Zilla Reptile Terrarium Fresh Air Screen Cover
Best
Why It Is a Stand-Out Among Vivarium Canopies
The Zilla Reptile Terrarium Fresh Air Screen Cover is a steel-framed canopy for a vivarium that is available in several different sizes. This mesh cover allows air to pass through, all while keeping out any larger pets such as cats and dogs. This simple vivarium canopy is made well and has durable steel components. It can also withstand high temperatures, so you do not have to worry about fire hazards when you place a heat lamp over it. Also, it has heavy-duty clips to keep it fixed in place and is easy to remove.
It comes in several different sizes that are available for 20, 40, 50, and 65-gallon vivariums. While the product is high quality, the mesh is relatively thin and will likely break over time, especially if you place heavy lamps on top of it.
With over 13,000 reviews and an overall 4.7-star rating, you can get this product on Amazon for about $26.
Pros and Cons of Zilla Reptile Terrarium Fresh Air Screen Cover
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Available in multiple sizes | Not as sturdy as you'd expect steel frames to be |
| Easy to remove | Does not come with lamps |
| Comes at a reasonable price | Only compatible with rectangular vivariums |
Best Canopy With Lamps: Exo Terra Dual Top Canopy for Exo Terra Terrariums
Best Canopy With Lamps
Why It Is a Stand-Out Among Vivarium Canopies
The Exo Terra Dual Top Canopy for Exo Terra Terrariums is an 18-inch wide terrarium canopy with UV and heat lamp fittings included. It is one of the best options because it makes life much easier for reptile owners since everything is included. It has 2 hoods, 2 fluorescent tube lights, and a heat lamp in the middle. These are all white light sources that fit 15-watt light bulbs.
The canopy also comes in two sizes: 18 and 24 inches in width. The larger one can withstand a higher voltage of up to 230 volts and contain E26 halogen bulbs. They also have a sliding rim on the side for accessories if you wish to add any to the vivarium. One issue with this vivarium canopy is that the bulbs can only be purchased through the Exo Terra website.
They cost about $66 for the 18-inch and $80 for the 24-inch. While they might seem a bit pricey for a vivarium canopy, the fact that it includes all of the lighting you will need for your pet makes it worth the price.
Pros and Cons of Exo Terra Dual Top Canopy for Exo Terra Terrariums
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides the optimal level of UV light for most reptiles | Does not come with a screen cover |
| Has both UV lamps and a heat lamp | Can overheat quickly |
| You'll also likely need to invest in a screen cover to prevent your reptile from escaping |
Best Heavy Duty Canopy: Metal Screen Cover Black 48 x18
Why It Is a Stand-Out Among Vivarium Canopies
The Metal Screen Cover Black 48 x18 is a durable vivarium canopy option that is simple and affordable. Its mesh is thin enough to allow air to flow through it but is also strong enough to prevent your pet from escaping. Since it is made of metal, it can also withstand high temperatures from any added light or heat sources to help your pet monitor their body temperature. The canopy also has pre-drilled holes that allow you to easily adjust it to the top of your vivarium. Overall, this metal canopy is very escape-proof and durable.
It is a relatively cheaper option than most other heavy-duty vivarium canopies. It only costs about $47 on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of Metal Screen Cover Black 48 x 18
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows air flow | Not well-padded |
| Strong wire mesh and a durable frame | Only comes in one size |
| Can withstand high temperatures | Locking mechanisms are a bit finicky and may break |
Best Glass Cover: H2Pro Glass Canopy
Best Glass Cover
Why It Is a Stand-Out Among Vivarium Canopies
H2Pro Glass Canopy is a 22.08 x 16.57 x 0.16in glass canopy with a blue-ish tint to it. It has a clear strip on it, which allows the glass to be slideable. It reduces evaporation from the tank and keeps the moisture within the tank balanced. The tempered glass structure is shatterproof, so it will not easily break. However, this may not be the best option if you plan to use a heat lamp for your pet, as the glass may break if it gets too hot.
This tank cover is well suited for fish and amphibians but not for reptiles, as reptiles will need more ventilation than the cover offers.
The glass canopy costs about $60, which is a bit pricey compared to other options. This is due to the fact that it is made of glass.
Pros and Cons of H2Pro Glass Canopy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has improved tempered glass | Not a lot of ventilation so is not the best option for reptiles |
| Has a convenient sliding opener | Glass can be scratched easily |
| Fits 3 different sizes of tanks | Difficult installation |
Best UVB Option: REPTI ZOO, Terrarium Hood Comes with Desert 10.0 UVB T5 Lamp (24W)
Best UVB Option
Why It Is a Stand-Out Among Vivarium Canopies
The REPTI ZOO, Terrarium Hood Comes with Desert 10.0 UVB T5 Lamp (24W) comes with a UVB lamp that is perfect for reptiles or other species that require external heat and a light source to help speed up their metabolism and bodily functions. This hood can be fitted on easily and is a particularly suitable option for species that commonly live in the desert. It comes with an on/off switch and is easily removable. The hood is also available in three power options – 24, 39, and 54 watts, so you can use it based on your requirements. The 24-watt option costs $60 on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of REPTI ZOO T5 HO UVB Lighting Combo Kit, Terrarium Hood Come with Desert 10.0 UVB T5 Lamp (24W)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek design | Bulbs in the lamp don't last long |
| Efficient energy consumption | UVB might be too little for larger reptiles |
| Easy to install | Is a pricer option |
Best Option With a Feeding Door: Zilla Fresh Air Screen Cover with Hinge
Why It Is a Stand-Out Among Vivarium Canopies
The Zilla Fresh Air Screen Cover with Hinge is a vivarium canopy with a hinged door that allows you to feed your pet without having to completely open the tank each time. The canopy has a metal mesh that keeps the tank well-ventilated and prevents your pet from escaping. It comes in one size, 10 inches by 20 inches. Overall, if you wish to make feeding your pet convenient, this might be the best option for you.
Pros and Cons of Zilla Fresh Air Screen Cover with Hinge
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has a small door with a hinge to allow for easy feeding | Hinge might be easy for your pet to open |
| Sturdy metal mesh | Can get rusted |
| Latches securely on the tank | Only comes in one size |
Criteria: What to Look for in Vivarium Canopies
When looking for a canopy for your pet, you should look for the following features in the canopy:
- Durability
- Security
- Ventilation
- Its ability to let in light
Comments
Post a Comment