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Enclosure space is the second consideration, and it's one that catches a lot of new keepers out. Many species sold small as juveniles need considerably more room as adults, and an enclosure that felt generous at first can become cramped within a year or two. Researching the adult size of a species, and the enclosure dimensions that go with it, before bringing the animal home avoids the costly cycle of upgrading tanks every few months.

Strictly speaking, a terrarium originally referred to a planted enclosure built around live vegetation, closer to a small indoor garden than a housing unit for an animal. A vivarium, by contrast, technically refers to any enclosure built to house a living creature, whether that's a reptile, amphibian or invertebrate, with or without live planting. In practice, though, UK retailers and keepers use both terms fairly loosely, often depending on regional habit or supplier naming rather than any strict definition.

Read more from this Northampton Reptile Centre supplies retailer.

Learn more at this reptile supplies retailer.

Construction quality is the first thing worth checking. A well-built wooden vivarium uses melamine-faced board that resists moisture better than raw timber, with a solid back panel and secure glass sliding doors at the front. The joints and door runners take the most wear over time, so a tidy build here tends to mean fewer problems months down the line.