Vivarium Illustration

Top Vivarium Products We Recommend

Curated gear for tropical bioactive setups. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Disclosure: Vivarium Buddy is reader-supported. Product links on this page may earn us a small commission through Amazon Associates and other affiliate programs. We only recommend products we trust. See our full privacy policy.

Enclosures

Exo Terra Glass Terrarium Front Opening
Exo Terra

Glass Terrarium (Front Opening)

$60 - $200 ★★★★★ (4.8/5) Best Overall

Why we picked this: The full glass front doors allow for easy planting and maintenance while keeping humidity high. The raised bottom fits substrate heaters perfectly.

Check Price on Amazon →

Misting & Humidity

MistKing Starter Misting System
MistKing

Starter Misting System v5.0

$130 - $180 ★★★★★ (5.0/5) Premium Choice

The industry gold standard. Once you go automated, you never go back. It's quiet, reliable, and creates the perfect rain simulation for dart frogs.

Check Price on Amazon →
Budget Reptile Misting System
Generic

Budget Reptile Misting System

$40 - $70 ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) Beginner Pick

A great entry point for automation. It handles the basics well enough for smaller setups without breaking the bank.

Check Price on Amazon →

Substrate & Bioactive

The Bio Dude Terra Firma
The Bio Dude

Terra Firma Bioactive Substrate

$30 - $100 ★★★★★ (4.9/5) Best Mix

Why we picked this: It comes ready-to-use with the perfect drainage layer and organic matter mixed in. It takes the guesswork out of starting a bioactive tank.

Check Price on Amazon →
Josh's Frogs ABG Mix
Josh's Frogs

ABG Mix (Atlanta Botanical Garden)

$15 - $50 ★★★★★ (4.8/5) Pro Choice

The legendary recipe used by the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It holds moisture beautifully but drains well to prevent root rot in sensitive plants.

Check Price on Amazon →

Cleanup Crew

Dwarf Tropical White Isopods
Josh's Frogs

Dwarf White Isopods + Springtails

$25 - $35 ★★★★★ (4.7/5) Essential Duo

Why we picked this: Dwarf whites are prolific breeders that won't bother your animals. Combined with springtails, they keep mold and waste in check naturally.

Check Price on Amazon →

Lighting

The Bio Dude Glow & Grow LED
The Bio Dude

Glow & Grow LED

$25 - $55 ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Plant Growth

Specifically designed with red and blue diodes to encourage photosynthesis. It brings out the amazing colors in your plants and frogs.

Check Price on Amazon →

Ready to start building?

Now that you have the gear, check out our step-by-step setup guide.

Vivarium Setup Guide →