Like pet fish, the goal for housing an exotic pet is to create a mini eco-system that mimics what may be expected of where the animal would live in the wild. It must also allow it to perform it's normal daily behaviour such as, climbing, hiding or swimming.

Necessities of setting up an environment

There are few crucial things to consider when setting up housing for an exotic pet.

1. Air. Reptiles, amphibians and arachnids all require oxygenated air from the environment to breath. The housing you choose therefore, whether it is a modified aquarium or a purpose built enclosure, must have at least one side open to provide good air-flow. This side should be covered with a mesh or cloth that air-flow but is securely fastened to prevent the pet escaping.
2. Security. The enclosure must also have all sides securely fastened, particularly for frogs, geckos and newts that love to climb and snakes and spiders who can squeeze through the tiniest of holes. This mostly to protect the pet from being caught out in an unfamiliar environment, such as your lounge room, instead of it's carefully created eco-system in it's enclosure.
3. Climbers or swimmers. Consider the bahviour of your pet. If it likes to climb you may need to have a tall enclosure with a piece of tree branch or driftwood that allows it explore upwards as this is it's natural instinct in the wild. Also, for animals such as frogs and turtles you will need to provide an area where it can safely swim.
4. Heating. Depending on the type of pet you have it may require regular access to a heat source, as cold blooded animals rely on this for an energy source. It will be very important to find out the requirements of your exotic pet.
5. Adult size. Find out how big your pet will be at adult size. It may be best to have your enclosure built to allow for the size of the pet as an adult. Particularly as some pets can grow fast and moving enclosures can be traumatic for some exotic pets.

Setting up an eco-system

In order to set up the right eco-system for your new exotic pet you may need to do some research to understand the environment in which your new pet would live in the wild.

This may include providing a certain type of sand, pebbles, dirt or rocks for the base of the enclosure. Or a certain type of plant or tree branch for it to climb on or hide under. Lastly, if the animal is accustomed to living in a dry desert environment you will need to ensure the enclosure stays free from humidity and condensation. On the other hand if the pet needs regular access to clean flowing water you may need to consider a pump and filtration system as part of your set up.