The Zilla Desert Starter Kit is designed to provide reptile owners with everything they need to create a suitable habitat for desert-dwelling species. This all-in-one kit contains a glass terrarium, screen cover, lighting, thermometer/hygrometer and more.
But is the Zilla Desert Starter Kit worth the investment? Here is an in-depth review covering the key features, pros and cons to help you decide.
Overview of the Zilla Desert Starter Kit
The Zilla Desert Kit comes with a glass terrarium available in 10 or 20 gallon sizes The tanks are made in the USA with quality materials.
The kit also includes a wire mesh screen cover to allow proper ventilation while containing pets. Dual dome fixtures provide both daytime basking and nighttime heat with included incandescent bulbs
A combo analog thermometer/hygrometer allows monitoring of temperature and humidity levels. The terrarium floor is lined with a soft brown carpet liner that reduces odors. The full instruction guide walks through setup and getting started
The Pros of the Zilla Desert Kit
- Comes with essential components like tank, lighting and screen cover
- Good quality glass terrarium made in USA
- Mesh top provides proper airflow and ventilation
- Reflective domes direct basking heat where needed
- Easy to use thermometer and hygrometer included
- Absorbent terrarium liner fights odors
- Detailed setup guide makes getting started simple
The Cons of the Zilla Desert Kit
- Does not include UVB bulb which is required for many reptiles
- Only contains very basic accessories
- Analog thermometer/hygrometer can be inaccurate
- Smaller dome may not fit some 3rd party bulbs
- 10 gallon tank too small for adult reptiles like bearded dragons
Who Is the Zilla Desert Kit Best Suited For?
The Zilla Desert Kit works best for the reptile owner who wants an all-in-one, beginner-friendly starter kit at an affordable price point.
It is a great match for housing smaller, juvenile reptiles like leopard geckos, anoles and juvenile bearded dragons. The kit allows first-time owners to get set up quickly and easily.
However, the basic 10 gallon tank and lack of UVB lighting does limit options for larger or more advanced species. The Zilla Desert Kit works for startup needs, but may require supplemental purchases for long term use.
Key Considerations Before Buying
There are a few things prospective buyers should keep in mind with the Zilla Desert Starter Kit:
- The small 10 gallon tank will need to be upgraded for adult bearded dragons or larger species
- A UVB lighting fixture and bulb will need to be purchased separately
- Additional accessories like basking platforms and hides will need to be added
- The analog thermometer/hygrometer may need to be replaced with a digital model for accuracy
As long as reptile owners are prepared to make a few supplemental purchases, the Zilla Desert Kit does offer an easy startup experience for beginners.
Final Verdict – A Basic but Beginner-Friendly Starter Kit
The main drawbacks are lack of UVB lighting, potential inaccuracies with the analog thermometer/hygrometer and the small 10 gallon tank capacity. Owners will likely need to upgrade to larger tanks and make additional accessory purchases down the road.
So for new hobbyists seeking an easy entry into reptile care, the Zilla Desert Starter Kit is a reasonably priced way to get started. More advanced keepers may want to invest in a more robust setup. But for beginner basics, the Zilla kit hits the key necessities for getting new pet reptiles settled into their first home.
Zilla Desert Habitat Accessory Kit 1ea
Availability: In Stock
Zilla Habitat Accessory Kits make it easy to get started on setting up a new home for your reptile. The kit includes lighting, bedding, Humidity/Temperature gauge, and food. There is also an easy step-by-step setup guide to help make setting up your pets habitat worry-free. Be sure to pair this kit with the perfect enclosure that fits your reptile and their needs. Zilla is committed to producing innovative products to build and maintain a healthy reptile habitat. From terrariums to bedding, lighting to décor—Zilla provides all the necessary components for the successful keeping of reptiles and amphibians. Whether you are a beginner or a reptile enthusiast, the Zilla brand offers a variety of products to meet the specific requirements of your pets.
- Features lighting consisting of 2 black reflector dome 5.5, Day White Incandescent Bulb 50W and Night Black Incandescent bulb 50W. 2 spring clips are also included to easily mount the domes securely to enclosure.
- Odor Reducing Terrarium Liner 20 x 10 that is made from an absorbent, non abrasive material that wont irritate sensitive feet.
- Humidity & Temperature Gauge is included to help ensure your pets habitat is at the right tempature and humidity to maintain their optimal health.
- Reptile Munchies Omnivore Mix is a quick and easy way to give your animal the nutrition they need. This food can be fed alone or in addition to leafy greens, pellet diets or as a treat. This mix contains dehydrated natural ingredients.
- Perfect Habitat starter kit for Juvenile Desert Dwelling Reptiles.
- Fits terrarium size 10G
Zilla Starter Kit Review
What is a desert reptile starter kit?
The Desert Reptile Starter Kit makes an ideal beginning habitat for desert-dwelling reptiles. Each kit comes with two Reflective Dome light fixtures to provide both light and heat to keep your animal healthy. A Black Incandescent bulb is included for nighttime warmth that isn’t bright or distracting for you or your reptile.
What is the best terrarium liner for Zillas?
Consult a Zilla Habitat guide to see what your particular animal requires. The Brown Terrarium Liner is a low maintenance, odor-fighting carpet substrate that cannot be digested and is non-abrasive. Also included is an easy terrarium enclosure setup guide that will quickly get you on your way – all that you need to get started!
What is the best carpet for Zillas?
The Humidity/Temperature Gauge allows for a quick and easy read on the environment parameters to ensure they are at the right levels. Consult a Zilla Habitat guide to see what your particular animal requires. The Brown Terrarium Liner is a low maintenance, odor-fighting carpet substrate that cannot be digested and is non-abrasive.