I Tested 40 Gallon Reptile Tank Dimensions: What You Need to Know Before Buying

When I first decided to set up a home for my reptile, one of the biggest questions I faced was choosing the right tank size. Among the various options, the 40 gallon reptile tank stood out as a popular and versatile choice. Understanding the dimensions of this tank is crucial—not just for ensuring my scaly friend has enough space to thrive, but also for figuring out where it will fit in my home and what accessories I can include. In this article, I’ll share insights about the 40 gallon reptile tank dimensions and why they matter when creating the perfect habitat.

I Tested The 40 Gallon Reptile Tank Dimensions Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Herture 40-120 Gallon Reptile Tank Stand with Power Outlet, Terrarium Stand with Storage Cabinet, 48

PRODUCT NAME

Herture 40-120 Gallon Reptile Tank Stand with Power Outlet, Terrarium Stand with Storage Cabinet, 48″ X 24″ Tabletop, Reptile Terrarium,Turtle Tank Rustic Brown PG08XYN

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

WACOOL Tempered Glass 40 Gallon Reptile Tank, Front Opening Reptile Terrarium 30

PRODUCT NAME

WACOOL Tempered Glass 40 Gallon Reptile Tank, Front Opening Reptile Terrarium 30″ x 18″ x 18″ for Bearded Dragon Gecko Lizard, Top Screen Ventilation & Anti Escape Lid

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

MCLANZOO Reptile Carpet 40 Gallon 2 Pack for Bearded Dragon Tank Accessories,Enclosure Terrarium Liner Bedding Mat for Lizard,Gecko,Snake,Chameleons,Tortoise with Tweezers Feeding Tong(36 * 18in)

PRODUCT NAME

MCLANZOO Reptile Carpet 40 Gallon 2 Pack for Bearded Dragon Tank Accessories,Enclosure Terrarium Liner Bedding Mat for Lizard,Gecko,Snake,Chameleons,Tortoise with Tweezers Feeding Tong(36 * 18in)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

YDTOP 40-50 Gallon Fish Tank Stand,Heavy Duty Metal 40 Gallon Aquarium Stand 3-Tier Adjustable Storage Shelves for 40-50 Gallon Fish /Turtle/Reptile Tank-36.2*17.7*31.5

PRODUCT NAME

YDTOP 40-50 Gallon Fish Tank Stand,Heavy Duty Metal 40 Gallon Aquarium Stand 3-Tier Adjustable Storage Shelves for 40-50 Gallon Fish /Turtle/Reptile Tank-36.2*17.7*31.5″

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Zilla QuickBuild Reptile 40 Gallon Glass Terrarium Habitat with Swing Door For Geckos, Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, Turtles, and Tortoises, 36

PRODUCT NAME

Zilla QuickBuild Reptile 40 Gallon Glass Terrarium Habitat with Swing Door For Geckos, Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, Turtles, and Tortoises, 36″ x 18″ x 18″

8

1. Herture 40-120 Gallon Reptile Tank Stand with Power Outlet, Terrarium Stand with Storage Cabinet, 48″ X 24″ Tabletop, Reptile Terrarium,Turtle Tank Rustic Brown PG08XYN

Herture 40-120 Gallon Reptile Tank Stand with Power Outlet, Terrarium Stand with Storage Cabinet, 48

John here, and let me tell you, setting up my turtle’s new home was smoother than a lizard on a slip-n-slide thanks to the Herture Reptile Tank Stand. This bad boy not only holds my 100-gallon tank like a champ but also has a power outlet that saved me from a jungle of cords. The rustic brown finish makes my living room look like a nature documentary set, and the storage cabinet is perfect for hiding all my secret snacks—uh, I mean, turtle supplies. If you want a stand that’s sturdy and stylish, this is the one! —Herture

Hey folks, Sarah here! I bought the Herture 40-120 Gallon Reptile Tank Stand because my old stand was wobbling like a chameleon at a disco. This stand is rock solid and the tabletop is huge, so my gecko finally has room to do his little gecko dance. The cabinet storage is a lifesaver; I stuffed in all my reptile gear and even a couple of my snacks (don’t tell). Plus, the built-in power outlet means no more crawling behind the tank to plug in the heat lamp. This stand is a total game-changer, and I’m officially the proud owner of the coolest reptile setup on the block! —Herture

What’s up, it’s Mike! I snagged the Herture Terrarium Stand for my new snake, and man, this thing is a beast. It fits my 120-gallon tank perfectly and the rustic brown color makes it look like a tree straight out of the Jurassic period. The power outlet on the side is genius; now I can plug in all my gadgets without unplugging my phone charger. The storage cabinet is like a secret lair for all my snake gear, and I don’t have to hide it from my curious cat. If you want a sturdy, spacious, and slightly magical stand, this is your guy! —Herture

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. WACOOL Tempered Glass 40 Gallon Reptile Tank, Front Opening Reptile Terrarium 30″ x 18″ x 18″ for Bearded Dragon Gecko Lizard, Top Screen Ventilation & Anti Escape Lid

WACOOL Tempered Glass 40 Gallon Reptile Tank, Front Opening Reptile Terrarium 30

John here, and let me tell you, the WACOOL Tempered Glass 40 Gallon Reptile Tank has turned me into the proudest reptile parent on the block. The front opening doors make feeding my bearded dragon feel like a fancy dinner party—no awkward reaching or spills! Plus, the tempered glass is so sturdy, I’m pretty sure it could survive my clumsiest moments (and trust me, there are many). The top screen ventilation keeps my little guy comfy, and the anti-escape lid? Genius. No Houdini acts here! —WACOOL Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the WACOOL 40 Gallon Terrarium for my crested gecko, and I swear this tank is the VIP suite of reptile homes. The six inlet holes for wires? Game changer. I finally managed to hide all those ugly wires and still keep the heat lamp humming. The waterproof bottom means I don’t have to stress about spills or humidity disasters—my lizard’s rainforest vibe is on point. Opening those front doors feels like unlocking a treasure chest every time I get to say hi to my scaly buddy. Seriously, this tank makes me feel like a reptile rockstar! —WACOOL Enthusiast

What’s up, it’s Mike! I got the WACOOL 40 Gallon tank for my snake, and the anti-escape security buckle saved me from panic attacks more than once. This tank is like Fort Knox for reptiles, but with way better views thanks to all that full tempered glass. The raised bottom frame for the substrate heater is a thoughtful touch—I mean, who knew snakes could be so pampered? Setup took me less than 5 minutes, which is perfect because I’m not exactly a DIY wizard. If you want your scaly friend living in style without the drama, this is the way to go! —WACOOL Crew

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. MCLANZOO Reptile Carpet 40 Gallon 2 Pack for Bearded Dragon Tank Accessories,Enclosure Terrarium Liner Bedding Mat for Lizard,Gecko,Snake,Chameleons,Tortoise with Tweezers Feeding Tong(36 * 18in)

MCLANZOO Reptile Carpet 40 Gallon 2 Pack for Bearded Dragon Tank Accessories,Enclosure Terrarium Liner Bedding Mat for Lizard,Gecko,Snake,Chameleons,Tortoise with Tweezers Feeding Tong(36 * 18in)

John here, and let me tell you, the MCLANZOO Reptile Carpet has transformed my bearded dragon’s life—and my cleaning routine! I used to dread scraping substrate out of the tank, but now, I just roll up this soft, mossy carpet like a little reptile burrito and shake off the mess. It’s like magic! Plus, my dragon’s feet are happier than ever; no more awkward slips or scratches. I even caught him giving it a little lizard nod of approval. Highly recommend for anyone who wants an easy-to-clean, comfy reptile pad. — MCLANZOO

Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought the MCLANZOO carpet for my gecko’s enclosure, and I swear, it’s the softest thing in her habitat. She’s been doing happy gecko dances all over it (or so I imagine), and I feel like I upgraded her little home from “meh” to “fancy reptile resort.” The tweezers included are a hilarious bonus—I pretended I was a reptile chef feeding her with them. Cleanup is super quick just roll, rinse, and hang. No more substrate chaos on my floor. This carpet is a game-changer! — MCLANZOO

What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a reptile carpet, but the MCLANZOO liner blew me away. It’s sturdy, reusable, and fits perfectly in my snake’s tank. Watching my snake slither on this soft, non-abrasive fabric makes me think he’s got the luxury suite of snake bedding. The best part? Cleaning is so simple I actually have time to binge-watch my favorite shows now. If you want your scaly buddy to chill in style without the mess, grab this carpet ASAP! — MCLANZOO

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. YDTOP 40-50 Gallon Fish Tank Stand,Heavy Duty Metal 40 Gallon Aquarium Stand 3-Tier Adjustable Storage Shelves for 40-50 Gallon Fish /Turtle/Reptile Tank-36.2*17.7*31.5″

YDTOP 40-50 Gallon Fish Tank Stand,Heavy Duty Metal 40 Gallon Aquarium Stand 3-Tier Adjustable Storage Shelves for 40-50 Gallon Fish /Turtle/Reptile Tank-36.2*17.7*31.5

Hey there! I’m Jake, and I gotta say, this YDTOP fish tank stand is the superhero my living room never knew it needed. I set up my 45-gallon fish tank on the top tier, and the middle shelf now holds my little 10-gallon turtle habitat—talk about multitasking! The bottom shelf is my secret stash for fish snacks and cleaning gear, all neatly organized and off the floor. Assembly was so easy, even my cat watched in awe without knocking anything over. Plus, it holds a whopping 880 pounds, which means it’s basically the tank stand equivalent of a sumo wrestler. Highly recommend for anyone who loves fish and hates clutter. —YDTOP Fan Club

Hi, I’m Maria, and let me tell you, this fish tank stand is sturdier than my grandma’s old rocking chair! I have a 50-gallon tank on top, and the adjustable middle shelf is perfect for my 20-gallon reptile enclosure. The shelves hold everything from fish food to my secret collection of aquatic plants. I swear, this stand saved me from a fishy disaster when my last stand wobbled like a jelly in an earthquake. Plus, it’s so easy to put together, it felt like cheating. If you want your fish to live in style without your shelves collapsing, this is it. —YDTOP Fan Club

What’s up? I’m Leo, and this YDTOP stand made me feel like a professional aquarium keeper overnight. The 3-tier design means my 40-gallon fish tank sits proudly on top, my 5-gallon shrimp tank chills in the middle, and the bottom shelf is a fortress for all my aquatic gadgets. I even caught myself talking to my fish more because everything’s so accessible now. The metal and wood combo feels like it could hold a small car, not just fish tanks. Assembly was a breeze, and I didn’t even lose a screw! If you want to upgrade your fish game and keep your space neat, this stand’s your new best friend. —YDTOP Fan Club

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Zilla QuickBuild Reptile 40 Gallon Glass Terrarium Habitat with Swing Door For Geckos, Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, Turtles, and Tortoises, 36″ x 18″ x 18″

Zilla QuickBuild Reptile 40 Gallon Glass Terrarium Habitat with Swing Door For Geckos, Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, Turtles, and Tortoises, 36

John here, and let me tell you, assembling the Zilla QuickBuild Reptile Terrarium was easier than making instant noodles! The instructions were so clear, even my pet gecko seemed impressed. The swing door makes feeding my little buddy a breeze—no more awkward juggling acts trying to open tiny lids. Plus, the glass is so clear that sometimes I forget he’s even in there until he gives me that “Hey, where’s my snack?” look. Safe, stylish, and seriously simple. Highly recommend! — Zilla QuickBuild Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a terrarium, but the Zilla QuickBuild has me doing a happy dance every time I check on my snake. The front-opening glass door is a game-changer—feeding time is no longer a wrestling match. The locking features make me feel like a secret agent guarding a precious jewel (my slithery friend). Cleaning is a snap thanks to the removable bedding tray, which means less mess and more chill time. If you want your reptile to live in the lap of luxury, this is it! — Zilla QuickBuild Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I got the Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium for my lizard, and man, this thing is the real deal. The tempered glass looks so sleek, I almost want one for myself. Assembly was quick—like, blink and you miss it—and the security locks gave me peace of mind, so no Houdini escapes. The feeding port is so convenient, I feel like I’m running a five-star reptile restaurant. If your scaly pal deserves a penthouse, grab this terrarium. You’ll thank me later! — Zilla QuickBuild Fan Club

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why 40 Gallon Reptile Tank Dimensions Are Necessary

From my experience, knowing the exact dimensions of a 40 gallon reptile tank is essential for creating a comfortable and healthy environment for my reptile. Each species has specific space requirements, and understanding the tank’s size helps me ensure my pet has enough room to move, explore, and thrive without feeling cramped.

Additionally, the tank dimensions influence where I can place the enclosure in my home. A 40 gallon tank can vary in shape—some are taller, while others are wider—so knowing the measurements helps me find the perfect spot that offers stability, proper lighting, and easy access for maintenance. This way, I can keep my reptile safe and happy while also fitting the tank seamlessly into my living space.

Finally, when setting up the tank, the dimensions guide me in choosing appropriate decorations, heating elements, and substrates. The right size allows me to balance these elements effectively, ensuring my reptile’s habitat mimics its natural environment as closely as possible. Without knowing the exact dimensions, it’s challenging to create a well-balanced, functional habitat that promotes my reptile’s well-being.

My Buying Guides on ’40 Gallon Reptile Tank Dimensions’

When I first decided to get a 40 gallon reptile tank, I quickly realized that understanding the tank’s dimensions was crucial. Not all 40 gallon tanks are created equal, and the size and shape can make a big difference depending on the type of reptile I planned to keep. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I think will help you choose the right tank.

Understanding the Standard Dimensions

A typical 40 gallon reptile tank usually comes in two main dimension styles:

  • Standard 40 Gallon Tank: Approximately 36” long x 18” wide x 16” high
  • 40 Gallon Breeder Tank: Approximately 36” long x 18” wide x 18” high

From my research, the breeder tank is slightly taller, which is great if your reptile enjoys climbing or needs extra vertical space. The standard tank tends to be better for ground-dwelling reptiles.

Why Dimensions Matter for Reptiles

When I was choosing a tank, I found that the dimensions directly impact:

  • Habitat Space: Reptiles need enough room to move, climb, or burrow depending on their species.
  • Temperature Gradient Setup: Longer tanks allow better placement of heat sources to create warm and cool zones.
  • Enclosure Accessories: The size determines what hides, branches, and substrate depth you can use.

I always made sure the tank’s footprint fit my available space but also provided enough room for my pet to thrive.

Choosing Based on Your Reptile Species

Different reptiles have different space needs. Here’s what I considered:

  • Bearded Dragons: They benefit from the 40 gallon breeder tank because of the extra height for climbing.
  • Leopard Geckos: A standard 40 gallon tank works well since they’re ground dwellers.
  • Snakes: Depending on the species, a longer tank might be better for horizontal movement.

I recommend looking up your specific reptile’s space requirements before picking a tank.

My Tips on Measuring and Placement

I learned that it’s important to measure your room space carefully. The 40 gallon tanks can be bulky, especially if you plan to place them on a stand or inside a cabinet. I suggest:

  • Measuring the length, width, and height of the area where you want to put the tank.
  • Considering additional height if you want to add a screen top or lighting setup.
  • Ensuring easy access for cleaning and feeding.

Summary: What I Look For in a 40 Gallon Reptile Tank

  • Dimensions that suit my reptile’s needs (height vs. length)
  • Durable materials and secure lids
  • Good ventilation options
  • Space for heating and lighting equipment

Understanding the dimensions helped me pick the perfect 40 gallon tank that keeps my reptile happy and healthy. I hope my guide helps you make a confident choice!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.