About
NEHerpetoculture, known as NEHERP, is New England's leading specialty retailer focused entirely on bioactive terrarium and vivarium supplies. The store offers an extensive catalog spanning bioactive kits (by size, lighting, and substrate), live terrarium plants (begonias, bromeliads, ferns, mosses, orchids, tillandsia, and more), and a comprehensive range of vivarium supplies including enclosures, backgrounds, environmental controllers, misting and fogging systems, heating, cooling, UVB lighting, and glass-working tools. NEHERP is also a key source for live feeder insects and microfauna cultures — including fruit flies, isopods, and springtails — along with all related culturing supplies and vitamins. Reptile and amphibian keepers will find dedicated sections for herp-specific care items such as hides, dishes, thermostats, and food. Beyond products, NEHERP maintains a rich Info Center with care guides for crested geckos, dart frogs, mourning geckos, plant species, moss, and vivarium construction tutorials. Custom design and build services are available, as is a walk-in showroom in Connecticut. The store offers a live arrival guarantee on plants and animals, an insider rewards program, and flexible order management options, making it a trusted destination for both beginner and advanced vivarium hobbyists.
Key Features
- Complete Bioactive Kits: Pre-configured terrarium kits available by size, substrate type, lighting, and background style to simplify the build process for all skill levels.
- Live Terrarium Plants: Extensive selection of vivarium-safe live plants including begonias, bromeliads, ferns, jewel orchids, tillandsia, and tissue cultures.
- Live Feeders & Microfauna: Cultures of fruit flies, isopods, and springtails along with all culturing supplies, foods, and vitamins for maintaining a thriving bioactive cleanup crew.
- Environmental Control Supplies: Full range of thermostats, misters, foggers, fans, heaters, UVB lighting, and meters to maintain optimal vivarium conditions.
- Custom Design & Build Services: Professional custom vivarium design and construction services, plus a walk-in showroom in Connecticut for hands-on shopping.
Use Cases
- Building a complete bioactive terrarium or vivarium for dart frogs, crested geckos, or other reptiles and amphibians.
- Sourcing live plants, cleanup crew cultures, and substrate mixes for an existing vivarium setup.
- Setting up environmental controls including misting systems, thermostats, and UVB lighting for a reptile enclosure.
- Learning vivarium construction and animal husbandry through NEHERP's detailed care guides and tutorials.
- Purchasing a custom-designed vivarium or obtaining professional design consultation for a display enclosure.
Pros
- One-Stop Shop: Covers every aspect of vivarium setup and maintenance — plants, substrates, lighting, fauna, and herp care — eliminating the need for multiple vendors.
- Expert Care Resources: Free, in-depth care guides and vivarium construction tutorials in the Info Center support both beginners and experienced keepers.
- Live Arrival Guarantee: Provides assurance on live plant and animal orders, reducing risk for online purchasers.
Cons
- Niche Audience: Products and services are highly specialized for reptile/amphibian hobbyists, limiting relevance to the broader pet or gardening market.
- Shipping Complexity for Live Items: Live plants, insects, and microfauna require careful packaging and timely delivery, which can complicate shipping logistics and add cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bioactive terrarium?
A bioactive terrarium is a self-sustaining enclosure that uses live plants, beneficial microorganisms, and cleanup crew animals (like isopods and springtails) to break down waste and maintain a natural ecosystem for reptiles or amphibians.
Does NEHERP offer a live arrival guarantee?
Yes, NEHERP offers a live arrival guarantee on live plants and animals, providing replacement or refund coverage if items arrive in poor condition.
Can I visit a physical store?
Yes, NEHERP operates a walk-in showroom in Connecticut where customers can shop in person and get hands-on guidance.
Does NEHERP offer custom vivarium builds?
Yes, NEHERP provides custom vivarium design and construction services for clients who want a professionally built enclosure tailored to their specific animals and aesthetic preferences.
What types of live plants does NEHERP carry?
NEHERP stocks a wide variety of vivarium-safe plants including begonias, bromeliads, ferns, mosses, peperomia, pilea, sansevieria, selaginella, tillandsia, jewel orchids, vines, and tissue cultures.
