About Rana
More than a terrarium
For over 30 years, Rana has stood for high-quality terrariums, sophisticated technology and genuine passion for terrarium keeping.
What began in 1994 as a passion for poison dart frogs has developed over the years into a specialized manufacturer of individual terrarium solutions, planted rainforest terrariums and high-quality equipment for discerning keepers.
From the beginning, the focus was not only on the keeping of the animals, but on the entire habitat: designed to be functional, sustainable and as close to nature as possible.
Today we combine craftsmanship in terrarium construction with a deep understanding of plants, technology and the requirements of modern terrarium keeping.
Our aim is not simply to build terrariums – but to create functioning ecosystems.
With our showroom, in-house workshop and greenhouse, we offer everything from a single source: from consultation and planning to the finished, planted terrarium.
Experience that you can see
Our roots and current focus
Our roots lie in the breeding of poison dart frogs and the construction of classic glass terrariums.
But over time it became clear:
The focus is not on the individual animal – but on the interplay between habitat, plants and technology.
Today our focus is on:
- Fully furnished, planted terrariums
- Well-designed systems comprising technology, structure and climate
- Individual solutions for the highest demands
Our Philosophy
For us, terrarium keeping means more than glass boxes, technology and furnishings.
A good terrarium must not only look good, but above all function in the long term – with stable conditions and healthy plants and animals.
Our focus today is on:
- Replication of functioning, near-natural habitats
- Cleanly coordinated technology
- Individual, handcrafted quality work instead of mass-produced goods
The development of Rana
What began in the early 90s as a pure passion for breeding poison dart frogs has evolved over the years into a true art form. In over three decades, one thing has become clear to us: terrarium keeping is far more than just a glass box. The focus is not on the individual animal, but on the perfect interplay of habitat, plants, and meticulously coordinated technology.
Today, Rana no longer stands for mass-produced goods, but for individual, high-quality craftsmanship and naturalistic display terrariums that function long-term and meet the highest standards. Discover in our timeline how we developed from a hobby workshop to an international specialist company – step by step.
The development of Rana
What began in the early 90s as a pure passion for breeding poison dart frogs has evolved over the years into a true art form. In over three decades, one thing has become clear to us: terrarium keeping is far more than just a glass box. The focus is not on the individual animal, but on the perfect interplay of habitat, plants, and meticulously coordinated technology.
Today, Rana no longer stands for mass-produced goods, but for individual, high-quality craftsmanship and naturalistic display terrariums that function long-term and meet the highest standards. Discover in our timeline how we developed from a hobby workshop to an international specialist company – step by step.
From hobby to craft
- Ruud Schouten has been involved in terrarium keeping since 1979 and successfully breeds poison dart frogs.
- Construction of the first glass terrariums for personal use and later for other keepers → Starting point: Hobby terrarium keeping and functional glass terrariums
Founding of Rana
- Ruud starts his part-time self-employment
- Construction of classic glass terrariums and sale of offspring → Combination of animal breeding and terrarium construction
First location with workshop and breeding facilities
- Relocation to new location in Heerlen, Huskensweg 90
- Construction of the first workshop and breeding facility in the basement with over 150 terrariums
- Visiting trade fairs throughout Europe → Development into a permanent business and building the Rana brand
Full-time self-employment
- Rana's termination of her employment relationship in favor of full-time employment
- Expansion of the product range to include irrigation systems, lighting, feeder animals and other accessories
- Launch of the first information website KwekerijRana.nl → Expansion into a full-fledged terrarium specialist business
New impulses
- During a school internship, Johannes Cober gained his first experience at Rana and remained with the company throughout his school years and subsequent studies.
- The first planted and fully furnished terrariums are being created. → Beginning of the development towards specialization in show terrariums
New workshop and shop
- Construction of a new, larger workshop for production
- Expansion of the product range to include terrarium furniture, light boxes and complete systems
- Conversion of the old workshop into a shop with showroom and office
Online shop and internationalization
- Website relaunch under the new name Dutch-Rana.nl
- Launch of the first online shop
- Logo Redesign
Further specialization in terrarium plants
- Construction of a larger greenhouse
- Focus on orchids, bromeliads, tropical ferns, etc. suitable for terrariums.
- Plants will become another key component of the product range.
Expansion of online sales
- Major relaunch of the online shop dutch-rana.nl
- Johannes joins Rana-Terrarienbau.de full-time to handle sales in German-speaking countries.
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2022
From hobby to craft
- Reorientation of the product range with a stronger focus on terrarium construction, plants and accessories – animal sales take a back seat.
- Expansion of project business with a focus on high-quality show terrariums and facilities
Generational change and online shop relaunch
- Johannes succeeds Ruud in the company management.
- Merger of dutch-rana.nl and rana-terrarienbau.de to form Rana-Terraria.com
- Ruud will remain with the company in a production and advisory capacity.
Today & in the future
Rana Terraria represents the combination of decades of experience, modern technology and the passion to create extraordinary habitats.
From simple glass terrariums to complex, planted ecosystems, our development reflects the evolution of the entire field of terrarium keeping.
Today we develop terrariums not only for keeping animals –
but as complete, functioning habitats modeled on nature, which at the same time meet the highest aesthetic standards.
Consultation on custom-made terrariums
Are you planning a custom terrarium or do you have questions about its implementation? Then we would be happy to advise you personally.
