Reptile heat mats are a popular heating option. We have a great range of reptile heat mats and heat strips below.
Under the category of heaters you have plenty of choices for your reptile terrarium. You will need to decide what option is best or if you want a couple of different heaters to help regulate the temperature. For example a ceramic lamp is used for basking, but you might also want to combine it with a heat mat to regulate the entire terrarium.
A reptile heat mat is meant to go underneath the substrate in the terrarium. The heat mat will heat the substrate like the sun does in a desert or other habitat. The heat mat is protected so that it will not get too hot for the reptile in any one area. It can also be used for humid terrariums, though there are special types of reptile heat mats for each type of habitat. Above all the heat mats are designed to offer safety to your pet reptile. Some of the heat mats can even be placed underneath the terrarium on the outside. Whether you use it inside or outside, it is going to have an even heat distribution. Bottom dwellers definitely prefer the heat mats because they are able to stay warm as they walk throughout the terrarium. The downside to reptile heat mats is that they are only good for glass terrariums or enclosures. You should not use them with mesh or wood vivarium set ups because of the heat they produce.
In the heat mat category for reptiles you have a desert mat and rain forest mat. These distinctions tell you which reptiles you will need to use the specific mat for. A humid climate like the rainforest should have the proper heating option, just like a desert reptile needs a different mat. In the rain forest there is more moisture and the sun is blocked by trees. It is often very warm in a rainforest with a lot of humidity. The high humid air heats up the soil and provides a different temperature. Typically in a rainforest terrarium you also have soil over rocks or other substrate, meaning you need a protective mat that gets through the dense soil.
All reptile heat mats will come in various sizes to help you heat the entire terrarium floor properly. There are different manufacturers of heat mats, and thus you may have to read about each one and their specific uses. You have heat strips that are longer and narrow.
When you use heat mats you may find the manufacturer does not include a thermostat with the product. You have to be able to regulate the temperature so that it is not too hot or cold. A thermostat will help in this endeavour. If the heat mat you purchase is unable to regulate the heat consider adding on the thermostat. Most manufacturers have thermostats that can work with the heat mats. You also have radiators that work like heat mats to help keep a pet reptile warm in its enclosure. Read the instructions carefully before you place your reptile in the enclosure.
