Heating For Your Reptile
There are many different ways of Heating your Reptiles Vivarium and maintaining correct temperature during the day or night. For your reptile to thrive these temperatures must be stable and controlled, usually be thermostats and accurate thermometers.
Reptiles and amphibians are ectotherms, or cold-blooded. A proper heating system is thus a very important factor of the natural terrarium set-up. Reptiles are able to regulate their body temperature partly through radiant heat from the sun, provided by the lighting system or the Heat Wave Lamp in terrarium conditions. In their natural biotope, reptiles also often use surfaces heated by the sun, like branches, rocks or the forest floor as a heat-conductor. The Heat Wave Rock and Heat Wave substrate heaters simulate these natural conditions by heating the rock or substrate of the terrarium, stimulating the natural thermo-regulating behaviour of reptiles.
All reptiles need an external source of heating in there Vivarium, there are several ways of doing this, depending on your Reptiles needs.
If you are considering keeping a Reptile, Amphibian or Tortoise it is vitally important to research and understand the natural environmental conditions of your particular species of pet to ensure proper care of the animal.
The following factors must be taken into consideration when looking to purchase a Vivarium or Terrarium for your Reptile, Amphibian or Tortoise.
Substrate Heaters like Exo terra Heat Wave Matt's and Exo Terra Heat Wave Rocks are ideal, Thermostats are necessary to maintain correct temperature for day and night and also to create a temperature gradient in the Vivarium, Use accurate thermometers to monitor this.
Basking Spot Lamps to provide heat to specific areas of the vivarium such as Exo-Terra Heat Glo Lamps.
Heat Rocks
Although Heat Rocks have a rocky reputation for burning animals these Heat Rocks from Exo terra are very reliable and have a built in thermo regulator. We have had no returns on these products and use them ourselves to great effect.
The Heat Wave Rock simulates a stone heated by the sun (in nature, even after sunset, stones maintain some heat for several hours). Various reptiles, including nocturnal, use this form of conductive heat for thermoregulation which is important for metabolism and digestion.
- Easy to clean
- Natural look
- Promotes natural behaviour
- Facilitates digestion
- Electronically-controlled heating element
- Even heat distribution
- Fully-encased element
- Energy efficient
The Heat Wave Rock automatically shuts off when a certain surface temperature is reached to prevent burns or overheating. The fully-encased electronically controlled heating element covers the stone, prevent hot spots.
The special thermal conductive resin is waterproof, non-toxic, easy to clean and ensures an even heat distribution. Natural looking Heat Wave Rocks are available in three sizes and are easy to integrate in any Vivarium set-up; humid or dry.
Heat Mat
The Desert substrate heater simulates heated sand beds by the sun in deserts. The amount of hours a day and the strength of the sun in these regions can generate extreme hot surfaces. The substrate is dry and does not increase the air humidity as seen in rainforests or tropical areas. The power of the Heat Wave Desert Heat Mat is designed to safely create these conditions in the Vivarium.
- Ideal for dry or desert Vivariums
- For under tank mounting
- Conductive heat source for reptiles and arachnids
- Helps in thermoregulating - important for metabolism, digestion, appetite and activity
- Safe, even heat distribution
Perfect for bottom dwellers when mounted under the terrarium.
Perfect for tree bottom reptiles when mounted on the back or the sides of the terrarium.
Exo Terra Heat Wave Rainforest Heat Mat
The Rainforest substrate heater simulates a heated forest floor of tropical areas. The sun is often blocked by trees and clear skies are alternated by cloudy conditions in tropical areas or rainforests. Heavy rainfall keeps the soil often moist what results in a high air humidity, especially when the sun breaks through the clouds and heats up the moist soil. Because of the climatological conditions, the soil or substrate never heat up to the extreme like in desert environments. The power of the Heat Wave Rainforest Heat Mat is designed to create these conditions in the terrarium.
- Ideal for humid or rainforest terrariums
- For under tank or tank wall mounting
- Conductive heat source for reptiles, arachnids and amphibians
- Helps in thermoregulating - important for metabolism, digestion, appetite and activity
- Safe, even heat distribution
- 20 x 20cm
26 x 28cm
28 x 43cm
Other Items Required
A Mat Stat or similar thermostat is recommended for heat mats
ExoTerra Heat Glo Bulbs
The bulb emits infrared heat waves and is a typical heating lamp. The spot lamp has a special build-in reflector to direct the heat in any direction required. The red glass transmits Infrared waves produced by the special filament of the bulb. The reddish light will not disrupt normal activity during night or day, which makes it an excellent 24 hours heat source.
- Increases the overall air temperature in the terrarium
- Provides heat, essential for activity and digestion
- Emits infrared heat waves
- Excellent 24 hours radiant heat source
- Will not disrupt normal activity cycle
- Ideal for nocturnal viewing
- Can be combined with Repti Glo or Sun Glo for a 24-hour cycle
Exo Terra Sunglo Spot Lamp
A broad-spectrum daylight spot lamp with a Neodymium sleeve. The spectrum is ideal for plant's photosynthesis and the UVA (ultraviolet A) light contributes to reptiles' physiological well-being. The spot allows one to direct the heat and light in a certain direction to create basking sites in the terrarium.
- Broad-spectrum daylight spot lamp for Vivariums
- Creates a basking area for thermoregulation
- Increases ambient air temperature
- Stimulates breeding behavior through UVA rays
- Can be combined with Night Glo or Heat Glo for a 24 hours cycle
Exo Terra Heatwave Lamp Ceramic Heat Emitter
The Exo Terra Heat Wave Lamp is a radiant heat source which creates a natural sun-like heat with a uniform pattern. The long wave infrared heat produced by this emitter will warm reptiles very efficiently. It also increases the ambient air-temperature in the terrarium. Infrared heat penetrates the scales and skin tissue, promoting health and healing as it widens the blood vessels and increases blood circulation. The Heat Wave Lamp is to be used only with the specially designed Exo Terra Wire Light.
- Innovative design, 99% heat efficiency
- Emits a natural "sun-like" infrared heat
- No light emitted, does not disturb normal photo periods (day/night)
- Solid ceramic element, suitable for humid environments
Power Sun Uv & Uvb Mercury Vapour Bulb
Zoo Med PowerSun UV is a self-ballasted mercury vapor bulb with two main components. The first is a standard incandescent filament, which is the first to light. The second is a mercury vapor arc tube, which takes a few minutes to heat up. There will be a noticeable change in hue (or color) when the bulb is completely warm and fully functioning. Because the PowerSun UV is a self- ballasted bulb it can be used in any ceramic socket that is rated to handle the wattage.
Zoo Med PowerSun UV has nickel-plated threads to ensure that it will not corrode in humid reptile habitats. This new bulb also incorporates a short neck design, unique among mercury vapor lamps, that allows it to better fit into "clamp lamp" type fixtures. PowerSun UV projects useable UVB radiation a far greater distance (up to 6 feet) than conventional fluorescent tubes.
PowerSun UV projects useable UVB radiation a far greater distance (up to 6 feet) than conventional fluorescent tubes. This makes it ideal for large enclosures and reptiles with high UV demands. PowerSun UV has all of the benefits of our award winning ReptiSun bulbs with the added benefit of increased intensity (50µW/cm2 UVB!!) and heat. UVB radiation has always been the safest, most effective way to ensure proper levels of vitamin D3 in captive reptiles and the PowerSun UV will continue to emit significant levels of UVB for all of its 10,000-hour average life (over 2 years with normal use.)
CAUTION:
1.) These bulbs get EXTREMELY hot and can kill your reptiles if used on enclosures that are too small.
2.) We do not recommend the use of this bulb with 10 gallon aquariums.
3.) We strongly recommend the use of a high quality "high range" thermometer when using this light.
Reptile One Low Voltage Fan Heat Light
Introducing the latest innovation in reptile lighting, the “Low Voltage Fan Heat Light” provides UVA/UVB output, heat and light to help care for your precious reptiles. The unit incorporates the latest “Cool-to-Touch” exterior metal casing technology that ensures no matter how long the unit has been switched on, the outer casing remains
“Cool to Touch”. The in-built fan helps to prolong the life of the bulb by keeping it cooler, at the same time, provides convection currents of warm air that create temperature gradients throughout the environment. The lamp also provides a highly directional beam of light over an intended basking site giving your reptiles a spot to get warmed up. Flexible installation means you can install it as a free standing unit over a wire mesh or mounted securely inside your enclosure.
Reptile One Heat Rocks
The new innovative “Heated Hide Rock” is the ideal accessory for any vivarium! It is the perfect under body heat source when your reptile is sitting on top of the rock and it also provides atmospheric warmth when hiding inside the rock. During those cold winter nights, your reptiles will simply LOVE hiding inside this warm “bedroom”! The elevated height of the rock also acts as the perfect basking spot during the day for your reptiles. The natural sand coating on the rock makes it look so real that your reptiles will be none the wiser and think it’s just a natural piece of warm rock!
Heat Stumps
The Low Voltage Heat Stump offers a warm, elevated basking point that is both decorative and functional. Providing a warm basking spot aids with digestion and allows reptiles to regulate their temperature.The stump also features shaded areas where your reptile can rest in comfort. Most reptiles do not like being exposed out in the open so this heat stump provides the perfect resting spot where they can be “hidden” under the fern leaf, making them feel safe and happy!
Exo Terra Solar Glo Mercury Vapour Bulb
The Exo Terra Solar Glo Sun Simulating Lamp is the solution to one of the most important aspects of keeping reptiles and amphibians, providing the benefits of natural sunlight. The proper balance of ultraviolet light (including UVA and UVB), visual light and infrared light (heat) in one easy-to-install bulb makes the Exo Terra Solar Glo the choice of professional breeders. The Solar Glo is a full spectrum light with carefully tuned peaks to ensure appetite, activity, brilliant colours, and calcium absorption through Vitamin D3 production, and above all to prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Optimal levels of UVB, UVA, visual light and heat in one bulb
- Self-ballasted mercury vapour bulb
- Provides the benefits of natural sunlight
- Helps prevent metabolic bone disease
- Increased UVB penetration distance (+30 cm)
The Exo Terra Solar Glo is available in two wattages, 125 W and 160 W. Exo Terra refrained from developing lower wattages as lower wattages simply do not generate enough heat for these self-ballasted bulbs to work properly, making them unstable and unreliable.
