Reptiles make wonderful and exciting pets, but there are lots of things you must take into consideration when looking after them. This includes factors like the size and shape of their tank, the food they need, whether they need access to a water pool and how likely they are to try and escape. One of the most important things to consider as a reptile owner is the tank heating of your pet’s home. Heat is vital to the well-being of most reptiles and amphibians, whether they need a constant high temperature or just a little boost every now and again. So the best reptile heater is something worth investing in.
Heating pads are an excellent way to ensure your pet is kept warm and comfortable all the time. However, with so many different types of reptile heaters out there, it can be difficult to know what to look for and which one to buy.
Fortunately for you, we have compiled a buying guide that shows you what to look for in the best reptile heater and how to install one. We’ve even included some of our top picks out there on the market today.
So, if you’re ready to make your reptile’s house a home, keep reading on.
Best Reptile Heater Pads – Comparison Table
| Image | Product Name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 2) Aiicioo 16 Watt Under Tank Heater Thermostat | Packed with digital thermostat and under tank heater Upgraded adhesive material Reptile heat mat with thermostat optional mounting | 4.4 out of 5 |
| 3) Aiicioo 8 Watt Under Tank Heater Thermostat | Upgraded adhesive material Durable construction Rubber feet enclosed | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 4) Tikaton Reptile Heat Pad | Temperature can be adjusted manually Made of high quality PVC material Uses 8 watts of electricity and costs only pennies a day | 4.4 out of 5 |
| 5) Zacro Reptile Heat Pad | Made of high quality PVC material Powerful function High-quality heating wire heating | 4.4 out of 5 |
 | 6) Pet Supply Zoo Med Reptitherm Undertank Heater | Mat is waterproof Easy to wipe clean No risk of the glass cracking | 4.6 out of 5 |
| 7) iPower Reptile Heat Pad | New PTC heating material and insulation 3M adhesive paper Excellent Protective Performance | 4.5 out of 5 |
| 8) Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mat | Ideal heat source for desert and tropical reptiles Energy-efficient without wires Helps reptiles regulate body temperature | 4.5 out of 5 |
Best Reptile Heater Lamps – Comparison Table
| Image | Product Name | Features | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3) REPTI ZOO Dual Reptile Light Fixture | Dual lamp cap integration design Solid and heat-resistant ceramics lamp cap Two independent switch power lines for easy control | 4.6 out of 5 |
| 4) Simple Deluxe 150W Reptile Heat Bulb Set | Perfect 24h heat source Multifunctional clamp light 1-pack 150W ceramic heat bulb, 1-pack digital thermostat | 4.4 out of 5 |
Things To Look For In The Best Reptile Heater
There are a few things to look for a in the best reptile heater to make sure you are getting the right one for your pet and their tank.
Size
First and foremost, the size of the terrarium heater is important. Whether you’re looking to purchase a heating pad or heating lamp, you want one that is big enough to do the job, but doesn’t take up too much space or give off too much heat.
You should also take into consideration where you are going to place the pad or lamp in your home, and ensure you have space for it.
Wattage
The wattage of the lamp or pad determines how hot it gets. You should always ensure you get a heater with the correct amount of wattage for how much heat your pet requires.
Price
Some reptile heaters can be expensive. Usually they fall in the price bracket of between $20 and $40, but some can be more expensive. Even if you are looking for something cheap, ensure you meet all the needs of your pet before buying.
How To Install A Reptile Heater
Installing a reptile heater should not be complicated. First of all, you need to find the perfect position for the heater. Many heating pads are designed to go underneath reptile tanks or terrariums, but some can also be stuck to the side of the tank. Heating lamps are placed over the top of the tank.
Once you have positioned your heater and checked it works and that it is at the perfect temperature, there isn’t much else to do. While heaters don’t require a thermostat to run, it’s a good idea to ensure every now and again that the heater is performing at the right temperature, so you know your reptile is comfortable.
Now you know what to look for in a reptile heater and how to install one, take a look below at the best heater pads and best heater lamps we recommend. These are all available to you on Amazon.
The Best Reptile Heaters — Reviews
Reptile Heater Pads
2) Aiicioo 16 Watt Under Tank Heater Thermostat
This under tank heater from Aiicioo is a 16 watt heater that provides your reptile gentle and constant warmth 24 hours a day, while also monitoring and controlling the temperature all the time with adjustable temperature control.
With this pad you also get a thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature from 68-108°F, and the pad itself is easy to install, either underneath the tank or on the side. The adhesive material is durable and will not melt or separate, and the entire pad provides uniform heating so your pet is kept warm.
The heater measures 8” x 12” in size and is waterproof. It is easy to set up — it simply needs to be placed, plugged in and then adjusted to the right temperature. What’s more, the temperature probe ensures you’ll always get an accurate reading.
Key Features:
- Packed with digital thermostat and under tank heater
- Upgraded adhesive material
- Reptile heat mat with thermostat optional mounting
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
3) Aiicioo 8 Watt Under Tank Heater Thermostat
Another under tank heater from Aiicioo, this heating pad is very similar to the one above, except it is an 8 watt heater. It is of the same size — 8” x 6” — and provides an ideal 24-hour primary or secondary heat source for tropical or temperature reptilian species. It’s also great for amphibians, other small animals, or plant terrariums.
The heat mat can be mounted either on the side or the bottom of your terrarium. The adhesive material is, again, durable and will not melt or separate and your pet will receive uniform heating across the whole of the pad.
This 8 watt pad doesn’t come with a thermostat, but has a heat resistance from 90 ℉ to 100 ℉. Its durable and waterproof construction also means that it is easy to wipe clean, and you don’t need to worry about it getting wet.
Key Features:
- Upgraded adhesive material
- Durable construction
- Rubber feet enclosed
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) Tikaton Reptile Heat Pad
The Tikaton reptile heating pad can be placed either underneath the tank or attached to the side and measures 6” x 8”. It is an 8 watt heater that uses a solid state nichrome heating element, offering high quality heating and a stable performance, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of the pad.
Using low energy to operate, the heater is made of high quality PVC material and has a soft surface that is flexible and can be folded. It is also waterproof and easy to clean. The double-sided tape that is used to attach the pad is also strong and durable.
Great for a range of reptiles, amphibians and arachnids, this heater has a large temperature range that can be manually adjusted, but operates best at a room temperature of about 68-86°F in winter and less than 113°F in summer. It also comes in two other sizes.
Key Features:
- Temperature can be adjusted manually
- Made of high quality PVC material
- Uses 8 watts of electricity and costs only pennies a day
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
5) Zacro Reptile Heat Pad
This heat pad from Zacro is similar to the Tikaton heat pad. It has a wattage of 8 watts and a size of 6” x 8”. It is made of high quality PVC material, ensuring it is durable but also meaning it is flexible and waterproof for any type of tank. This also ensures it is easy to clean.
The heater has high quality heating wire inside that offers uniform warmth across the whole pad, so you can be sure your pet is kept at the optimal temperature without ever disturbing them. The pad uses low energy to operate and has a long service life.
Like the others on this list, this heater mat can be either attached to the side of the tank or underneath. While it doesn’t have the means to adjust the temperature, it provides constant warmth and should never get too hot to cause damage. The heat cable length is 5.9ft, giving you plenty of room to manoeuvre it.
Key Features:
- Made of high quality PVC material
- Powerful function
- High-quality heating wire heating
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6) Pet Supply Zoo Med Reptitherm Undertank Heater
The Pet Supply Zoo Med under tank heater is a 24 hour primary or secondary heat source for tropical or temperate reptiles. Like the others on this list, you can place this heater under the tank or on the side of the tank and is adheres premaritally for uniform heating.
The heating pad contains a solid state nichrome heating element that can be used in conjunction with a thermostat to set the correct temperature for your pet. Users report that this mat heats fully in around 10 minutes, and there is no risk of the glass cracking or the mat melting. The mat is waterproof too, making it great for a range of tanks and also easy to wipe clean.
What’s more, you can buy this heat pack in multi-packs, great if you have a very large tank or more than one reptile.
Key Features:
- Mat is waterproof
- Easy to wipe clean
- No risk of the glass cracking
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
7) iPower Reptile Heat Pad
This reptile heat mat from iPower is longer than some of the others in our list, measuring 8 x 18 inches. It operates at 24 watts and is great for use with many different types of tanks.
With a waterproof and moisture proof design, this pad is very durable and will last you a long time. Inside, it has a PTC heating material and insulation that increases the overall heat transfer across the mat. This means that you can reach the desired temperature within few minutes and save energy. At room temperature 68°F (20°C), the surface temperature of the heat pad is about 83°F (28.3°C).
Perfect for placing either under the tank or on the side, the 3M adhesive paper provides a strong stick to the contact area of the terrarium for optimum heat transfer, without the risk of melting.
This heating pad also comes in a range of other sizes.
Key Features:
- New PTC heating material and insulation
- 3M adhesive paper
- Excellent Protective Performance
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
8) Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mat
This reptile terrarium heating mat from Zilla is a 16 watt mat that measures 8 x 14 inches. Easy to use, it can be mounted either to the side of a terrarium or underneath and is the perfect heat source for reptiles, amphibians and arachnids.
Inside, the carbon fiber radiates uniform heating without hot spots and is energy-efficient without wires that will pinch or break. This pad regulates itself to a maximum safe temperature of 113°F without a sensitive thermal switch which can fail causing overheating. What’s more, this heater is waterproof and can is durable, lasting you a long time.
Key Features:
- Ideal heat source for desert and tropical reptiles
- Energy-efficient without wires
- Helps reptiles regulate body temperature
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Reptile Heater Lamps
3) REPTI ZOO Dual Reptile Light Fixture
This light fixture is a dual lamp cap design, made of solid and heat-resistant ceramic that can bear a bulb of 150 watts each. While again this light fixture doesn’t come with a bulb, it is the perfect kit for ensuring long time use of the bulb and maximum heating potential.
The top of the lamp has radiating and ventilating holes to guarantee good heat dissipation effect and to extend the life of the lamp in the fixture. The lamp is easy to install on top of a tank and there are two independent switch power lines for easy control of each bulb separately.
What’s more, there is a temperature warning label that will turn red when the temperature of the dual lamp fixture exceeds safety value.
Key Features:
- Dual lamp cap integration design
- Solid and heat-resistant ceramics lamp cap
- Two independent switch power lines for easy control
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4) Simple Deluxe 150W Reptile Heat Bulb Set
The heat bulb set from Simple Deluxe comes with a 8.5 inch clamp dome, a digital thermostat and a 150W ceramic heat bulb, making this the perfect starter kit for pet owners. Great for reptile and amphibian terrariums, this heating lamp gives a 24 hour heat source without emitting any visually detectable light, so it will not disturb your pets sleep.
The dome clamps easily to any tank and will not leave any scratches or marks. It has 360 degree adjustment for perfect angling and the aluminum reflector will ensure you get the most out of your bulb.
There is a convenient on/off switch and the thermostat allows you to set the temperature to the perfect heat for your reptile.
Key Features:
- Perfect 24h heat source
- Multifunctional clamp light
- 1-pack 150W ceramic heat bulb, 1-pack digital thermostat
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Summary
Ensuring your reptile is warm and comfortable is very important, and the best reptile heater above or below their tank should always be used. Whether you’re housing a small or large pet and whether they need constant heating or just from time to time, we know you’ll find the heater for your reptile tank in our list above. Always ensure you check the size and wattage of the heater before purchasing. Which one do you think you’ll go for?