Reptile heating has become a complicated matter due to the vast array of heating devices available.  If you find this aspect of reptile husbandry confusing read on, if you don’t, read on anyway…you may learn something new!

Heating – All reptiles are ectothermic.  Therefore, they require an outside source of heat to maintain their metabolism at a rate high enough to support their immune system, digestion, growth, and reproduction.  The precise temperature required varies from one species to the next.   How should this heat be provided?

Heat Lights - Lights are the most common source of heat.  Two basic options are available: 1) basking lights, 2) nocturnal heat lights:

Basking lights are available in two types.  Flood – providing a diffused heat source, and spot – providing a more localized hot spot.  Both types are bright and should only be used for daytime heat.  Leaving a bright light on for more than 12 hours may be very stressful for your reptile. 

Nocturnal heat lights are typically red or dark purple in colour.  These lights provide a nighttime source of heat without the bright light of a basking light.  Nocturnal heat lights can be used as a 24 hour source of heat.  However, they do give off a dim red or purple glow. 

You can use a combination of basking and nocturnal heat lights to keep your reptile healthy or you can simply use the nocturnal light.  Providing a daytime basking light in combination with the nocturnal light does offer some benefits for lizards and snakes that are typically active during the day.  Specifically, these reptiles will be more visible and active when the basking light is used to elevate the daytime temperature.

Heat pads, ceramic heat emitters, and heating cables – Depending upon your set-up these heat sources may not be efficient.

Heat pads and heat cables will heat a portion of the bottom of an enclosure but they will not be effective methods of heating the air.  Reptiles with minimal heat requirements such as leopard geckos and rat snakes may do well with these heat sources.  For climbing reptiles and reptiles with high temperature requirements, heat pads and cables are not very effective as a sole source of heat. 

Heat pads and heat cables should be used as a supplemental heat source in combination with a daytime basking light.  The basking light should be set up to heat an area at the opposite end of the tank from the heat pad.  Placing the heat light directly above the heat pad may create an area that is too hot for your reptile to endure.  The advantage of heat pads and heat cable is the lack of light.  Providing a truly dark nighttime is beneficial, especially for nocturnal animals. 

Ceramic heat emitters also provide heat without light; however, they work best when installed in wooden enclosures rather than enclosures with screen tops.  The heat radiates from these emitters and does not project as far down as it does in the case of heat lights.  In summary, you can use lights, heat pads, heat cable, or ceramic heat emitters to provide your reptile with the heat it needs.  Which one you use depends upon the type of reptile you have and the enclosure it’s in.  Happy heating!