Overview

Providing proper heating for reptiles can be challenging, as there are several factors to consider when determining their specific needs. In this section, I’ll guide you through the different heating options available and offer practical tips for effectively warming enclosures and reptile rooms.

What type of heat do i need to give reptiles ?

It’s a common misconception that reptiles only need heat to metabolize, function, and stay healthy. While it’s true that reptiles are cold-blooded and rely on heat for their metabolism, not all heat is created equal. More specifically, the wavelengths of energy that provide heat play a crucial role. There are visible wavelengths that we can see and invisible ones that we cannot. The key types include UVA, UVB, UVC, IR-A, and IR-B, each produced by different sources of heat, as outlined below.

What types of heating can i use in my enclosures?

In 2024, we’re fortunate to have a thriving market offering various options and brands to heat an enclosure. Here’s a list of the most effective solutions available today.

• Heat Wires - These are ideal for smaller species and invertebrates. Essentially, they are heated wires that provide localized warmth. Heat wires are especially popular among ant keepers for maintaining the warmth of heat-loving colonies during cooler months.

• Heat Mats - Similar to heat wires, heat mats consist of a plastic sheet with an internal heating mesh. When paired with a thermostat, they are an excellent option for warming invertebrates and some reptiles. However, they do not emit UVA, which can be a limitation when used for reptiles.

• Ceramic Bulbs - Ceramic bulbs are a great way to maintain ambient temperatures in enclosures at night, especially if the room temperature drops significantly. However, they should not be the primary heat source during the day as they primarily provide surface-level heat, similar to heat mats.

• Halogen Bulbs - Halogen lamps are an innovative solution for reptile heating and lighting. There are various options available, such as reusable units from companies like Reptile Systems, and versatile models from Arcadia to meet different needs. These bulbs emit IR-A and UVA, making them a reliable choice for certain species.

• Tungsten Bulbs (Basking Bulbs) - These resemble the traditional light bulbs once used in homes before energy-efficient options were introduced. Tungsten bulbs are affordable and specifically designed for the exotic pet hobby. They allow animals to bask, simulating the warmth of the sun, while efficiently heating enclosures and emitting UVA.

• Deep Heat Projector Bulbs - A relatively new technology, these bulbs are highly effective for reptile heating. They penetrate deeply into tissue, supporting essential metabolic functions by emitting IR-A and IR-B. Since they don’t emit light, they must be paired with a light source and UVB fittings. While less commonly used due to their higher cost and additional lighting requirements, they offer unparalleled heating benefits.

• Mercury Vapor Lamps - These "all-in-one" lamps provide both UVB and infrared, making them excellent for basking reptiles. While more expensive than other options, they are particularly effective for species that require intense basking. However, they may not be ideal for reptiles that don't spend extended periods basking.

Heating methods to avoid

• Heat Rocks - These devices carry a significant risk of burning your animals, as they are known to become excessively hot. While some individuals report success using a thermostat (an absolute necessity with any heating solution), heat rocks often fail to regulate temperature evenly, making them unreliable. Use with caution and at your own risk. Additionally, heat rocks emit IR-C radiation, which only warms the animal's surface and does not effectively penetrate deeper to heat internal organs. This lack of internal warmth can hinder natural metabolic processes such as efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Heat Caves - Much like heat rocks, heat caves come with similar issues, including burn risks and uneven heat distribution. Their poor heat penetration can prevent animals from sensing when they are overheating. As a result, they may remain in the heated area for too long, increasing the likelihood of burns. Proceed with caution if choosing to use heat caves.

What are some trusted brands for Heating and lighting an enclosure?

Arcadia - An absolutely fantastic company, consistently at the forefront of innovation in developing and enhancing their products. Arcadia is owned by Monkfield, a prominent live food distributor. The majority of my bulbs are from Arcadia, and for good reason—they never fail to impress.

Zoo Med - Zoo Med is comparable to Arcadia in terms of quality but is based in the United States. They produce exceptional products for reptile and exotic animal keepers and are a trusted brand, even among zoos worldwide.

Pro Rep - Pro Rep is a reliable go-to option, especially if you're looking for budget-friendly products. From my experience, some of their bulbs may not last as long, but that could just be a coincidence. They’re great to have as spares for emergencies and still deliver decent performance for the price.

Exo Terra - A high-quality producer of reptile bulbs, Exo Terra is on the more expensive side. However, the price is well justified by the exceptional quality of their products. In my opinion, they are also one of the leading innovators in the industry.

Komodo - Komodo appears to be a smaller brand but offers solid, mid-range products with good build quality. They’re trusted by many, so you can’t go too far wrong if you choose them.

Reptile Systems - An excellent company known for adopting the Ferguson scale for their UV range, making it simple to determine the right product for your needs. They are frequently present at reptile and invert shows, showcasing their high-quality offerings. My personal favorite is their Eco Halogen range, which allows you to replace the halogen filament bulb without needing to purchase a whole new unit—hence the "Eco" in the name.

What bulbs to avoid?

I recommend avoiding anything that isn’t on the list above. The market is currently flooded with off-brand halogen bulbs, which may appear appealing due to their low price, but this often comes with significant drawbacks. I’ve fallen into this trap before—purchasing these cheaper options—only to end up throwing them away. Many of these companies cut corners and fail to meet basic safety standards. For instance, many inexpensive off-brand halogen bulbs lack UVC glass filters, which can be hazardous for your animals. Without proper filtration, harmful levels of UVC radiation can reach your animals' skin, leading to long-term health issues and unnecessary stress. Similarly, a lot of the cheap tungsten bulbs might seem like a bargain at first, but they often have an extremely short lifespan—sometimes lasting only a fraction of the time that high-quality bulbs typically do. Over time, this actually costs you more money than simply investing in a reliable, high-quality bulb from the start. Additionally, purchasing branded bulbs from reputable shops usually comes with added benefits, such as return policies or warranties. If the bulb doesn’t last the month, you’re often able to return it or get a replacement—something you won’t get with most off-brand products. In the long run, quality and safety are worth the investment.

What are the different wavelengths essential to reptiles?

UVA – This wavelength of light is visible to reptiles and plays a key role in regulating their behavior. It influences activities such as eating, drinking, and territorial behavior. While many bulbs claim to provide UVA, the truth is that most emit less than 1%. Unfortunately, this is often more of a marketing gimmick than a functional feature.

UVB – This is the most important part of the spectrum for reptiles as it enables the synthesis of vitamin D3, which is crucial for calcium absorption. Proper calcium absorption helps prevent many common diseases in reptiles, making UVB essential for their overall health.

UVC – Unlike UVA and UVB, UVC is not recommended for use in reptile bulbs. However, it’s worth mentioning, as some poorly made halogen bulbs, often imported from unregulated markets, may lack proper UVC filters. UVC exposure can harm your reptiles by damaging their cells. Always choose trusted, reputable brands that include highly effective UVC filters for safety. UVC is typically used in the medical field to kill bacteria but can have damaging effects on animals for the same reason.

IR-A – Also known as near-infrared, this deep-penetrating wavelength heats the internal organs of reptiles, ensuring their metabolism functions at peak efficiency.

IR-B – This wavelength doesn’t penetrate as deeply as IR-A but works in tandem with it to provide optimal health benefits to reptiles under a heat source.

Keeping extra stock

Personally, I always prefer to keep a specific stock of light bulbs on hand for my enclosures. It's simply a matter of being prepared for those unexpected moments when a bulb burns out. I recommend keeping at least one spare bulb for each animal's enclosure—ideally more, if possible. You never know when you might need a replacement, and there may be times when local pet shops don’t have what you need, or you simply don’t have time to make a trip. Staying prepared ensures the welfare and comfort of your animals at all times.

Full spectrum lighting fixtures.

This topic is relatively new to me as well, but I’ve come across a wealth of evidence supporting the use of specialized lighting to better mimic natural sunlight. These lights are often marketed as "full spectrum lights" or "full spectrum grow lights." However, the term "full spectrum" can be a bit misleading. Rather than covering the entirety of the light spectrum, these lights primarily emit parts of the visible spectrum along with some portions of the non-visible spectrum, which can vary depending on the specific light. The remaining parts of the non-visible spectrum emitted by natural sunlight can be supplemented using UVB bulbs and heat bulbs that provide UVA and infrared-A (IRA). When combined, these three types of lighting—full spectrum, UVB, and heat—create a well-balanced environment. This setup supports your animal’s ability to metabolize essential compounds, maintain a healthy immune system, and regulate their circadian rhythms. Additionally, if you have a bioactive planted terrarium, you’ll notice your plants thriving much more effectively with all three lighting types in place. This comprehensive lighting approach benefits both your animal and its habitat, creating a more natural and functional ecosystem.

Here are some reliable and trusted full-spectrum light units currently available on the market.

Temprature requirements and doing your own research. (Advanced)

Once you're confident in understanding the essential heating and lighting requirements for your animal, you can expand your knowledge by diving into scientific research. I recommend pursuing this after you feel comfortable with the foundational information provided by trusted sources. This approach allows you to build on the basics and uncover more specific, detailed requirements. Taking this step is a powerful way to contribute to improved welfare standards for exotic animals worldwide.

The following example illustrates the range of the Oriental Long-tailed Grass Lizard (Takydromus sexlineatus). I’ve highlighted five key points below to guide you through the next steps.

The following process is much simpler than the UVI index procedure, which I hope to simplify in the future. Begin by visiting the date and time website linked below. Locate your desired location, then navigate to the "Climate (Averages)" tab.

The final output is a graph displaying the average temperatures for each month. While this data may not reflect the exact location due to the absence of a weather station, it represents a nearby area within the same region, providing an accurate and relevant approximation.

You can repeat this process for all five locations and organize the data in an Excel spreadsheet for better visualization.

For your convenience, the locations and their corresponding closest weather stations are listed below:

DP1 - Kalay, Myanmar: Closest weather station - Mandalay, Myanmar

DP2 - Udon Thani, Thailand: Closest weather station - Nong Khai, Thailand

DP3 - Shenzhen, China: Closest weather station - Shenzhen Airport, China

DP4 - Glumbang, Indonesia: Closest weather station - Semarang, Indonesia (63 kilometers away)

DP5 - Surakarta, Indonesia: Closest weather station - Semarang, Indonesia (81 kilometers away)

Note: While there are five locations listed, the data effectively consolidates into four points. This is because two locations share the same closest weather station. However, both remain within the range of the animals being studied, so using these four consolidated data points is still valid and reliable.

Utilize this data as a guide to enhance your reptile husbandry by adjusting your thermostat settings each month to simulate the natural temperature variations in their habitat. On the first day of each month, set your thermostats to reflect the average maximum or minimum temperatures for both day and night cycles. Over the course of a year, this practice can encourage natural behaviors in your reptiles, ultimately improving their overall well-being. That said, there are additional factors to consider. For instance, think about the location of the weather station where the data was collected. Could man-made structures or other environmental influences affect the accuracy of the readings? These are factors you may not immediately notice without visiting the area yourself. Once you've accounted for these considerations, continue researching to refine your approach. These variables could significantly impact your results, so a deeper understanding will help you create an even more natural and supportive environment for your reptiles.

The future?

Are there future advancements to look forward to in this field? The short answer is yes. This hobby is still in its early stages, and over the past few years, it has surged in popularity, largely fueled by social media. As a result, there’s been a growing focus on innovation and development. Even in my own experience since starting in 2020, I’ve witnessed significant progress. Personally, I’m particularly excited about potential advancements in data-driven, web-connected thermostats that could control enclosure temperatures based on live or historical weather data from the real world.

One personal project I’d love to explore is designing a small lighting system that simulates moonlight based on actual lunar cycles. This system could replicate the luminosity and wavelengths of the moon, and it would be fascinating to study whether this has any measurable impact on animal behavior. Even small changes like this could potentially influence behaviors in reptiles—who knows what we might discover?

On a more concerning note, as we approach 2027, the bans on certain T5 and other types of lighting deemed hazardous (due to mercury content in their tubes) are becoming imminent. Hopefully, innovation in this area will lead to better, safer solutions and potentially even reconsideration of these bans. It’s vital that we find alternatives that maintain the effectiveness of these lighting systems while adhering to environmental standards.