Keeping your pets happy and healthy is a top priority, so it's important to find the right equipment to help make their environment safe. Proper reptile care requires a heat source so that your cold-blooded pets can stay warm throughout the day. For this reason, heat mats are a must-have. But how do you choose the right one?
This article will talk you through everything you need to know, from wattage to sizing and placement. Plus we've got details on thermostats, temperature requirements, cold hides and more. If you're still not sure, take a look through our list of the 10 best reptile heat mats currently available through Amazon.
Quick List - Top Heat Mats for Reptiles
Grenebo
A Larger Waterproof Mat With a Thermostat Connected to a Long Power Cord
Habistat
A Wide Range of Wattage and Sizing Options Ranging up to 60W for Larger Tanks
Finest-Filters
Grab a Bargain With This Top-Quality Mat in a Range of Sizes
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Table of Contents
The first thing you'll notice on your hunt for a reptile heat mat is the variety of different wattages available. Standard heat mats tend to range from 4W to 24W, but some extra-large models even go as high as 60W. The wattage correlates with the size of the mat and it will determine how hot it can get as well as how fast it heats up.
If the wattage is too high, you can risk overheating, leading to dehydration and infection. If it is too low, your reptile may become sluggish from the cold and develop movement and digestion issues. The correct wattage will depend on the size of your tank.
10-gallon tanks are best suited to a 4W mat, while larger 50-gallon tanks will need a 24W version. As a general rule, you should add around 5 watts for every 10 gallons. It's rare that you'll require anything above 24W, but if your tank is much larger than 50 gallons, you will need to size up appropriately.
Choose the best terrarium to keep them comfortable.
It's also useful to check the temperature range on your heat mat. Most domestic reptiles require temperatures of around 20 to 35°C, but the exact requirements vary from species to species. It's always best to check with your vet to ensure you're keeping your tank at the right temperature.
Some heat mats have an inbuilt thermostat so you can monitor the heat and turn it up or down when needed. This is a critical part of any terrarium setup, and you will need to buy a thermostat separately if your heat mat does not already have one. Looking for a mat with an inbuilt thermostat will streamline your setup and cut down on extra equipment costs.
Try your hand at fishkeeping with a tropical aquarium.
As we've already learned, the size of the mat normally correlates with the wattage. However, it's still important to check the dimensions against the tank to determine if the size and shape will be appropriate. Depending on the species, some reptiles require a cool hide where they can shelter away from the heat from time to time. So, you may need to look for a heat mat that only takes up part of the floor.
Alternatively, many mats allow wall mounting, which spreads heat throughout the tank without the need for direct contact. Placing the heat mat under the tank also limits direct contact, allowing the heat to rise up through your pet's living space without wasting energy on heating the air above them. Under-tank heating is by far the most popular choice thanks to its efficiency and safety benefits.
Find a sturdy sideboard for a safer setup.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AIICIOO Reptile Heat Mat | ![]() | An Under-Tank Mat With Wall Mounting Options and an Accompanying Thermostat | |
2 | Grenebo Waterproof Heat Mat for Reptiles | ![]() | A Larger Waterproof Mat With a Thermostat Connected to a Long Power Cord | |
3 | Habistat Heat Mat - Carbon Impregnated Cloth | ![]() | A Wide Range of Wattage and Sizing Options Ranging up to 60W for Larger Tanks | |
4 | Finest-Filters Reptile Vivarium Heat Mats | ![]() | Grab a Bargain With This Top-Quality Mat in a Range of Sizes | |
5 | Cihely Reptile Heating Mat | ![]() | A Variable Temperature Range of 0-35℃ to Allow You to Stimulate Natural Environments | |
6 | JoeRita Tortoise Heat Mat Reptile | ![]() | An Energy-Efficient Mat With a Wide Range of Temperature Settings From 0 to 40℃ | |
7 | NEKOSUKI Reptile Heating Pad with Temperature Adjustment | ![]() | Get Even Heat Distribution Through a Network of Conductive Wires in a Honeycomb Pattern | |
8 | NEKOSUKI Reptile Heating Mat | ![]() | Keep Your Tank Even Warmer With Temperature Options Ranging up to 54℃ | |
9 | bluesees Reptile Heat Mat | ![]() | Pair This 5-Watt Mat With a Thermostat for Heating Smaller Tanks | |
10 | NEKOSUKI Reptile Heating Mat | ![]() | A Camouflage Mat With USB Cord for Use With Various Power Sources |
This mat comes in two sizes with a choice of 8 or 16 watts. The temperature can be set anywhere in the 20 to 42℃ range, meaning that you'll be able to perfectly control your pet's environment.
The mat can be mounted on the wall of the tank or placed underneath for efficient heat distribution. Suitable for both newer and experienced reptile owners, it comes with a thermostat but there is an option to buy the mat on its own if you already own one.
If you'd prefer something larger, this 20-watt mat measures over 50 cm in length, making it perfect for more spacious tanks. The 20-42°C adjustable temperature range is still ideal for most reptiles, and the included thermometer will help to keep an eye on their habitat.
It comes with the longest power cord on our list, at 1.76 m, so it's a great option if your terrarium is a little further away from the plug socket. As the waterproof material is completely flexible, you can roll away the mat for easy storage or transportation.
With wattages up to 60W, this is the ideal choice if you have a larger tank or you want to heat multiple tanks in one area. In fact, the largest option could be used for tanks up to 130 gallons.
This model also offers a great range of sizes and wattages. The 7 different choices are ideal for under-tank heating in terrariums from 10 to 100 gallons. With a 1.3-metre cord, you won't have to worry about taut wires causing safety hazards.
It's the cheapest mat on our list, at just a fraction of the price of some of the other products. The bargain price of this product has made it one of Amazon's bestsellers. Plus, the quality is just as impressive as some of the more expensive mats on the market.
Wattages from 5 to 20 should be sufficient for most home setups. The 0-35℃ temperature range for these mats is perfect for a wide range of reptiles, and it offers you the ability to drop the temperature down in the evenings to simulate the day and night temperatures that would be experienced in the wild.
The ability to mount this mat on the wall of the tank makes it ideal for reptiles who need cool hiding spaces. And if your pet enjoys burrowing, having a mat on the wall rather than the floor will ensure they never get too close to the heat.
This PVC mat boasts a high energy efficiency rating, so if you're conscious of energy consumption, this is the product for you. With temperatures from 0 to 40℃, you'll have a wide window of control to cater to your pet's needs.
Unfortunately, there is only one wattage and sizing option available for this mat. It's 14W and measures 28 x 28 cm, but if this won't be suitable for your tank, you will need to choose another product.
With 4 different wattage and sizing options, you should be able to equip most standard tanks with this mat. The heat is distributed via conductive wires in a honeycomb pattern to ensure even heat distribution throughout the mat.
Although the inbuilt temperature dial on the power cord will let you vary the mat's heat output, there is no thermostat to confirm the exact figure. You will need to purchase a thermostat separately, but the combined cost shouldn't be too much higher than a mat that comes with one included.
This mat comes in 5 and 7-watt options with a temperature range which reaches all the way up to 54℃. It's one of the hottest mats on our list so it's ideal for pets who need a little extra heat.
The length of the power cord has not been specified for this mat. If your tank is significantly far away from the power outlet, there is a risk that it won't cover the distance. The issue is easily fixed with an extension cord, but that may add a little to the overall cost.
For smaller tanks, a 5-watt mat will be more than sufficient. This 15 x 18 cm option can be mounted on the wall or under the tank depending on your preference. The PVC coating makes it splashproof and easy to clean.
The temperature range for this mat only runs from 0-35 degrees, so we'd recommend looking elsewhere if your pet requires a warmer habitat. Nonetheless, it's still an ideal heat source for many desert and tropical species of reptiles, amphibians and arachnids.
This camouflage pattern is a great option if you want to make the mat blend in with the other terrarium decor. It can be hung on the wall if you prefer, but we'd recommend under-tank heating to keep visibility at a minimum and improve the efficiency of heat distribution.
Because this mat is powered by a 2-amp USB plug rather than a standard 3-pin, the wattage will be determined by the power source you choose. This means you won't know how fast it will heat up or how hot it will get until you try it with your setup. The only guarantee is that with a high-quality USB to 3-pin adapter, you will be able to achieve temperatures of 25-40°C.
No. 1: AIICIOO|Reptile Heat Mat
No. 2: Grenebo|Waterproof Heat Mat for Reptiles
No. 3: Habistat|Heat Mat - Carbon Impregnated Cloth
No. 4: Finest-Filters|Reptile Vivarium Heat Mats
No. 5: Cihely|Reptile Heating Mat
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