Reptile Heating & Lighting: Thermostats, UVB, Heaters & Timers
Reptiles are ectothermic — they rely on their environment to regulate body temperature. Proper reptile heating and lighting is not optional: the right basking temperatures, UVB lighting for the species that need it, and a quality reptile thermostat are what keep your animal healthy.
Thermostats
Every heat source must be controlled by a thermostat. Unregulated heaters are the most common cause of burns and overheating.
- Proportional Thermostat with Day/Night – smoothly adjusts power and drops temperatures at night for a natural cycle
- Dimming Thermostat – gently dims heat lamps and deep heat projectors to hold a set temperature
- On/Off Thermostat – a simple, reliable option for heat mats and ceramic heat emitters
UVB Tubes and Fixtures
UVB lighting enables vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism in diurnal species such as bearded dragons, chameleons, and uromastyx.
- T5 HO UVB 12% Tube – 34 in – high-output UVB for desert species in tall enclosures
- T5 HO UVB 6% Tube – 22 in – moderate UVB for tropical and partial-sun species
- T8 UVB 5% Tube – 18 in – gentle UVB for shade-dwelling species
- T5 HO Reflector Fixture – 22 in – polished reflector that maximizes usable UVB output
- T5 HO Reflector Fixture – 34 in – full-length fixture for larger enclosures
Heat Sources
Choose the heat source that fits your species’ needs — radiant heat for basking, deep-penetrating heat for steady warmth.
- Deep Heat Projector – 80 W – infrared heat that warms the animal, not just the air
- Ceramic Heat Emitter – 100 W – 24-hour heat with no light, ideal for nighttime use
- Ceramic Heat Emitter – 150 W – higher output for larger enclosures
- Under-Tank Heat Mat – Small (8 W) – gentle belly heat for small enclosures
- Under-Tank Heat Mat – Large (24 W) – belly heat for larger tanks
Basking and Lamps
- Halogen Basking Flood Bulb – 50 W – focused basking heat for smaller enclosures
- Halogen Basking Flood Bulb – 100 W – stronger basking spot for larger setups
- Deep Dome Lamp Fixture – 8.5 in – deep reflector dome that directs heat and light downward
Controls
- Digital Dual-Outlet Lighting Timer – automates day/night light cycles across two outlets
Pair every heater with a thermostat, and replace UVB tubes on the manufacturer’s schedule — UVB output fades long before the tube burns out.