Heating & lighting options for your herp and their habitat

There are a lot of heating and lighting options. The key is to have the right system for your particular reptile or amphibian.
Lighting is critical because it regulates the sleep cycle as well as provides health benefits. Heat is also important because it maintains body temperature and aids digestion—reptiles and amphibians are ectotherms, which means they obtain heat from outside sources.
The best advice is to research heating and lighting requirements, as each species differs in temperature, duration, etc.

Aquatic/Semi-Aquatic

• Under-tank heating pad, or a submersible heater with cage, to prevent pet from being burned.
• Heat-emitting basking light or overhead heater.
• Full-spectrum UVB lighting for general viewing and critical formation of a chemical that ultimately is transformed into vitamin D3, for the proper metabolization of calcium in the body.

NOTE: Snakes, Common Snapping Turtles and other aquatic turtles, and nocturnal lizards (e.g., Leopard Geckos) are able to obtain D3 from their food, provided they are fed calcium in their diet; however, adding a UVB bulb may be considered as added insurance.

Woodland

• Heat-emitting basking light or overhead heater.
• Full-spectrum fluorescent light for general viewing

NOTE: If you’re housing only amphibians, fluorescent full-spectrum lighting may be all you need.

Desert

• Under-tank heating pad
• Heat-emitting basking light or overhead heater.
• Full-spectrum UVB lighting
• Small ventilation fan for air movement, optional but recommended

Learn more about ReptoHeat™ Dual Temp Basking Heater here. >>

*As always, we encourage you to do as much research as you can before you purchase your reptile or amphibian. Especially regarding temperature, feeding, and lighting requirements––each living creature has its own specific needs