Do you have a pet reptile? Perhaps you own a turtle, a snake, or even a lizard. Although reptiles are very interesting and unique pets, they also require special care.
You need to provide them with the right temperature, humidity, and light and dark cycles. Unlike other warm-blooded animals like dogs and birds, reptiles need an outer source of heat as they cannot maintain their body temperature.
Under tank heating pads or mats are smart inventions by the pet industry that provide an easy and economical way to keep your pets comfortable.
What Should You Look for In an Under Tank Heating Pad?
By now, you should know the size of the pad you want for your pet enclosure. If not, you can find that out by looking at the wattage. Although the market has tons of pet care products, it can be frustrating when you don’t know what you are looking for. Whether you are a pet care beginner or not, you have come to the right place. Let us tell you what the properties of a good heating pad are.
- A good heating pad should increase the temperature of the tank at least by 3-5 degrees.
- A good heating pad should create a temperature gradient in the tank so that your pet can move to cooler spots in the tank when it wants.
- Thermostats are very important in terrariums; you should opt for a heating pad with a built-in thermostat.
- Rubber spacers are necessary for under tank heaters for air circulation, so that heat doesn’t build-up and damage the pad and the tank.
- A good heating pad should not over-heat, it may not only harm your pet but also damage your terrarium.
Now that you know what you need in a heating pad, let us take you through our list of favorites!
iPower Under Tank Reptile Heating Pad and Digital Thermostat Combo
This heating pad and thermostat combination by iPower is a clear winner when it comes to under tank heating pads. Its price is low for the attractive features it offers. This heat pad comes in four different sizes and wattages. The largest size is 8 X 18 inches that consume 24 watts and has a 6 feet long cord.
It can easily raise the ambient temperature of a 50-60 gallon tank. It is heavy, highly adhesive, and well made. The mat comes with a one-year warranty. You can stick it under or to the side of your tank, depending on the temperature needs and preferences of your pet. You can easily clean it with a cloth if it gets dirty or wet.
Costumers praise it highly for its durability, adhesiveness, and good heating.
Specifications
- Comes in four sizes (4 X 7, 6 X 8, 8 X 12 and 8 X 18 inches)
- Highly adhesive
- Waterproof
- Consumes up to 4, 8, 16, and 24 watts
- Temperature control
- Temperature goes up to 120 °F
Upsides
- Standard length cord, no adapter needed
- Good heating
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Downsides
- Some issues with the adhesive
- Primarily for small reptiles
- Not suitable for plastic tanks or tubs
This heating pad and thermostat combo is a hit among users. Besides some complaints about the adhesive properties of the mat, overall, it is worth your money. It is great for smaller tanks made of glass. Buyers prefer it because of its low price and built-in thermostat.
Sequoia Reptile Under Tank Heating Pad
This product by Sequoia is among the few that come with a thermostat. It consumes low energy and is suitable for many types of reptiles and amphibians. It is made of very good quality material. It comes in a size of 11 X 16.5 inches and uses 14 watts power. Although it can only increase the temperature to 95 °F, which may be cool for some animals, it is reliable in its service. It is safe and durable and will not be too hot for your pet. The mat is water and moisture-proof.
It is great for small reptiles and other cold-blooded animals. The design is thin and sleek, and you can easily move it around under your tank as it is non-adhesive. This product gathered a lot of positive reviews for its reliable heating, sleek design, and durability.
Specifications
- Comes in only one size (11 X 16.5 inches)
- Temperature control
- Non-adhesive
- Waterproof
- Temperature goes up to 95 °F
Upsides
- Low price
- Can be moved around under the tank
- Low energy consumption
- Can withstand large weight
Downsides
- Non-adhesive, will not stick to the sides or bottom of the tank
- Poor heating
- Doesn’t have size options
This product is worth a try. It is cheap and reliable. Although it is non-adhesive, many costumers see that as its benefit as they can move the pad around whenever they want. It is waterproof, and you can easily clean it. Although some have complained about its low heating and inaccurate temperature dial, many have praised it for its other attractive features.
Wuhostam Reptile Heating Pad Warmer
This under tank heating pad comes with temperature control. It comes in a variety of sizes and wattages. Depending on your needs, you can also buy one without a thermostat. This product promises safe and uniform heating of your enclosure. The sizes range from 11 X 5.9 to 16.5 X 11 inches. The power drawn by the pads ranges from 7 to 20 watts depending on the size of the pad.
This heating mat is suitable for a variety of sizes of reptiles and other animals. The temperature goes up to 130 °F. Although it is waterproof, the company advises not to submerge it in water. The mat is easy to clean and convenient to use. It is best to allow some space for ventilation to prevent overheating of the mat. The company advises covering the mat with tank sand to allow for uniform heating and prevent direct contact.
Although the costumers love the size ranges and good heating it provides, there have been complaints about overheating and inconsistent heating by the mat. It is best if you use this product with a thermostat to prevent your pet from getting burnt.
Specifications
- Comes in three sizes: 11 X 5.9 inches, 11 X 11 inches, and 16.5 X 11 inches
- May draw up to 7, 14, or 20 watts of power depending on the size of the pad
- Temperature goes up to 130 °F
- Comes with and without a thermostat
- Waterproof
- Adhesive
Upsides
- Good heating
- Easy to clean
- Simple to use
- A standard-length power cord that doesn’t require an adapter
Downsides
- Overheats and may provide inconsistent heating
- Can malfunction if it gets wets for longer periods
- Requires space for ventilation
This heating pad offers a lot of sizes, wattage, and temperature control options. It is worth a try if bought with a thermostat. Although some costumers have complained about the overheating of the pad, others have liked the good heating ability of this product. It is waterproof and uses low energy.
Fluker’s 29050 Heat Mat for Reptiles and Small Animals
This under tank heating pad by Fluker’s is one of our favorites in this list. This product comes in five sizes, with an option of jumbo and mini size for small tanks. The power it draws ranges from 2 to 35 watts, depending on the size of the heating pad. Its temperature goes up to 100 °F, which is good enough.
Its price is surprisingly low for the attractive features it offers. It is adhesive, and you can stick to the side of the tank or mount it under your tank. The company advises providing space for ventilation if you are placing it under the tank, in case it overheats.
This product is suitable for a variety of sizes of reptiles and amphibians. It will keep your pet comfortable and warm. The product is famous among costumers for its durable construction and steady heating.
Specifications
- Comes in five sizes: 4 X 5 inches, 6 X 11 inches, 11 X 11 inches, 17 X 11 inches, 29 X 11 inches
- May draw up to 2, 7, 12, 20, or 35 watts, depending on the size of the mat
- Temperature goes up to 100 °F
- Adhesive
- Waterproof
Upsides
- Provides consistent heat
- Reliable
- Safe for pets
- Simple to use
Downsides
- No temperature control
- Requires space for ventilation when putting under the tank
- It is waterproof but malfunctions if it gets wet for longer periods
This heating pad by Fluker’s offers good service for a very low price. Although it doesn’t come with a thermostat, that may not be a problem for tanks with built-in thermostats. It offers a wide size and wattage range. Users laud this product for its durable and reliable construction and consistent heating.
Vipe Reptile Heating Pad
This heating pad is new to the market, but reptile owners love it. It comes in four sizes. The size ranges from 5.5 X 6 to 16.5 X 11 inches, and it may draw from 5 to 20 watts of power. It is suitable for all kinds of reptiles and crawlers. This heating pad is easy to clean and energy-efficient. The power cord is of a standard size; there is no need for an adapter.
It runs on a voltage of 110V, while the temperature goes above 100 °F. It is also waterproof. Costumers love this product for its quick and safe heating.
Specifications
- Comes in four sizes: 5.5 X 11 inches, 6 X 11 inches, 11 X 11 inches, 16.5 X 11 inches
- Depending on the size of the mat, it may use up to 5, 7, 16, or 20 watts of power
- Standard length cord
- Water and moisture-proof
- Runs on 110V
- Temperature goes above 100 °F
Upsides
- Energy efficient
- Heats up quickly
- Safe to use
- No adapter required
Downsides
- No temperature control
- Non-adhesive
- Requires space for airflow to prevent heat build-up
This heating pad by Vipe is a reliable source of secondary heat for your pet enclosure. It comes in various sizes at affordable prices. Although a few costumers lamented its low heating, others praised it for its safe and consistent heating. If you have a built-in thermostat and can spare space for air circulation under the tank, this product is not a bad buy.
Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater
This heating pad is very famous among reptile lovers. It comes in three sizes that range from 6 X 8 inches to 8 X 18 inches. This heating pad draws from 8 to 24 watts of power. The mat does not come with a thermostat, but it is compatible with most thermostats. It has adhesive on one end and has rubber feet on the other. If you stick it to the bottom of your tank, the air circulation will prevent heat build-up.
This product comes with Chlorhexidine Solution 2%, which is a good cleaner for your reptile tank. The temperature of the mat can go above 100 °F. Hence, it is not safe to use with plastic tanks or tubs. The reviewers like this product for doing what it’s advertised for, but there have been complaints about overheating and damage to the tanks.
Specifications
- Comes in three sizes: 6 X 8 inches, 12 X 8 inches, 8 X 18 inches
- Draws up to 8, 16, or 24 watts of power depending on the size
- The adhesive on one side
- Rubber feet on the other side
- Come with a 2% Chlorhexidine Solution for tank clean-up
- Water and moisture-proof
- The temperature of the mat goes up to 100 °F
Upsides
- Does not require space for air circulation
- The wash solution makes cleaning easy
- Good heating
- Energy efficient
Downsides
- The adhesive is permanent, and heating pads cannot be moved
- Overheating issues
- No temperature control
This heating pad is very reliable, and you can use it with various sizes of tanks. Costumers love it for its good heating ability. There have been complaints that the adhesive is permanent; once glued, it cannot be moved again. The company also warns about overheating, which is why you shouldn’t use it with plastic tanks. Although this product has its faults, the upsides outweigh the disadvantages. As long as you follow the instructions, this product is a good contender among the lot.
Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mats
This under tank heating pad comes in various sizes and wattages. The sizes range from 4 X 7 to 8 X 18 inches. It is a reliable external source of heat. It draws from 4 to 35 watts of power. This heating pad is energy efficient. It heats the enclosure safely and does not burn through the mat. The smaller heating pad can act as a supplementary source of heat in larger enclosures.
It is adhesive and can stick to the side or the bottom of the tank. This pad offers safe and steady heating. It is made with high-quality materials that prevent hot spots and ensure a uniformly heated environment in the tank. It runs on low voltage with an internal shut-off system for safety.
Users like it for the temperature gradient it creates for their pets and uniform heating, but they have also pointed out issues with the adhesive. It starts to pull away, even if on the bottom of the tank.
Specifications
- Comes in four sizes: 4 X 7 inches, 6 X 8 inches, 8 X 12 inches, 8 X 18 inches
- Consumes up to 4, 8, 16, or 24 watts
- The temperature of the mat goes up to 100 °F
- The adhesive on one side
- Comes with rubber spacers
- Internal shut-off system
- Runs on low voltage (110V)
- Water and moisture-proof
Upsides
- Doesn’t require extra space for airflow
- Safe heating
- Creates a good temperature gradient in the tank
- Energy efficient
Downsides
- Poor adhesive property
- No temperature control
This heating pad is well-insulated. It is very apt for use in all sizes of tanks. Although there are issues with its adhesive, costumers have praised it for its safe heating and energy efficiency. You can give this product a shot; it is worth a try.
FOCUSPET Under Tank Heater, Reptile Heating Pad
This product by FOCUSPET is highly suitable for small reptiles. It comes in one size (6 X 8 inches) and draws up to 8 watts of power. It goes very well with small glass tanks. It provides constant and consistent heat and keeps the tank nice and warm. It is highly adhesive and doesn’t come off after heating. The power cord is 6 feet long, so there is no need for an adapter. The temperature of the mat goes up to 113 °F.
It is energy efficient and you can easily clean it. You can also use the mat with a thermostat. You may use it with small tanks or as a source of supplementary heat for large tanks. It works well both ways. It is also waterproof.
Users love this heating mat and have given positive feedback due to its uniform and consistent heating.
Specifications
- Comes in one size and wattage (6 X 8 inches and 8 watts)
- Temperature goes up to 113 °F
- Adhesive
- Waterproof
- 6 feet long power cord
- Comes with rubber spacers
Upsides
- Provides steady and uniform heat
- Doesn’t need space for ventilation
- Energy efficient
- Doesn’t require an adapter
Downsides
- Doesn’t have size options
- No thermostat
This heating pad is very reliable and durable in its heating ability. It is worth a try. You can use it for your small tank, or as a better source of supplementary heat if your tank is larger. Costumers appreciate this product for its uniform and steady heating ability.
Aiicioo Reptile Heating Pad
This heating pad is a reliable source of heat for medium and large tanks. It comes in the size of 8 X 18 inches and draws up to 24 watts of power. It offers continuous and uniform heating. It has adhesive on one side that will not come off upon heating. The product also comes with rubber spacers; if you place it under the tank, you will not need to provide space for ventilation or fear overheating.
This heating pad ensures steady and consistent heating without forming hot spots. The temperature of the mat can go up to 100 °F. Your pet will be comfortable and happy with this product’s effect.
The product is energy efficient and warms up quickly. It is also very convenient to use and easy to clean. Costumers love it for its good heating and low price, although some have complained about its poor adhesive property.
Specifications
- Comes in one size and wattage (8 X 18 inches and 24 watts)
- Temperature goes up to 100 °F
- Adhesive
- Rubber spacers
- Waterproof
Upsides
- Suitable for medium size tanks with a built-in thermostat
- Energy efficient
- Provides consistent and good heating
- Easy installation
- No space required for ventilation
Downsides
- No temperature control
- Complaints about adhesive
- Only proper for medium size tanks
This heating pad by Aiicioo is very reliable despite its few faults. Costumers love it for its constant heating and low price. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but also want to care for your pet, you can safely invest in this product, and you will not be disappointed.
From VivariumTips,
The above mentioned under tank heating pads are among the best available in the market. All of them offer good heating and other attractive features like a built-in thermostat, rubber spacers, etc. They may have some flaws, but most of them are energy efficient and are worthy of your money.
Depending on the size of your container and the need of your pets, you may choose any among the ones we mentioned. We would recommend the heating pads with good heating, a built-in thermostat, and rubber spacers, i.e., iPower, Wuhostam, or Sequoia.
Temperature control is very important for reptiles. You would want a warm tank with a good temperature gradient that keeps your pet active and warm without the fear of harming them.
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