How To Properly Use Reptile Tank Heater?
For all reptiles, the appropriate temperature in the enclosure is one of the most essential requirements. Reptiles need the temperature to improve their internal body process and maintain a healthy immune system.
The temperature in the tank should not be too hot as to overheat the reptiles. And also it should not be too cool so your reptiles won’t get enough amount of heat. Even though you got the perfect reptile tank heater, you also need to figure out how to properly use it.
Tips for using reptile tank heater
The best reptile heat mat should combine with some devices such as heat lamp or basking lamp to give the idea environment to your pưt.
Placing the heating lamps at the end of the warmer side in your tank. Also placing lighting on this side to attract your reptiles to the warmer side by the white light. Therefore, your reptiles will tend to spend their time basking under the heater and UVB light.
Providing a basking spot for your pets to allow them to lay on it and their entire body can be received heat.
Give them a surface for basking, this surface should be large enough to contain all the reptile’s body and do not have any sharp corners that can damage your pets.
Produce some sheltered places for them to hide away from the light when they get hot or stress.
Using 2 thermometers in two opposite sides of the tank to ensure both the warmest spot and the cool spot is in the proper and optimum temperatures.
It is better to get 2 types of heater: a daytime heater and night time heater. Depend on the seasons of the year; regulate the turning time of each heater. This will mimic the natural day and night cycle for your reptiles and help the to maintain their circadian rhythms.
You should replace your heat lamps every 6 to 12 months depending on the types of lamps since after a few times of use, these lamps will be reduced the efficiency.
Using the heat lamps with ceramic socket is always safer than the plastic ones since it cannot be melt even if the heat output is too hot.