mybest
Reptile and amphibian breeding supplies

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Pets
  3. Reptile and amphibian breeding supplies
  4. 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More)
  • 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More) 1
  • 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More) 2
  • 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More) 3
  • 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More) 4
  • 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More) 5

9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More)

Reptiles and other cold-blooded animals can be unique and interesting pets to keep, but they also require some special considerations that a dog or guinea pig wouldn’t. The most important consideration is probably temperature. Unlike warm-blooded animals, reptiles and amphibians need outside heat sources.

One of the safest and least obstructive types of heaters you can get is a reptile heating pad, a thin pad that heats a portion of your tank. Our favorite is Zoo Med's ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater. This sturdy, powerful heating pad is strong enough to moderate the ambient temperature of your pet's tank. Read on to compare other reptile heating pads from our curated list!
Last updated 09/26/2023
mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

Are Reptile Heating Pads Safe?

Are Reptile Heating Pads Safe?

No matter what type of small animal you own, your pet will benefit from some sort of heating appliance. Even if you own a mammal, such as a hamster or a mouse, keeping its habitat warm will help prevent hibernation and encourage digestive health. 


If you own a reptile, amphibian, or another ectothermic, or cold-blooded, animal, a reptile heating pad will be necessary to help your pet maintain the body temperature it needs to survive. But are reptile heating pads safe for your pet and your household?  


Heat-generating appliances are always a little concerning, even if they only operate at low temperatures. Reptile Heating pads run at lower temperatures than heat-generating bulbs and are therefore considered the safest type of heater for your pet's tank. 


That doesn't mean they're no-risk, however; we recommend carefully reading the instructions and installing rubber feet beneath your tank to ensure maximum safe usage of your reptile heating pad.


Reptile heating pads are a must-have for any small pet habitat. They don’t give off any light, so you can leave them on without disrupting your pet's sleep cycle. They're also typically made to be waterproof, so you don't have to worry about excess water from the tank causing issues. Let's look at which heating pads may be best for you.

How to Choose Reptile Heating Pads

Every animal has different needs, so before you consider getting a reptile heating pad, make sure that this kind of heating source would work for your pet. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best heating pad to fit your pet's habitat. 

1

Consider the Wattage and the Size

Consider the Wattage and the Size
Your reptile heating pad shouldn’t cover the entire bottom of the tank. It should be on one side, creating a temperature gradient within the tank and allowing your animal to regulate its own temperature by deciding how close or far from the heat to be. Try measuring the dimensions of your tank, then searching for a pad half the size.


Another easy way to figure out which size mat to buy is by looking at the wattage. For every 20 gallons a tank can hold, you need about eight watts of power in your heating pad. So for a tank between 30 and 40 gallons, look for about 16 watts. For 50 to 60 gallons, look for around 24 watts.

2

Invest in Temperature Control

You will need to regulate the heat inside your tank to keep cold-blooded pets from overheating or from freezing. Here are a couple of things to consider when deciding how to regulate the temperature of your pet's habitat.

Built-in Temperature Knobs or Thermostats Are a Plus

Built-in Temperature Knobs or Thermostats Are a Plus

Some reptile heating pads come with a built-in temperature knob. While these won't give you exact numbers on the ambient temperature of your tank, you can pair them with a thermometer or temperature gun to adjust the heat of your new heating pad until it best fits your pet's needs. 


A thermostat is an even more refined method with which you can control the temperature of your pet's habitat. It allows you to manually set and maintain the temperature of your heating pad, which is extremely important for more sensitive animals. 


However, most reptile heating pads do not come with a thermostat, which means that you might have to buy one separately.

A Temperature Gun Helps Avoid Burns

A Temperature Gun Helps Avoid Burns

While a temperature knob or thermostat works to control the ambient temperature of your pet's environment, you may need a temperature gun to ensure that the reptile heating mat itself hasn't gotten too hot for your pet. A temperature gun, or an infrared thermometer, measures the temperature of an object via laser and thermal radiation.


Like us, our pets can get burns from touching things that are too hot and reptiles especially are at risk, as they move pretty slowly. This is why a temperature gun would be helpful with keeping their environment at the right levels.


According to Petco, reptiles need their environment to be kept at a temperature ranging from 70 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Other experts recommend keeping heating pad temperatures below the threshold of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you invest in a temperature gun, it should be easier to maintain a safe basking zone for your pet. 

3

Choose Between Adhesive or Non-Adhesive Pads

Choose Between Adhesive or Non-Adhesive Pads
Some reptile heating pads are adhesive while others are not. The type that you want will depend on whether you plan on moving the pad around as well as how often you will need to put your animal into a newer, bigger container.


Adhesive pads are great if you have no intention of changing layouts. They’re also good for burrowing animals. Since having a heating pad under the tank might make things too hot for animals that burrow, an adhesive pad allows you to stick it to the side of the tank instead, which gives animals more control over their temperature.


Non-adhesive heating pads, on the other hand, are easier to transfer around and allow for more airflow than adhesive pads. These are better for animals that require lower temperatures like frogs and geckos. Of course, you can always use an adhesive pad without removing the seal, too.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

9
Best Reptile Heating Pads Ranking

Here are the best Reptile Heating Pads, ranked according to 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

ZooMed

ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater

ZooMed ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater 1枚目

A Popular Heater That Can Raise Tank Temperatures

2

KABASI

Waterproof Reptile Heat Mat

KABASI Waterproof Reptile Heat Mat 1枚目

Powerful, With a Handy Temperature Knob

3

Tikaton

Adjustable Temperature Reptile Heat Pad

Tikaton Adjustable Temperature Reptile Heat Pad 1枚目

A Flexible Pad for Indoor Use

4

VIVOSUN

Reptile Heating Pad

VIVOSUN Reptile Heating Pad 1枚目

Creates a Consistent Hot Spot for Reptiles

5

Aiicioo

Under Tank HeaterHeater & Thermostat Combo Set

Aiicioo Under Tank Heater 1枚目

A Pad and Thermostat Set Perfect as a Secondary Heat Source

6

Zilla

Heat Mat Terrarium Heater

Zilla Heat Mat Terrarium Heater 1枚目

Provides Consistent, Low Heater for Reptiles

7

iPower

Reptile Heat Pad

iPower Reptile Heat Pad 1枚目

Use as a Decently Effective Supplementary Heater

8

FOCUSPET

Reptile Heat Pad

FOCUSPET Reptile Heat Pad 1枚目

An Acceptable Secondary Heat Source With Sturdy Adhesive

9

Fluker's

Premium Heat Mat

Fluker's Premium Heat Mat 1枚目

Low-Wattage for Belly Baskers

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

ZooMedReptiTherm Under Tank Heater

ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$16.00
Reference price
$16.00

A Popular Heater That Can Raise Tank Temperatures

Zoo Med's ReptiTherm is one of the most popular reptile heating pads available. It adheres to the tank for effective heat transfer, can generate heat of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and raise tank temperatures between five and eight degrees.

Unlike many heat mats, many owners of less sensitive small animals have reported being able to use the ReptiTherm as the main heat source for their pets. They do, however, caution that you should always buy a thermostat to control the temperature, which can either soar or plummet on its own.

Some reviewers complain that the ReptiTherm doesn't get warm enough to suit more sensitive reptiles and amphibians. If you own a pet that requires a very specific and high temperature to survive, we recommend pairing ReptiTherm with a secondary heat source. Otherwise, this is a popular and reliable pad available!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

KABASIWaterproof Reptile Heat Mat

Waterproof Reptile Heat Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$16.98
Reference price
$16.98

Powerful, With a Handy Temperature Knob

KABASI's powerful Reptile Heat Mat has a simple design and is easy to use. A temperature control knob on the wire allows you to regulate the temperature anywhere in the range of 32 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should be noted that the highest temperature this heating pad can reach is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.


Reviewers are very satisfied with the amount of heat the Reptile Heating Mat gives off, and some have even been able to use it as a solo heating source. Many recommend using a temperature gun if your pet is sensitive to small changes in temperature, as the knob that comes with this heating pad isn't very precise.


Some long-term users have complained that this reptile heating pad is prone to mechanical issues after 10 months or more of use. Still, it's a great source of heat for most small pets, and with its adjustable temperature knob and waterproof design, the Reptile Heat Mat is a sturdy option for your tank! 

No.3

TikatonAdjustable Temperature Reptile Heat Pad

Adjustable Temperature Reptile Heat Pad Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.99
Reference price
$13.99

A Flexible Pad for Indoor Use

Tikaton's Reptile Heat Pad offers a unique, flexible design that you can fold as needed and has double-sided, sturdy 3M adhesive for application. In addition, the wire sports a temperature knob for general control. This doesn't give you the precise control that a thermostat would, but it's still very helpful. 


Reviewers are very happy with how warm Tikaton's heating pad keeps their cages. Many warn that it's important to read the application instructions and allow the pad to warm up before applying the tape to your tank.


According to some users, this reptile heating pad tends to lose its effectiveness in extremely cold temperatures. The company's page even warns that this reptile heating pad might not be as strong in an environment colder than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is still a useful and warm heater for indoor tanks!

No.4

VIVOSUNReptile Heating Pad

Reptile Heating Pad Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.88
Reference price
$13.88

Creates a Consistent Hot Spot for Reptiles

VIVOSUN's Reptile Heating Pad has a non-slip, moisture-proof surface and a three-year warranty that will be quickly fulfilled if you end up dissatisfied with the results. It does have an optional adhesive side, but plenty of customers have had good results without using the tape as well. 


This is a very powerful heating pad and shouldn't be directly placed on surfaces like plastic or wood. Many reviewers recommend using substrate in the tank for extra safety. As with other standalone reptile heating pads, we recommend getting a thermostat so you can keep your pet's environmental temperature regulated. 


Some users have complained of inconsistency with power or heat when using VIVOSUN Reptile Heating Pad. However, as the unit comes with such a long warranty and is powerful when it works properly, we think it's a great choice for your pet!

No.5

AiiciooUnder Tank HeaterHeater & Thermostat Combo Set

Under Tank Heater Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$27.99
Reference price
$27.99

A Pad and Thermostat Set Perfect as a Secondary Heat Source

Aiicioo's Under Tank Heater comes with the full package: a versatile heating pad with optional adhesive, a digital thermostat, and rubber feet for mounting your tank if you want to keep the heating pad beneath it. 


This reptile heating pad is waterproof, so you can safely use it with aquariums or tanks that have water in them. The range of adjustment for the thermostat is 68 - 108 degrees Fahrenheit, but reviewers have warned that these temperatures apply more to the direct surface the heat is applied to than the inside of the tank.


Some reviewers have had bad experiences when trying to use Aiicioo's Under Tank Heater as the sole source of heat for their cold-blooded pets. Still, given the great quality of the thermostat and its cost performance, we recommend Aiicioo's Under Tank Heater as a secondary heat source for your pet. 

No.6

ZillaHeat Mat Terrarium Heater

Heat Mat Terrarium Heater Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.99
Reference price
$19.99

Provides Consistent, Low Heater for Reptiles

Zilla promises reliability and consistent heating with the Heat Mat Terrarium Heater. This reptile heating pad comes with adhesive mounting and unique carbon fiber make guaranteed to keep a uniform distribution of heat in your pet's tank. 


Reviewers affirm that the heat mat provides a gentle but reliable hot spot for their reptiles. While the maximum advertised temperature is 113 degrees Fahrenheit, many owners who used this heating pad in tandem with a thermostat say between 65 -  85 degrees Fahrenheit would be more realistic.  


The most common complaint about Zilla's Heat Mat is that the adhesive mounting doesn't last very long. Reviewers recommend buying more reliable adhesives on your own, but otherwise, Zilla Heat Mat is a great choice for low, consistent heat that will energize your reptile. 

No.7

iPowerReptile Heat Pad

Reptile Heat Pad Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$11.99
Reference price
$11.99

Use as a Decently Effective Supplementary Heater

This large heating pad features a lengthy six-foot cord and powerful 3M adhesive, which provides an extremely reliable stick. It comes in four different sizes and wattages for tanks of all capacities.

iPower's newest update to their Reptile Heat Pad includes a temperature control probe, which now accompanies the device. You can adjust the temperature between 40 - 108 degrees Fahrenheit, although users have noted it isn't 100 percent accurate.


Some snake owners warn that this heating mat doesn't heat a tank well enough to keep their pets healthy. However, reviewers with hermit crabs or pets that aren't sensitive to small temperature changes are delighted with the ease of use iPower offers. 

No.8

FOCUSPETReptile Heat Pad

Reptile Heat Pad Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reptile Heat Pad Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.99
Reference price
$12.99

An Acceptable Secondary Heat Source With Sturdy Adhesive

FOCUSPET's Heat Pad is designed to be a supplementary heat source for reptiles, but hermit crab owners have reported immense success with it as well. The gentle temperatures ensure that your pet won't overheat, and also make this a great choice for plastic tanks or surfaces. 


While the smallest six-by-eight-inch version of this reptile heating pad has no option for temperature control, the larger sizes come with a dial for heat adjustment. Reviewers have noted that this is far from a thermostat and that a different tool will be necessary if you want to know the temperature of your tank. 


Some users have complained that FOCUSPET's heating pad gives off so little heat it's useless to them. It's important to remember that this reptile heating pad is not meant to act as the sole heat source for your pet's tank. If you're looking for a gentle source of basking heat, however, it's a solid choice!

No.9

Fluker'sPremium Heat Mat

Premium Heat Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$11.19
Reference price
$11.19

Low-Wattage for Belly Baskers

This low-wattage heating pad provides a constant average temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the exception of the larger designs that can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Reviewers enjoy the thin yet durable design and the fact that it can be easily transferred between tanks or walls.

Due to the gentle temperatures of the smaller sizes, this heating pad is usually safe to use with plastics. Owners of cold-blooded animals do advise purchasing a thermostat separately, as there's no way to adjust the temperature. They add that this is pad provides a great spot for their pets to bask on.

As with almost every under-tank heating mat, Fluker's Premium Heat Mat is not meant to be used as the sole source of heat for your pet. Some reviewers have complained that even as a supplementary heater, it's too weak for more sensitive pets. Still, if you have another heat source, this is a great choice for your tank!

How to Set Up a Reptile Heating Pad

Setting up your new reptile heating pad can be daunting. Check out this informative video by Zoo Med for a step-by-step guide!


How to Set Up a Reptile Heating Pad:

  1. Clean the glass of your aquarium thoroughly for a good stick. 
  2. Remove the protective cover from the adhesive side and apply it to your desired location.
  3. Smooth out any air bubbles.


Additional steps if applying to the bottom of your tank:

  1. Apply rubber feet to the bottom corners of your tank for airflow.
  2. Add a layer of substrate inside the bottom of your tank.
  3. Place any additional objects in the tank outside of the heating pad's reach.

Check Out These Other Hot Products!

Top 5 Reptile Heating Pads

No. 1: ZooMedReptiTherm Under Tank Heater

No. 2: KABASIWaterproof Reptile Heat Mat

No. 3: TikatonAdjustable Temperature Reptile Heat Pad

No. 4: VIVOSUNReptile Heating Pad

No. 5: AiiciooUnder Tank HeaterHeater & Thermostat Combo Set

View Full Ranking

The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Pets
  3. Reptile and amphibian breeding supplies
  4. 9 Best Reptile Heating Pads in 2022 (Zoo Med, iPower, and More)

Search by category