How to Heat a Terrarium

Cold-blooded creatures, such as reptiles and amphibians, that live in a terrarium rely on external sources for body temperature regulation. There are different ways to safely heat a terrarium. Learn how to properly heat terrariums to create a comfortable environment for your pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Know that there are various methods to heat a terrarium and each heating element can be used alone or in combination with other methods of warming a terrarium environment.

2. Use aquarium heaters to radiate warmth throughout your terrarium. Aquarium heaters are used to properly heat the water source inside a terrarium. The heat generated radiates throughout the terrarium to offer an overall warmth. Heating rocks are a popular method for terrarium heating as they offer localized warmth within the terrarium. Coupled with an aquarium heater, heating rocks work well to maintain the warm environment of the terrarium.

3. Choose dome lighting as a way to heat your terrarium. Dome lighting allows you to place the heat source where you want to pinpoint places of warmth within the terrarium. Select the right types of bulbs and the correct wattage associated with your particular dome light to create heat in your terrarium.

4. Place a heating pad under the terrarium floor to radiate heat into the terrarium. Position the pad under only part of the floor to allow your pet the opportunity to regulate temperature by moving away from the source of heat.

5. Monitor the temperature of your terrarium. Reptiles and amphibians require heated environments that vary according to the needs of each animal. Install special thermometers inside the terrarium (and away from direct contact with the heat source) to monitor the temperature of the terrarium daily.

Tips & Warnings

• Connect your heat source to a rheostat, a device that can shut off the heating element if too much heat is expelled.
• Use heat rocks with caution to avoid severe burns to your pets. Heat rocks should be covered with gravel or sand so amphibians and reptiles don't come into direct contact with the source of heat.