Reptiles are cold-blooded animals and therefore require a warm ambient temperature. Its body then adapts itself accordingly. In addition to the lighting means there are some other ways to produce the required heat in the enclosure. There are, for example, heat stones, heating mats and heating cables.
Heat stones in captivity: sun from below
In heat rock heat coils are cast, that heat the stone. Thus, an imitation of nature by the sun-heated rocks to get to where the reptiles get their necessary heat. Stones in the nature store heat for several hours. So turn also nocturnal animals to this kind of heat to regulate their body for what is very important for their metabolism and also for digestion. The Heat Wave Rock, the feed bowl and offers in its range will be turned off automatically when the appropriate temperature is reached at the surface of the stone. Sun burns or overheating can be avoided.
No mats in the terrarium, but outside
Mats are among the most common sources of heat for the terrarium. In ground-dwelling reptiles you install it under the terrarium. Arboreal animals need this source of heat on the back wall or side wall of her enclosure. The mat is not only for reptiles, but also often used for insects such as scorpions. Pet Stores offers this product on the Heat Wave Desert. It is a substrate heater for desert animals. The surface of this floor heating system is dry and does not increase the humidity. In no case, however, heating mats may be used inside a terrarium, since some of them put out a lot of heat and can cause severe burns.
Heating cables heat the soil terrarium
Heating cables are available in different versions. Heating cables are available with different voltage levels (e.g. from 12 volts to 220 volts) and wattages. The installation is easy. Put simply, the heating cable on the floor of the terrarium or under the terrarium. The ground is warming up accordingly, and there is a constant heat throughout. The Exo Terra Heat Cable generates heat where it is needed. The Exo Terra heater cable is a very usable flexible heating cable. You can even use multiple stacked enclosures. The heater cable is waterproof and resistant. It is double insulated with silicone, providing complete security. It is thus an optimal solution for the production of heat in terrariums.
Risk of mold growth
In the aforementioned heat sources, however, even if it is not a tropical terrarium, there always runs the risk of mold growth. The gravel in the tank itself has always been a certain amount of moisture in itself. By heating the floor it is possible that some mold can form. Therefore it is imperative that you daily check your terrarium,to see that no mold is formed.
Our terrarium has a hot rock in it, as well as lights on a timer. We have lizards in there only, so it seems to be okay for heating only a small terrarium. Thanks for these tips - I'll keep an eye out for mold growth!
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