The 10 Best Reptile Thermostats to Buy in 2024
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that need your help to stay warm. Keeping a safe and friendly enclosure is essential for your reptile’s health, longevity, and breeding potential. While heat lamps can be enough to provide the heat they need, it’s challenging to monitor and control how warm an enclosure is without the right thermostat.
If you’re looking for the best reptile thermostat, you’re in the right place. While there is a lot to be aware of, like the heating system you use, there are plenty of products to choose from. To discover which reptile thermostat fits your needs, read on.
- Factors to Consider When Shopping for Reptile Thermostats
- Top 10 Best Reptile Thermostats 2024
- 1. Best Overall Reptile Thermostat: BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller
- 2. Best Premium Reptile Thermostat: Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Thermostat
- 3. Best Simple Reptile Thermostat: Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat
- 4. VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat
- 5. Best High-Wattage Reptile Thermostat: WILLHI Digital Thermostat
- 6. iPower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat
- 7. Best Dual-Screen Reptile Thermostat: bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat
- 8. Best Budget Reptile Thermostat: VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat
- 9. Best Low-Wattage Reptile Thermostat: Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat
- 10. Most Accurate Reptile Thermostat: Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat
- Everything You Need to Know About Reptile Thermostats
- Reptile Thermostat FAQ
- Wrapping Up
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Reptile Thermostats
Reptile thermostats are not a simple product to shop for. There is a lot of variation, and each thermostat has a unique application. You’ll need to determine which type of thermostat you need based on your heating source and a handful of other features.
Type of Thermostat
When shopping for reptile thermostats, you’ll come across two major types. There are on/off thermostats and dimmer thermostats. While each thermostat performs the same task, they execute it differently.
On/off thermostats are the most common product you’ll come across, and for good reason. They’re simple, affordable, easier to maintain, and give you more flexibility. These thermostats regulate heat by turning lamps on or off depending on the temperature of the enclosure.
Dimmer thermostats work by adjusting the brightness and wattage output of heating lamps to maintain a continuous temperature. These thermostats only work with heating lamps because they need the lights to function. While there are a handful of these products out there, we recommend against using them.
We recommend using an on/off thermostat. In practice, they both do the same thing: get your terrarium to a specific temperature. An on/off thermostat is less expensive than a dimmer thermostat and performs the same function.
Temperature Probe
A temperature probe is a tool that measures temperature by using sensors. They’re slim, needle-like tools that you’ll find connected to the thermostat by a wire. When we’re referring to the temperature probe length, we’re looking at the size of the wire attached to the temperature probe.
The length of a temperature probe is essential for a few reasons. First and foremost, it gives you wiggle room and more flexibility when it comes to thermostat placement. For example, you’ll be able to place the thermostat farther away from your reptile’s enclosure if the temperature probe has a long wire.
Furthermore, it makes it easier to move the thermostat and enclosure if you need to. Heat lamps and heat mats are great, but they take up a lot of space around the enclosure. For this reason, having more probe length makes it easier to get the probe into the tank, especially if you have to work the wire around more obstacles.
Wattage
Wattage is important for any device that’s using electricity. While many people look at wattage to determine how costly a reptile thermostat will be to use, there is more to it than that.
Wattage is important because it determines a thermostat’s maximum electrical load. If a reptile thermostat has a maximum 1,000W load, you’ll need to make sure your heating devices run at, or below, that number. Luckily, most reptile thermostats work between 1,000-1,100 watts, which is in-line with heating devices.
Temperature Range
The temperature range is one of the most important things to look at. The temperature range is the range of temperatures that a thermostat will display. For example, a thermostat might display temperatures from 40° to 220°.
Most reptiles need to be in an environment that’s between 70 and 85 degrees, with basking areas over 100 degrees. So, when shopping for reptile thermostats, you’ll want to make sure they’re equipped to handle this range.
Price
Reptile thermostats are affordable products. While they’re not expensive, the price does vary. It’s based on quality and the number of things a thermostat can do. A thermostat that can cool and heat enclosures is going to be more expensive than one that only heats it. After looking at the best reptile thermostats, we’ve grouped each product into one of three categories:
$: Around $15
$$: Around $25
$$$: Around $35
When you keep these features and factors in mind, shopping for reptile thermostats is straightforward. We’re going to take you through the ten best reptile thermostats and offer shopping tips along the way.
Top 10 Best Reptile Thermostats 2024
1. Best Overall Reptile Thermostat: BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: We love the BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller because of its simplicity. Other products focus on going over-the-top with controls and features, which can make a thermostat challenging to work with.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$
- Probe Length: 6 feet
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature Range: 40-108°
The BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller is a simple and effective thermostat system. The product features a premium LCD display, so it’s easy to read the temperature measurements. The display can also provide temperature measurements in Fahrenheit or Celsius, whichever you prefer. The product is designed to work with heat mats, but there are a few heat lamps it can work with up to 1000W.
The BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller also comes with a few quality of life features. It comes with a hanging tab that lets you mount it on the side of a tank, and the temperature probe is attached to a 6-foot cord. With this configuration, you don’t need to worry about making sure everything is in the perfect place. There is plenty of wiggle room when you have 6 feet of cord.
What Sets It Apart
The BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller sets itself apart because of its high performance standards and reliability, which are best-in-class for an on/off thermostat. Low-quality on/off thermostats tend to be unreliable because they’re continually cutting and adding power to heat sources, which can lead to shortages, fires, and broken devices.
While the BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller uses an on/off style, it’s done well. Based on reviews, damage to the unit is rare, even a year after the sale. Shoppers also note that Century is excellent with customer support, and the company goes the extra mile to make people happy. Overall, there is a lot to love about this thermostat.
Things to Consider
The BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller is a great product, but the on/off style doesn’t work for everyone. When power is being cut from a heat source or added, there is going to be a delay. This means it will take longer than dimmer thermostats to reach your desired temperature.
Who It’s For
The BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller is an excellent product for shoppers that need a simple and easy thermostat. There are only three controls, and the LCD display makes it easy to read the numbers. While it’s not a premium thermostat, it’s great for anyone that wants a hassle-free experience.
Pros
- Digital LED display
- Can be mounted on the side of tanks or aquariums
- Wide temperature range
- Long temperature probe cord
Cons
- Doesn't reach desired temperatures quickly
- Better suited for heat maps than heat lamps
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is excellent because of its compact and dual-purpose design. We love how it can be plugged into a refrigeration and heating device at the same time.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$$
- Cable Length: 6.5 feet
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature Range: 58-210°
The Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is a simple and compact product that makes temperature regulation a breeze. Whether you’re using a heating device for germination or reptiles, this thermostat has you covered. It also has a low margin of error, with every reading being accurate to +/- 1°.
The Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is successful because of the impressive amount of high-quality features packed into its small size. It has two LED screens to show you the current temperature and set temperature, so you’ll be able to know if you’re on the right track. It can also be used with heating devices and refrigeration devices at the same time, which is something you don’t see often.
What Sets It Apart
The Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is unique because of the alarms it comes with. If the temperature reaches a dangerous zone, whether it be hot or cold, the device will alert you. It also uses advanced compressor delay and temperature calibration to ensure there are no sudden jumps in temperature.
Things to Consider
The Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is a premium product, but it’s expensive for an on/off thermostat. There are less costly options that perform similar tasks. If you prefer a simple and affordable reptile thermostat, the VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is a great choice.
Who It’s For
The Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is an excellent product for people that want one-stop shopping. You don’t need to worry about additional thermostats for refrigeration, and it’s compatible with heat mats and heat lamps. It also allows you to create presets, so you only have to mess around with the controls once or twice.
Pros
- Compatible with heating and refrigeration devices, even at the same time
- Compressor delay and temperature calibration prevents damage from maximum output
- Alarms for high and low temperatures
- Huge temperature range and long temperature probe
Cons
- The on/off heating and cooling method takes time to reach desired temperatures
3. Best Simple Reptile Thermostat: Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat is one of our favorite reptile thermostats because it combines simplicity with premium materials.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$$
- Probe Length: 6 feet
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature range: 68-108°
The Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat is a straightforward product. What you see is what you get, and that’s everything you need to keep your pet safe and warm. The thermostat comes with a probe that can plug into most Hydrofarm heat mats, and it’s suitable for heat lamps too.
The Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat also has a digital interface. It displays the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit and uses an LED light to let you know which measurement you’re looking at. While the digital display is simple, it displays temperature readings, even in the dark.
What Sets It Apart
The Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat is unique because there has been extensive testing done on the product. Companies typically develop and test thermostats in-house, but this product received an ETL certification from Intertek. This certification is evidence that the Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat has a durable and safe electronic system. It also comes with a one year warranty.
Things to Consider
The Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat comes with high-quality features, but it’s not perfect. One drawback of this thermostat is its lack of a second digital screen or display. Many thermostats have two screens, displaying the current temperature and what you have it set to.
While you can set the temperature with the Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat, products like the Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat have two digital displays. This makes it hassle-free to view the set temperature and what the temperature of the enclosure is.
Who It’s For
The Jumpstart Heat Mat Thermostat is a simple product that comes with high-end features. It’s more expensive than reptile thermostats that are similar in size, but the quality of parts is superior. If you’re looking for a simple thermostat that will last you years, this product is an excellent choice.
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Water-resistant temperature probe
- ETL Certified
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is an affordable product that comes with premium features. We love how VIVOSUN can maintain high levels of quality in its price range.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Probe Length: 6.4 feet
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature Range: 40-108°
The VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is an excellent product for reptile enclosures. It features a digital temperature display that works in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. There are also several LED indication lights to let you know what settings are being used. Furthermore, it comes with a hanging tab, so you can hang it wherever you please. With over six feet of temperature probe length, it’s flexible.
The VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat also comes with many features expected in high-end products. For example, the temperature probe is water-resistant. Still, you don’t want to submerge it because it’s not waterproof completely. The device is also controlled by three buttons, making it simple and easy to set the temperature.
What Sets It Apart
The VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is unique because of its simplicity. It’s one of the most accessible reptile thermostats to work with because three buttons control everything. This isn’t unique, but how effective they are at navigating options on the display is.
Things to Consider
The VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat suffers from a flaw that most reptile thermostats have. The lack of two LCD displays. As simple as the controls are, it’s a hassle to cycle through menus and set the temperature.
If you prefer a product that has two LCD displays, the bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat is a great choice. While it’s larger and bulky, you can see both displays at all times.
Who It’s For
The VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is an excellent product for people that use heat mats. While it works with other heating devices, shoppers who use heat mats benefit the most. This is because the cord and temperature probe are specialized for heat mats. When using this thermostat with heat mats, it can be set up and used within minutes.
Pros
- Straightforward design
- LED indication lights
- Digital display
Cons
- Only one display screen
- Small temperature range
5. Best High-Wattage Reptile Thermostat: WILLHI Digital Thermostat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The WILLHI Digital Thermostat benefits from a straightforward design. We love that it's one of the most accessible reptile thermostats to use, but it doesn't lack essential features.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$$
- Probe Length: 9.8 feet
- Wattage: 1,100W
- Temperature Range: -58-230°
The WILLHI Digital Thermostat is one of the most uncomplicated products you can find. Still, while the design is simple, it comes with all of the features needed to keep your pet safe. The thermostat can be used with heating or cooling devices and has a built-in alarm for each setting. If the climate becomes unstable, hot or cold, the device notifies you. It also comes with a compressor delay for cooling devices and advanced temperature calibration for heating devices.
The WILLHI Digital Thermostat also comes with simple wiring. Once you remove it from the box, it’s plug-and-play. This thermostat also comes with a special temperature probe. It’s longer than most temperature probes available, and it’s durable and waterproof. This makes it a versatile thermostat that can be used for more than reptile enclosures.
What Sets It Apart
The WILLHI Digital Thermostat is unique because it’s among the most powerful thermostats. It also has one of the widest temperature ranges available, able to be set to anywhere in a range of almost 300 degrees.
Things to Consider
The WILLHI Digital Thermostat is well-rounded, but we’re disappointed in the LED display. The LED display works fine, but you only get one screen. The screen displays the current temperature, which is also acceptable, but without a second display, it’s hard to remember the temperature range that was selected. Still, you can always cycle through and check, but most premium products feature multiple screens.
If you like the straightforward design of this thermostat, but prefer a dual-screen display, the Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat is an excellent choice. Many of the features are identical, but the latter has two LED displays.
Who It’s For
The WILLHI Digital Thermostat is an excellent product for shoppers that want a simple and reliable thermostat. It’s ready-to-go right out of the box and takes seconds to program. It comes with high-quality safety features and lets you relax instead of monitoring your pet’s enclosure every hour. It’s not going to blow you out of the water, but it won’t let you down either.
Pros
- Compressor delay for cooling devices
- Temperature calibration for heating devices
- Hot and cold alarm settings
- Ready to use right out of the box
- Consumes less than three watts
Cons
- Only one LED display
- Can't be mounted onto terrariums
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: We love the Ipower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat because of the innovative LED lights that show you which temperature measurement you're using.
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Probe Length: N/A
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature Range: 40-108°
The Ipower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is a well-rounded device. It’s made with high-quality plastic that doesn’t wear down quickly, and the temperature is displayed on an easy-to-read digital display. You have the option to choose between Fahrenheit or Celsius, and there is a separate LED light for each option.
The Ipower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat also keeps things simple. Three buttons control all of the settings on the surface of the thermostat, and it only takes a few minutes to get it working. It comes with everything you need to plug-and-play. Plus, you can mount it onto the side of a terrarium.
What Sets It Apart
The Ipower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is unique because it’s easy to see in the dark. The LCD display is brighter than most thermostats, even ones with a higher price tag. When you combine that with the different lights for Fahrenheit, Celsius, on, and off, you can read the thermostat from a distance.
Things to Consider
The Ipower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat has excellent lighting, but it’s lackluster in other areas. There is only one LCD display, which creates an extra step when you want to change the temperature. There also isn’t a lot of information about the temperature probe, which is questionable.
If you like the sound of a bright display, but want a little more bang for your buck, consider the VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat instead. The digital display has a similar level of brightness, but it comes with more features.
Who It’s For
The Ipower Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is the perfect choice for someone who doesn’t want to pay too much attention to a thermostat. That sounds strange, but in some cases, a reptile thermostat can be a set-it and forget-it device. For people that need a simple thermostat that can be understood in a glance, it’s a great choice.
Pros
- Bright LCD display
- LED lights display the unit of temperature measurement
- Compact design
- Simple controls
Cons
- High price for a simple thermostat
- Lack of information around the temperature probe is concerning
7. Best Dual-Screen Reptile Thermostat: bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat is a simple and innovative product. We love how Bayite covered all of their bases with safety features for your electronics and pets.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $$$
- Probe Length: 9.8 feet
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature Range: 58-230°
The Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat is a straightforward product that’s made with care. While it doesn’t look fancy, it comes with premium safety features and controls. Three simple buttons control the thermostat: set, up, and down. These buttons are located on the face of the device, and there is an LED screen that displays the temperature setting and current temperature.
The Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat can also be used to cool reptile habits. It can run heating and refrigeration devices, giving you full control over your habitat. There is also a built-in alarm that notifies you if the temperature falls below or above a safe level, and the temperature probe is water-resistant. Other safety features include a compressor delay and temperature calibration.
What Sets It Apart
The Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat is unique because it has one of the longest temperature probes you can find. While this is great for reptile enclosures, it’s enough length to use it for different applications. For example, you can set it up in your backyard to monitor the temperature of your barbecue.
Things to Consider
The Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat is a unique product, but it’s too general. Bayite focused on creating a product that has a ton of uses, which is excellent, but its performance as a reptile thermostat suffered. It has all of the features needed to be the best, but it’s trying to be too many different things.
If you like the box-like design and safety features, the WILLHI Digital Thermostat is a great alternative. It has similar features, and the temperature probe is the same length, but it’s better suited for use in reptile enclosures.
Who It’s For
The Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat is an excellent choice for pet owners that need a safe thermostat system. It provides safety features to reduce the chance of your devices failing. If you prefer a simple reptile thermostat, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Compatible with heating and refrigeration devices
- Alarms to prevent the temperature from dropping too low or too high
- Temperature calibration and compressor delay
Cons
- High price
- More of a general thermostat for germination than a specific reptile thermostat
8. Best Budget Reptile Thermostat: VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat is one of our favorite products because of its value. It's an inexpensive reptile thermostat with above-average quality.
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Probe Length: 6.5 feet
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature Range: 40-108°
The VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat is a great product that fits into every budget. While it’s less expensive than other reptile thermostats, it doesn’t sacrifice quality. It comes with a light-up LCD screen that displays the temperature, and everything is controlled with three simple buttons. The VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat also comes with a reliable temperature probe that’s compatible with most heat mats and heat lamps.
The VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat also comes with a few safety features to make sure everything is hassle-free. Everything you need comes in the box, and it can be operational within minutes of getting it. Convenience aside, it also has a built-in heat sensor to keep heat lamps and mats from getting too hot. This is great for your heating devices but also your reptile.
What Sets It Apart
The VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat is unique because of its price. It’s also not the cheapest thermostat you can find, which is good news. If a product is less expensive than other products by a wide margin, there is a good chance that something is missing. So, while the VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat is a budget-friendly product, it offers above-average quality.
Things to Consider
The VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat is missing a few luxury features. So, what do we mean by that? Well, it’s too simple. There is only one LCD display, so it’s a hassle to change the temperature settings.
It also doesn’t include advanced temperature calibration or alarms. While the chances of something going wrong are slim, this is a reptile thermostat that requires more hands-on attention. Still, for the value, we can’t complain too much.
If you like the compact style but need a premium thermostat, the Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is a great alternative. It’s more expensive, but it offers more safety features.
Who It’s For
The VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat is an excellent product for shoppers that don’t need a high-end thermostat. While a high-end thermostat does more, you can still keep your pet happy and healthy with an affordable product. You’ll have to pay more attention to the enclosure, but if you don’t mind, it’s a great way to save money.
Pros
- Small and compact size
- Can be mounted on terrariums
- Light-up LCD screen is easy to see in the dark
- Low price
Cons
- Only one display screen
- Only works for heating devices
- Small temperature range
9. Best Low-Wattage Reptile Thermostat: Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat is a hard product to dislike. We love how it comes with everything you need and how nothing is shoved in your face.
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Probe Length: 6 feet
- Wattage: 150W for cooling, 600W for heating
- Temperature Range: 50-122°
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat comes with a lot of great features. It’s made with high-quality plastic and uses a durable, water-resistant temperature probe. The thermostat also features an LCD display that can perform a few tasks.
First and foremost, it shows you the temperature, which is accurate to plus or minus 1 degree. Secondly, you can choose between Fahrenheit or Celsius. You can select which one you want to look at, each with its own LED indication light. Everything is run by the three buttons on the face of the remote.
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat also comes with a few premium features. It can control warm and cold temperatures so that you can use it with cooling or heating devices. It also has a built-in alarm system if the temperature reaches too low for your reptile.
What Sets It Apart
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat is unique because it offers a premium thermostat experience at a low wattage, so it works great for smaller tanks. There is an abundance of features users have to choose from, making it worth the price. One feature that makes it unique is the memory setting. It’s a great setting that saves the thermostat’s temperature readings, so if the power fails, it can boot back up correctly.
Things to Consider
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat is one of the best reptile thermostats around. It’s not easy to include a lot of features while keeping the price low. Still, it’s not a perfect product. One downside is that it can’t handle high wattage electronics. The maximum wattage it can handle is 600W, which isn’t ideal.
If you like the premium features but need a stronger thermostat, the Inkbird ITC-308 Pre-Wired Dual Stage Reptile Thermostat is a great choice. It has similar features and alarms, but it can handle higher wattage.
Who It’s For
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat is a great thermostat for anyone that has a few heating devices that don’t run on too much power. It can handle most basic heating lamps and mats, and it’s one of the safer products you can choose.
Pros
- Compatible with heating and cooling devices
- Built-in alarms for warm and cold settings
- Bright LCD screen
Cons
- Low wattage only
- Expensive
10. Most Accurate Reptile Thermostat: Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: We like the Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat because it's precise. Instead of leaving a degree or two as room for error, it's accurate to plus or minus .1 degree.
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Probe Length: 4 feet
- Wattage: 1,000W
- Temperature Range: 41-108°
The Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is a feature-rich device. It comes with an LCD display that lights up at night, illuminating the numbers, so you know your pet is okay. It can display temperatures in both Fahrenheit or Celsius, depending on which you prefer.
The Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat also comes with safety features that keep the device and your heating devices from breaking. It has built-in surge protection and the ability to cut power if temperatures climb too high. It can also activate heating devices if the enclosure becomes cold.
What Sets It Apart
Most reptile thermostats leave a degree or two, in both directions, as room for error. The Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is unique because it’s one of the most accurate thermostats available. This is impressive because several thermostats cost more and have wider margins of error.
Things to Consider
The Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is accurate, but it doesn’t give you a decent temperature probe length. The average temperature probe for a reptile thermostat is at least six feet, but with this one, you only get four feet. That’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, mainly if it’s being used for a reptile enclosure, but most shoppers prefer longer probes just in case.
If you like the simple design and bright LED lights, but need a longer cord for the probe, the VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat is a great alternative. It has similar features and offers 6.5 feet worth of cable for the temperature probe.
Who It’s For
The Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is for someone who needs accuracy and has no room for error. No temperature probe is going to be perfect, but correct to the .1° is close. If you have a reptile that has a specific temperature requirement for mating or breeding, you’ll want to get as close to 100% accurate as possible.
Pros
- Accurate to .1° (plus and minus)
- Compact size
- Can be mounted onto terrariums
- Bright LED display
Cons
- Only 4 feet of temperature probe
Everything You Need to Know About Reptile Thermostats
Keeping your reptiles warm and comfortable is vital to their survival. In some cases, you can wing it with heat lamps, but we recommend against doing so. Reptile Thermostats are affordable products that every reptile owner can benefit from.
Still, they’re complicated products to shop for. There are a lot of things to consider, and everyone’s enclosure and heating devices are different. For this reason, it’s crucial to shop based on your needs. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about reptile thermostats so that you can narrow down your options.
Matching a Thermostat to Your Heater
One of the first things you should consider is the maximum load of a reptile thermostat. This is based on the heating or cooling devices that you have. The problem with wattage and heating devices is the amount of heat they generate. If a device produces more wattage, then the threshold for a reptile thermostat, you’ll end up with melted parts or blown circuits.
Most reptile thermostats can handle upwards of 1,000 watts, but this varies. The wattage comes down to the heating devices that you’re using. For example, heat tape requires higher wattage than a reptile heating lamp. Still, for most enclosures, a 1000 watt thermostat is more than enough.
Heat Lamps
Most reptile owners use heating lamps. While there are different bulbs, from fluorescent to halogen lamps, most heating lamps use between 50-200 watts.
Of course, if you have five lamps, you’ll need a higher wattage system. Heating lamps provide heat from light bulbs, so it can take some time for heat to be generated. Also, heating lamps are used to simulate night and day in many reptile enclosures.
If you only have a few heating devices or a low wattage system, you don’t need to worry about the maximum load of a reptile thermostat. This gives you more wiggle room and the ability to use low wattage systems. The benefit of low wattage systems is the low cost to run them, and they’re less likely to melt or cause electrical problems.
If you have an average heat lamp system, the best reptile thermostat is the Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 Digital Thermostat. The wattage is low, but it offers heating and cooling capabilities. It also includes a lot of premium features like an alarm and the ability to heat and cool enclosures.
Heating Mats
Heating mats were designed to accommodate seed germination, but they’ve evolved into well-rounded reptile heating products. Many reptile owners use heat mats to heat enclosures by placing the mat underneath it. This allows the heat from the mat to rise into the tank.
Most reptile thermostats work with heat mats, and a lot of products are designed for them specifically. The low wattage systems are cheap to run and offer a decent amount of heat. Still, for the best results, using heat lamps alongside a heating mat is even better.
If you have a heat mat, there are a lot of reptile thermostats you can choose from. Our favorite is the BN-Link Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller because it’s well-made and affordable.
Heat Tape
Heat tape is a recent innovation for reptile enclosures. Heat tape is typically used for trades work, but it recently made its way into reptile habits. Heat tape is great because you can choose how much you want to use and how hot it will get. Most heat tape options can reach temperatures upwards of 130°.
The only downside to heat tape is that it uses a lot of power. On average, heat tape uses 23 watts per foot. If you are using less than 18 feet of heat tape, you don’t need to worry about shopping for a high wattage thermostat.
On the other hand, if you’ll be using more than 30 feet of heating tape, we recommend a product like the VIVIOHOME Digital Thermostat. While it’s a simple reptile thermostat, it can handle high wattage heat tape and gives you plenty of temperature probe length to choose your desired placement location.
Understanding the Temperature Range for Reptiles
Reptile thermostats, on average, should be between 70 and 85 degrees. Some habitats also have specific areas for cooling and basking. Basking is when reptiles expose themselves to hot temperatures, usually in the morning, to boost their body temperature rapidly.
Not every reptile basks, but if your pet does, you’ll need to create a separate area. Basking areas should maintain a temperature between 90-100 degrees. For this reason, reptile thermostats are necessary to maintain the right temperature.
Most reptile thermostats have a range between 40° and 120°. In most cases, that’s all you need. Still, if you have an exotic reptile that needs higher temperatures, it’s wise to get a reptile thermostat with a broader temperature range.
One example is the Bayite Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat. It can handle higher temperature settings and works excellent for enclosures with exotic needs.
Shopping for Accuracy
The accuracy of reptile thermostats is not always perfect. When temperature probes are used, there is still room for error built-in. Most reptile thermostats have a margin of error that’s plus or minus one degree.
So, if a reptile thermostat is displaying a temperature of 100 degrees, it could be 101 or 99 degrees. Some reptile thermostats are more accurate, and others have larger margins of error. Usually, plus or minus one degree is exact enough.
Still, if you need a reptile thermostat that has excellent precision, the Zacro Digital Heat Mat Thermostat is a great choice. It’s accurate to plus or minus .1 degree . This product works well for exotic reptiles or pets that need hyper-specific temperatures to survive.
Shopping for Heating and Cooling
Most reptile owners are concerned with heat, but too much heat isn’t safe either. For enclosures that use intense heating devices, a cooling device is recommended. These devices work by cooling down the temperature of a section, even if heating devices are active.
If you’re running a system like this, it’s essential to shop for a thermostat that can handle refrigeration and heating devices. An excellent product for this is the WILLHI Digital Thermostat. It has built-in safety features to run a refrigeration system and heating devices properly.
Setting up Your Reptile Thermostat
Once you find a reptile thermostat that you like, it’s time to set it up. If you’ve never used one before, getting everything wired up for the first time can be difficult. So, we’re going to take you through a few steps to make sure you’re getting the most out of your reptile thermostat.
Most reptile thermostats come with three cables. The three cables run from the reptile thermostat to different areas. The primary cable is the main cable, and it’s marked as such. It has a space on the device for a three-prong plug.
The second cable is the heater cable. This cable is attached to the heating devices that you’re using. While most reptile thermostats are designed with heat mats in mind, most products work with heat tape and heat lamps too.
The last wire is the temperature probe component of the device. This wire runs from the thermostat and into your enclosure. Where you put it depends on your preferences, but we always recommend placing it in the center of your enclosure for the best results.
Step 1
The first step is to read all of the instructions that come with a reptile thermostat. While they serve the same purpose, each device is different. One thermostat might be similar to another, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the product before plugging things in.
Step 2
Once you know how to use the reptile thermostat, go ahead and plug the heating device into the three-prong plug on the thermostat. Most products have three-prong cords, but if yours doesn’t, you might need an adapter.
Step 3
Once you have everything plugged in, look for a place in the habitat to put the temperature probe. The probe should be somewhere in the middle of the enclosure, but you don’t want it on the ground or against the glass. We recommend drilling a hole at the bottom or burying it within the bedding.
Step 4
The next thing you’ll want to do is set your desired temperature. Most reptile thermostats have three bottoms on the face of the device, with up and down buttons allowing you to change the temperature.
Before doing so, make sure you brush up on your reptile’s temperature needs. Study whether or not they need a basking area and what the average temperature of the enclosure should be. This information can be found in the manual that comes with the purchase of a reptile or found online here.
We also recommend looking into the heating devices that work best for that reptile. For example, a ball python is better off with a heat mat than a heating lamp. This can help you choose the right heading device and reptile thermostat to go along with it.
Step 5
Once you have everything plugged in and ready to go, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Switch on the reptile thermostat and give the enclosure a few hours for the temperature to stabilize.
While reptile thermostats are helpful, they’re not always perfect and limited to one area of the enclosure. For this reason, we recommend using a thermometer alongside the reptile thermostat. Using a thermometer can help you determine the margin of error for a thermostat and give you a better idea of where to place the temperature probe.
Step 6
Once everything is working, you’ll want to experiment and test the device. To do so, simply increase/decrease the temperature using up and down buttons. This will allow you to get an idea of how long temperature changes will take.
Reptile Thermostat FAQ
Do I Need a Reptile Thermostat?
It’s possible to run a heating device without a thermostat, but that doesn’t mean you should. Reptiles have particular temperature needs, including basking areas. For this reason, we always recommend using a thermostat. If you don’t have one, using a thermometer until you get one is ideal.
What’s the Difference Between a Rheostat and Thermostat?
Rheostats don’t have a probe that measures the temperature, whereas thermostats do. The probe is necessary because thermostats regulate temperature without relying on room temperature. Plus, in most cases, thermostats give more accurate readings.
Can I Run More Than One Heater off the Same Thermostat?
Depending on the thermostat you choose, absolutely! Some devices can also run cooling units alongside heating units. What determines this is their amount of inputs. If a product has two or more three-prong outlets, you can run multiple devices.
What is a Dimmer Thermostat?
Dimmer thermostats work by controlling the brightness of heat lamps to lower the temperature. Instead of turning lights on and off, they’re always on. This drives up the cost of running them, and they’re expensive to begin with. For this reason, we recommend using on/off reptile thermostats.
Wrapping Up
Shopping for a reptile thermostat is not always straightforward, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s essential to shop based on your needs and your needs alone. Ending up with the wrong reptile thermostat can lead to broken heating devices and an unhappy reptile.
Luckily, finding the best reptile thermostat is simple when you have the best products in front of you. So, take some time to consider your options before you make a decision carefully.
