How to Use Heat Lamps Properly

Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means that their bodies cannot provide their own heat, and they rely on their environment for heating and cooling. Using heat lamps properly is essential to keeping your reptilian pet from either frying or freezing. Some heat lamps also have bulbs that provide reptiles with essential UV rays, much as humans get Vitamin D from being in sunlight. The proper use of heat lamps is essential for every vivarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Cold-blooded pet
  • Vivarium
  • Appropriate heat lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the needs of your particular pet, using the Internet, books, and talking to experts like your pet store owner, a breeder or a local club of reptile raisers. In general, reptiles prefer to have a warm end and a cool end to their cage, so concentrate your heat sources at one end.

    • 2

      Determine your pet's UV needs, and match them with an appropriate heat lamp. For example, desert reptiles require a higher amount of UV rays than their tropical counterparts. Heat lamps can have halogen bulbs, fluorescent tubes, mercury vapor bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs; many types of bulbs cater to a particular species.

    • 3

      In addition to heat lamps with bulbs, there are lamps that provide only heat, as well as heated rocks and heated mats. Consider using a combination of heating elements appropriate for your pet.

    • 4

      Provide shade and shelter boxes on both the warm and cool ends of the cage, so your pet does not have to pick between shelter and comfort.

    • 5

      Observe your pet to see if he is spending equal time in the warm and cool ends of the vivarium Spending excessive time in the warm end could mean he is cold, while excessive time in the cool end could mean he is hot. Adjust your heat lamp appropriately.

    • 6

      Ensure adequate exposure to sunlight, and be sure that lights are not burning around the clock; give your pet a regular day/night cycle. You can use a dimmer switch to mimic the coming of night.