The 10 Best Thermostats For Reptiles
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Reptiles are some of the most interesting animals on the planet and each of them is completely unique. From color-changing chameleons to brightly colored snakes, reptiles make wonderful pets.
The thing to remember with pet reptiles, however, is that their needs are much different from a dog’s or cat’s. Reptiles are ectothermic, so part of your job in keeping a reptile as a pet is making sure it stays warm. Many reptiles also require a humid environment, so you’ll need to navigate that challenge as well.
In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of humidity for pet reptiles and provide some tips for choosing the best reptile thermostat to track it. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best reptile thermostats and hygrometers.
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Thermostats For Reptiles
|
Overall Best
1. iPower GLHTMTCONTROL 40-108 Degrees Fahrenheit Digital Heat Mat Thermostat |
Best Affordable
3. VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller |
4. Bayite Temperature Controller BTC201 Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat |
5. WILLHI WH1436A 10A Temperature Controller 110V Digital Thermostat Switch Sous Vide Controller NTC 10K Sensor Improved Version |
6. Jump Start JumpStart MTPRTC Digital Controller Germination Heat Mat Thermostat |
|||||
|
Brand
iPower |
Brand
BN-LINK |
Brand
VivoSun |
Brand
Bayite |
Brand
WILLHI |
Brand
HydroFarm |
Brand
Aiicioo |
Brand
SensorPush |
Brand
Fluker’s |
Brand
Zoo Med |
|
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Digital |
Type
Analog |
|
Features
Wide temperature range |
Features
Rugged, plug-in operation |
Features
Wide temperature range, hang tab |
Features
2-stage, outlet |
Features
Pre-wired outlet, simplified platform |
Features
ETL-certified |
Features
Wide range, easy operation |
Features
Wireless, accurate |
Features
Affordable price, digital display |
Features
Attaches to cage, easy to read |
What To Look For In Thermostats For Reptiles?
Reptiles are ectothermic animals which essentially means that they are unable to internally regulate their own body temperatures. This being the case, they rely on the ambient temperature to keep them warm – this is why reptile cages need to be heated. For many reptiles, humidity is just as important as heating because many reptiles come from tropical and sub-tropical climates. If you plan to keep a reptile as a pet, you’ll probably need a thermostat to monitor the temperature and a hygrometer to monitor the humidity.
Here are some important things to look for in reptile thermostats and hygrometers:
- Digital vs Analog – Digital thermostats are more accurate than analog models, but they still require calibration. You should double-check your readings to test the accuracy of the unit.
- Ease of Operation – The simplest thermostats offer easy 3-button operation, but the more advanced units may take some getting used to.
- Control Range – The control range is the temperature range the unit is capable of controlling. Some units have wider ranges than others, but most range from about 70°F to 100°F
- Programming – For more advanced units, you may be able to control the device to switch on and off at different temperatures or time intervals.
Our Top Picks For The Best Thermostats For Reptiles
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a reptile thermostat, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best reptile thermostats and hygrometers.
iPower GLHTMTCONTROL 40-108 Degrees Fahrenheit Digital Heat Mat Thermostat
Product Info
- Brand: iPower
- Type: Digital
- Features: Wide temperature range
- Professional reliability and digital performance
- Wide range for temperature, 40°F to 108°F
- Easy plug-in operation and LED indicator
- Only designed to turn off heaters at set temperature
BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller
Product Info
- Brand: BN-LINK
- Type: Digital
- Features: Rugged, plug-in operation
- Rugged construction for durability
- LED power and heating indicator lights
- Easy plug-in operation and 3-button interface
- Accuracy may fade over time, check often
VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller
Product Info
- Brand: VivoSun
- Type: Digital
- Features: Wide temperature range, hang tab
- Wide temperature range 68 to 108
- Zero-effort setup and 3-button operation
- Comes with hanging tab and wall mount
- Can only be used with one unit
- Accuracy may fade over time
Bayite Temperature Controller BTC201 Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat
Product Info
- Brand: Bayite
- Type: Digital
- Features: 2-stage, outlet
- Can be used as a cooling or heating device
- Pre-wired double outlet included
- All-in-one with easy programming
- Requires some programming to use
- In rare cases, some units have defective auto-start
WILLHI WH1436A 10A Temperature Controller 110V Digital Thermostat Switch Sous Vide Controller NTC 10K Sensor Improved Version
Product Info
- Brand: WILLHI
- Type: Digital
- Features: Pre-wired outlet, simplified platform
- Pre-wired outlet so you don’t lose outlet space
- Simplified operation, easy to use
- Only has one pre-wired outlets (some models have 2)
- For humidity control, order model WH1436H
Jump Start JumpStart MTPRTC Digital Controller Germination Heat Mat Thermostat
Product Info
- Brand: HydroFarm
- Type: Digital
- Features: ETL-certified
- Only ETL certified thermostat on the market
- LED indicator light and digital controls
- Wide controllable range 68°F to 108°F
- Slightly more expensive than similar models
- Some units arrived defective
Aiicioo Digital Thermostat Reptile Heating Pad
Product Info
- Brand: Aiicioo
- Type: Digital
- Features: Wide range, easy operation
- Affordably priced under $20
- Digital interface with easy operation
- Wide controllable range 68°F to 108°F
- May not be as accurate as pricier models
- Some units did not last as long as expected
SensorPush Wireless Thermometer/Hygrometer
Product Info
- Brand: SensorPush
- Type: Digital
- Features: Wireless, accurate
- Swiss-made components to ensure accuracy
- Wireless, connects to smartphones for alerts
- Monitors both temperature and humidity
- Not specifically designed for reptile cages
- Smartphone app takes time to learn
- Doesn’t control temperature or humidity, only acts as a monitor
Fluker's Thermo-Hygrometer
Product Info
- Brand: Fluker’s
- Type: Digital
- Features: Affordable price, digital display
- Affordably priced under $10
- Simple to operate and consistent results
- Dual thermometer and hygrometer
- Humidity sensor less accurate than temperature reading
- Not as durable as some models
- Doesn’t control temperature or humidity, only acts as a monitor
Zoo Med Dual Analog Thermometer and Humidity Gauge
Product Info
- Brand: Zoo Med
- Type: Analog
- Features: Attaches to cage, easy to read
- Monitors both temperature and humidity
- Attaches easily to the side of the cage
- Affordably priced under $10
- May not be as accurate as digital thermostats and hygrometers
- Doesn’t control temperature or humidity, only acts as a monitor
Tips For Maintaining Heat And Humidity A Reptile Cage
Because reptiles can’t regulate their own body temperatures, they rely on their caretakers to keep their cages nice and warm and humid. Most reptiles require a constant temperature between 70°F and 85°F, typically with a hotter basking area around 100°F, sometimes more. The specifics vary from one species to another, but many reptiles also require a humidity of 30% to 50% for many snakes or as high as 80% to 90% for some lizards. You’ll need to research the species you plan to keep,
Here are some simple tips for maintaining a reptile cage:
- Choose a cage that is properly ventilated but also keeps in the heat and humidity to the proper degree – full-screen cages may not work for very high humidity reptiles.
- Add a large water dish to the cage, ideally at the bottom so the water evaporates and increases the humidity as it rises. There are some species variations regarding water access and bowl size, so research this before set-up.
- Mist your cage with room-temperature water at least twice a day using a handheld spray bottle – mist the entire enclosure including the animal, walls, decorations, and substrate.
- Choose the right substrate that will help retain warmth and humidity – dry products hold little moisture while bark or other natural substrates hold more.
- Keep track of the heat and humidity in your enclosure using a thermostat or hygrometer so you will know when the humidity starts to drop, and you need to take action.
Now that you know the basics about increasing and maintaining heat and humidity in your reptile cage, you’re ready to start shopping for equipment. Remember, temperature and humidity are the two most important elements to keeping your reptile healthy, so don’t skimp!
Final Remarks
Though every reptile is unique, many species have similar requirements when it comes to their captive environment. On top of providing your pet reptile with adequate space and a healthy diet, you may also need to monitor the temperature and humidity. Having a heating and humidifying system in place is the first step, but you also need to be able to monitor and adjust those systems – that’s why you need to invest in a high-quality thermostat or hygrometer.
If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a reptile thermostat or hygrometer, try out one of the top 10 best reptile thermostats we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
