Iguanas can sometimes be tricky to care for, and one of the most important yet complicated things about their care is the specific lighting they require. Iguanas need not only UVB and UVA rays in order to remain healthy, but a strong heat source.

Like all reptiles, iguanas are cold-blooded, so they need an external heat source to maintain their body temperature. Here, we look at a number of factors including bulb choice, price, and ease of use to help choose the best heat lamp for iguanas.

10. Exo Terra Solar-Glo High Intensity Self-Ballasted UV/Heat Mercury Vapor Lamp

Exo Terra Solar-Glo High Intensity Vapor Lamp

 Ideal for: Reptiles such as iguanas 

This versatile lamp, which comes in different wattage options, is easy to install and adjust. The lamp is self-ballasted, so it emits UVB and UVA, but no harmful UVC rays. In addition, the bulb emits a generous amount of warmth, keeping the iguana comfortable.

PROS
  • Emits heat as well as UVB/UVA
  • Easy to adjust and install
CONS
  • High intensity may be more than necessary for smaller terrariums

9. Fluker’s 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp with Switch for Reptiles

Fluker's Repta-Clamp Lamp

 Ideal for: All reptiles 

This lamp by Fluker’s clamps directly onto the rim of terrariums, and with an option of bulbs up to 250 watts, it’s versatile and easy to adjust in order to create the perfect habitat. The lamp itself is made of sturdy aluminum which helps to focus both heat and UVB/UVA rays. The dome portion helps to prevent accidental burns as well.

PROS
  • Highly adjustable and customizable
  • Designed to emit the perfect balance of heat, UVB, and UVA
  • Clips onto terrarium rim
CONS
  • Doesn’t come with a bulb

8. Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit

Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit

 Ideal for: Turtles and other reptiles 

A lamp designed with turtles in mind is actually a great choice for the best heat lamp for iguanas, because of the high humidity levels iguanas require. This lamp is moisture resistant, and the dome is made of aluminum. It features two sockets, so a specific heat bulb, as well as a bulb for UVB/UVA, can be used at the same time.

PROS
  • Moisture-resistant aluminum dome with two sockets
  • Can be used with bulbs up to 100 watts
CONS
  • Designed for aquatic habitats

7. Exo Terra Swamp Glo Basking Spot Lamp

Exo Terra Swamp Glo Basking Spot Lamp

 Ideal for: High humidity terrariums 

This is another best heat lamp for iguanas because, again, it’s water resistant, making it perfect for humid terrariums. The lamp comes in a variety of watt options, so it’s simple to choose the perfect bulb for your terrarium needs. The bulb itself is full-spectrum and made of neodymium glass.

PROS
  • Perfect for humid terrariums
  • Comes in several watt options
CONS
  • Fragile
  • Full-spectrum, as opposed to UVB/UVA emitting

6. Evergreen Pet Supplies 100 Watt UVA UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb

Evergreen Pet Supplies 100 Watt UVA UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb

 Ideal for: Reptiles and amphibians 

Another choice for best heat lamp for iguanas is from Evergreen Pet Supplies. This lamp is self-ballasted and can be installed into any ceramic socket. The bulb is sturdy and has a long life. In addition, it emits a balance of heat, UVB, and UVA rays.

PROS
  • Easy to install and very adjustable
  • Emits UVB/UVA as well as heat
CONS
  • Not as cost-effective as other options

5. Fluker’s 27004 Mini Sun Dome Reptile Lamp

Fluker’s Mini Sun Dome Reptile Lamp

 Ideal for: Desert-dwelling reptiles 

This versatile lamp can use a bulb up to 160 watts, making it easy to choose something that fits your terrarium’s specific needs. The dome is constructed to increase UVB and UVA output and penetration. In addition, the 8.5-inch diameter means this lamp can be used with a number of small or large terrariums.

PROS
  • Adjustable and customizable
  • Designed to emit balanced UVB and UVA as well as heat
CONS
  • Doesn’t come with a bulb
  • Designed for desert-dwelling reptiles

4. Fluker’s 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp with Switch for Reptiles

Fluker's 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp

 Ideal for: Reptiles such as iguanas 

This lamp, which easily attaches to the rim of the terrarium, is designed for versatility. It can be used with nearly any heat bulb, so you can select the perfect balance of warmth and UVB/UVA output. In addition, the lamp comes in a variety of sizes.

PROS
  • Attaches to terrarium rim
  • Adjustable and easy to use
CONS
  • No bulb included

3. Simple Deluxe Clamp Lamp with 8.5 Inch Aluminum Reflector

Simple Deluxe Clamp Lamp

 Ideal for: All reptiles 

This lamp is designed to be incredibly versatile and can be used with nearly any bulb up to 150 watts. This makes it a great choice for best heat lamp for iguanas because it’s so easy to pick the perfect bulb for the habitat. The light clamps to any hard surface, and the dome itself can be titled to focus light and heat.

PROS
  • Highly adjustable and customizable
  • Sturdy design clips to hard surfaces or the terrarium rim
CONS
  • Doesn’t come with a bulb

2. Exo Terra Heat-Glo Infrared Spot Lamp, 120-Volt

Exo Terra Infrared Basking Spot Lamp

 Ideal for: Reptiles such as iguanas 

This lamp is specifically designed to emit the correct amounts of heat for your needs. The bulb has a built-in reflector which makes it easy to direct heat in a particular spot. The infrared design means that the lamp can be left on during the night and won’t disrupt the iguana’s sleep cycle.

PROS
  • Infrared output won’t interrupt sleep cycles
  • Adjustable, for getting the perfect amount of heat
CONS
  • Does not emit UVB

1. OMAYKEY 100W Ceramic Heat Lamp with Digital Thermometer (2-Pack)

OMAYKEY 2 Pack 100W Ceramic Heat Lamp

 Ideal for: Reptiles such as iguanas 

This lamp is specifically designed to emit heat, making it the perfect choice for best heat lamp for iguanas. The bulb is ceramic and emits no light, so it won’t disturb natural sleep cycles. It can screw directly into any standard porcelain or ceramic socket.

PROS
  • Designed specifically to emit the perfect amount of heat
  • Won’t disturb natural sleep cycles
CONS
  • Must be used with an external socket, not included

Conclusion

Choosing the best heat lamp for iguanas isn’t actually too hard of a choice, once all of the options, such as price, durability, and adjustability, are considered.

Sharing your knowledge, or listening to other iguana owners, can also be helpful. Let people know what heat lamps have worked the best for you in the past.