Pet turtles have specific needs when it comes to heat and light. Not only do turtles require a day and night cycle, to mimic natural cycles, they also need UVA and UVB rays and a warm temperature in order to stay healthy.
There are several different ways to heat a tank, and here we take factors such as durability, adjustability, and customer reviews into account to find the best turtle tank heater.
10. Zacro Reptile Heat Pad
Ideal for: Reptiles and amphibians
It’s best to make one side of a turtle’s habitat slightly warmer than the other side, and this foldable, adjustable heating pad is perfect for that. The pad is designed for 30 to 40 gallon tanks. It’s made of durable materials and can be wiped clean.
- Heats evenly, and is adjustable
- Made of durable, easy to clean material
- Made for a specific tank size
9. DADYPET 25W Reptile Heat Lamp
Ideal for: Turtles and other reptiles
Another choice for best turtle tank heater is a heat lamp. This lamp focuses heat, and the clip on the lamp itself means placing and adjusting the lamp is simple. The lamp comes with a 25 watt bulb, but this bulb can be replaced with any heat, light, or UVA/UVB bulb 75 watts and under.
- Adjustable and customizable
- Can be used with any bulb up to 75 watts
- Designed for smaller habitats
8. Wuhostam 100W 2 Pack Infrared Ceramic Heat Lamp
Ideal for: Amphibians such as turtles
Ceramic heat lamps are also one of the best turtle tank heaters. These bulbs only emit heat, not light, so they won’t disturb the turtle’s natural day and night cycles. The bulb is sturdy in construction and built to last. It can be installed into any standard porcelain socket.
- Won’t disrupt day and night cycles
- Can be used in any standard socket
- Focuses heat
- Lamp is not included
7. Exo Terra Sun-Glo Basking Spot Lamp
Ideal for: Amphibians and reptiles
This bulb is designed to create a basking spot that mimics natural sunlight. It emits both light and heat, as well as healthy UVA rays. The neodymium construction is built to give the bulb a long life.
- Focuses heat and light in a specific area
- Emits both heat and light
- Doesn’t include a lamp
6. Zilla Premium Reflector Domes
Ideal for: Amphibians, such as turtles
Another great choice for the best turtle tank heater is a reflector dome lamp, which focuses light and heat onto a specific basking area in the habitat. These domes are made to be durable and adjustable. They can be used with almost any bulbs, so it’s easy to get the perfect mix of heat and light for your turtle.
- Highly customizable
- Designed to focus and intensify heat and light
- Bulb is not included
5. OMAYKEY 2 Pack 100W Ceramic Heat Lamp
Ideal for: Reptiles and amphibians
These heat lamps, which emit not light and won’t disrupt natural day and night cycles, are easy to place into any standard socket. They’re durable and come with a handy thermometer, so measure temperatures and ensuring that that habitat is heated correctly is simple.
- Comes with a thermometer
- Can be placed in nearly any lamp
- Won’t disrupt sleep cycles
- Lamp is not included
4. Exo Terra Heat-Glo Infrared Spot Lamp
Ideal for: Amphibians and reptiles
This infrared bulb comes in a variety of different watts, and can be installed into any standard porcelain socket. The red light won’t disrupt natural day and night sleep cycles, but it emits a steady heat, making it a great choice for the best turtle tank heater.
- Can be installed in any socket
- Won’t interrupt sleep cycles
- Lamp is not included
3. Simple Deluxe Clamp Lamp Light with 8.5 Inch Aluminum Reflector
Ideal for: Amphibians, such as turtles
This lamp is designed to focus heat onto specific areas of the terrarium. A bulb of up to 150 watts can be used, so it’s simple to get the right mix of heat, light, and UVB/UVA rays for your turtle. The lamp itself easily clamps onto table edges or the tank rim.
- Easily adjustable clamp
- Can be used with nearly any bulb up to 150 watts
- Bulb is not included
2. Zoo Med Turtles Heavy Duty Halogen Lamp
Ideal for: Turtles or other amphibians
This lamp is designed with turtles in mind, making it a perfect choice for the best turtle tank heater. It’s moisture resistant, so it can be splashed without getting damaged. The bulb is also built to last, and emits UVA rays and light as well as heat.
- Designed for aquatic habitats
- Built to last
- Can be easily installed into any standard socket
- Does not come with a lamp fixture
1. Zoo Med Acquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit
Ideal for: All amphibians
This lamp is designed with dual sockets, so it can hold both a light-emitting bulb for daytime, as well as a heat lamp bulb for night. The dome itself is polished to increase light and UVB/UVA output, and the lamp is designed specifically for aquatic habitats.
- Any bulbs up to 100 watts can be used
- Polished dome increases heat output
- Designed for aquatic environments
- Bulbs are not included
Conclusion
The best turtle tank heater depends on many different factors, and it’s important to take your own personal terrarium setup into account before purchasing anything. Heat pads, lights, and ceramic heaters are all good options, and there are several heaters designed specifically for turtles.
It can also be quite helpful to share with other turtle owners to get ideas for heaters. Let people know what’s worked for you in the past, and what your favorite turtle tank heater is!
The TPR Team invites you to read informative pieces and specialized opinions from experts in all things dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and all things pet, in general.
