Keeping your snake warm is one of the most critical parts of pet snake care. Since snakes are cold-blooded, they can’t regulate body temperature, and instead rely on a steady external heat source.
This leads many pet owners to question what the best way to heat a snake tank is. We looked at factors such as reliability, durability, and ease of use in order to come up with a comprehensive list.
10. Zacro Reptile Heat Pad
Ideal for: Reptiles such as snakes
One of the best ways to heat a snake tank is an under-tank heating pad. This heat pad is designed for 30 to 40 gallon tanks, and is made of durable material. It’s easy clean, can be folded to fit, and is low energy.
- Heats the tank evenly
- Durable and easy to clean
- For tanks 30 to 40 gallons
9. Fluker’s 22402 Reptile Incandescent Daylight Bulb
Ideal for: All reptiles
This 60-watt bulb puts out light and heat in a gentle daylight blue color. The bulb is inexpensive and can be easily installed into any lamp or built-in tank socket. In addition, the bulb is specifically designed to provide infrared rays that snakes need to stay healthy.
- Provides light, heat, and infrared rays
- Easy to install
- Does not include lamp
8. DADYPET 25W Reptile Heat Lamp
Ideal for: Snakes, turtles, and lizards
This reptile heat lamp is designed to focus heat and light into the terrarium, making it a good choice for the best way to heat a snake tank. The included bulb is 25 watts and emits a high output of UVB rays.
The bulb can also be replaced with any reptile heat bulb up to 75 watts. The clip makes the lamp easy to install and adjust.
- Easy to install and adjust
- Includes a 25 watt bulb
- May not be strong enough for all terrariums
7. iPower Reptile Heat Pad
Ideal for: Reptiles such as snakes
Designed to provide uniform heat throughout the terrarium, this heat pad is easy to install and adjust. It heats the terrarium to the desired temperature quickly. In addition, since the heat pad doesn’t emit light, this won’t disrupt the snake’s natural day and night sleep cycles.
- Heats terrariums quickly and evenly
- Easy to install and adjust
- May be too small for some terrariums
6. Wuhostam 100W 2 Pack Infrared Ceramic Heat Lamp
Ideal for: All reptiles and amphibians
Another great choice for the best way to heat a snake tank is a ceramic heat lamp, which emits only heat and not light, so it won’t disrupt sleep cycles.
This particular lamp features and entirely ceramic element, and is designed to last for 9000 hours or longer. It’s also easy to install into any standard porcelain socket.
- Emits only heat so as not to disrupt natural cycles
- Easy to install
- Does not include a lamp
5. Exo Terra Sun-Glo Basking Spot Lamp
Ideal for: Reptiles such as snakes
A lamp which mimics natural daylight is another good option for the best way to heat a snake tank. The neodymium construction gives the light a natural feel, and the broad spectrum bulb emits both heat and UVA rays.
In addition, this bulb can be adjusted to focus heat in a specific area.
- Mimics natural daylight
- Emits light, heat, and UVA rays
- May disrupt sleep cycles
- Doesn’t include a lamp
4. Zilla Premium Reflector Domes
Ideal for: All reptiles and amphibians
Reflector domes can help to focus and concentrate light and heat to create the perfect snake basking area. These are white on the inside to intensify heat, and the ceramic socket is very durable. The domes can be used with nearly any heat or light bulbs.
- Designed to focus and intensify heat and light
- Durable and customizable
- Does not include a bulb
3. OMAYKEY 2 Pack 100W Ceramic Heat Lamp
Ideal for: All reptiles
This infrared heat lamp emits only heat, not light, so as to keep snakes warm without disturbing natural day and night cycles. Not only does this pack come with two bulbs, but a thermometer is included to help measure and stabilize temperatures.
The bulb itself can be installed in any standard socket.
- Will not disrupt natural day and night cycles
- Durable and designed to emit steady heat
- Does not come with a lamp
2. Exo Terra Heat-Glo Infrared Spot Lamp
Ideal for: Reptiles such as snakes
Like a ceramic heat bulb, the infrared color of this lamp won’t disrupt natural day and night cycles, so it’s a perfect choice for the best way to heat a snake tank.
The bulb can be screwed into any standard socket, and it comes in a variety of wattages, so it’s easy to get the right heat setting for your terrarium.
- Emits steady, focused heat
- Easy to install
- Won’t disrupt natural sleep cycles
- Does not come with a lamp
1. Simple Deluxe Clamp Lamp Light with 8.5 Inch Aluminum Reflector
Ideal for: All reptiles
This versatile lamp can be clamped to a table or the rim of a tank to provide light, heat, or UVB and UVA rays. A bulb up to 150 watts can be used with the lamp, so creating the perfect habitat for your snake is easy.
In addition, the aluminum reflector dome precisely focuses light or heat onto a specific area.
- Can be used with any bulb up to 150 watts
- Adjustable and highly customizable
- Clamps onto any sturdy surface
- Does not come with a bulb
Conclusion
There are many different options when it comes to the best way to heat a snake tank. Heat pads, ceramic bulbs, or daylight bulbs are all excellent options, and taking things light durability, adjustability, and the size of your terrarium into account can help you make the best choice.
Sharing tips and experiences with other snake owners can also be very helpful—let others know what tank heating options have worked for you in the past!
Featured image credit: Sepph/ Pixabay
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