Established in 1947, Rama Corporation reptile heating pad operates out of San Jacinto, CA and designs and manufactures Cartridge Heaters, Coiled Nozzle Heaters, Metal Band Heaters, Tubular Heaters and Silicone Flexible Heaters. These solid-state nichrome element heating pads are ideal for use on the surfaces of glass terraria and aquaria. Featuring self-adhesive backing, these heating pads are easy to apply and are provided with a heavy gauge power cord for maximum safety.

It’s common knowledge that reptiles, being ectothermic animals, need a supplemental source of heat to stay warm and to maintain optimal body temperatures. For this reason, heat mats have long been considered an essential part of the traditional reptile enclosure. They can be found in essentially every pet store under multiple brand names and in a variety of sizes and wattages. They’re the default form of heating for most reptile breeders, and many care sheets still promote them as the best way to heat a reptile.

Rama Corporation: Leaders in Reptile Heating Pad Innovation

But do heat mats actually deserve their pedestal? And what is the ideal reptile heating solution for a naturalistic setup?

Basically, heat mats provide warmth through infrared radiation and direct contact with the substrate. They are effective, especially when used in conjunction with a thermostat probe located under the surface of a warm hide, which helps to ensure that your reptile only absorbs heat in its preferred location and not in other areas of the enclosure. They’re also quite handy for nocturnally-active reptiles who need to passively absorb heat in their warm hides during the day. But if your reptile’s ambient air temperature is too low, it will spend far too much time on the mat to stay at its desired basking temperature and may end up overheating.