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5 Best Heat Lamps for Iguanas

 


Most recommended
Repti Basking Spot Bulb
  • Brand Zoo Med
  • 100 Watts
  • 2 x 2 x 2.13 inches
A good choice too
Basking Spotlight Bulbs
  • Color Black
  • Material Cotton
  • Brand Fluker
A good choice too
Ceramic Heat Emitter
  • Brand BOEESPAT
  • Ceramic heat lamp
  • 0.81 Ounces
Incandescent Heat Bulb
  • Brand Zilla
  • 100 Watts
  • Item Weight 0.15 Pounds
WUHOSTAM 2 Pack 80W
  • 0.3 Ounces
  • 80 Watts
  • WUHOSTAM

Choose the Best Heat Lamp for Iguana

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Heat Lamps for Iguanas

16 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

25.00% of users selected Repti Basking Spot Bulb, 25.00% selected Basking Spotlight Bulbs, 31.25% selected Ceramic Heat Emitter, 6.25% selected Incandescent Heat Bulb and 12.50% selected WUHOSTAM 2 Pack 80W. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Iguanas make interesting and exotic pets. If you’re thinking of adding one to your family, it’s important to provide a proper environment for them to thrive. One of the most important aspects of an iguana’s habitat is providing the right temperature. That’s where heat lamps come in! In this article, we will discuss the different types of heat lamps available and recommend some of the best ones for iguanas. We’ll also provide some tips on how to use them safely and effectively.

Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Bulbs

If you are looking for a basking spot bulb that packs a punch then Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Bulb might be what you are looking for. These powerful 150 watt bulbs are perfect for creating a warm, comfortable basking area for your reptile friends.

They’re also long lasting, so you won’t have to replace them as often. Plus, they come in a durable package that makes storage easy. And to top it all off, each bulb comes with a useful chlorhexidine solution that helps keep your reptile’s skin healthy and free of infection.

These Repti Basking Spot Bulbs are a great way to keep your reptiles healthy and active. They provide the perfect amount of heat and light to help them thrive. However some customers have reported that one of the bulbs can blow pretty fast. Although it’s a rare occurrence, you should keep that in mind.

Pros
  • Comes with two powerful 150 watts;
  • Long lasting;
  • Ideal light for a basking spot;
  • Come in a durable package;
  • Comes with a useful chlorhexidine solution;

Cons
  • Bulbs can blow;


Fluker’s Basking Spotlight Bulbs for Reptiles

Fluker’s Basking Spotlight Bulbs are a decent great way to give your reptile some extra heat. These bulbs provide ample heat for reptiles to bask in, and they’re a great value for the price.

Plus, they work well with most heat basking platforms, so you can rest assured your reptile will be happy and healthy.

All in all these are an affordable lamp choice for your iguana friend. These bulbs provide the perfect amount of heat to keep your reptile warm and comfortable. However, some customers have noted that the bulbs can fall apart easily, so be sure to handle them with care. Others have said that the bulbs don’t get as hot as promised, so you may need to purchase a hotter bulb if temperature is a concern for you. Additionally, these bulbs tend to blow quickly, so you may want to buy a few extras just in case. But overall, these bulbs are a great option for providing your reptile with the heat it needs, especially if you are on a budget.

Pros
  • Good pick if you just want some heat lights;
  • Great value for the price;
  • Heat basking platforms well;

Cons
  • Bulb can fall apart;
  • Not as hot as promised;
  • Can blow quicky;


BOEESPAT 60W/100W/150W/250W Ceramic Heat Emitter Reptile Heat Lamp

BOEESPAT Ceramic Heat Emitter is a reliable and durable heat emitter that won’t let you down. This tough little reptile heat lamp is resistant to cold and provides enough heat to keep your pet warm and comfortable. It’s also super easy to use – just screw it into any standard light bulb socket and you’re good to go!

Plus, with a power output of up to 250W, you can be sure that your pet will stay nice and toasty. And because the BOEESPAT doesn’t emit any light, it won’t disturb your pet’s sleep cycles.

If you’re in the market for a ceramic heat emitter reptile heat lamp, the BOEESPAT is a great option. But there are a few things you should know before you buy. First, it’s important to note that this lamp can’t accommodate a basking area, because it emits no light. So if you have a reptile that likes to bask, this isn’t the lamp for you. Second, the size of the lamp is smaller than expected. And lastly, some people find the smell of the lamp to be off putting right out of the box. But despite these drawbacks, the BOEESPAT is still a great choice for those looking for a ceramic heat emitter reptile heat lamp.

Pros
  • Durable;
  • Resistant to cold;
  • Provides enough heat;
  • Offers up to 250W of power;
  • Emits no light;

Cons
  • Doesn’t provide light for a basking area;
  • Too small;
  • Smells right out the box;


Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Lamps Incandescent Bulb

The Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Lamps Incandescent Bulb is the perfect way to heat your reptile’s terrarium. This affordable bulb provides just the right temperature for your reptile friends, and works great as a night heat source.

It’s also super affordable, so you can keep your pet’s habitat warm without breaking the bank. Plus, it won’t disturb your pet’s day/night cycle, making it the perfect heat source for all your reptilian needs!

However do keep in mind that these lamps burn out quickly. For that reason, even though they are affordable on their own, they are expensive to replace often. They’re also not reliable, so you never know when they might just give out on you.

Pros
  • Provides just right temperature;
  • Works great as a night heat;
  • Affordable;
  • Won’t disturb your pet’s day/night cycle;

Cons
  • Burns out quickly;
  • Too expensive to replace often;
  • Not really reliable;


WUHOSTAM 2 Pack 80W Ceramic Heat Lamp

Do you have a smaller reptile tank that you need to keep warm? The WUHOSTAM 2 Pack 80W Ceramic Heat Lamp is perfect for you! This affordable heat lamp comes with a digital thermometer, so you can always know the temperature inside your tank.

Plus, it provides enough heat without light, so your reptile can stay warm and comfortable without being disturbed.
WUHOSTAM ceramic heat lamp offers a 2 pack of 80W lamps that are sure to keep your pet warm and comfortable.

However, please be aware that the fittings on these lamps have been known to come loose, so be sure to keep an eye on them from time to time to prevent a potential fire hazard. Additionally, the lamps have been known to randomly turn off, so always make sure you’ve got some backup heat sources ready just in case. And finally, although our lamps do last longer than most, they won’t necessarily be the longest-lasting option out there. So if you’re looking for something that will last for years upon years, keep this in mind.

Pros
  • Comes with a digital thermometer;
  • Provides enough heat without light;
  • Affordable;
  • Great for smaller tanks;

Cons
  • Fitting can come broken, which may lead to fire hazards;
  • Can turn off at random;
  • Not long lasting;


Buyers Guide

So we have provided you with five of the best heat lamps for iguanas on the market today. But what if you’re still not sure which one is right for you? In that case, here’s a quick buyer’s guide to help you make your decision.

Iguanas and the Role of Heat in Their Lifestyle

Iguanas are tropical animals that bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they will spend most of their time basking on branches or rocks near the equator where the sun is strongest.

In captivity, we must provide our iguanas with a heat source so they can thermoregulate properly.

Why Heat Lamps Are Important for Iguanas

Being ectothermic creatures, iguanas rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, iguanas bask in the sun to absorb its rays and warm their bodies.

Why Heat Lamps Are Important for Iguanas

However, when kept as pets, iguanas don’t have access to this natural heat source. This is where heat lamps come in; they provide your pet iguana with the warmth it needs to stay healthy and thrive.

They provide iguana with nutrients

Iguanas need heat lamps not only for warmth but also for the production of vitamin D and some lamps can provide both to them. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, iguanas can synthesize vitamin D from a precursor in their skin.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health in iguanas.

Without enough vitamin D, iguanas can develop a condition known as metabolic bone disease, which weakens bones and makes them susceptible to fractures.

Prevent bone diseases

Since heat lamps provide iguanas with necessary nutrients, they also prevent common health problems seen in pet iguanas like metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD is caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D in an iguana’s diet, which leads to weak and deformed bones.

Heat lamps play an important role in the prevention of MBD because they help the iguana absorb calcium from its food. Without enough heat, an iguana will be unable to properly metabolize calcium, no matter how much is in its diet.

Without enough heat, an iguana will be unable to properly metabolize calcium, no matter how much is in its diet. This can lead to serious health problems, including MBD.

Prolong their lifespan

One of the benefits of heat lamps is that they can help prolong your iguana’s lifespan. Iguanas that don’t have access to an appropriate heat source often die prematurely. By providing your iguana with a heat lamp, you can help ensure it lives a long and healthy life.

Heat lamps are also important for iguanas because they:

  • Help them digest their food properly
  • Regulate their metabolism
  • Promote proper muscle growth
  • Prevent respiratory problems
  • Stimulate their appetite
  • Ease arthritis pain

Without a doubt, heat lamps are essential for the health and well-being of pet iguanas. [1],[2],[3],[5]

Types of Heat Lamps

There are two main types of heat lamps: incandescent lamps and ceramic.

Incandescent bulbs are the most common type of heat lamp. They are less expensive than ceramic bulbs but don’t last as long. Incandescent bulbs also put out more light than ceramic bulbs, which can be beneficial or harmful to your iguana depending on their needs.

Incandescent lamps emit both heat and light, making them ideal for basking iguanas.
However they should only be used as a day lamp, as they are very bright and can disrupt your iguana’s sleep cycle.

Ceramic lamps are more expensive but last much longer than incandescent bulbs. They emit only heat with no light, but the amount of hit is just enough to be beneficial for iguanas. Ceramic lamps also give off very little to no light, so they won’t disturb your iguana’s sleep cycle if used at night and are actually ideal for nighttime heat.

Another type of heat lamp that can be used is a ceramic heat emitter. These do not produce any light, but they give off intense heat. However they aren’t really convenient to use in an iguana tank because iguanas rarely heat themselves on the ground. [4],[5]

Required Temperature for an Iguana

The average tank temperature for an iguana is between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be provided by using a combination of different types of heat lamps. You should also consider day and night basking temperatures when determining the right heat lamps for your iguana.

During the night, the temperature should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t forget about the basking spot! The basking spot is the area where your iguana will go to warm up. It should be large enough for them to lay on comfortably and have a few inches of clearance on all sides.

Basking area temperature should be higher than the surrounding air temperature, usually a temp around 90 Fahrenheit is ideal. This can be accomplished by using a heat lamp pointed towards the basking spot as well as UVB light source so your iguana can absorb vitamin D from the UVB rays.

You will need to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in your iguana’s enclosure to make sure that it is at the correct temperature. If the temperature is too low, your iguana will not be able to digest its food properly and may become sick. If the temperature is too high, your iguana can overheat and may die. [5]

How to Control the Temperature in Iguana Tank

One of the most important aspects of keeping an iguana as a pet is providing them with the proper habitat. This means creating an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat as possible. A big part of this is maintaining the correct temperature inside their enclosure.

How to Control the Temperature in Iguana Tank

There are a few key things you need to do in order to maintain the proper temperature for your iguana. First, as we just mentioned, you’ll need to invest in a good quality thermometer so that you can monitor the temperature inside the tank.

Next, avoid placing a heat lamp in the middle of the enclosure. Instead, position it off to one side so that your iguana can move between the warm and cool areas of the tank as they please.

Finally, you’ll need to change the bulb in your heat lamp on a regular basis. Depending on how often you use it, you should aim to change the bulb every few months or up to a year. [4],[5]

Other Factors That Influence the Health of Your Iguana

Humidity

One of the most important aspects of iguana care is humidity. Iguanas come from hot, tropical climates where the air is thick with moisture. In captivity, it’s important to recreate this environment as best as possible to prevent your iguana from becoming dehydrated.

There are a few ways to do this:

  • Use a humidifier in your iguana’s enclosure
  • Mist your iguana with water regularly
  • Place a bowl of water in your iguana’s enclosure so they can soak if they want to

Whatever method you choose, make sure that the humidity levels in your iguana’s enclosure stay between 65% and 70%. If the levels get too low, your iguana could become dehydrated and sick. If the levels get too high, your iguana could develop respiratory problems. You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your iguana’s enclosure.

It’s also important to provide your iguana with a hiding spot where they can go to escape the heat and humidity if they need to. This can be something as simple as a cardboard box with a hole cut out for them to enter and exit.

Proper lighting

In addition to the heat lamp, your iguana will also need a full-spectrum light. As we already mentioned, this is because iguanas need UVB rays to produce vitamin D in their bodies. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which is important for strong bones and muscles. Without enough vitamin D, your iguana could develop metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal.

Make sure that the full-spectrum light you choose emits UVB rays. Not all full-spectrum lights do this, so it’s important to check before you buy one. You should also position the light so that it’s about 13+ inches away from your iguana. Any closer and your iguana could get burned; any further away and the UVB rays will be less effective.

You should also provide your iguana with a basking spot where they can go to soak up the heat and light. This can be a rock or log in their enclosure that’s been heated up by the heat lamp. Just make sure that it’s not too hot for your iguana to touch.

Iguanas should receive at least 12 hours of light per day, so if you’re using a timer for your heat lamp, make sure it’s also set to turn the full-spectrum light on and off as well.

By providing your iguana with the proper heat, humidity, and lighting, you can create a happy and healthy environment for them to live in. [5],[6][7]

Size of the tank

The first thing you need to consider is the size of your iguana’s tank. Depending on the size of your iguana, you will need a lamp of a certain size. Bigger tanks will need bigger lamps and vice versa.

This is because the heat from the lamp needs to be evenly distributed throughout the tank so that your iguana can bask in it properly.

If the heat is not evenly distributed, then your iguana will not get the full benefit of the lamp and may even suffer from health problems as a result. [2]

Wattage

The wattage of your heat lamp is going to be one of the most important factors in determining how well it works. Iguanas need a basking temperature of around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to provide that to them.

If you have a younger iguana, you will want a heat lamp that is at least 40 watts. However, the bigger the iguana cage, the more watts you will need. For example, a 40-watt heat lamp might be enough for a small cage, but if you have a large cage, you might want to opt-in for a 150-watt lamp for better head distribution.

Another factor to consider is the distance between your heat lamp and your iguana. The further away the heat lamp is, the higher the wattage will need to be in order to compensate for the loss of heat. For example, a 40-watt heat lamp might be enough if it is just a few inches away from your iguana, but if it is several feet away, you might need a higher watt lamp to get the same effect.

The higher the wattage, the more heat the lamp will produce. However, you don’t want to get a lamp that is too powerful for your iguana’s needs. If the lamp is too powerful, then it could actually be harmful to your iguana. It is best to err on the side of caution and get a wattage between the lowest and the highest recommended. [7]

Accessibility

The next thing you need to keep in mind is accessibility. Iguanas are large reptiles and they need a lot of space to move around. That means that you need a heat lamp that is easy to access so that you can change the bulb or clean it when necessary.

Ease of use is also important. You don’t want a heat lamp that is difficult to set up or take down. And, if you’re going to be using it for your iguana’s basking spot, you’ll want one that comes with a stand or mount so that you can position it easily.

Finally, you need to think about safety. Heat lamps get very hot and they can be a fire hazard if not used properly. Make sure that the heat lamp you choose has a safe guard or cover to prevent accidents.

Longevity

When choosing a heat lamp for your iguana, consider how long it will last. Iguanas are not cheap, and neither are their cages. That’s why you want to make sure you get a heat lamp that will last for a long time. Lamps that blow out after just a few months are not worth your money.

Longevity

The best way to find out if the lamp is likely to last for a while, is to read the reviews. If people are saying that the lamp only lasted for a few months, then it’s probably not worth your money.

Another thing to consider is the warranty. Most heat lamps will come with some kind of warranty, but you want to make sure that it’s a good one. A warranty that only lasts for a few months is not going to do you much good if the lamp breaks after a year. [1]

Budget

The next thing you need to consider is your budget. Heat lamps can range in price from around $10 to $50 or more. Obviously, the more expensive lamps are going to be of better quality and will last longer. But if you’re on a tight budget, then there are still some good options out there for you.

Just remember that you get what you pay for. So if you buy a cheap heat lamp, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t last very long or if it doesn’t work as well as a more expensive one, but exceptions do happen so don’t immediately write off the cheaper brands.


FAQ

Do iguanas need night heat?

Yes, iguanas need a heating light at night. A nocturnal heat lamp will help your iguana digest its food properly and prevent it from becoming sick.

Most heat lamps will come with a red or blue bulb. Red bulbs are best for nighttime use because they do not emit as much light as blue bulbs. This will help your iguana sleep better at night.

Nighttime temperatures should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit for most iguanas. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to raise the temperature a few degrees higher. Use a reptile thermometer to monitor the temperature of your iguana’s enclosure.

How long do you keep heat lamps on iguanas?

As a general rule, you should keep the basking light on for 12 hours a day. This can be decreased to 11 hours during winter months. The idea is to recreate the natural day/night cycle as closely as possible.

Basking lamps should be turned off at night so your iguana can experience darkness and cooler temperatures, which are necessary for proper digestion and sleep.

However it doesn’t mean you should turn off the heating completely. Iguanas need a consistent temperature between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius) at day and no lower than 75 during night and you can achieve this by using a ceramic heat emitter, which gives off heat without light.

How do you warm up an iguana?

There are a few ways that you can warm up your iguana. You can use a heat lamp, basking spot, or under-tank heater to create a warm environment for your pet. By using one of these devices, you can create a temperature gradient in your iguana’s enclosure so they can thermoregulate.

Iguanas need a basking spot that is about 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a basking spot, your iguana will not be able to digest its food properly and could become sick.

Do iguanas need a humidifier?

As you may know, iguanas come from tropical climates and therefore require a fair amount of humidity to stay healthy. While you don’t need to go overboard, a small humidifier can help keep your iguana’s skin properly hydrated.

Additionally, a humidifier will also help prevent your iguana from getting respiratory infections. Just be sure to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home, as too much moisture can lead to mold growth.

Finally, if you live in a particularly dry climate, a humidifier can also help prevent your iguana’s food from drying out too quickly.

What temp is too cold for iguanas?

Iguanas are ectotherms, which means they rely on external sources of heat to warm their bodies. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions and need a basking spot temperature between 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit in order to digest their food properly. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 70 degrees. In short, anything below 70 degrees is too cold for an iguana and could put their health at risk.

If you live in an area with cooler weather, you will need to provide your iguana with a heat lamp so they can thermoregulate effectively. Without a heat source, your iguana could become sluggish, stop eating, and eventually die.

Useful Video:How to Choose the Right Heat Bulb for Your Pet Reptile! 🌞💡


Conclusion

If you have an iguana, it’s important to provide them with a heat lamp. This is especially true if you live in a colder climate. There are two types of heat lamps for iguanas- incandescent and ceramic. Both have their benefits, so it really depends on what you’re looking for in a lamp.

But when it comes to choosing the best heat lamp for iguana in general, there are a few things you need to take into account. Size of the tank, wattage and budget are all important factors, but so is accessibility. Make sure you choose a lamp that’s easy to move around and adjust as needed. With these considerations in mind, we’ve highlighted five of the most popular options on the market. Hopefully this gives you a good starting point when shopping for your own iguana heating solution.


References:

  1. https://www.lizards101.com/iguana-vivarium-heating-lighting-humidity/
  2. https://loveiguanas.com/best-heat-lamp-for-iguana-reviews/
  3. https://mypetreptiles.com/right-heat-and-light-for-iguana/
  4. http://www.reptilecare.com/igheating.html
  5. https://exoticanimalmed.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/iguana-heating-lighting-and-humidity/
  6. https://www.lizards101.com/how-to-increase-humidity-in-iguana-cage/
  7. https://thepetsupplyguy.com/best-heat-lamp-iguanas/