5 Best Reptile Thermostats

50.00% of users selected iPower GLHTMTCONTROL 40-108 Degrees, 20.00% selected iPower Under Tank Heat pad and Digital, 10.00% selected Encompass All 1000W Combined - Terrarium, 10.00% selected Inkbird Heating Thermostat Aquarium Reptile and 10.00% selected Inkbird WiFi Temperature Controller. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

The welfare of all creatures, particularly reptiles and amphibians, is heavily influenced by temperature. “Ectotherm” implies that reptiles can’t generate heat in their bodies. To stay warm, they rely on their surroundings and the ambient temperature.

Ceramic heat emitters, heat tape, heating pads, and basking lights are effective in warming reptile habitats, but they should be used in conjunction with a thermostat. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat, which instructs the heater to turn on or off. When it becomes too chilly, the heater kicks in. When it becomes too hot, the heating turns off.

What are reptile thermostats?

Most amphibians and reptiles need to control their temperature correctly, since high temperatures may cause them to overheat, while low temperatures can cause them to become inactive, alter their feeding patterns, and harm their health.

Thermostats aren’t the same as thermometers. The thermostat’s degree markings should not mislead you that they are thermometers since they control temperature rather than measuring it.

There are many different thermostats on the U.S. market, and choosing the correct one may be difficult. But don’t worry: this collection of in-depth evaluations may assist you in finding the best reptile thermostat for your specific requirements. Do not forget to check the comparison table and buying guide.

iPower GLHTMTCONTROL Heat Mat Thermostat – the best for the price!

The LCD is bright and clear, and the power and heating indicators are illuminated by LED lights. Because the device includes a memory option, you won’t have to re-adjust it after turning it off.

Even for novices, iPower heat mats are ideal for growing seeds. They improve seed starting success by raising the temperature of the root region by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit over the environment temp. In a warm atmosphere, the seeds will germinate faster.

Tips for users: simply plug the heat pad into the socket, secure the heat probe, and plug everything in. There is no automatic shut-off, no difference in temperature between day and night. Just set the temp and keep checking.

This iPower thermostat is the most affordable and straightforward of the bunch. It’s a basic device to adjust your heat mat on and off to regulate the consistent temperature.

iPower Terrarium Reptile Heating Pad Under Tank – the best for glass terrariums!

The addition of new film and insulation to the mat improves total heat transmission. Within minutes, you’ll be at the temperature you choose. It gives the contact area a strong grip. The heat mat is positioned just where you want it to be. The pad achieves targeted temperatures in less time and uses less power than conventional heat mats.

Temperature control ranges from 40 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit, with an option of Celsius or Fahrenheit readings. It has a 3-prong grounded plug and LED indication lights for simple plug-in operation.

It’s ideal for reptiles, amphibians, small animals, and plant terrariums. It may also be used for seed germination, brewing, or making Kombucha tea.

The iPower pad is designed to fit typical glass terrariums for reptiles, amphibians, small animals, and plants. This heat pad has a unique patented heating film technology that enables the pad to achieve specified temperatures quicker than comparable items on the market.

Encompass All 1000W Temperature Controller – the best for the wattage rating!

It’s a precise, simple-to-set thermostat with a current status indication.

There are three power plugs on the gadget, as well as an external temperature sensor. This thermostat is simple to set. The gauge is completely reliable. It’s less expensive, has a greater wattage, and is more accurate than other popular models.

For installing 1000 W of heating equipment, Encompass provides 3 power outlets, not simply one. You may set the analog dial to turn on the heating device between 68F and 95F.

Inkbird ITC306T Thermostat for Aquarium – the best for accuracy!

This plug-and-play device has a dual LCD with the choice of Celsius or Fahrenheit display, allowing for more humanized temp control.

The ITC-306T is one of the pre-wired output temperature controllers with a timer feature that is designed especially for breeding and planting.

It may be used in overheat prevention and automated temperature control systems of all types of electrical gear for aquariums, pet breeding, hatching, fungal fermentation, and seed germination acceleration, among other applications.

The ITC-306T by Inkbird is a thermostat and timer in one. It has different settings for operating during the day and at night. It can also accommodate two heating units with a combined output of 1200 W and 10 amps. A remote probe sensor with a 6-foot-long cable that is accurate to plus or minus 1F is included in the package.

Inkbird ITC308 WiFi Temperature Controller – the best for heating and cooling!

The ITC-308 wasn’t built particularly for amphibian and reptile care, yet it performs well in this role.

This is the thermostat to buy if you don’t require the “night drop” feature. It’s simple to operate, well-made, and even has a one-year guarantee. It also works on the app to monitor real-time temperatures, review historical data, and adjust settings.

With this thermostat, you can’t go wrong. It’s well-made, simple to use, and includes a function that sets it apart from most other on/off thermostats.

The Buyer’s Guide

Types of reptile thermostats

On/off thermostats (ministat)

They are the most basic, affordable, and straightforward to install of all the types whose control mechanism is to switch on or off the heating equipment.

These thermostats include a probe that monitors the temperature of the terrarium at regular intervals and compares it to the setpoint to decide whether the heat source should be turned on or off.

Such a device lets the vivarium achieve the desired temperature before turning off the heat source; when the temperature starts to drop, it will switch it back on, etc.

On/off thermostats can be excellent for regulating the temperature of reptile heat mats, heat cables, and any heat source that generates heat via contact. It’ll be turning on and off the heat bulbs.

Adjust your temp several degrees below the optimal point, such as 1-2 degrees, while applying them. If you want it to be more precise, put their probe on the device rather than the air. Also, make sure it’s functioning properly on a regular basis since they wear down and get damaged more quickly.

Pulse thermostats

They’re a more advanced way to control the temperature of non-light-emitting heat sources including heat mats, heat stones, heat strips, deep heat projectors, and ceramic heat emitters. Otherwise, they will cause the heating lamps to pulse or flash, making your dogs extremely uncomfortable.

If you purchase them, put their probe in a location where the temp set in your thermostat needs to be maintained with a straight line of sight (no obstructions) with the heating device.

One major benefit of the pulse thermostat is that it reacts quickly to changes in temperature, making it extremely effective at maintaining set settings.

Reptile dimming thermostats

More sophisticated types can regulate the heat on light-emitting lamps by gradually dimming or brightening them, unlike the pulse thermostats that produce pulses. Ceramic heat emitters, pads, tape, and cables are also compatible.

They operate by gradually increasing or decreasing (sliding) the amount of power sent to your heating equipment according to whether the temperature needs to rise or fall to achieve a set value, making it more constant than on/off thermostats.

Put the probe on the spot where you want your thermostat’s temperature to be monitored.

Digital thermostats

They are the most advanced technologically, and they may operate as on/off, pulsating, pulse, or dimming thermostats. Furthermore, they provide excellent temperature control, e.g. Microclimate EVO.

What type do you need?

To keep your reptile or exotic pet happy, you just need to control one UTH (under tank heater) or ceramic heat emitter. If you’re in this situation, invest in a basic on/off thermostat.

You probably already have an on/off thermostat if you own one pet. But if you have a reptile family, several heaters, or are incubating eggs, you’ll need a pulse/dimming probation thermostat with numerous probes; something that can accurately control multiple heaters.

Between the top-rated, most costly reptile thermostats and inexpensive on/off devices is one very excellent option. It’s a proportional thermostat, to be precise. These thermostats are not as durable as other devices, but they are extremely precise and cost less.

Temperature range

How warm should your reptile enclosure be? Bear in mind that certain lizards, such as bearded dragons, prefer a considerably warmer basking spot than most other reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates. Consider the size of the cage you want to heat – larger cages may require more effective heaters to sustain their temperature.

Most reptile thermostats are intended to keep the temperature within a certain range, so be sure the one you select is appropriate for your pet. The majority of thermostat manufacturers are upfront about the “controlling range” they provide.

Most thermostats include a display range, which is the upper limit of what they can monitor, and a control range, which is the temp range in which your vivarium may be kept. It’s better if it’s bigger since you’ll have more options for what you can do with it.

Digital vs analog control

To set your desired temperature, reptile thermostats feature either an analog or digital controller. Each keeper has his or her own favorite choice, but in general, a digital temperature controller is more likely to be more precise than an analog controller.

While most thermostats do a decent job of avoiding temperature swings, the precise temp may be several degrees off from optimum.

For example, you could set the thermostat to 77F and discover that it keeps your reptile tank at 82F. As a consequence, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the temperature in the cage using a separate thermometer and make small changes to your thermostat as needed.

Sensor length

Reptile thermometers are meant to be kept outside of your reptile box, where you can conveniently adjust the temperature. Most thermostats use a sensor on the cable’s end to detect the temperature within your cage. Another factor to consider is the length of the sensor cable, which varies based on the size of a vivarium and the location of a thermostat.

This cable will not need to be as long in smaller cages, such as those for leopard geckos or bearded dragons. If you’re maintaining a larger species that demands a much larger cage, however, be sure the sensor cable is lengthy enough for your requirements.

Maximum wattage

The maximum wattage of a thermostat shows how many watts it can take. This refers to how much watts your heating equipment consumes. Assume you own two 100 W ceramic heat emitters with a total output of 200 W. You’re fine to go if the thermostat’s maximum wattage is 200 W or above. Before purchasing a thermostat, make sure you know how many watts your system consumes.

Useful Video: Best Wifi Thermostat? | Reptile Mountain Reviewed

Final thoughts

Finding the correct thermostat may be difficult since your reptile’s health is so reliant on it. Fortunately, these in-depth reviews assist in finding the best reptile thermostat for your pet’s specific requirements.

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