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5 Best Under Tank Heaters for Leopard Gecko


Most recommended
iPower Reptile Heat Pad Under Tank Terrarium
  • Size: 4 X 7 Inch
  • 4Watts
  • 120V US voltage
A good choice too
FOCUSPET Under Tank Heater
  • Size: 8″Lx6″W-8watts
  • 11.42 x 6.1 x 1.18 inches
  • 8.47 Ounces
A good choice too
iPower Terrarium Reptile Heating Pad Under
  • Size: 6″ x 8″ & Control
  • 1.6 Pounds
  • iPower
Vipe Reptile Heating Pad Heat Mat Under Tank
  • Pattern Name: 14W 28x28CM
  • 4.8 Ounces
  • 11.1 x 10.51 x 0.31 inches
Simple Deluxe Reptile Heat Pad
  • Size: 6 X 8 Inch
  • Simple Deluxe
  • Pet Supplies

Choose the Best Under Tank Heater for Leopard Gecko

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Under Tank Heaters for Leopard Gecko

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

50.00% of users selected iPower Reptile Heat Pad Under Tank Terrarium, 0.00% selected FOCUSPET Under Tank Heater, 0.00% selected iPower Terrarium Reptile Heating Pad Under, 50.00% selected Vipe Reptile Heating Pad Heat Mat Under Tank and 0.00% selected Simple Deluxe Reptile Heat Pad. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

If you’re a Leopard Gecko enthusiast, you know that Under Tank Heaters (UTHs) are an important part of your setup. Not only do they help keep your gecko’s environment at the perfect temperature, but they can also help reduce stress and create a more natural habitat. This comprehensive guide will answer some common questions about UTHs and provide reviews of some of the best products on the market. This article will also give you some tips on how to use them safely and effectively in your Leopard Gecko enclosure.

iPower Reptile Heat Pad, 10×18 cm, 4 W

This is a safe and energy-efficient possibility to keep your gecko warm. The iPower Reptile Heat Pad is made from materials that are waterproof and moisture-proof. There is a reason why it can be used in any terrarium.

Plus, its new PTC heating material quickly reaches the desired temperature, making it perfect for germination, home brewing, or Kampuchea Tea. And if you’re worried about scrubbing, don’t be!
The iPower Reptile Heat Pad features a safe design that allows for easy cleaning. Finally, this product comes with a long cord and 3M adhesive paper so it can be adapted to any tank size. So, don’t wait – order your iPower Reptile Heat Pad today!

Pros
  • under-tank terrarium warmer;
  • heat-transferring across the mat;
  • used for turtle, lizard, frog, snake, reptile;
  • without standard plug and adapter;
  • new PTC heating material;
  • safe scrubbing;
  • reaches desired temperature within few minutes;
  • saves energy;
  • waterproof and moisture-proof design;
  • with 3M adhesive paper;
  • with long cord;
  • perfect for germination, home brewing, or Kampuchea Tea;
  • ensures perfect insulation;
  • can be applied with 1-5 gallon-tank.

Cons
  • cannot be put in water;
  • for little tanks.


Reptitherm Under-Tank Heater from Zoomed, 10 – 20 Galons, 15×20 cm

When it comes to choosing the right heater for geckos or other reptiles, this Zoomed Under-Tank Heater is a perfect choice. This heater with a low wattage can be placed underneath or on the side of your tank. This device is UL/cUL approved.

Plus, its wattage is only 4 W, making it ideal for tropical or temperate species of reptilians. The Zoomed Reptitherm Under-tank Heater is an easy-to-use and reliable heater for reptiles. It can be used all day without any problems. The heater is also adjustable, so you can set it to the perfect temperature for your gecko.

Pros
  • low wattage heater;
  • can be placed underneath or on the side of the tank;
  • UL/cUL approved;
  • wattage – 4 W;
  • forms a solid bond for optimum heat transfer;
  • can be used as a primary or secondary heat source;
  • used for tropical or temperate reptilian species;
  • contains a solid-state nichrome heating element;
  • adheres perfectly to the terrarium;
  • can be used all day long;
  • ideal for use for reptiles, amphibian, small animal and plants;
  • instruction book enclosed.

Cons
  • risk of electric shock;
  • not for large tanks.


iPower 6 model: 20-cm Under-Tank Heat Mat for Reptiles from

A lot of people would like to keep their amphibians, hermit crabs, lizards and snakes warm and cozy. They get their chance, if they purchase the 20-cm Under-Tank Heat Mat from iPower 6!

This excellent heating pad is waterproof and moisture-proof, making it a great choice for use in any environment. It’s also equipped with LED indicator lights to let you know when it’s on and features a strong stick to the terrarium contact area.
Plus, you can choose between Celsius and Fahrenheit readouts depending on your preferences. And if temperature control is important to you, don’t worry – this pad comes equipped with a digital thermostat with accurate temperature control between 5°C – 42°c.
iPower’s 20-cm Under Tank Heat Mat is perfect for keeping your hermit crabs, amphibians, or snakes warm and toasty. It increases heat transfer across the terrarium while eliminating hot spots so you can rest easy knowing that these guys will be happy in their new home!

Pros
  • heating pad;
  • water-proof and moisture-proof model;
  • equipped with LED indicator lights;
  • strong stick to the terrarium contact area;
  • can be chosen Celsius and Fahrenheit readout;
  • ideal for amphibians, hermit crabs, snakes, lizards;
  • equipped with a digital thermostat;
  • provides a temperature control;
  • increases heat transfer across the mat;
  • made of new PTC heating material;
  • quick heating;
  • easy plug-in operation;
  • temperature control between 5°C – 42°c;
  • three-prong grounded plug;
  • long cord;
  • diverse use environment.

Cons
  • not for 60-gallon tank;
  • poor temperature controller.


Vipe Reptile Under-Tank Heating Pad, 110 V, 14 W, 28×28 cm

This Vipe Heating Pad is a low-heat device that is perfect for reptiles, amphibians, small animals, and plant terrariums. It provides a suitable temperature for your pets to thrive in, and is usually used in all types of tanks.

The heating pad is easy to use and to maintain. It comes with a temperature switch for your convenience. It also has a mid-long cord so you can place it wherever you need it most. Plus, the black color ensures that it will seamlessly blend in with any tank decoration. Maintenance is a breeze with this product – simply wipe it down with a damp cloth when needed.

Pros
  • heating pad for reptiles with temperature controller;
  • low-heat device;
  • ideal for reptiles, plant terrariums, amphibians, small animals;
  • provide suitable temperature for pets;
  • can be used for all types of tanks;
  • equipped with a temperature switch;
  • easy-to-use device;
  • have mid-long cord;
  • in black color;
  • easy to maintain.

Cons
  • US Plug only;
  • can be melted on the highest setting.


Simple Deluxe Reptile Heat Pad with Thermostat

Introducing the Simple Deluxe Reptile Heat Pad with Thermostat – the perfect way to keep your beloved reptiles and amphibians warm and comfortable.

This under-tank heater can be placed unobtrusively in any terrarium because it comes with a 3M adhesive paper for easy installation.
This device is also made of durable PVC material which ensures long-lasting use. Most importantly, the Simple Deluxe Reptile Heat Pad with Thermostat provides stable performance and temperature adjustment. A manual adjustment of the temperature can suit your needs and rest assured that your reptilian friend will be comfortable at all times.
The low-energy design means that it won’t disturb your animals’ sleep patterns, while the soft, non-slip surface is perfect for them to lounge on.

Pros
  • temperature-adjustable device;
  • manual adjustment;
  • stable performance;
  • comes with a 3M adhesive paper;
  • under-tank heater for terrarium;
  • can be used for lizards, spiders, frogs, turtles, snakes, plants;
  • produced of durable PVC material;
  • low-energy;
  • doesn’t disturb animals sleep pattern;
  • soft, non-clip surface;
  • easy to clean;
  • high-quality heating wire;
  • cord length – 1,8 m;
  • equipped with a solid-state nichrome heating element;
  • provides a strong grip to the contact area;
  • long service-life.

Cons
  • cannot be folded;
  • not washable.


Buyer’s Guide

Reasons why reptiles need Heating Pads

Reptiles, and all animals for that matter, are cold-blooded. Their internal temperature is dependent on the environment around them. In the wild, reptiles will bask in the sun to warm up and then find a shady spot to cool down.

There are some reasons why you might not want to rely on the ambient temperature in your home to provide the ideal environment for your reptile. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, it can be difficult to maintain a comfortable habitat for your reptile using only the natural temperature of your home. Additionally, if you have other pets or small children in the home, their body heat might make it difficult for your reptile to thermoregulate properly.

Reasons why reptiles need Heating Pads

Heating pads are one way that you can provide a consistent and controlled heat source for your reptile. By placing the heating pad under the tank, you can create a warm basking spot for your reptile without having to worry about them getting too hot or cold [1].

Leopard Gecko Temperature Requirements

Leopard geckos are native to the deserts of Asia and Africa. In the wild, they experience a wide range of temperatures. During the day, it can get hot enough to fry an egg on the sand. At night, temperatures can drop below freezing.

In captivity, leopard geckos do best with a temperature gradient in their enclosure. This means that there should be a warm side and a cool side. The warm side should be around 29 – 32 degrees Celsius during the day. The cool side should be around 24 – 27 degrees Celsius at night [2].

Best Heat Sources For Leopard Geckos

Under-Tank Heater

UTH or under-tank heater is a great way to keep your leopard gecko always warm. They are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. You can find them at most pet stores that sell reptiles.

There are two main types of UTHs: adhesive and non-adhesive. Adhesive UTHs come with a sticky backing that you peel off and stick to the bottom of the tank.

Non-adhesive UTHs do not have a sticky backing and must be held in place by something like tape or silicone. Some people prefer non-adhesive UTHs because they are easier to remove and replace if needed.

UTHs come in different sizes, so be sure to get one that will fit your tank. They also come in different wattages. The higher the wattage, the warmer the heat produced by the UTH. It is recommended to get a UTH with a thermostat. That way you can control the temperature of the heat produced by the UTH and prevent your leopard gecko from getting too hot or too cold.

A good rule of thumb is to get a UTH with a wattage that is one-half of the size of your tank in gallons. For example, for a 20-gallon tank, you would want a UTH with a wattage of at least [3].

Heat Rocks

Another way to provide heat to your leopard gecko is with a heat rock. Heat rocks are exactly what they sound like – rocks that get hot. They are not as common as UTHs, but you can find them at some pet stores or online.

Heat rocks should only be used if they come with a thermostat.
That way you can control the temperature of the heat produced by the heat rock and prevent your leopard gecko from getting too hot or too cold.

If you decide to use a heat rock, it is recommended that you do not put it in the same tank as your leopard gecko. This is because leopard geckos may mistake the heat rock for food and try to eat it. If a heat rock is ingested, it can cause serious health problems for your leopard gecko.

Heat Rocks

Instead, you can put the heat rock in a separate tank and place it underneath the leopard gecko’s tank. This will still provide heat to your leopard gecko without the risk of them eating it.

Overhead Lighting

Overhead lighting can also be used to provide heat to your leopard gecko.

The most common type of overhead lighting is a basking bulb.

Basking bulbs come in different wattages and sizes, so be sure to get one that is appropriate for your leopard gecko’s tank. It is recommended to get a basking bulb with a thermostat. That way you can control the temperature of the heat produced by the basking bulb and prevent your leopard gecko from getting too hot or too cold.

What are the features that an under-tank heater should have?

Efficiency and Safety

An under-tank heater should be efficient to save you money on your energy bill, and it should be safe so that your leopard gecko cannot burn itself.

The best way to find an efficient under-tank heater is to read reviews from other reptile owners. You can also look for a model that has an automatic shut-off feature. This feature will turn the heater off if it gets too hot, preventing your leopard gecko from getting burned.

Efficiency and Safety

A safe under-tank heater will have a built-in thermostat so that it cannot get too hot. You should also check to see if the cord is wrapped in metal or another material that will prevent your leopard gecko from chewing on it.

Durability

The Under-Tank Heaters are made of different materials, so you need to find one that will be durable and last a long time. Some of the cheaper models are made of plastic and can break easily.

You should also look for an under-tank heater that has a warranty. This will protect you in case the heater breaks or does not work as advertised. You can also look for a model that is made of metal or has a reinforced casing.

An under-tank heater with a warranty will give you peace of mind in knowing that you are protected against defects.

Dispersal of heat

The dispersal of heat is an important factor to consider when choosing an under-tank heater. Some models have a fan that helps to circulate the heat, while others rely on convection.

If you live in a warmer climate, then you will want to choose a model with a fan so that the heat can be circulated. If you live in a colder climate, then you may not need a fan and can choose a model that relies on convection.

You should also consider how much space you have under your tank. If you have a lot of space, then you can choose a larger model. If you have limited space, then you will want to choose a smaller model.

Size

The size of the under-tank heater is important because you need to make sure that it will fit under your tank. Most under-tank heaters are designed to fit under a 20-gallon tank, but some models are designed for larger tanks.

The average size of an under-tank heater is 30 cm by 30 cm.

You should also consider the size of your leopard gecko. If you have a baby leopard gecko, then you will need to choose a smaller model. If you have an adult leopard gecko, then you can choose a larger model that can have a size of up to 50 cm by 50 cm.

Leopard Gecko Heat Mat Setup

For Glass Enclosures

If you have a glass tank for a leopard gecko, you will need to buy a different type of heat mat. It should have a waterproof, durable design and can be placed either on the bottom or back wall of your leopard gecko’s enclosure.

For Glass Enclosures

To attach the heat mat to the glass, you will need to purchase the adhesive strips. These come in a set of 12 and are easy to apply. Once the adhesive strips are in place, simply peel off the backing on the heat mat and press it into place. Make sure that the entire surface area of the heat mat adheres to the glass for maximum effectiveness.

For Wooden Enclosures

The reptiles’ tanks that are made of wood should have a special type of liner to protect the wood from moisture. That is why you need to get a waterproof heat mat that can be placed on the bottom of your leopard gecko’s enclosure.

To attach the heat mat to the wooden surface, you will need to purchase adhesive pads or Velcro strips. These strips will help to keep the heat mat in place and prevent it from sliding around.

Once you have attached the heat mat to the bottom of your leopard gecko’s enclosure, you will need to place a piece of cardboard or another type of insulation over it. This will help to protect your leopard gecko from coming into direct contact with the heat mat [4].


FAQ

Do I need an under-tank heater for my leopard gecko?

Most leopard geckos will do just fine without an under-tank heater, as long as their tank is kept in a room with an ambient temperature of 24 – 26 degrees Celsius. However, if you live in a colder climate or your home tends to be on the cooler side, an under-tank heater can help your leopard gecko stay warm and comfortable.

How many watts should an under-tank heater be for a leopard gecko?

For a leopard gecko tank, you will want an under-tank heater that is between 20 and 40 watts. If you are not sure what wattage to get, we recommend the Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp. It comes in both 25 and 50-watt options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

What is better for a leopard gecko heat lamp or heat pad?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a heat lamp and a heating pad for your leopard gecko. It depends on your personal preferences and what you think will work best for your setup. Some people prefer heat lamps because they provide a basking spot for their leopard gecko to climb up on and soak up some warmth. Others prefer heat pads because they can be placed underneath the tank, providing a more even distribution of heat.

Is 100 degrees too hot for a leopard gecko?

No, 100 degrees is not too hot for a leopard gecko. Many leopard geckos will spend time basking in temperatures that are close to 100 degrees. However, it is important to make sure that there is a temperature gradient in the tank so your leopard gecko can choose how warm or cool they want to be at any given time.

Useful Video: Leopard Gecko Heating (how to use a thermostat and heat mat for reptiles)

Conclusion Paragraph

The Under-Tank Heaters for Leopard Geckos is an impressive product. It is easy to install, and it does not produce any noise or light. The product comes with a one-year warranty, which is great for peace of mind. The Under Tank Heaters for Leopard Geckos is an excellent way to keep your Leopard Gecko warm and comfortable.


References:

  1. https://www.everythingreptiles.com/best-reptile-heating-pads/
  2. https://reptifiles.com/leopard-gecko-care/leopard-gecko-temperatures-humidity/
  3. https://timelinepets.com/best-under-tank-heater-for-leopard-gecko/
  4. https://www.reptileadvisor.com/leopard-gecko-habitat/