The 10 Best Thermostats For Reptiles

Reviews

The Cobalt Aquatics Digital Neo-Thermostat

This electrical thermostat from Cobalt Aquatics is our top option overall and is guaranteed to maintain a constant temperature in your reptile’s vivarium.

It is completely waterproof and submersible, therefore excessive humidity in your pet’s tank is not a concern. It boasts a tiny, streamlined form with a “one-touch” control for convenience.

It is accurate within a range of plus or minus 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can expect precise and consistent readings.

The LED display concurrently displays the specified temperature and tank temperature for increased precision.

A built-in thermal safety circuit will shut down the device if it overheats, and the case is durable and shatterproof, ensuring that it will survive for years.

In the event of a power interruption, the heater will automatically return to its original setting, saving you the trouble of doing so manually. The heater is rated at 25 watts and is compatible with tanks up to 20 gallons.

Some consumers claim that the heater is ineffective while submerged in water, and they had difficulty bringing the water to the desired temperature.

Pros

• Completely submerged
• Extremely precise within 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit
• included thermal protection circuit
• 25-watt performance

Cons

• Functions less effectively when immersed.

 

OPULENT SYSTEMS Digital Controller Thermostat

According to our tests, this digital thermostat from Opulent Systems is the finest reptile thermostat for the money.

It is composed of sturdy plastic and has an ergonomic shape that suits your hand well. It is suited for usage in high-humidity situations since its internal components are rustproof.

The setup and operation are quick and straightforward, and there are three easy-to-use buttons for customizing the temperature.

The temperature may be controlled between 68 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit, and the controller features a hole that allows it to be hung flush on the wall using a screw or hook.

An irritating characteristic is that the device resets once the timer expires, requiring you to set it again. This prevents it from being at the top of the list.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Durable and ergonomic design
• Water-resistant controller

Cons

• In the case of a power breakdown, you’ll need to reset it.

 

Hagen Exo Terra Electronic Thermostat

The PT2459 from Hagen is the superior option if you’re searching for a sturdy and dependable thermostat for your reptile’s cage. It operates at 600 watts and is rated for temperatures between 50 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The daytime and overnight temperatures may be regulated independently to accommodate your reptile’s specific temperature requirements.

It includes a unique dimming and pulse proportional function that will maintain the tank’s temperature at the optimum level without causing potentially damaging temperature fluctuations.

The blue LCD is easily readable in the dark and displays both the desired and actual temperature. The display is also equipped with a nighttime dimming capability.

A red LED light will illuminate when the heater is activated, and it will become blue when the desired temperature is attained.

This thermostat’s day/night settings adjust based on light levels, which is a particularly annoying feature.

This implies that if you place the sensor behind a substrate or in a location where light cannot reach it, it will be unable to reliably switch between day and night settings.

This, along with its expensive price, disqualifies it from the top two spots on this list.

Pros

• Separate day and night settings
• Superior materials and craftsmanship
• readable blue LCD
• LED indication light for heater

Cons

• Expensive
• sensor receptive to light

 

Digital Heat Mat Thermostat from VIVOSUN

This VIVOSUN digital thermostat offers a temperature control range of 40-108 degrees Fahrenheit with a brilliant LCD display. It is made of sturdy reinforced plastic, features an ergonomic hexagonal grip, and rust-resistant internal components.

It features a simple three-button operation and a convenient hanging tab for flush wall attachment. The probe’s adjustable suction cup enables you to swiftly and conveniently position it anywhere within the tank of your pet.

Multiple users have reported that this thermostat will not exceed 80 degrees, despite the fact that greater temperatures were displayed on the screen.

Some users also mentioned that it became stuck at high temperatures, which is potentially hazardous for your reptiles.

Pros

• Luminous LCD
• Well-constructed
• Simple and clean installation

Cons

• Several users indicate that it did not exceed 80 degrees.
• Some users say that it becomes inactive at specific temperatures

 

Digital BN-LINK T7(H) heat mat thermostat

BN-T79(H) LINK’s thermostat includes a simple three-button interface for setup and control, making it easy to install and operate. Even in the dark, the LED indicator light and LCD screen are bright and easy to see.

It has a sturdy and durable structure, as well as a simple hanging tab for flat wall mounting. The temperature control range is between 40 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit, while the temperature display range is from 32 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additionally, the probe contains a suction cup that makes it easy to install it wherever in the tank.

Several consumers have reported that the thermostat does not shut off automatically when the desired temperature is reached, which might be hazardous for your reptile.

Some customers have also reported that the measurements are not entirely accurate and that the actual temperature within the enclosure is regularly lower than advertised.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Brilliant, simple-to-read display
• Simple setup and installation

Cons

• Does not turn off when the target temperature is reached.
• Inaccurate temperature measurements

 

iPower 40-108 Heat Mat Digital Thermostat

iPower’s digital thermostat features a control temperature range of 40-108 degrees Fahrenheit and a display temperature range of 32-140 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a simple plug-and-play design, and the probe has a suction cup for precise installation.

The LCD screen is bright and crisp and features LED power and heater indicator lights. The machine features a memory function, so you will not need to reprogram it after powering it down.

According to multiple users, this unit failed to shut off the heater at the preprogrammed temperature, which is extremely harmful for reptiles. Many users also report erroneous temperature readings of one to two degrees.

Pros

• Simple installation and operation
• Inexpensive
• Memory-programmable configuration

Cons

• Unreliable temperature readouts
• Does not cease heating at the set temperature

 

The digital Zoo Med ReptiTemp RT-600 thermostat

Zoo Med’s RT-600 digital thermostat is an affordably priced appliance with a temperature adjustment range of 50 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

It has a memory setting in case of a power outage and an alarm to notify you when the temperature in your pet’s enclosure reaches extremely high or low levels. It is simple to program and operate, and its LCD screen interface is brilliant blue.

While it includes an alarm to notify you of excessive or low temperatures, it does not switch off automatically, which is ineffective if you are not present.

Some customers have reported the thermostat exceeding the indicated temperature, which is lethal to the majority of reptiles. Many have stated that it burned out after only a few months of use, and it is also relatively inaccurate.

Pros

• The warning signal for severe temperature
• Internal memory setting
• Simple operation

Cons

• There is no automatic shutoff.
• Inaccurate temperature readings
• Not long-lasting quality

Conclusion

For the best thermostats for reptiles, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) picks The electric thermostat from Cobalt Aquatics. With its tiny and streamlined form, accurate and dependable reading capability, and built-in thermal protection circuit, it can maintain an atmosphere that is precisely controlled for your pet reptile.

Opulent Systems’ digital thermostat is the most cost-effective thermostat for reptiles. It is composed of durable plastic, installation and operation are quick and easy, and the controller can be mounted on the wall in a matter of minutes, all at a very reasonable price.

What to Consider when Buying Thermostats for Reptiles?

All reptiles are ectothermic, which means they are cold-blooded and hence unable to generate their own heat; they rely solely on external sources.

In the wild, reptiles achieve this by basking in the sun, burying themselves in sand, or laying on rocks heated by the sun.

Without a suitable supply of external heat, your reptile can either succumb to hypothermia and die, or develop a variety of health concerns, including as immunological deficiency and digestion problems.

Various types of reptiles have different temperature requirements, therefore it is essential that you maintain their vivarium appropriately. Here, a thermostat comes into play.

It will assist you maintain the ideal temperature within the enclosure, as the heater will need to be adjusted based on the outside temperature of the tank.

Available thermostat varieties

A straightforward on/off thermostat. This is as simple and inexpensive as it gets.

These thermostats regulate the temperature inside your pet’s vivarium by turning off when the desired temperature is attained and turning back on when the temperature drops below your desired level.

Diminutive thermostat. These are marginally more expensive than simple on/off switches, but considerably more adaptable.

They employ a sensor that continuously monitors the enclosure’s temperature and sends more power to the heater when the temperature dips and less power when it reaches the optimal level.

Pulse-based thermostat. Pulse thermostats are not compatible with light bulb heaters, but they work well with ceramic heaters and mats.

It works by providing rapid energy pulses to your heater to increase its temperature, and then slows down when the desired temperature is attained.

Simplicity of use

While intricate and perplexing thermostats can serve a purpose, the simpler the operation, the less likely you are to make a deadly mistake.

The thermostat you choose should be easy to operate and program. Digital units are frequently more accurate and easier to read and use.

Temperature range

Most thermostats have a display range, which is the limit of what they can measure, and a control range, which is the temperature range in which they can maintain your vivarium. Wider is preferable because you will have more options for uses.