Burkhard Mücke, terrarium building 30, CC BY-SA 4.0
Need of heat lamp in the terrarium
are reptiles cold-blooded animals and therefore heavily dependent on their ambient temperature. For many snakes and lizards that come from hot regions of the world, it is too cool in our terrarium without a heat lamp. Most reptiles live in a desert climate.
You only function when the sun warms up your body accordingly metabolism and their other bodily functions optimally. In cool temperatures, many reptiles fall into a state of rigidity. This can possibly be life-threatening.
For this reason it is important that the terrarium is equipped with artificial heat sources. Radiant heaters and heat lamps are very popular tools when it comes to generating heat in a terrarium. The radiators emit thermal radiation in the infrared range away.
Reptiles can absorb infrared heat radiation very well. The body temperature therefore rises noticeably within a short period of time. Of course, you shouldn’t overheat a terrarium either, so there are for different sizes also different performance specifications.
Radiant heaters are one very safe way, to ensure optimal basic heat that ensures the well-being of the animals. Most heaters that are commercially available are made of ceramic. That is why they are often sold as ceramic heaters.
These ceramic heaters are very efficient in heat generation and at the same time very safe to use. They are also water-resistant and easy to clean. Heat lamps are relatively cheap.
The acquisition costs are between 7 and 30 euros. Energy-saving bulbs are special in use economically. Many of the radiant heaters can be operated with standard E27 porcelain lamp sockets.
There are now a wide variety on the market different products. The selection is therefore surprisingly large. For this reason, it is worth getting an overview and comparing the lamps with each other before you buy them. Finally, finding the perfect heat lamp for the animal is important.
Necessity of radiant heaters & heat lamps in the terrarium
Every terrarium absolutely needs a heat source. Therefore, no responsible lizard keeper can do without a radiant heater or a heat lamp in the terrarium. They are among the most important technical devices in a reptile home. Keeping reptiles in the terrarium would not be possible at all without a heat radiator.
Advantages and disadvantages of radiant heaters & heat lamps in the terrarium
Advantages:
- reliable heat source
- secure
- good heat distribution
- cheap to buy
- cheap to maintain
Disadvantages:
- some models have poor beam distribution
- some models have too high UV radiation
Unfortunately, one cannot deny that the quality of the lamps varies greatly. It is potentially dangerous if the lamps emit too much UV radiation. In the worst case, the radiation can then cause skin irritation or even sunburn.
It can therefore make sense to regularly check relevant parameters such as heat and UV radiation with a measuring device. The radiation distribution is also important, the intensity and composition of Infrared, light and UV radiation should be as close as possible to the solar spectrum.
Lamps with unnatural radiation distribution such as intense red light radiators therefore do not belong in a terrarium. In some models, the spatial distribution of the radiation is also not ideal. The light is too focused.
The reptiles must whole body evenly illuminated become. This is the only way to ensure good heat regulation and vitamin D3 synthesis. Otherwise, a D3 deficiency may occur.
Strongly focused radiation is irritating and damages the skin and eyes of the reptiles. For this reason, spotlights that strongly focus the light have no place in the terrarium. Less focused emitters achieve a more natural and better beam distribution.
Different heaters
The radiant heaters differ in the radiation quality. The light spectrum and the effect are also different. The intensity depends on the distance to the berth and the power of the lamp. The lamps should always be orientate towards the sun. Sunlight consists of about 40 percent infrared A radiation and 10 percent infrared B radiation.
Incandescent and halogen lamps
Halogen lamps are thermal radiators, in which heat and visible light emitted become. In general, they are ideal as heat radiators in the terrarium. Red light lamps should never be used in a terrarium as the radiation is visible.
HQI UV radiator
These radiators have a very good radiation distribution. Therefore they are suitable for a terrarium. The reptiles can absorb the light well, as it is very similar to sunlight.
Ceramic tube heater
Ceramic heaters are an option to consider in certain circumstances. They can generate very high temperatures and radiate a long-wave infrared radiation away. Unfortunately, long-wave radiation is difficult to direct, so the heat is not distributed well in the terrarium.
carbon radiator
These emitters mainly emit IRB radiation. Unfortunately the Infrared B radiation too high. In sunlight, it has only a very small proportion. It is therefore better to do without carbon radiators. Infrared B radiation only heats the top layers of the reptile’s skin.
Daylight lamps with heating function
Daylight lamps with a heating function help to day and night rhythm to reproduce in the terrarium. These lamps promote the metabolism of the reptiles particularly well. With daylight lamps, it is important to only use lamps that are truly designed for reptiles.
Conventional illuminants do not have the right one light spectrum and can cause long-term damage to the reptiles’ eyes. Daylight lamps with heating function come in many different designs. Spotlights and LED lamps are very popular because they save electricity.
How long should the lamp burn?
Most of the time it makes sense to leave a lamp burning with light emission when it is bright outside and you turn offif it dark becomes. The animals often react irritated when the lamp goes out, although it is still light outside.
But then you still need a lamp that does not emit any light but gives off sufficient heat at night. You can also let the terrarium cool down slightly overnight. In the desert, it is also significantly cooler at night than during the day.
moonlights
There are now also so-called moonlights on the market, which are intended to imitate a natural night. They are mostly blue. Most of the time, however, the lamps are far too bright. So you can rest easy on them waive. They do more harm than good.
mounting the lamps
One should attach the lamps in such a way that the animals not in contact can come with them. It is often worthwhile to equip the lamp with an additional one to protect the grid. This is particularly useful for animals that can climb. Otherwise the reptiles can burn themselves on the lamp.
Suspension of heat lamps
A good suspension of heat lamps is a combination of one magnetic hook and one disc magnet. The lamp can then be easily attached to the hook. By moving the magnet on the outside, you can easily move the lamp without startling the animals.
There is a risk that the glass pane will be scratched by the hard nickel coating. Paper glued to the inside and outside of the magnets helps prevent scratches.
What should you pay attention to when buying?
When buying a heat lamp, you should make sure that it is specially designed for Designed for reptiles has been. Normal lamps are not suitable for a terrarium. On the packaging should be the exact Radiation distribution explained be. It’s important on one seal of approval to respect. The lamps and spotlights must be checked.
Conclusion: Radiant heaters & heat lamps in the terrarium
Heat lamps are a indispensable tool in reptile husbandry. You provide one essential heat, which the reptiles need to live. Heat lamps have a particularly high efficiency and are also one of the cheapest heating options for terrariums.
When buying it is important to make sure that the beam distribution suitable for reptiles. This must be expressly mentioned on the packaging. Thermal radiation, which imitates natural sunlight, can be absorbed particularly well by the animals.