If you are an experienced reptile lover, you must understand the importance of the best thermostats for reptiles. You can come directly to the top list and the reviews.
Here are the top-rated thermostats for reptiles we recommend:
- BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller – Top Reviews
- JumpStart Digital Controller Germination Heat Mat Thermostat – Runner Up
- iPower GLHTMTCONTROL Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller – Best Budget
- Vivarium Electronics VE-300 Thermostat – Best for Vivarium
- Lux WIN100 Automatic Heating and Cooling Programmable Outlet Thermostat – Best for Heating and Cooling
- WILLHI WH1436A 10A Temperature Controller 110V Digital Thermostat
- Bayite Temperature Controller BTC20110A Dual Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat Plug
In the case of being a beginner, keep reading below carefully.
Cold-blooded animals need to be provided with the correct conditions of temperature.
They could not regulate their inner temperature and it all depends on the outside temperature (sunlight in nature).
Thus, you always need to provide them with a source of heat in the reptile’s habitat.
However, how can you control the temperature to make sure it is going well all the time?
You cannot always stick to the reptile’s tank to monitor it.
Now, a thermostat will be the perfect solution.
It can turn on the heat when the temperature goes down and turn it off when the set temperature reached the expectation.
Related Posts:
How to Find the Best Thermostats for Reptiles?
Most types of heat sources need to be monitored by the thermostat:
| Heat Source | Needed? |
|---|---|
| Heat light bulb | Using dimmer |
| Ceramic heat emitter | Yes |
| Heat cable | Yes |
| Heat mat/tape | Yes |
| Radiant heat panel | Yes |
So what is the best reptile thermostat? That is the equipment that allows you to maintain the temperature of the animal’s enclosure under control.
There are 3 most important things you need to remember:
- Check your hotspot temp manually to make sure that all is functioning properly.
- Ensure you set up temperature properly using the IR temp gun to establish the right setting.
- The cheap device is more likely to be failed but the cheap is better than no. The high-quality model will save you more money.
How to Set Up Thermostats for Reptiles?
Here are the steps to set up thermostats for reptiles:
- Install the heater at the end of the vivarium.
- Put the sensor at the center of the tank. Avoid resting on the walls or the floors because it might affect the temperature.
- Set up the temperature to your needed range.
- Plug it and turn on. It will take several hours for temp stabilization.
- Check the temp in different places in the vivarium by the thermometer. You should set up the location in the tank to escape from the heat.
How Many Types of Thermostats for Reptiles Are Available?
1. On/off
They are the cheapest, simplest, and easiest to set up. It is perfect for controlling the temp on heat mats, heat cables, and other sources that produce warmth by the contact.
On/off works by constantly checking the temperature at the probe and turning the device off/on frequently.
However, it is not recommended for controlling the light bulb or ceramic heaters since there is a risk of blowing up the bulb.
2. Pulse
If you are using a non-light-emitting source, the pulse model will be a perfect option, especially for ceramic heat emitters.
It works by sending the electrical pulse at different frequencies.
The downside is that these types could be used for light-emitting sources due to the risk of light flashing.
3. Dimming
This advanced type will cost you a little more than others. Dimming can work well with heat pads, tapes, cables, and ceramic heat emitters.
It operates by raising or lowering the power, which goes to the heating device depending on the temp needed to go up/down to reach the setpoint.
Dimming makes it more consistent than the on/off one.
4. Digital
The digital one is the newest tech with more functions and can run dimming, pulse, and on/off models.
You can get a great solution for controlling the temp.
7 Best Thermostats for Reptiles Shortlist (Updated List)
Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.
7 Best Thermostats for Reptiles
1. BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller – TOP REVIEWS
Listed in the top of best-selling devices, this model will bring us excellent quality and features.
You can easily set up the temp (thanks to the probe), plug in the controllers, and use the 3-button interface for the temp setting.
Besides, you can see the controller’s status in the darkness with the handy LED heating and power indicator lights.
This best reptile heat mat thermostat is easy to read on the display due to the hanging tab inside the tough plastic housing.
The cord for the temp probe and 3-prong plug is designed to be suitable for most applications as it can measure a 6ft length extend.
BN-LINK can be used for seedling germination, heating, fermentation, and rooting.
It keeps the environment always in the right temperature range.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Easy to read display for better monitor
- Durability and safety
- Long cords
- For different purposes
Con:
- Can not be used in water
2. JumpStart Digital Controller Germination Heat Mat Thermostat – RUNNER UP
Being one of the safest ETL-certified devices on the market, it is perfect for homebrewing to maintain the expected fermentation temp and ideal for temp control in reptile terrariums and small animal enclosures.
This best reptile thermostat controller is designed for basking bulbs, heat cables, heat tape, radiant heat panels, and ceramic heaters.
JumpStart offers the optimal/precise temp close to the set points on the terrarium/enclosure for pets.
With the LED heating indicator light and digital display, you can easily control the temperature.
You can control the range from 68°F to 108°F with the C/F options.
Its water-resistant probe has an extended code of around 6ft, which makes it perfect for large terrariums.
It is simple to use with a 3-prong ground plug and the digital option for the plugin and set up the temperature.
Pros:
- Easy to use and install
- The probe can meet the mat directly, thank the flatter probe cord without a lip on one side
- Being safe to use
- Convenient and don’t need to worry about the spot temperature checking
Con:
- A little more expensive
3. iPower GLHTMTCONTROL Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller – BEST BUDGET
If you are looking for a cheap device but still good quality, the iPower will be the right choice.
Being a simple mat, it is successful in maintaining the right temperature for reptiles.
iPower is not only designed for reptiles but also seed germination, rooting, fermentation, home brewing, and keeping your environment in the expected temp range.
It controls between 40°F to 108°F (5-42°C) and the temp display ranges from 32 to 140°F. It has the LED illuminated indicator light, which allows you to check the controller’s status even in darkness, and the three-prong grounded plugs for ease of use.
You can use it with the iPower heat mat for making a warm and nice growth habitat for reptiles.
When you plug it into your heat mat, the temperature selected, you already set it up.
Pros:
- Control both heat and cold environment
- Easy to install and use
- Best cheap reptile thermostat for tight budget persons
- Having LED indicator lights
- Suitable for small pets, especially reptiles
- Good quality case and hardware
- Being the best thermostat for reptile heat mat
Cons:
- Not powerful for extra warm hotspots
- It doesn’t work with the ceramic heaters or heat bulbs, only for lowered heat mats
4. Vivarium Electronics VE-300 Thermostat – BEST FOR VIVARIUM
Although its price looks quite high, you don’t need to wonder anything about the quality.
This upgraded Vivarium Electronics version is on the top of the device for the pet’s enclosures.
Being a pulse model, it is great for suing with the ceramic heaters. It can control the temperature from 25°F-140°F.
Having an inbuilt temperature alarm, this device will satisfy those who love to be alerted when the temp drops or rises.
With the auto shut-off function, overheating, burn, or fire will be prevented well. Your pet will be safe from all harm.
You will never be stressed, thanks to the auto temp regulation.
Besides, it can allow the natural cycle of temperature for daytime and lower the temperature in the nighttime.
Vivarium Electronics comes with an expandable single outlet for controlling more than a heater at the same time, then it saves you money from buying one more.
You can see the time of day, current setpoint value, and the probe temp setting by the display on this device.
Especially, the 3-button keyboard will make it simple to use.
Pros:
- Expandable single outlet
- Having an alarm
- A great choice for ceramic heaters
- Auto shut-off function
- 700-watt capacity with the replaceable fuse
Con:
- Not for an incandescent bulb
5. Lux WIN100 Automatic Heating and Cooling Programmable Outlet Thermostat – BEST FOR HEATING AND COOLING
A programmable model will never let you down, it allows you to program weekdays/weekends at different temperatures.
WIN100 also boasts the positive on/off and the heat/cool switch, which allows it to use for summer and winter.
This best thermostat for reptiles is possible to use with the fan or air conditioner for cooling and a space heater for heating.
You can use it for heating reptiles’ enclosure and also other purposes.
Coming with the patented Lux speed dial for simple programming, on/off switch for streamlined operation, and battery-free memory storage, it is one of the top user-friendly devices.
There is no installation of wiring, so it is easy to plug in and then choose the expected heat.
You can use it with the space heater, air conditioner, or fans.
Lux WIN100 has default heating and cooling schedules for saving up to 33% of energy cost a year and cut down the carbon footprint for the environment with 100% mercury-free.
Pros:
- Great work in saving money
- Easy to program
- A great choice for heaters with mechanical controls
- Being compatible
- Friendly to environment
- Great innovation, quality, and value brand
Con:
- None
6. WILLHI WH1436A 10A Temperature Controller 110V Digital Thermostat
WILLHI comes with simple operation, the wide control range of temperature from -50-110°C, large power, and an advanced waterproof sensor probe. It is equipped with a US standard outlet and a maximum load of 1100w at 110°C.
Besides, high and low-temperature alarms will be a nice solution for you to avoid the temp exceeds.
Its countdown automatic shot timer turns the heater.
It is very simple to use and install the minimum/maximum temp when it goes on/off due to the digital readout in C/F.
It has a 3-meter 9.8 sensor cable for more convenience.
WILLHI can be used for different purposes such as seedling heat mat, aquarium, pet breeding, electric oven/radiator, BBQ, home brewing, and incubation.
Especially, it has been on the top-rated best thermostats for reptiles for a long time.
WILLHI becomes reliable and easy to operate with many useful features at an affordable price when compared to the other counterparts.
Pros:
- Easy to operate and set up the temperature
- For different uses
- Come with a user-friendly interface
- Waterproof thermocouple included
- Affordable price
Con:
- Not compatible with 2 hotlines of 220V plugs.
7. Bayite Temperature Controller BTC20110A Dual Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat Plug
You don’t need to worry about your pet’s habitat temperature, thanks to Bayite.
It has a waterproof sensor for use in both water and terrestrial reptiles.
There is an inbuilt high/low temp alarm that will notify the temperature changes.
It is not easy for you to find a more accurate device to control the temp correctly than this.
It is not only a great option for heating reptiles but also the best thermostat for reptile incubators, heating aquarium, and pet breeding.
Bayite’s digital thermostats for reptiles are very reliable and durable because of the automatic power-on delay for protecting the compressor.
Apart from being durable, it is also an energy saver device. Thus, you will not need to worry about electric bills.
Pros:
- Save money for electricity
- Can be used as cooler and heater
- For both aquatic and terrestrial, thanks to being waterproof
- Coming with temp alarm and auto power on display
Cons:
- Does not come with a timer
What to Consider When Buying the Best Thermostats for Reptiles?
1. Heat Source
We all know that you should think about what heat source you are using such as mats, ceramic heaters, or cables to find a suitable one.
If you have heat mats/cables, it is recommended to use the on/off type. Pulse will work well with ceramic bulbs or accurate heat mat temperatures. Especially for light bulbs, using the dimming one is a great choice.
2. Functions
Reptiles are not all same. The bearded dragons and some desert lizards will need the temp gradients with day and night setup.
Besides, it is more controllable with the multi-control, calendar, timers, or overload circuit.
If you are having a complicated setup with multi heating tools, then it would be much better to have one that can control more than one heater.
3. Max Wattage
You need to see the max wattage that can pass through the device.
For example, on/off type needs to have up to 100w while the dimmers can go up to 600w or more.
The larger terrarium will require a higher watt heater.
4. Temperature Control Range
You should choose the one that allows you to have a wide range of temp for more control over the enclosure’s temp.
Besides, some reptiles like the hotter basking sport than others.
Don’t forget to think about the enclosure’s size, a large vivarium will need a larger heater and more powerful thermostat.
5. Easy to Set Up and Use
The best thermostats for reptiles should be easy to install and use as not everyone is a technical expert.
It would be a perfect choice with an easy and safe device. Your children and elderly can take care of your reptiles properly when you are away from home.
Especially, focus on choosing the model with a simple design and comes with detailed instructions from the manufacturer.
6. Durability and Silent Operation
You need a device that can last for long not only some days.
You can check some factors such as water resistance, quality of materials, and careful machining, which are the key to determine the product’s lifespan.
Long-term investment will be more efficient than many unsecured investments.
A silent device will be a suggested idea as your reptile’s cage is normally placed in your house.
7. Safety
Sometimes, the thermostat failure will happen because of power surges, accidental pressing of dial or buttons, or overloading.
Thus, a safety alarm equipped will be much use for this case.
If there is any problem, the loud buzzer will ring.
Then the probe becomes dislodged but the vivarium still cannot get overheated.
8. Sensor Length
The sensor will be placed inside the reptile’s cage at the end of the cable and the thermostat will be outside for easy to change the temperature.
For small cages such as for bearded dragons or geckos, the cable isn’t needed.
However, for the larger cage, you need to consider to check carefully the sensor cable to see if it is long enough to suit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thermostats for Reptiles
1. How Do Thermostats for Reptiles Work?
This device controls the heating device when it comes on/off by altering the signal.
The sensor will be placed in the vivarium and set up the temp on the thermostat.
When the sensor detects that the temp has been reached, it will turn off the heater or reduce its power.
Once the temp drops, it will turn on the heater back or raise its power.
2. Is It Hard to Install a Thermostat for My Bearded Dragons?
No, it is not. You can easily set it up by following well the instructions provided.
Or if you are still not confident, ask for some professional help.
3. Can I Use a Dimming Type for Ceramic Emitter?
Yes, it is possible to use it. However, the dimming type will perform the greatest efficiency with the basking light.
Read more:
4. How Can I Monitor the Nighttime Drop in the Temperature?
You don’t need to monitor frequently the temperature at night.
Some models can detect daylight and you can set it up for adjusting the night temp.
Or some models come with a timer for setting at cooler temp at night.
Beginners get a little confused.
5. Can I Use More Than 1 Heater of the Same Thermostat? How Can I Attach Them?
Yes, it is possible to use 2 heaters or one heater and one cooling tool.
It will be provided with 2 sockets and you can plug the device into each one.
Then you can specify the needed temp range.
It will trigger the heating/cooling as your requirement setting.
6. What Are the Best Thermostats for Reptiles?
The best thermostats for reptiles are those devices that can control the temperature well to keep the right temp for your reptile’s enclosure.
You can use our experience as a basis when choosing the most efficient one among the seven models above to find out the condition for the best devices.
Conclusion
What are the best thermostats for reptiles? At present, your right choice will be our success.
We hope that our list of best models for reptiles and some extra information above can support you to find out the awesome one for your lovely pets.
In case you need an exact pointer, BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller will never disappoint you because of its quality and function.
Or Vivarium Electronic VE-300 Thermostat is also a perfect choice for vivarium reptiles.
Its price is the highest on the list, and you can rest assured that it is also the product with the highest quality.
Finally, identifying your requirements will be an efficient way to narrow down the choices among thousands of products in the market.
Hopefully, our knowledge can help you somehow. Wishing you get the best thermostats for reptiles soon! Share with us your experience by leaving a comment below!
Key points for selecting the best thermostat for reptiles:
Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for the health and well-being of your reptile pets. A reliable thermostat is an essential tool for regulating temperature in their enclosures. Here’s a guide to help you select the best thermostat for your reptiles:
Key Considerations for Choosing a Reptile Thermostat:
- Accuracy:
- The thermostat should provide precise temperature control, keeping the temperature within a tight range of your reptile’s specific requirements.
- Type of Thermostat:
- Choose between on/off thermostats and proportional thermostats. On/off thermostats are more budget-friendly, while proportional thermostats offer more stable temperature control.
- Heating Source Compatibility:
- Ensure that the thermostat is compatible with the type of heat source you are using, whether it’s heat mats, heat lamps, ceramic heat emitters, or radiant heat panels.
- Number of Outlets:
- Consider how many heat sources you need to control in a single enclosure. Some thermostats offer multiple outlets for managing various heat sources simultaneously.
- Temperature Range:
- Verify that the thermostat covers the temperature range your reptiles require, taking into account basking and cool zones.
- Ease of Programming:
- A user-friendly interface and easy-to-understand programming are essential for hassle-free temperature control.
- Alarm and Safety Features:
- Look for thermostats with safety features like high-temperature alarms to alert you if the enclosure gets too hot.
- Remote Monitoring (Optional):
- Some thermostats offer remote monitoring via apps, allowing you to check and adjust temperatures even when you’re away.
Top Thermostats for Reptiles:
- Herpstat 1 Basic: A reliable and affordable option, the Herpstat 1 Basic is suitable for controlling a single heat source and offers precise temperature regulation.
- JumpStart Reptile Thermostat: This user-friendly thermostat is perfect for beginners and has a clear digital display, making it easy to monitor and set temperatures.
- Inkbird ITC-306T: Known for its versatility, this thermostat can control both heating and cooling devices, making it ideal for temperature control in various reptile enclosures.
- Vivarium Electronics VE-100: A proportional thermostat with excellent accuracy, the VE-100 is perfect for maintaining stable temperatures in your reptile’s habitat.
- Herpstat 2: For those with multiple heat sources or enclosures, the Herpstat 2 offers dual outlets and precise temperature control for two zones.
Installation and Maintenance Tips:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and programming.
- Regularly check and calibrate your thermostat to ensure accurate temperature control.
- Set up a backup power source, such as a battery or generator, to prevent temperature fluctuations during power outages.
Ensuring your reptiles have the correct temperature in their enclosures is essential for their health and well-being. Investing in a quality thermostat helps you create a stable and comfortable environment for your reptile pets, allowing them to thrive in captivity.
