Reptile heaters are an essential element of any reptile environment. Many reptiles come from warm climates and reptile heaters help simulate your pet’s natural environment. The closer his captive environment is to his native environment, the longer and healthier your reptile’s life can be.
Reptile heaters are important for much more than just the comfort of your reptile. Maintaining the proper temperature helps your reptile’s circulation system, aids in digestion, and helps your reptile maintain his 
immune system and fight disease. Through a process known as thermoregulation, reptiles instinctively move through their environment to seek out optimal temperatures. You may notice that your reptile moves to his basking spot or other warm area right after eating. This is because the warmth helps him digest his meal better. Once his food has been digested, he will likely retire to a cooler spot to rest.
Because your reptile will want to move through areas of differing levels of warmth, it is important to provide a gradient of temperatures within your reptile enclosure. Always start with the correct average daytime temperature range for your breed. Then add a basking area that will provide temperatures at the top of the range for your reptile. Since many reptiles prefer a cooler nighttime temperature (again, simulating their natural environments), take into account how to ensure an appropriate reduction in temperature at night. Use reliable thermometers to monitor the various temperatures.
Once you have determined the appropriate temperature ranges for your reptile, you will need to select one or more heat sources. There are several different types of reptile heaters. Some reptile heaters are ideal for maintaining ambient air temperatures, other are good for creating basking spots for your reptile. Heat pads and heat panels, along with heat strips, are good choices for maintaining the appropriate ambient air temperature gradient. Incandescent bulbs can be used for ambient temperature control as well as basking areas. Ceramic bulbs are good for creating basking spots.
Heat pads are usually mounted under your reptile’s tank, and help you safely maintain a constant temperature in your reptile’s enclosure. Heat panels are mounted above the enclosure. These infrared panels work in a similar way to heat pads, keeping a constant temperature in your reptile’s environment. Heat strips can be attached to either the bottom or sides of your reptile’s enclosure. Take care to install heat strips in such a way that your reptile cannot lean directly against the strips, as this could cause burns.
Reptile heaters can also take the form of light bulbs. incandescent bulbs can be used to maintain certain ambient temperature ranges, or at higher wattages can be used to create basking spots. Infrared ceramic bulbs can focus heat in a specific spot 
of your enclosure, making them ideal for basking areas. With any type of bulb, be sure to position it far enough outside the enclosure that your reptile can never come in contact with the bulb or fixture; serious burns could result.
Hot rocks are not recommended for use as reptile heaters because of the risk of burns.
Reptile heaters are needed to help your pet thrive in his new home. An environment that most closely resembles the animal’s natural habitat is the most conducive to the health and longevity of your pet. Reptile heaters help emulate this environment and keep your reptile healthy and happy.
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