Opens in a new tab
Reptiles · Heating & lighting

Reptile heating and lighting, set up right

Reptiles rely on the heat and light in their enclosure to digest food, stay active and stay well, so the set-up matters as much as what you feed. We stock heat mats, heat cable, heat lamps and basking globes, dome reflectors and thermostats, plus complete starter kits for bearded dragons and pythons. Tell us the species and the size of your enclosure and we’ll help you put it together.

Starter kits in storeCall & collectAsk us about your set-up

Heating and lighting: the basics

Poor heat and light are among the most common causes of health problems in captive reptiles. These are the points we cover with every new set-up.

Always use a thermostat

Heat mats, heat cable and heat lamps should all run through a thermostat, so the enclosure can’t overheat. It’s one of the most important parts of a safe set-up.

A warm end and a cool end

Set up a temperature gradient, with a warm basking spot at one end and a cooler retreat at the other. Your reptile moves between them to control its own temperature.

Setting up a new enclosure?

Bring in the measurements and we'll help you choose the right heating.

UVB lighting

Many lizards and turtles need UVB light to make vitamin D3 and use calcium properly. UVB output fades over time, even while the globe still looks bright, so follow the maker’s replacement guide. Ask us which lighting suits your species, and read our UVB lighting guide.

Ring ahead. We'll put it aside.

Call the store, tell us what your reptile needs and we'll have it ready at the counter, subject to stock availability.