Best Terrariums Radiant heaters

Some daylight spotlights also serve as heat sources, depending on the light spectrum. These include halogen lamps, UV surface emitters and daylight emitters with an infrared component. In contrast, ceramic radiators are often found in terrariums as pure heat lamps. Halogen lamps are temperature radiators with a low proportion of visible light. The heat output is quite intensive. UV bulbs or UV surface emitters are suitable for animals that absolutely need sunlight, i.e. daylight and UV light. They serve as a light source, ensure the supply of UV rays and at the same time provide warmth as a practical side effect. Light sources with a certain infrared content, which is always to be taken from the product, also generate heat. Depending on the type, a combination of a light source with heat output and a heated element on the floor is recommended to warm the animal up, for example a fake rock with heating element.

The special feature of ceramic radiators is the emission of long-wave infrared light, which is not perceived by the human eye, and their high temperature. Whether they are suitable for a terrarium depends on the one hand on the heat requirement of the animal and on the other hand on the performance, which varies with the different products. However, an adequate distance between the radiator and the animal must be maintained to avoid overheating and direct contact with the radiator must be excluded. Security measures are therefore unavoidable.

A ceramic radiant heater requires a suitable socket to also prevent overheating and associated damage or short circuit. There must be no combustible materials in the direct vicinity of the radiator. Around the spotlight a protection can be attached at a safe distance, which protects climbing and jumping animals from burns.

At the beginning there is the question which environmental conditions prevail in the natural habitat of the animals like with the entire arrangement of the terrarium. These should be imitated as best as possible in the terrarium. The suitability of a radiant heater or a combined light and heat lamp therefore depends specifically on the needs of the animal. Within a product range there are variations in performance so that the right choice can be made for each animal and terrarium. Exo Terra, for example, is a well-known manufacturer of radiant heaters and accessories with a wide range of products for a wide variety of requirements. Trixie, Reptiland, Zoo Med and other suppliers have also developed corresponding products. Further information about the properties and performance can be found in the respective product details.