How to Set Up a Thermal Gradient for Thermoregulation in Pet Reptiles

There is no simple answer to that question, as it depends on the species, your preferences, your equipment and your home. There is no hard a fast rule as to which size heat mat or bulb will give you the gradient your reptile heeds, either, as it depends on the ambient temperature and your set up (substrate choice and depth, etc.). It also depends on what sort of temperature drop your reptile can tolerate at night. It takes both research as to how best to meet the needs of your reptile, as well as some experimentation with your equipment to reach the ideal set up.

Some examples of heat sources you can use in your terrarium are shown on the next few pages. Remember, any of these heat sources, alone or in combination, will be placed at the warm end of your terrarium.