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Heat mats are essential for Leopard geckos because they are cold-blooded. Thus, they rely on ambient heat to stay warm.
Like most reptiles, Leos cannot regulate their internal body temperature to the appropriate levels. As such, it is vital that you place a heat mat under your Leopard gecko’s vivarium.
That way, the temperature inside the enclosure will stay constant, thereby providing your lizard friend with the comfort it needs.
You should only buy heat mats from reputable brands for safety purposes. To get maximum results, ensure that you pair the heat mat with a thermostat.
This will save you from regulating the heat manually and keep the temperature at favorable levels for your pet lizard.
Heat mats are very easy to install, so just about anyone can use them. With that being said, it does not matter whether it’s your first time keeping a Leo; you can install a heat mat with minimal fuss.
Regarding Leopard geckos, heat mats are preferred over heat lamps since Leos don’t need as much UVB light as most lizards.
Nonetheless, the process of choosing a heat mat can be a bit stressful since the market has countless options that you can go for.
Before choosing a heat mat for your Leopard gecko, ensure that the equipment in question has all the features you need.
Note: You will also need a thermostat to regulate the temperature of your heat mat. See our list of the most accurate thermostats
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Top 8 Best Heat Mats for Leopard Geckos
#1. iPower Reptile Heat Pad
OUR #1 PICK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The heat mat from iPower not only offers excellent heat dispersion but is also durable.
It uses an advanced PTC heating system that will ensure the desired temperature is achieved within a limited duration.
Plus, the mat comes in different sizes, so you are the one to choose the product that matches your lizard’s enclosure. This particular model is 4″ wide and 7″ wide.
Moreover, this heat mat comes with a reliable thermostat that will provide you with great temperature control.
It is also fitted with LED lights for user convenience. The 3M adhesive material included in the package will make your work easy since you only have to stick it onto the vivarium.
The mat won’t detach from the surface of the enclosure provided that you stick it properly. You will be happy to know that this heat mat is energy efficient and is equally easy to clean.
#2. Zacro Reptile Terrarium Heat Mat
Zacro is proud to present you with a highly efficient heat mat that will keep your Leopard gecko warm even when the temperature outside is below zero.
The mat is constructed from premium grade PVC material, so you won’t have to worry about durability.
This heat mat measures 6″ x 8″ and is specially designed for vivariums with a capacity of 10-20gal.
In addition to this, it has amazing safety features, so rest assured that your pet lizard will be in good hands.
The heat produced by this mat won’t affect your pet in any way. You can use it on hatchlings, juveniles, and adult geckos.
To add to its list of features, the casing is moisture-proof, thus making it even more reliable. Nonetheless, this device is not 100% waterproof, so you should not immerse it in water.
This heat mat has a maximum operating power of 8W and comes with all the accessories that you may need. In fact, you will also get an easy-to-follow user manual that you can use during setup.
#3. Tikaton Reptile Heat Mat
Featuring a high-performance nichrome heating system, this heat mat will warm up your Leopard gecko’s vivarium in a matter of minutes.
It has a wattage rating of 8W and is also energy efficient like the product that we have just reviewed.
This mat is designed with a temperature dial that allows you to make manual adjustments to the heating system.
The dial has a straightforward design, so you won’t experience any problems when tuning the heat levels inside the gecko’s enclosure.
But, that is not all; the heating wire disperses heat evening, meaning all parts of the enclosure will get the right amount of heat.
The heating element is durably built to ensure that you get long-lasting service. In terms of safety, the mat is designed in such a way that it cannot overheat even when it is used for long hours.
Still, ensure that you follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid any problems.
#4. Aiicioo Under Tank Heater
Upon purchase, you will get an efficient heat mat and other useful accessories that will help you provide your Leopard gecko with the most appropriate temperature conditions.
Besides, this equipment has all the features that you may look for in a heat mat, making it an excellent option for all gecko keepers.
Additionally, the mat can be mounted either on the side or at the bottom of the enclosure. It will deliver good results in both scenarios, so it will all depend on your preference.
With a maximum power output of 16W, this heat mat will keep your pet lizard cozy throughout the cold season.
The mat has a strong adhesive material that will ensure it stays in place at all times. That being said, it won’ shift positions, and neither will it fall off.
In addition to this, it has a simple setup and allows for easy and quick installation. Also, this device is factory-tested for the safety and wellbeing of your lizard.
#5. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mats
Thanks to its amazing features, your Leopard gecko will longer have a hard time regulating its body temperature.
This heat mat will provide your lizard friend with constant temperature conditions, thus improving comfort inside the vivarium. It uses carbon fiber to maximize heat dispersion in all parts of the vivarium.
As such, there will be no hot spots inside the enclosure, meaning your lizard will receive just the right amount of heat.
Unlike most heaters in the market, this heat mat does not have heating wires, making it super durable. It is also energy-efficient and can warm up the enclosure in no time.
#6. VIVOSUN Reptile Heating Pad
VIVOSUN provides you with a well-designed heat mat that you can count on when it comes to keeping your Leopard gecko warm.
This device has a straightforward design and is also easy to mount. It is equipped with a fast-heating nichrome element that will provide your gecko with conducive temperature conditions.
The easy-to-paste adhesive material offers a strong grip, so the heat mat won’t detach after you have set it in place.
Plus, the heating element only requires 16W of electricity to operate optimally. And like most heat mats on the list, you can mount this heater at the bottom of the vivarium or on the side.
This heat mat is specifically designed for glass enclosures, so ensure that you use it correctly. It is moisture-proof but not fully waterproof.
The other thing that is worth mentioning about this heat mat is that it won’t overheat after long hours of continuous operation. This means you won’t have to switch it on and off from time to time.
#7. Fluker's Heat Mat for Reptiles
Moreover, it only uses a minimal amount of energy and can warm up an average size vivarium with no delays.
If your lizard’s enclosure has bottom ventilation, you can consider mounting the heat mat on the lower side to maximize heat transfer.
The manufacturer recommends that you use a small amount of substrate, especially when mounting the heat mat on the underside of the enclosure.
#8. BN-LINK Reptile Heating Pad
The back adhesive will provide you with a frustration-free user experience during installation. All you have to do is peel the sticker, and you will be good to go.
This heat mat is rated at 16W, so it won’t consume a lot of energy. As if that is not enough, it comes with a long power cord and also has a plug-and-play design.
The heating film will raise the temperature inside the enclosure to the desired level in minutes.
To make it even more efficient, the heat mat is fitted with high-quality composites to maximize durability.
Choosing a Heat Mat for Leopard Geckos
Not all heat mats are the same. They vary in terms of features and performance, meaning some are more reliable than others.
If you are looking to buy high-quality heat mats for your Leopard gecko, there are several factors that you should consider.
Wattage
Ensure that you check the maximum operating power of the heat mat that you want to buy as this will determine its overall performance.
The wattage rating may vary from one product to another depending on the size of the mat and the design of the circuitry system. Most leopard gecko heat mats in the market have a wattage rating of between 4W and 24W.
Size
Size matters a lot when choosing heat sources, so all lizard keepers need to go for heat mats that are just the right size for the enclosure.
The size of the mat that you will choose will depend on how large or small the gecko’s vivarium is.
According to Leopard gecko experts, heat mats should cover up to a third of the space inside the vivarium. As such, the enclosure should have a cool side and a warm side.
As a result, your Leopard gecko will be able to regulate its body temperature by switching spots. If the lizard gets too hot, it will move to the cooler spot and vice versa.
To avoid unnecessary complications, ensure that you measure the ground area inside the vivarium before buying a heat mat.
Heat Dispersal
If you want to get good results, you should invest in a heat mat with good heat dispersal. Some heat mats only concentrate heat in a single spot, thus causing discomfort to your lizard friend.
High-quality heat mats will disperse heat evenly in the area that is covered, creating the perfect conditions for the Leopard gecko within the shortest time possible.
On the other hand, heat mats with poor heat dispersal may take a longer duration to provide the needed heat. Consequently, this will greatly impact energy consumption, resulting in high utility costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heat mats good for geckos?
Yes. Leopard geckos cannot regulate their own body temperature, so they rely on external sources of heat like heat mats.
How do you install a heat mat?
Most heat mats have adhesive materials that you can stick onto the surface of the vivarium.
Should I turn my gecko's heat mat off at night?
The heat mat should be on at all times since the gecko depends on it, especially at night when it’s cold.
Final Word
You can keep your Leopard gecko warm by using any of the heat mats that we have highlighted above.
The heat mats are designed with the safety of your lizard in mind, so you won’t have to worry about anything.
However, you should keep in mind that heat mats are not supposed to be put inside the vivarium. You can attach them on the side or at the bottom of the enclosure.
