Keeping your snake comfortable means more than just some comfortable bedding and a yummy mouse.
One of the most important factors in your snake’s health and comfort is the right temperature. And actually, they need several temperatures.
That’s where these snake heating pads come in.
Heating mats are designed to go below (on on the side) of glass terrariums and radiate heat into the enclosure. This creates a hot spot in the tank that your pet uses to regulate its body temperature.
Below, we take a look at the best snake heat pads on the market, to help you find the perfect one for your snake and enclosure.
Why Do You Need A Heating Mat For Your Snake Enclosure?
Because snakes use the surrounding temperature to regulate their body temperature, it is important that they can get warmer or cool off as needed. Snakes also seek out warmer areas after they have eaten to digest their food.
To this end, you need to create a temperature gradient inside your snake’s enclosure — heating one side while keeping the other side cooler.
The easiest way to do this (and being able to regulate the temperature inside the enclosure) is by using a heating mat.
These heating mats are usually stuck to the bottom of the enclosure and use electricity to heat up. The heat is then transferred to the inside of the enclosure from the mat.
A thermometer controller is used to regulate how hot the mat gets. After all, you want your snake to be comfortable, not cooking!
Different snakes also require their enclosures to be kept at slightly different temperatures.
For instance, boas and pythons prefer temperatures of 80° – 90° F, while garter snakes prefer a lower temperature of 72° – 84° F.
When deciding which of the heating pads you’re going to buy, keep in mind how hot you need to make your snake enclosure.
What Accessories Do You Need Besides The Mat Itself?
A good thermometer and thermostat controller are definite musts. The heating mats can become extremely hot if left unregulated (well over 100° F in most cases). These high temperatures can cause serious burns and even death of some pets.
You also need to make sure that the humidity inside the snake enclosure is adequate. Too dry and your snake will dry out; too humid and your snake may get one of various diseases or fungal infections.
It is, therefore, a good idea to get a humidity controller at the same time as you set up the rest of the enclosure. This will be a lot easier than trying to get everything set up after you already have Mr. Slithers in his enclosure.
Best Heat Mats For Snakes
Here are the best heating mats — from budget to pricier options — that you can choose between for your snake’s enclosure.
Most of these mats are available in more than one size and it is very important to buy the size suited to the size of your snake enclosure.
Buying one that is too large will heat the inside of the snake enclosure too much. Too small, and your poor snake will not have a temperature gradient, but more of a random hot spot.
iPower Under Tank Heat Pad And Digital Thermostat
The iPower 8-watt heating pad may be pricier than the previous two heating pads, but it’s obvious see why. Not only is it good quality, but it also has a thermostat controller included.
The heating pad is available in four sizes; from 4″ x 7″ to 8″ x 18″. These sizes are perfect for 1-gallon to 60-gallon enclosures. The iPower Under Tank Warmers can also be stuck to your snake’s enclosure to ensure that it doesn’t move and only warms the part of the enclosure that you need warming.
The required temperature is reached in minutes. As the pad can heat up to 108° F degrees, the included thermostat controller is really important. Like the Zoo Med heating pad, the iPower one also has a 1-year-warranty.
Pros
Thermostat and controller included
Uses very little power
Many size options
1 year warranty
Cons
Higher price (but actually less than buying cheaper pads and having to get the controller separately)
FAQ
Is the temperature setting available in both Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Yes, by simply pressing and holding the “up” button, you can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Does the thermostat switch the heating pad off when the set temperature is reached?
Yes, the heating pad will switch on and off automatically thanks to the thermostat controller that is included with the iPower heating pad.
The Zacro Reptile Heat Pad comes with its own temperature control, which makes heating your snake’s enclosure much easier, but it is not as great as it first sounds. The included temperature controller is nice, but unfortunately, it does not indicate actual temperatures. It simply has different levels.
In order to know what temperature each level corresponds to, you’ll have to use an external thermometer. This pad sells for a much lower price than the iPower (the only other one with a controller), but without the thermometer, it’s not really worth the savings, in our opinion.
The nichrome heating wire distributes heat evenly over the heating pad ensuring that the temperature gradient inside the snake enclosure is also gradual and doesn’t contain hot spots. It is made from high quality PVC and is flexible and foldable. It is also easy to clean.
Pros
Temperature controller (but with limited function)
Uses very little power
Several sizes available (but not all have controller)
Easy to clean
Cons
Temperature controller does not indicate temps
FAQ
Does this heating pad have adhesive already stuck to it?
Yes, it does. It has a double-sided tape
Do I still need a thermometer to regulate the heat in my snake’s enclosure?
Yes, you will still need to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity, because the dial on the pad itself does not contain any numbers or indication of how hot you’ve set it.
Can I use this heating pad on plastic tubs?
It’s best not to use any heating mats on plastic, as they may warp or even melt the plastic.
This Vivosun heating pad is available in two sizes: 8″ x 6″ and 8″ x 12″. The smaller size is good for 20 to 30 gallon terrariums, while the larger size is good for 30 to 40 gallon terrariums. Only use it with glass enclosures.
These pads use a solid state nichrome heating element, making them highly efficient. They small one uses only 8 watts, while the large on uses only 16 watts.
The pads use 3M adhesive to mount to the glass of an enclosure. You can mount them to the sides or to the bottom. If mounted to the bottom, you need to have some kind of substrate covering the pad.
Pros
Can mount on side or below tank
Uses very little power
3 year warranty
Cons
Thermostat and controller not included
FAQ
What size enclosure is the 8-watt heating pad best for?
This small heating pad is best for a 20 – 30 gallon enclosure.
Is the temperature adjustable?
Only if you buy a thermostat controller separately.
Can you use this heating pad on a plastic enclosure?
No, the heating pad can melt or warp the plastic. This should only be used on glass.
Can you use wood shavings or other flammable bedding?
Yes, but make sure you only affix the heating pad to the outside of the tank. It should not come in direct contact with the bedding. It should always be on the outside anyway, since snakes like to dig holes and they should not come into contact with the pad.
Zoo Med is a well-known brand, which gives you some peace of mind. And despite being a known brand, the cost is very low. The Zoo Med Repti Therm Under Tank Heater is available in four sizes; from 4″ x 5″ to 18″ x 8″.
It has a solid state nichrome heating element and sticks to the snake’s enclosure using adhesive. Add a thermostat controller for safety and use it 24 hours to keep your snake comfortable. Unfortunately, you have to buy the controller separately.
This heat mat has a 1-year-warranty and can be used in conjunction with additional heat sources depending on the temperature your pet requires.
Yes, you can stick the heating mat to the underside or the side of the snake’s enclosure. It is generally better to stick it beneath the tank.
Can I use this mat on a plastic surface?
It depends on the type of plastic the surface is made from. It is best not to use this type of heating mat on plastic tubs and similar enclosures, because they could get warped or even melt.
Should there be a gap between the heater and the surface the enclosure is standing on?
Yes, there should always be a gap. It should only touch the enclosure directly.
The Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mats are available in four sizes, from 4″ x 7″ to 8″ x 18″, suitable for various sizes of snake enclosures. The heat pad can be placed on the bottom of the enclosure or on the side.
It can work for both snakes that are ground-dwelling and those who like to explore branches. It can also — like the Zoo Med one — be used together with other heat sources as long as you keep a proper eye on the temperature inside the enclosure.
Pros
Uses very little power
Many size options
Cons
Thermostat and controller not included
Pads don’t stick as well as other brands
FAQ
Will the Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mats work if I have a boa that needs very hot temperatures?
Yes, without regulation the heat pad can get over 100° F degrees. Use a thermometer controller to keep this from happening.
If the Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mat heat pad can get over 100° F degrees, can I still use it for my corn snake?
Yes, you simply need to regulate the temperature to be 85° F degrees at most.
Can I leave this on 24-hours a day to keep the temperature the same?
Yes, the heat pads are designed to be left on. The thermometer controller you need to add will switch it on and off automatically.
Can I use the Zilla Reptile Terrarium Heat Mat on wood?
No. The wood can catch fire. If you have a wood enclosure for your snake, you need to get a ceramic heater to create the heat gradient with.
The Fluker’s Heat Mat for Reptiles and Small Animals is one solution to creating the perfect environment for your snake, while also not costing the earth. Fluker isn’t exactly a name you hear every day like Exo Terra, but the heating mat does do a fine job.
Like the other energy-efficient heating pads, this one uses very little power and, coupled with a thermometer controller, provides a good way to give your snake the gradient it needs. The Fluker heat mats are also available in various sizes to accommodate different snake enclosures.
Pros
Uses very little power
Different size options
Cons
Thermostat and controller not included
No adhesive on pad, so you’ll need to affix it some other way
FAQ
Do I need to stick it to the outside or the inside of the snake enclosure?
Always stick it to the outside of the snake enclosure. If you stick it inside, the chances of the substrate catching fire is just too big. Always refer to the safety precautions when using heating pads.
Will the Fluker’s Heat Mat work for a corn snake?
Yes, it will and the heat mat is also the right size for a 20-gallon snake enclosure. Just be sure to get a thermometer controller and keep an eye on the temperature and humidity.
Heating mats are a great way to give your pet snake a hot spot and temperature gradient, allowing it to control its own body temperature. Without this, the snake would never feel comfortable and could easily suffer health problems and even die.
In cases where a heat mat does not work (for example with a plastic enclosure), use a heating lamp instead. Or upgrade to a glass home for your pet. Glass terrariums really are the best enclosure type for snakes.
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