Most reptiles will not thrive without adequate heat and light. However, choosing heating and lighting elements can be complicated because of the diverse needs across various species. If you are new to reptile-keeping, then knowing the importance and different types of lighting will go a long way toward ensuring that your reptile pets stay healthy.

Why Do Reptiles Need a Heat Source?

Reptiles are ectothermic, or their body temperatures are mostly regulated externally, rather than internally like mammals and birds. These animals are often called "cold-blooded," but that is a misnomer. Their blood is not "cold," but they cannot generate their own body heat internally. Therefore, they will move their environment toward or away from heat sources to keep their body temperature at optimal levels.

Do All Reptiles Need Light?

While many reptiles need UVA and UVB lights to stay healthy, many species, such as nocturnal snakes and lizards, require only basic light to regulate their day and night rhythms. These animals can be sufficiently kept warm with non-light heat sources.

What Are Good Heat Sources?

The type of heat source you should get depends on what type of reptile you have. Some reptiles do very well with a traditional basking bulb, while others do much better with a heating pad or heated rock. Certain types of reptiles may require more ultraviolet light than others.

How Should Heat and Light be Set Up?

When you set up your reptile's enclosure, make sure you provide both warm and cool spots so that your pet can move around to find the right amount of heat and light. If your reptile likes to bask, then provide a raised surface that can be easily warmed by your heating bulb. Makes sure you provide a heat monitoring system and thermometers to ensure that the environment remains in the correct temperature range.

Can Some Reptiles Thrive With No Heat Source?

There are some species that can go without a separate external heat or light source provided that your room is sufficiently warm. The ones that can do this are those that naturally live in wet and cool conditions, such as some species of geckos. However, even those species benefit from even a small heat source in their cage or terrarium.

The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to providing heat for your reptile is to know your species and their natural environment. Some species, such as desert lizards and turtles, may require much higher amounts of ultraviolet light and heat compared to a reptile species that spends time in a cool and wet area. After you've researched what type of reptile is right for you, then contact a place with supplies and reptiles for sale to begin setting up your reptile environment.