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Which heat lamp suits my vivarium?

Basking lamp, infrared, ceramic or UVB – an overview

The four common heat sources

  • Basking lamp: focused radiant heat that creates a basking spot. Ideal for diurnal baskers such as bearded dragons and tortoises. Basking spots of up to 45 °C are possible.
  • Infrared lamp: deep heat without visible light. Good for nocturnal species such as snakes.
  • Ceramic heat emitter: strong, long-lasting heat without light. Ideal for large vivariums and for night-time.
  • UV lamp (UVA/UVB): essential for species that need UVB (bearded dragons, chameleons and tortoises, for example) – for vitamin D3 synthesis and healthy bones.

How to choose

  • Desert species and baskers (bearded dragons, leopard geckos): strong heat plus UVB where required.
  • Snakes and nocturnal species: infrared lamps or ceramic heat emitters.
  • Large vivariums: combine a heat panel or ceramic emitter with a basking lamp to create temperature zones.

Run every heat source through a thermostat and fit reflectors and guards. This prevents overheating and burns. Always keep a safe distance from the animal.