Heat is an essential aspect of leopard gecko care, as these reptiles require a specific temperature range to properly digest their food, regulate their metabolism, and maintain their overall health.

One of the most effective and efficient ways to provide heat for leos is through the use of a ceramic heat emitter.

Ceramic heat emitters are electrical devices that produce heat through the process of resistance heating, in which an electric current is passed through a ceramic element, causing it to become hot.

One of the main benefits of using a ceramic heat emitter for leopard geckos is that it provides a consistent and reliable heat source.

Unlike heat lamps, which can produce fluctuations in temperature and may be less reliable over time, ceramic heat emitters provide a steady and reliable heat source.

Another benefit of ceramic heat emitters is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They do not require any special installation or setup and can be plugged in and placed in the desired location hassle-free.

How to Choose the Best Ceramic Heat Emitters for Leopard Geckos

When choosing the best ceramic heat emitter for your leopard gecko, consider the size of the enclosure, the wattage of the heat emitter, and the quality and durability of the product.

Use a thermostat or temperature controller to maintain a consistent temperature, and select a heat emitter suitable for the size of your gecko’s vivarium. Look for a heat emitter made from high-quality materials and backed by a good warranty for added reliability.

Here are the top ceramic heat emitters to consider for your leopard gecko:

Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter

The Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter is a 100-watt electrical device designed to provide heat for reptiles, including leopard geckos.

The heat emitter is easy to use, doesn’t require any special installation or setup, is made from high-quality materials, and is built to withstand frequent use. In addition, it is backed by a good warranty.

However, it is important to ensure that the heat emitter is the appropriate size and wattage for your leopard gecko’s enclosure and to use a thermostat or temperature controller to maintain a consistent and appropriate temperature.

Overall, the Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter is a reliable and effective choice for providing heat to leopard geckos and other reptiles.

Pros

• Provides a natural heat source for leopard geckos
• Does not emit light, making it suitable for use during the night
• Long-lasting and energy efficient
• Easy to install

Cons

• It may not provide enough heat for larger enclosures

Repticare Infrared Ceramic Heat Emitter

The Repticare Infrared Ceramic Heat Emitter is a popular choice among reptile owners for providing heat to their pet’s enclosure. It is designed to emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, which is similar to the warmth produced by the sun.

This type of heat can be more easily absorbed by reptiles and help maintain their body temperature.

One of the benefits of the Repticare Infrared Ceramic Heat Emitter is that it does not produce any light, making it suitable for use in a day/night cycle setup for reptiles that require a period of darkness.

It is also energy efficient and has a long lifespan, making it a cost-effective choice for reptile owners.

Overall, the Repticare Infrared Ceramic Heat Emitter is a reliable and effective way to provide heat to a reptile enclosure.

It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use and placement of the heater to ensure your reptile’s safety.

Pros

• Provides infrared heat that can be easily absorbed by reptiles
• Does not produce light, making it suitable for use in a day/night cycle setup
• Energy-efficient and has a long lifespan
• Easy to install and use

Cons

• It’s relatively expensive

BOEESPAT 150W Ceramic Heat Emitter

The BOEESPAT Ceramic Heat Emitter is a popular choice for providing heat to reptile enclosures, chicken coops, and other reptile habitats. It is designed to emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, which can be easily absorbed by reptiles and other animals to help maintain their body temperature.

A nifty feature of the BOEESPAT Ceramic Heat Emitter is that it does not produce any light, making it suitable for use in a day/night cycle setup. This can be particularly important for leopard geckos, which require a period of darkness to maintain their natural sleep patterns and overall health.

The BOEESPAT Ceramic Heat Emitter is also energy efficient and has a long lifespan, making it a cost-effective choice for pet owners. Customers have generally had positive experiences with the heater, with many noting that it provides reliable and consistent heat for their pets.

Overall, the BOEESPAT Ceramic Heat Emitter appears to be a good option for providing heat to a leopard gecko enclosure.

Pros

• Provides infrared heat that can be easily absorbed by leopard geckos and other reptiles
• Does not produce light, making it suitable for use in a day/night cycle setup
• Energy-efficient and has a long lifespan
• Convenient 2-pack offering for easy replacement or backup heating options

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the heater may not provide enough heat for larger enclosures

Simple Deluxe 150W 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Emitter

The Simple Deluxe 150W Ceramic Heat Emitter is designed to emit infrared heat, which can be easily absorbed by leos and other reptiles to help maintain their body temperature.

It does not produce any light, making it suitable for use in a day/night cycle setup. Leopard geckos require a period of darkness to maintain their natural sleep patterns and overall health, so a heat source that does not produce light like the can be important.

This ceramic heat emitter is energy efficient and has a long lifespan. The 2-pack offering can be convenient for easy replacement or backup heating options. It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use and placement of the Simple Deluxe Ceramic Heat Emitter to ensure the safety of your leopard gecko.

Pros

• Provides infrared heat that can be easily absorbed by leopard geckos and other reptiles
• Does not produce light, making it suitable for use in a day/night cycle setup
• Energy-efficient and has a long lifespan
• Convenient 2-pack offering for easy replacement or backup heating options

Cons

• Some customers have had issues with quality

Hositark 75W Ceramic Heat Emitter

The HOSITARK 75W Ceramic Heat Emitter is a great option for heating a leopard gecko’s enclosure because it provides a consistent and stable temperature.

The ceramic construction of the heat emitter allows for even heat distribution, which helps to maintain a consistent temperature throughout.

Additionally, the ceramic heat emitter’s black color helps blend in with the enclosure, making it less intrusive.

Another advantage of this heat emitter is that it emits infrared heat, which is ideal for reptiles’ vision. This means that the heat emitter will not disrupt the natural light cycle of your leopard gecko, which can be beneficial for their health and behavior.

The HOSITARK 75W Ceramic Heat Emitter is also long-lasting and energy-efficient, making it a cost-effective option for heating your leopard gecko’s enclosure. The construction is durable and can withstand high temperatures, so you won’t have to worry about replacing the heat emitter frequently.

Additionally, the energy-efficient design means that the heater won’t consume a lot of electricity, which can help to keep your energy bills low.

Overall, the HOSITARK 75W Ceramic Heat Emitter is a great option for heating a leopard gecko’s enclosure. Its consistent and stable heat output, energy-efficient design, and long-lasting construction provide a safe and comfortable environment for your leopard gecko to thrive.

Pros

• Provides a consistent and stable temperature
• Ceramic construction allows for heat to be evenly distributed
• The black color blends in with the enclosure
• Long-lasting and energy-efficient

Cons

• It can be hot to the touch and should be handled with care

Lucky Herp 75W Ceramic Heat Emitter

The unique design and features of this ceramic heat emitter make it an ideal choice for reptile owners who want to provide their pets with a warm and comfortable environment.

One of the most notable features of this heat emitter is that it doesn’t emit light, which ensures that it won’t disrupt the natural light cycle of your reptile and it will not affect the pet’s sleep.

Another advantage of this heat emitter is that it heats up quickly, you can feel the rapid rise in temperature after turning it on for only 10 seconds, and it only takes 4 minutes for the reptile heat lamp to reach the rated temperature.

Moreover, the it has a tempered ceramic material, which makes it durable and stronger than ordinary heating lamps. The heat light bulb shell is expected to last up to 10,000 hours. It uses a standard E26 lamp base that is 120 volts and easy to install.

Pros

• It’s effective in keeping pets warm
• It heats up quickly, reaching the desired temperature in just 4 minutes
• Sturdy construction, made of thick special ceramic material
• It comes with an extra bulb
• Reviewers have found it easy to install and use

Cons

• Some reviewers have found it to be short-lived, lasting for months

Goaika 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Emitter

The Goaika 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Emitter is specifically designed to only produce heat and not emit light, ensuring that it won’t disrupt the natural light cycle of your reptile and will not affect the pet’s sleep.

The heat emitter heats up quickly, thanks to the spiral disc resistance wire design that increases the surface area.

Additionally, the Goaika heat emitter also boasts high thermal efficiency, with a nichrome resistance wire buried in a glaze layer with high thermal conductivity ceramic material, allowing it to conduct heat quickly and reach a thermal efficiency of over 90%.

Pros

• Made of ceramic material, known for its long lifespan and durability
• Provides infrared heat, similar to natural sunlight, beneficial for reptile’s health and well-being
• Easy to install
• It heats up quickly

Cons

• It can get very hot, must be used with caution and placed in a safe location

Zacro Reptile Heat Lamp 100W

This heat lamp is a designed for a variety of animals, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and hamsters. It comes with one digital thermometer included. The heat lamp can provide heat for 24 hours, making it suitable for animals that require consistent heat. Zacro assures users of 99% thermal efficiency, which means that it can convert most of the electricity into heat.

The lamp does not emit visible light, an important feature for animals that require darkness to sleep or rest. The lamp’s heating element is made of ceramics, known for its good heat radiation feature, and can work in sealed boxes. The flat-faced design is more efficient and longer lasting than the usual conical design.

It is important to note that the product works well with a ceramic E27 socket. Plastic E27 sockets may melt the lamp holder or even cause the lamp to explode. So, it’s important to consider this warning before purchasing it.

Pros

• It’s compact to fit in small enclosures
• Includes a digital thermometer
• Affordable priced
• Radiates heat quickly

Cons

• Requires a porcelain socket

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Ceramic Heat Emitters for Leopard Geckos

Overall design

When choosing a ceramic heat emitter, one of the key factors to consider is the overall design of the emitter. There are two main types of ceramic heat emitters available on the market: flat-faced bulbs and cone/dome-shaped units.

Flat-faced bulbs: These types of ceramic heat emitters have a flat surface on one side and emit heat at a 180-degree angle.

They are ideal for larger enclosures, providing a wide coverage area. They are also suitable for use in terrariums, as they can be placed close to the enclosure’s walls, providing heat to the entire area.

Cone/dome-shaped units: These ceramic heat emitters have a cone or dome shape on one side and emit heat at a 90-degree angle.

They are ideal for smaller enclosures, as they can produce heat in a specific area. They are also suitable for use in terrariums, as they can be placed in a specific spot to provide heat to a particular area, like a basking spot.

Power Rating

The power rating, measured in watts, is an indicator of the heat produced by the ceramic heat emitter.

It’s important to choose a ceramic heat emitter with the appropriate power rating for the size of the enclosure and the desired temperature range.

For example, a small enclosure will require a lower-wattage ceramic heat emitter than a larger enclosure. If the wattage is too high, it can lead to overheating and create a dangerous situation for your gecko, while if it’s too low, it will not generate enough heat. A piece of advice: having two or more bulbs with lower wattage is far better than having a single-powered unit.

Kindly refer to the table below for a better look at the average power rating according to enclosure size.

Internal Tank Capacity (Gallons)	Power Rating (Watts)
10 – 20	25 – 80
30 – 50	80 – 150
60 – 100	150 – 250
110+	250+

Lifespan

Ceramic heat emitters have a long lifespan compared to other types of heating elements, as they do not have any moving parts and are made of durable ceramic materials. However, the lifespan can vary depending on the quality of the emitter and how it is used.

Generally, a quality infrared emitter bulb can serve between 10000 and 25000 hours of continuous use. Sadly, some of the bulbs won’t last that long.

Material

It’s important to choose a ceramic heat emitter tha i’s made of high-quality materials, as this will ensure that it lasts longer and performs more efficiently. Additionally, proper installation and regular maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of the emitter. Avoiding exposure to humidity and dust and using a thermostat to control the temperature can also help to extend the life of the ceramic heat emitter.

Warranty

Another important factor to consider is the warranty. Make sure to choose a ceramic heat emitter with a warranty covering any defects or malfunctions that may occur during the lifespan of the emitter.

Brand

The brand of the ceramic heat emitter can indicate the quality and reliability of the product

It’s important to choose a ceramic heat emitter from a reputable brand with a good track record of producing high-quality and reliable heating products. Reputable brands typically have a dedicated customer service team that can assist with any questions or issues that may arise.

Additionally, reputable brands often have a wide range of products suitable for different enclosures and temperature ranges.

This gives you more options to choose from and helps you to find the most appropriate and efficient ceramic heat emitter for your specific needs.

Common brands for best ceramic bulb heat emitters include:

Zoo Med: This is a popular brand of CHEs that are known for their quality and reliability. They provide ceramic heat emitters with different wattage and sizes, suitable for different enclosure sizes and temperature ranges. They also have safety features such as guards to protect against burns.

Exo Terra: Another well-known brand that produces a variety of CHEs, including models with built-in thermostats.

Fluker’s: They also have ceramic heat emitters specifically for reptile use, with different wattage options and safety features.

Zilla: They offer a range of ceramic heat emitters that are suitable for different enclosure sizes and temperature ranges, with safety features such as guards to protect against burns.

Ultimately, the best heat emitter for your leopard gecko will depend on your specific needs and the size of your enclosure. It is recommended to read reviews, compare prices and check the warranty before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does a Ceramic Heat Emitter Work?

Ceramic heat emitters work by emitting infrared radiation. The objects then absorb this infrared radiation in the room, which in turn heats up. The advantage of using a ceramic heat emitter is that it doesn’t produce any light, so it will not disturb your gecko’s natural day/night cycle.

Are Ceramic Heat Emitters Safe?

Absolutely! These heaters do not produce any light, so they will not disturb your gecko’s sleep cycle. Ceramic heat emitters also provide a consistent and reliable heat source, crucial for regulating your gecko’s body temperature.

What Watt Ceramic Heater do I Need?

The size of the ceramic heater you’ll need will depend on the size of your leopard gecko’s enclosure. A rough guide is that you’ll need 30-40 watts for every 10 gallons of space. So, for example, if you have a 20-gallon (75.7 L) enclosure, you would need a 60-80 watt ceramic heater.

How Hot Does a 150-Watt Ceramic Heat Bulb Get?

A 150w ceramic heater will reach about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the desired temperature for most reptiles, including leopard geckos.