Warmth is vital to the well-being of your pet. Given that there are many turtle heat lamps to choose from in the market, it can be a demanding task knowing what to go with. Worry not!

Here is a diverse list of the best heat lamps; from the best for aquariums, terrariums, 24-hours, to daytime only, we’ve got it all covered.

1. Wuhostam 100 Watts Ceramic Heat Lamp

We start with this heat lamp that makes an excellent choice for both tiny and big enclosures. It only produces heat, meaning that it makes an excellent 24-hour source of heat for your turtle because it would not interfere with the pet’s sleep. You can leave it on even at night, especially during cold seasons.

This lamp is designed for aquatic and terrestrial enclosures meaning that it’s a good choice whether your pet turtle is aquatic, semiaquatic, or land-dwelling. It is also booth waterproof and explosion-proof.

To regulate heat, you can use a thermostat as this lamp is compatible with one. If the temperatures are very high, you can turn it off even during the daytime as it does not produce heat. This Wuhostam infrared ceramic heat lamp comes in an easy-to-install design.

The lamp has between 9,000 and 15,000 hours’ worth of lifespan, which is impressive. Since it does not produce light, you would need to get a separate source of light.

Just like with most heat lamps, this one too should not be used with plastic sockets. It produces a lot of heat that can potentially melt plastics. Instead, get a ceramic or porcelain one to avoid the potential fire hazard.

It weighs 12.6 oz., and the length, weight, and height measurements are 2.95″, 2.95″, and 3.94″.

Pros

• It is sturdy, featuring ceramic material
• Pretty easy to install
• It is waterproof and explosion-proof
• An excellent 24-hours turtles heat source

Cons

• It does not produce light

2. Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Light Kit

Next, we have one of the best heat lamp brands, the Zoo Med.

This heat lamp comes in a polished aluminum dome that does a great job reflecting light and heat. Due to this, the lamp’s output increases by more than 25%. In addition, the lamp comes with double ceramic sockets that are compatible with up to 100-watt bulbs. Therefore, you can adjust two lights from the same point.

Even better, this aquatic heat and the light kit come with two bulbs. One bulb is a 50 W halogen light, while the other is a mini-fluorescent 13 W bulb. Both bulbs are inside the aluminum dome, and you can use the lamp inside the turtle’s tank.

The dome is deep for effective delivery of heat and light in the turtle tank. The kit comes with a basking lamp and heat lamp. Because it emits light, you don’t need another UVB light source in the tank.

On the downside, the lamp is not proofed for splashes and water. As such, it is best to get a screen cover to protect the lamp from exploding, which may happen if it comes in contact with water.

In terms of measurements, this 100-watt heat lamp by Zoo Med has a length of 9.4″, a width of 12.4″, and a height of 3″. It only weighs 1.6 pounds and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Pros

• It delivers absolute value for money by providing heat and light all in one
• Easy to install and use
• It has a deep dome shape with polished aluminum, thus delivering more heat and light
• It comes with two sockets whose capacity is 100 W each

Cons

• You might need to get an extension because the cord is too short

3. Iootsea Reptile Aquarium Heat Lamp

This heat lamp features premium ceramic materials. Due to its sturdiness, it is safe, heat-resistant, and durable.

It comes with an 11.8″ long tube that is more durable than most other turtle heat lamps. It has 30 degrees’ rotation capacity giving you comprehensive coverage. The unit’s flexibility allows you to adjust the lamp height and direction to fit your pet turtle’s needs.

This Iootsea heat lamp provides both heat and UV light. UV light is crucial to the growth and overall health of the turtle. It initiates hunger, promotes digestion, and prevents illnesses such as metabolic diseases. The lamp works with a 50 W bulb.

What’s more? This heat lamp features a switch to adjust the light, and temperature is produced manually. As such, it is a suitable heat lamp for use even during the night at you can reduce the light output to allow the turtle to sleep.

Iootsea heat lamp produces a lot of heat, so you should be careful where you place it and what you place next to it.

Pros

It is pretty sturdy as it is made of premium materials

Quite user-friendly

It has a switch for brightness and temperature control

The lamp emits both UV light and heat

Cons

The bulbs at times flicker

4. MyComfyPets UVB400 UVA, UVB Light 100 W 2-in-1 Lamp

The 100-watt bulb of this heat lamp provides all the warmth your turtle needs irrespective of the season. It is an excellent choice for big enclosures or if you have more than one turtle in an enclosure. Due to the amount of heat produced, this heat lamp by MyComfyPets is not ideal for a small tank.

The lamp also emits UVB light, but it doesn’t have UVC rays that are harmful to the turtle. In addition, it is self-regulating, which means that it will turn itself off when the temperatures get too high.

The best height for this lamp is 12″ above your turtle’s basking area. But this is not cast on stone. You can do trial and error until you establish the right height for your turtle’s needs and depending on the surrounding environment.

Avoid splashing water on the lamp as it can explode. You should also only use the light with ceramic sockets because plastic can melt from the heat produced. You can also get a screen to protect the lamp. Another item you would need is a sturdy dome fixture.

On the negative side, this mercury-vapor lamp and any other vapor lamp can’t be used with a thermostat. If you switch off the heat, the light will consequently go off; as such MyComyPet UVB400 is an ideal heat source for a turtle for 12 hours but not day and night.

The lamp measures 8.2″ in length, 5.9″ in width, and 5.8″ in height. It weighs 8.2 oz. and  10,000 hours of the expected lifespan.

Pros

• It is a suitable heat lamp for big enclosures
• It doesn’t produce the toxic UVC light
• Produces sufficient heat and UV light and spreads it evenly
• Saves your money by providing both heat and UV light

Cons

• It doesn’t work with rheostats and dimmers

5. Fluker’s Red 40 W Heat Bulb

This heat lamp uses incandescent light bulbs. The lamp will be a perfect choice if you need a low-light heat lamp for your turtle. It produces infrared light while keeping the turtle warm. However, it would be better for terrariums than aquariums because it is not shatterproof.

The lamp comes with 40 W bulbs but is compatible with other bulbs of up to 100 W. 40 W is a good choice for a small tank, but if you have a bigger tank go for higher wattage to ensure you get the required temperature.

Versatility in this heat lamp is impressive. It produces both infrared and a faint red glow. Therefore, it can be used during nighttime because the soft light does not interfere with your turtle’s sleep pattern; you can leave the lamp on during the day and night. It is, therefore, an excellent 24-hours source of light.

This Fluker’s red heat lamp works with dimmers to help you deliver ideal warmth for your turtle. However, the heat lamp does not emit UV rays; you need to get another UVA/UVB light lamp.

If you are on a tight budget but still need a lamp that delivers the required warmth, this Fluker’s red heat lamp is a cheaper option than the ceramic and mercury vapor lamps.  It comes in 2.75-inch length, 2.75-inch width, and 5.75-inch height. The heat lamp uses 40-watt bulbs but can also use other bulbs up to 100 W and weighs 1.44 ounces.

Pros

• Pocket friendly
• It works with a dimmer
• Ideal for 24-hours use
• Available in a variety of bulb wattage between 40 W and 100 W

Cons

• It does not emit UV light

6. Aiicioo Ceramic Heat Lamp

This Aiicioo infrared heat lamp uses a 60 W bulb. It can give your turtle the required warmth as it would get in its natural habitat. Your turtle gets a warmth feeling almost similar to that of the wild.

The heat lamp generates uniform warmth 24/7, so you shouldn’t worry that the turtle will be exposed to overheating. It is a perfect choice for both juveniles and mature turtles. This is because the lamp generates gentle heat waves that still penetrate the shell and scales. The heat penetration into the turtle is crucial as it promotes digestion, healing, and growth in a turtle.

Aiicioo’s heat lamp is made using pottery clay of high purity, which has anti-crack features. The material makes it long-lasting, so you will not need to buy another soon. The lamp’s design is suitable for terrariums that have high humidity. It also has a flat design that gives 100% heat efficiency.

This ceramic heat lamp doesn’t produce glaring light. Thus, you can leave it on overnight with no worries that your pet’s sleep pattern will be affected. This makes the lamp yet another good choice for a day and night lamp in this top 10 best heat lamp review.

With his lamp, you would need an AC 100 – 120 V porcelain socket to avoid overheating.

It is white and has length, width, and height measurements of 2.95″, 3.94″, and 2.95″, respectively. The lamp weighs 5.6 ounces and comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee, so you are covered during this period.

Pros

• It doesn’t produce glaring light
• It is a good choice for terrariums with high humidity
• It is quite sturdy
• Provides powerful but gentle heat

Cons

• It is not ideal for large tanks

7. TEKIZOO UVA UVB Light Heat Lamp

The lamp is versatile as it produces both UV light and heat. The heat produced is enough for all turtle species requirements. Because it also has UV light, you will not need another UVA/UVB light source; this saves your money.

The manufacturer carefully examines the lamps before packaging them for quality assurance to users. Versatility with the lamp also comes in the fact that they can be used with various turtle enclosures. Thus, this heat lamp will work just fine whether you have a cage, tank, aquarium, or even a vivarium.

Don’t use the lamp with a plastic socket; a ceramic one is the best choice for your household’s safety. It uses 160 W, which is higher than most other heat lamps, so it’s best that you first confirm that your power outlet can support this. The lamp is a quality choice for those looking for a heat lamp that will give value for the money.

A disadvantage of this high-wattage turtle heat lamp is that it doesn’t work with thermostats, dimmers, and rheostats. In addition, you should totally avoid bringing the light into contact with water because it has not been proofed for water, and any contact can make it explode.

This TEKIZOO heat lamp weighs 7.8 ounces and measures 7.0″ in length, 5.4″ in width, and 5.35″ in height.

Pros

• It emits heat and UV light
• It is compatible with many types of enclosures
• The lamp is reasonably priced
• The package comes with clear instructions on safety usage

Cons

• It doesn’t work with dimmers, rheostats, and thermostats

8. BYB 110 V Heat Lamp

This BYB heat lamp is made from clay of high purity with anti-crack properties. It emits enough heat without producing bright heat, so your pet turtle will not be bothered when sleeping. As such, it is a good heat source choice for those needing a heat lamp that can stay on for 24 hours.

The lamp uses a circular emitter, meaning that it effectively directs the produced infrared heat towards the turtle’s skin and shell. It comes in a simple to use design because all you are required to do is plug it in a porcelain socket, and you are good to go. The lamp’s wattage is 100 W.

Having a heat lamp that stays on for 12 hours a day can be worrisome in increased electric bills. Well, this will be the least of your problems with this BYB lamp because it is 99.9% energy efficient. It incorporates a Ni-Cr Alloy resistant wire. Further, the lamp is waterproof to be used in terrariums and aquariums with high humidity.

You would need an E26 socket to use this lamp to avoid a fire hazard as the light can melt the standard sockets that come in plastic make.

To make the lamp lasts long, always allow the emitter about one hour to cool down before switching off the lamp. It reduces the risk of scalding. If your budget allows, get two of these lamps and alternate them, allowing one lamp rest and enough time to cool extends the lifespan.

These waterproof heat lamps have an expected lifespan of 10,000 hours and only weigh 5 ounces. The lamp comes in white and measures 3.45″ in length and width and 4.17″ in height. It uses a voltage of 110 – 120V

Pros

• It is a high-quality heat lamp
• It makes a good choice for aquariums and terrariums with high humidity
• Quite affordable
• It is highly energy efficient
• It does not emit bright light; thus an excellent choice for 24 hours’ use

Cons

• One needs to get E26 porcelain sockets to use it

9. OMAYKEY 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Lamp

This lamp will make a good choice for those looking for a heat lamp for juveniles that will generate warmth around the clock, especially for cold seasons like winter. It uses a highly efficient 75-watt infrared element. It does not produce light, so you don’t have to worry that the lamp will alter your pet’s sleep.

The package comes with two heat lamps, thus making it versatile. One of them is used by turtles and other reptiles, while the other heat lamp is for plants. The unit is made of ceramic, making it long-lasting.

It comes in white color, but you can also get it in black ceramic, and the latter comes with a thermostat.

It is user-friendly as you only need to screw it into a socket, and installation is done. Remember to get an E27 porcelain socket for the heat lamp. This heat lamp and most of the others in this review generate a lot of heat and should be used with care. It is also essential to adhere to recommendations such as the socket to use to eliminate hazards such as explosions or fire.

This OMAYKEY 2-pack heat lamp has an impressive lifespan of between 9,000 hours and 15,000 hours which is higher than most of the other heat lamps here. It is pretty small, only measuring 3.94″ in length and 2.95″ in width and height. It weighs 4.5 ounces.

A good feature of the unit is that it comes with a 1-year warranty, and the manufacturer gives a 100% cash-back guarantee.

Pros

• It comes in a compact design
• It is durable, providing a lifespan of up to 15,000 hours
• The lamp is also available in black with a thermometer
• Manufacturer gives a warranty of 12-months and 100% money-back

Cons

• You would need to get a separate UV light source

10. MEGA-RAY Mercury Vapor Bulb

This 160 W mercury vapor bulb is versatile as it provides heat, UVA, and UVB light. It has sun-drying warmth settings to give the turtle a feel similar to basking under the sun.

The UVA light enhances the reptile’s appetite and also improves digestion. This MEGA-RAY heat lamp provides a perfect balance between visible light, natural light, and infrared light. It is also self-ballasted; therefore, it provides radiation similar to the sun, so your turtle benefits from the sunlight stimulation.

This mercury vapor bulb emits sufficient heat and light. As with the other heat lamps above, you should never plug them in plastic sockets. The amount of heat it produces can melt such a socket; you need sturdier ones such as porcelain ones. It is also made of sturdy, durable metal and glass; you get decent value for your money.

MEGA-RAY’s 160 watts heat lamp weighs 8 ounces, has a length of7.5 inches, and a width and height of 5.5 inches.

Pros

• Provides the turtle with Vitamin D3
• It is made of durable materials.
• Emits an equal amount of natural light and UVB
• It affordable

Cons

• It has a constant buzzing sound

Top 5 Safety Tips of Using a Turtle Heat Lamp

Most turtle heat lamps come with setup and maintenance instructions. They also have safety precautions to observe, the dos and don’ts of using the heat lamp. Although some heat lamps have special instructions, some cut across the board and apply to all.

Here are some of the safety tips to keep in mind when using a turtle’s heat to keep in mind for your turtle’s safety and that of your overall household.

• When switched on, do not place anything that can melt when exposed to heat, e.g., plastics anywhere near a heat lamp. It is a fire hazard, especially if the lamp is dome-shaped, because they produce a lot of heat.
• Never look at a switched-on heat lamp or UV lamp directly. It is dangerous to the eyes and can cause severe damage. Infrared ones don’t produce UV rays and are thus safe to look at.
• Never touch the lamp when it’s turned on, irrespective of whether you want to reposition it or clean it. Always start by turning off the light and, where possible, leave it to cool off. Unplug all wires before touching the water in the enclosure because water is a good conductor of electricity. Working with live wires can cause severe accidents or fatalities.
• Ensure that the lamp is secured in place and there is no risk of it falling down or into the water. Heat lamps are pretty powerful; they might lead to serious burn injuries if they come in direct contact with your turtle. They can also start a fire if they fall on a flammable object.
• Use a digital heat gun or thermometer to measure the lamp’s temperature. Heat lamps produce a lot of heat, and they can get very hot. Never hand-test the temperature because this can lead to serious burns. In addition, please don’t touch the heat lamp immediately after turning it off; first, leave it to cool off.