Custom-made terrarium heating mats – how to choose the right heating?
Choosing the right heating is one of the most important decisions a reptile breeder makes. A heating mat that is too small will not heat evenly, too large may pose a danger. A solution that eliminates this problem are custom-made terrarium heating mats – ordered exactly according to the specific needs of the grower.
Why are standard mat sizes often not enough?
Most heating mats available in pet stores are produced in several standard sizes: 15×28 cm, 20×30 cm or 28×45 cm. The problem arises when your terrarium or breeding box has different dimensions – and this is the case with most rack systems.
WRS breeding racks have strictly defined shelf dimensions that depend on the model. A mat that is too short will not heat the entire surface of the bottom of the box, a mat that is too wide hangs over the edge and may be damaged or a fire hazard.
A custom-made heating mat – who is it a solution for?
Custom-made mats are an ideal solution for:
- Growers with rack systems – each WRS rack model has a different shelf dimension
- Owners of glass terrariums with non-standard dimensions
- Growers building their own racks with individual dimensions
- For those who value aesthetics – a mat perfectly matched to the bottom looks professional
In our store, you can find 145 mm wide heating mats on request – perfect for WRS10 boxes and similar sizes – and 280 mm wide mats on request for the larger WRS40 and WRS70 boxes. All you have to do is enter the length you need.
How to choose the width and length of the heating mat?
Basic rule: the mat should cover 1/3 to 1/2 of the surface of the bottom of the box or terrarium. Covering the entire bottom with a mat is a mistake — the reptile must be able to move away from the heat source to the cooler zone of the terrarium.
How to measure dimensions?
- Measure the internal dimensions of the bottom of the box or terrarium
- Calculate 1/3 of the length as the minimum length of the mat
- The width of the mat should be equal to or slightly less than the width of the bottom
- Add 2-3 cm of spare for the cable passage
Heating mat or heating foil – what to choose?
There are two main types of reptile underfloor heating available on the market:
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Mat | Ready to Use, Durable, Resistant | Fixed Size (or Order) | Most Growers |
| Heating foil | Can be cut to any size | Requires terminology and connectors | DIY, large breeds |
If you are not afraid of self-assembly, heating foil sold by running meters gives you unlimited flexibility. You can cut it exactly to your size and combine several sections into one circumference.
Mat heating vs thermostat – why it’s always worth combining them
Every heating mat, regardless of the technology (PTC or classic), should be connected via a thermostat. The thermostat guarantees precise temperature control and protects animals from overheating in the event of a malfunction or change in environmental conditions.
PULSE thermostats (PWM) are best for heating mats – they maintain the temperature with an accuracy of 0.1°C and do not cause voltage spikes that could shorten the life of the mat. Check out our selection of terrarium thermostats.
How many layers of substrate over the mat?
This is a question that often arises for novice growers. The principle is simple:
- Rack system – The mat lies directly under the box, between the box and the shelf. The substrate inside the box can be of any thickness.
- Glass terrarium — a mat under the terrarium, not inside. A substrate layer inside of 2-5 cm is the optimal range.
Avoid covering the mat with a thick insulating layer – the mat must give off heat freely, otherwise it will overheat or lose its effectiveness.
The most common mistakes when choosing a heating mat
- Too big mat covering the entire bottom — the reptile can’t cool down
- No thermostat – even a PTC mat works better with a thermostat
- Mat inside the terrarium instead of underneath
- Connecting too many mats to one outlet without a splitter
Summary
A custom-made heating mat is an investment that pays off in the form of even heating, longer equipment life and the breeder’s peace of mind. If you use rack systems or have terrariums with non-standard dimensions – custom mats are the best solution.
Take a look at our category of heating and heating mats – order a mat tailored exactly to your needs.
