Exo Terra PTC Heat Mats

The Exo Terra PTC Heat Mat is a self-regulating, self-adhesive heating pad that sticks to the bottom or back of a glass terrarium to deliver gentle, even background heat. The PTC (positive thermal coefficient) heating element automatically levels off at a safe maximum temperature, so it warms the enclosure without the runaway hotspots you can get from an unregulated pad.

Belly heat from an under-tank mat helps reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates thermoregulate and digest, and it raises the ambient air temperature of the terrarium. Use it as a primary heat source for animals that need warmth from below, or alongside an overhead lamp for a complete day and night heat setup.

What it does

• Self-regulating PTC element levels off at a safe maximum temperature, a built-in fail-safe against overheating
• Even, conductive warmth with no concentrated hotspots
• Raises ambient air temperature and provides belly heat for digestion and thermoregulation
• Self-adhesive backing mounts to the outside bottom or back of a glass terrarium
• IPX6 water-resistant rating stands up to terrarium humidity
• Fast warm-up and low energy draw
• For use with reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates

Choose your size

Match the wattage to your terrarium using the gallon range above. The larger mats also cover more surface area, and the tall 24 watt pad works well mounted on the back glass of a taller enclosure.

Setup and safety

• Peel the backing and stick the mat to the outside of the glass, on the bottom or the back, never inside the terrarium and never under the substrate
• Leave the terrarium standing on its feet so there is an air gap under the mat, do not press it flat against a solid surface with no airflow
• Although the element self-regulates, pair it with the Exo Terra Thermostat for precise temperature control, and always confirm the actual temperature with a thermometer
• Do not cut, fold, or cover the mat, and keep the cord and plug dry
• For use with reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates only

Belly heat or overhead heat

An under-tank mat is ideal for ground-dwelling species that take warmth from below and for maintaining background heat overnight. Pair it with an overhead source such as the Exo Terra Night Heat Lamp if your animal also needs radiant heat or a basking zone, and add a hide like the Exo Terra Reptile Cave over the warm area so your pet can regulate its exposure.

Specifications

Pairs well with

• Exo Terra Thermostat to dial in the exact temperature
• Analog Thermometer and Hygrometer to monitor heat and humidity
• Night Heat Lamps for overhead heat on a 24 hour cycle
• Reptile Caves to give your pet a warm hide
• Browse more reptile and turtle supplies

FAQ

Where does the heat mat go?
Stick it to the outside of a glass terrarium, on the bottom for belly heat or on the back to warm the air. Keep the terrarium on its feet so air can move under the mat, and never place it inside the enclosure or under the substrate.

If it is self-regulating, do I still need a thermostat?
The PTC element caps its own maximum temperature so it will not overheat, but a thermostat lets you set the exact temperature your species needs. At minimum, check the enclosure with a thermometer and adjust placement as needed.

Which size should I choose?
Use the size chart above and match the wattage to your terrarium volume, from 4 watt for 1 to 5 gallon setups up to 24 watt for 50 to 60 gallon terrariums.

Can it handle a humid terrarium?
Yes. The mats are IPX6 water-resistant, though the cord and plug connection should always stay dry and the mat mounts on the outside of the glass.