Tortoise Heating

Do tortoises need heat lamps?

Yes. As cold-blooded reptiles, tortoises need access to a reliable heat source in order to keep their bodies functioning. This in mind, it’s important that your tortoise’s enclosure is equipped with some kind of heat source, whether that be a simple screw-in heat lamp or a specialist T5 lighting kit. Most types of tortoises require a ‘basking zone’ of around 30-32°C and a ‘cool-down zone’ of around 22-25°C, though make sure you research the specific heat requirements of your chosen species of tortoise.

What is the best heat lamp for tortoises?

There are many different types of heat lamps that are suitable for use with tortoises. Those that can be suspended above open-top tortoise tables, such as mercury vapour bulbs, are the most popular amongst tortoise keepers. This is because they’re both easy to install and serve as an all-in-one source of heat and UV light. Other suitable heat sources include ceramic heaters, projector lamps, and halogen heat lamps. When using these kinds of heat sources, make sure you pair them with a compatible thermostat.