Zoo Med ReptiTherm UTH Under Tank Heater For Reptiles

Adhesive Under Tank Heater for Glass Reptile Terrariums

Product Description

Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater provides continuous heating around the clock and can serve as a primary or supplemental heat source for tropical and temperate reptile species. It contains a solid-state nichrome heating element and permanently adheres to the exterior of your glass terrarium, forming a strong bond for optimal heat transfer. Mount it underneath or on the side of the tank to create a natural temperature gradient.

Benefits

• Continuous Heating: Provides round-the-clock warmth as a primary or supplemental heat source for tropical and temperate reptiles housed in glass terrariums.
• Solid State Nichrome Element: Contains a solid-state nichrome heating element, with the heater operating at about 95 to 100°F.
• Secure Adhesive Attachment: Bonds firmly to the terrarium's glass surface, promoting efficient heat transfer.
• Natural Temperature Gradient: Placed on the right or left side of the tank bottom, it creates a natural temperature gradient.
• Bottom or Side Mounting: Mount it underneath the terrarium or on its side, with side mounting preferred when you are unsure.
• Rubber Feet Included: Rubber feet elevate a bottom-mounted terrarium, allowing excess heat to escape from underneath.
• UL/cUL Approved: All of Zoo Med's under-tank heaters are UL/cUL approved, and GS/TuV/CE approved in Europe.
• Four Sizes: Available in Mini, Small, Medium, and Large sizes for terrariums from 1 to 60 gallons.

Variants

• Mini, 1 to 5 Gallon Terrarium
• Small, 10 to 20 Gallon Terrarium
• Medium, 30 to 40 Gallon Terrarium
• Large, 50 to 60 Gallon Terrarium

Specifications

How to Use

Recommended-Usage Chart

Disclaimer: Product information and usage guidelines are provided by the manufacturer. Always use products as directed and talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your pet's health.

Usage Instructions

• Clean and Attach: Clean the glass, remove the adhesive paper, and stick the heater to one side of the tank bottom.
• Attach the Rubber Feet: Stick a rubber foot to each bottom corner to slightly elevate the terrarium and allow excess heat to escape.
• Side Mount When Needed: On antique stands, dressers, or fabric, stick the heater to the lower right or left side instead.
• Add Proper Substrate: With bottom mounting, use a substrate; lay Eco Carpet first, then lightweight substrates such as aspen or sphagnum moss.
• Allow Time to Heat: Plug in the heater and wait at least six hours before taking an accurate temperature reading.
• Monitor Temperatures: Use one thermometer per 20 gallons; tropical reptiles need a minimum air temperature of 80°F (26.6°C).
• Add Heat If Needed: If your animal spends all its time near the heater, add supplemental heat to the cage immediately.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Exterior Use Only: Use the heater on the exterior of the terrarium only; never place it inside the enclosure.
• Glass Aquariums Only: Not for acrylic, metal, wood, plastic, foam, fiberglass, or stone enclosures; only the Mini suits plastic keeper cages.
• Never Encapsulate Heat: Never set a bottom-mounted terrarium directly on a table, floor, or carpet; always use the rubber feet.
• No Water Setups: Not for turtle aquariums, fish tanks, paludariums, or any setup with water on the cage floor.
• Keep Water Off the Glass: Place water dishes on the opposite side; spilled water above the heater can cause stress cracks in the glass.
• Nothing Directly Overhead: Do not place a heat bulb, ceramic heat emitter, hide, or decoration directly over the heater area.
• Substrate Limits: Keep gravel or sand no deeper than 1.5 inches, and other substrates no deeper than 2 inches.
• Avoid Unsuitable Substrates: Do not use newspaper, paper, or cloth towels, slate, tile, cedar, ground corn cob, or walnut shells.
• Hot Weather: Unplug the heater if your home rises above 80°F (26.6°C), unless a reptile thermostat controls it.
• Do Not Remove Once Attached: Removing the heater after attaching it voids all guarantees and can damage its internal wire connections.
• One Correctly Sized Heater: Never use a larger heater on a smaller tank, or multiple heaters under one tank.
• Electrical Safety: Indoor use only; never submerge the rest of the tank or the cord or use a damaged cord or pad.
• Placement and Cleaning: Keep the terrarium out of direct sunlight, and unplug the heater and let it cool before cleaning.

Storage Information

• Keep Flat Until Installation: Keep the heater flat in its packaging until installation to prevent damage to the adhesive and pad.
• Storage Instructions: Before installation, place the unit in a cool and moisture-free area protected from direct sunlight and other heat sources.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where do I put the under-tank heater?

Ans: Place it underneath the tank or on the side, outside the tank only. If you mount it underneath elevate the tank slightly with the included rubber feet to prevent heat encapsulation. Side mounting is preferred if you are unsure.

Q2: How much will the heater warm my tank?

Ans: Depending on the mounting, substrate, and other conditions, the under-tank heater can bring the temperature up by 2 to 8 degrees. Allow at least six hours before taking an accurate temperature reading, and add another heat source if needed.

Q3: Can I use the heater on an aquatic turtle tank?

Ans: No. The ReptiTherm is not designed for use with water in any way, including turtle aquariums, fish tanks, paludariums, or setups with water on the cage floor. This combination can cause stress cracks in the tank's glass.

Q4: Can I use Aspen bedding with the heater?

Ans: Yes, but with lightweight substrates such as aspen shavings or sphagnum moss, you must first lay a layer of Zoo Med's Eco Carpet. This helps stop snakes and burrowing reptiles from moving the substrate and settling directly on the glass over the heater, reducing the risk of burns.

Q5: Do I need a thermostat with the under-tank heater?

Ans: Zoo Med recommends using a rheostat or thermostat if your home reaches 80°F or warmer. Without a reptile thermostat, unplug the heater whenever indoor temperatures rise above 80°F (26.6°C), as the instructions direct, to help prevent overheating in the terrarium.

Q6: Can I use the heater on a plastic or wooden enclosure?

Ans: The ReptiTherm is for standard glass aquariums only, not acrylic, metal, wood, plastic, foam, fiberglass, or stone. The only exception is the Mini, which is suitable for plastic keeper cages due to its low heat output and can be placed on the back or a side wall.

Q7: Which size under-tank heater should I choose?

Ans: Choose Mini for 1 to 5 gallons, Small for 10 to 20 gallons, Medium for 30 to 40 gallons, and Large for 50 to 60 gallons Never use a larger heater on a smaller tank or multiple heaters under one tank.