Exo Terra Self Regulating Heat Mat
Exo Terra Self Regulating Heat Mat
Steady background warmth from below, without the hotspots a plain resistive mat can create. The Exo Terra Self-Regulating Heat Mat uses PTC (positive temperature coefficient) carbon-fibre heating technology, which moderates its own output as it warms rather than running at a fixed wattage regardless of conditions. It's sold in four sizes, from a nano 4 W mat through to a 24 W mat for larger enclosures.
Key features
- PTC self-regulating element — moderates heat output itself instead of running at a constant fixed wattage, which the manufacturer states delivers uniform conductive heating and avoids concentrated hotspots.
- Electrothermal conversion efficiency over 95% — more heat delivered per watt drawn, per the manufacturer's figures.
- Four sizes, 4–24 W — sized from nano enclosures up to large setups.
- Self-adhesive backing — mounts permanently to the base or rear wall of glass enclosures.
- IPX6 water-resistant rating — tolerant of the humidity and misting common in reptile and amphibian setups.
- Automatic fail-safe mechanism — built into the PTC element as a safety backstop.
- Pairs with an Exo Terra thermostat for setups needing tighter temperature control, or as a secondary heat source alongside a lamp.
Specifications — all sizes
| Model | Wattage | Size | Manufacturer-recommended enclosure | SKU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT2031 | 4 W | 18 × 10 cm (7 × 4 in) | 4–19 L (1–5 US gal) | RP580 |
| PT2032 | 8 W | 20 × 15 cm (8 × 6 in) | 38–76 L (10–20 US gal) | RP581 |
| PT2033 | 16 W | 30 × 20 cm (12 × 8 in) | 114–151 L (30–40 US gal) | RP582 |
| PT2034 | 24 W | 45 × 20 cm (18 × 8 in) | 189–227 L (50–60 US gal) | RP583 |
Enclosure guidance is Exo Terra's own, published in US gallons and converted here to litres.
Which size do I need?
Match the mat to your enclosure's floor area first, not just its volume — a mat that's too large for the footprint leaves nowhere for the animal to move off the heat. As a mat this size is meant to warm a section of the floor, not the whole enclosure: the 4 W and 8 W sizes suit nano and small setups, the 16 W suits a mid-sized terrarium, and the 24 W is for the largest single-mat setups before you'd normally move to a different heat source entirely.
Suitable for — and not suitable for
Suited to species that benefit from gentle, low-level background warmth — many snakes, lizards and invertebrates use under-tank heat as a night-time or secondary heat source. Not a substitute for a basking lamp where a species needs a genuine hot basking spot with a strong thermal gradient above it; a heat mat alone won't create that. Not intended as the sole heat source for species with high daytime basking-temperature requirements.
Heat gradient note
Exo Terra publishes a temperature-by-distance gradient for its heat bulbs and ceramic heat emitters, because those radiate heat through air and the temperature falls off with distance from the bulb. This mat doesn't work that way — it warms by direct conduction through the glass it's stuck to, so there is no equivalent through-air distance curve to publish, and Exo Terra's own specifications don't state a surface or glass-contact temperature for any of the four sizes. Always allow a section of unheated substrate elsewhere in the enclosure so the animal can move off the heat.
Safety
- Mount on the outside of the glass, not inside the enclosure, and never let substrate or décor block airflow around it in a way the instructions don't allow.
- Always keep a substrate layer between the mat and any animal that could rest directly against the heated glass, to prevent thermal burns.
- Pair with a thermostat for species sensitive to overheating, or where the enclosure sits somewhere ambient temperature varies through the day.
- Plug into a standard AU household power outlet; do not cut, puncture or submerge the mat.
Care and maintenance
No routine maintenance beyond keeping the mounting surface clean before application and checking the adhesive bond periodically. The mat is not designed to be repositioned once fitted.
Goes well with
- An Exo Terra thermostat sized to the mat's wattage, for enclosures needing tighter control.
- A basking lamp or ceramic heat emitter, where the species also needs a genuine hot basking spot — the mat alone won't provide one.
- A digital thermometer placed at substrate level above the mat to confirm actual temperature reached.
Warranty and delivery
Covered by the standard consumer guarantees under Australian Consumer Law, in addition to any manufacturer term. Ships from our Brisbane / North Lakes warehouse.
Common questions
Does Exo Terra state a surface temperature for this mat?
No — the manufacturer's specifications describe the PTC self-regulating technology and safety features but don't publish a surface or glass-contact temperature figure for any of the four sizes. We've stated that plainly above rather than guess a number.
Can this be my only heat source?
For species that need a strong daytime basking spot, no — pair it with a basking lamp or ceramic heat emitter. It works well as background or night-time warmth, or as a secondary heat source.
Do I need a thermostat with this mat?
The PTC element is self-regulating, but a thermostat gives tighter control and is recommended for temperature-sensitive species or fluctuating room conditions.
Which size fits a nano enclosure?
The 4 W, 18 × 10 cm mat is Exo Terra's smallest, guided for roughly 4–19 L (1–5 US gal) enclosures.
