Zoo Med Repti Therm U.T.H.

• Two sizes for two tank ranges – 6″ × 8″ / 8 W for 10–20 gallon tanks, and 8″ × 12″ / 16 W for 30–40 gallon tanks.
• Conduction heat, not radiant heat – mounts to the outside of the glass, so it does not affect lighting or basking-lamp placement.
• Rubber corner feet included – lift the tank slightly so heat can escape from under the pad instead of building up.
• Side-mount friendly – can be placed on a side wall of the tank rather than the base if the stand surface is heat-sensitive.
• 24-hour background heat – designed to run continuously as one part of a wider heating and lighting setup.

Runs on Australian 220–240 V, 50 Hz mains power.

Depending on mounting, substrate and room conditions, the Repti Therm U.T.H. lifts the ambient temperature inside the enclosure by roughly 2–10°F (about 1–6°C) above room temperature – it is a gentle background warmth, not the primary basking heat source. It is not rated by distance the way a heat lamp is, because it works by direct conduction through the glass rather than radiating heat through air.

Match the pad to your tank footprint from the table above, and mount it under roughly a third to a half of the floor area – covering the whole base removes the reptile's ability to move away from the heat.

Suitable for: most terrestrial reptiles kept in glass terrariums that benefit from gentle background or belly heat – snakes, many lizards and geckos.

Not suitable for: turtles, aquatic or semi-aquatic setups, or any tank holding water – do not use on or near an aquarium, as the heat can create stress cracks in glass that has water pressure against it.

If room temperature regularly reaches 27°C (80°F) or higher, control the heater with a reptile thermostat rather than running it unregulated, or unplug it. Never enclose the pad or block airflow underneath it – use the included feet to keep the tank elevated. Keep substrate depth to a maximum of about 4 cm (1.5″) for sand or gravel and 5 cm (2″) for other substrates directly above the heated area, and keep the water dish on the opposite side of the tank from the pad. Stop using the pad if it shows cracking, blistering, melting or discolouration, and inspect the cord regularly.

Wipe the exterior clean; do not submerge. Check the cord and pad condition periodically, especially before each season of heavy use.

Covered by Zoo Med's 1-year manufacturer warranty. Ships via standard delivery.

Do I still need a heat lamp or basking bulb?

For most species, yes – this pad provides gentle background and belly heat, not a full basking temperature. Pair it with an appropriate overhead heat source for the species you keep.

Where should I mount it?

On the outside of the glass, to one side of the tank base (or a side wall), never in the centre and never inside the enclosure – this keeps a cool side available for the animal to retreat to.

Can I use it under an aquarium with water in it?

No. It is designed for dry, glass reptile terrariums only – using it under a water-filled tank risks stress-cracking the glass.

Does it need a thermostat?

It is not mandatory in a cool room, but Zoo Med recommends adding a thermostat if ambient room temperature regularly hits 27°C (80°F) or more.