Frequently Asked Questions
See the most common questions we get about ReptiRad – Advanced Radiant Heat Panels. After years of customer feedback and real-world use, we’ve gathered the answers to help you choose, install, and get the best from your panel.
Where can I buy a guard for my ReptiRad?
The ReptiRad’s are designed to be used without a guard. After extensive testing, it was found that the use of a guard acted like a heat soak. This means the guard was soaking up a large amount of the heat given out and forced the ReptiRad to work harder than needed. A guard also acts as a climbing frame for the animal, in which it can become caught in. The guard becomes extremely hot and can cause serious injuries.
Should I use all the screws provided, I feel like I don’t need them all?
We provide 6 screws with all ReptiRads, if your model only has 4 holes, then only use 4, if the model has 6 holes, please use all 6 screws provided.
Where should I place my probe?
Your thermostat probe should be placed directly beneath the ReptiRad, to simulate “ambient air temperature” which is taken around 5 feet from the ground in the real world. In a 2ft tall viv, we would suggest around 3” off the substrate. In a 3ft viv, we would suggest 5-7” and in a 4ft tall viv we would suggest 8-12” off the substrate.
Should I use a thermostat with my ReptiRad?
Yes, all ReptiRads must be used in conjunction with either a dimming or pulse proportional thermostat.
It’s been 1 hour and my vivarium isn’t up to temp!
Please ensure you have your vivarium fully setup and running correctly BEFORE you get your reptile. Switch your vivarium lights, heating and other equipment on at least 24hrs before use and test everything. This also allows the heat to stabilise and for any corrections to be made.
What model of ReptiRad should I use?
This can be a tricky question, it all depends on what temperature you are trying to obtain and where your vivarium is located. If you are in a warm room (living room, kitchen etc) then an 80w ReptiRad will maintain 30℃ in a 5x2x2ft vivarium. Whilst if that vivarium is in a garden shed/garage you may need a 125w or even MORE!
Can I put my ReptiRad on the side or floor of the vivarium?
No, the ReptiRad is designed as a “from above” heat source.
Can I link more than ome ReptiRad to my thermostat?
This would depend on the thermostat used, you would have to check with the manufacturer and see what the load capacity of that thermostat is.
I accidentally sprayed my ReptiRad, whilst misting, is that ok?
That is ok, the ReptiRad is IP64 rated, this means a product is "dust-tight" (fully protected from dust ingress) and "splash-proof" (protected from water splashes from any direction).
Is the ReptiRad safe? I have seen so many horror stories about heating!
The ReptiRad is extremely safe when used as designed. The ReptiRad is CE and ETL certified, meaning it has gone through vigorous testing to conform with European and North American standards. It is manufactured in Italy to the highest standards.