Reptile Habitat Temperature Guide
Reptiles are ectotherms — they regulate body temperature through their environment. Getting temperature gradients right is the single most important factor in reptile health. Too cold and they can't digest; too hot and they die within minutes. Search for your species below.
| Species | Basking Spot | Warm Side | Cool Side | Night | Humidity | UVB |
|---|
UVB lighting: Required species cannot synthesize vitamin D3 without UVB — leading to metabolic bone disease (MBD), a painful, often fatal condition. Replace UVB bulbs every 6 months even if still lit (output degrades before the visible light fails). Use a Solarmeter 6.5 to verify UV output.