Reptiles rely on their external environment body temperature regulation. They are ectothermic, which means although they are cold-blooded creatures, warm temperatures are a basic need.

In the wild, reptiles move from one area to another (sunny or shaded) depending on the temperature they need. Thus, having a temperature gradient inside your pet reptile’s enclosure will provide him with a chance to choose the appropriate temperature that he needs at a specific time.

If a reptile is exposed to very low temperatures, it can become quite sluggish and may suffer from digestive problems.

To provide a temperature gradient in your pet’s enclosure, you need to install a basking light or another source of heat on one end of the tank. The opposite end of the tank should have a lower temperature range.

Setting up a temperature gradient in a reptile’s enclosure will depend on the species you are keeping, as well as the accessories you are placing in the tank.

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