Reptiles

Reptile thermostats, and what to buy

The RSPCA's rule for a vivarium is simple: a thermostat must be used with every heat source. For a heat lamp, the probe sits just above the substrate where the animal basks; a heat mat under one side takes an on/off thermostat with the probe at the hot end. Thermostats are not perfectly accurate, so the RSPCA also says to record the temperatures daily with one digital thermometer at the cool end and another at the basking spot (RSPCA, corn snake care). Each controller below is described from Inkbird's product page, checked on 26 October 2026; we have not tested them, and there are no prices here: the Amazon link searches for the exact product, and we may earn a commission if you buy through it.

• Inkbird IPT-2CH: two independent heating outlets, so one unit can run two vivariums, with Wi-Fi app control, temperature records you can export, and high and low temperature alarms, including one if the probe is fitted wrongly; for heat mats, lamps and other heaters. Maker's page · See on Amazon
• Inkbird ITC-312: a Bluetooth controller with temperature, day/night and timer modes, 30 days of stored history and high and low temperature alarms. Maker's page · See on Amazon
• Inkbird ITC-310T-B: a dual-relay outlet thermostat with a timer of 12 periods, each with its own temperature, which Inkbird lists for pet breeding among other uses. Maker's page · See on Amazon