Introduction

Bearded dragons, also known as Pogona, are among the most popular pet lizards for beginners due to their docile nature, hardiness, and ease of care. However, they require specific environmental conditions to thrive, and the right amount of heat plays an essential role in their health and happiness. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable heat lamp for your bearded dragon, Walmart is an excellent place to start. In this post, we’ll review the best heat lamps for bearded dragons available at Walmart and help you pick the right one for your scaly friend.

Why a Heat Lamp is Important for Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals, which means they can’t regulate their body temperature internally like humans and other mammals. Instead, they rely on external heat sources to warm up their bodies and facilitate their metabolic processes, including digestion, growth, and immune function.

In their natural habitat in Australia, bearded dragons bask in the sun or on warm rocks to raise their body temperature between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In captivity, it’s essential to provide a similar heat gradient that allows them to move freely between a warm basking spot and a cooler area. Heat lamps provide a convenient and safe way to achieve that, as well as to simulate the sun’s UVB rays that promote vitamin D synthesis and calcium absorption, which are essential for bone health and prevent metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.

How to Choose the Right Heat Lamp for Your Bearded Dragon?

When choosing a heat lamp for your bearded dragon, there are several factors to consider:

• Wattage and temperature: A heat lamp should provide enough heat to create a basking spot of 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit under it and a cooler area of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit on the other side of the enclosure. The wattage required depends on the size of the enclosure, the ambient temperature, and the distance between the lamp and the reptile. A general rule of thumb is 100 watts for a 40-gallon tank and up to 150 watts for a larger one. However, you should use a thermometer to measure the temperature directly and adjust the wattage or the height of the lamp as needed.
• Type of bulb: Heat lamps come in different types of bulbs, including incandescent, ceramic, and halogen. Incandescent bulbs are affordable and provide both heat and light, but they have a shorter lifespan and can’t emit infrared radiation, which is essential for the reptile’s health. Ceramic bulbs are more expensive but last longer and emit infrared radiation without light, making them suitable for night use or as a secondary heat source. Halogen bulbs are a compromise between incandescent and ceramic bulbs, as they emit both heat and light and have a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs.
• UVB output: Along with heat, bearded dragons require a source of UVB radiation to process vitamin D and calcium. Some heat lamps come with a built-in UVB bulb, while others require a separate fixture. A UVB bulb should emit at least 5% UVB radiation and be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation and the output.
• Safety and durability: A heat lamp should be made of sturdy and heat-resistant materials, such as ceramic or metal, to prevent melting, cracking, or short-circuiting. It should also have a secure fixture that prevents it from falling or shifting and a protective cage that prevents the reptile from touching the bulb or getting burned.

Top 10 Heat Lamps for Bearded Dragons at Walmart

Now that you know what to look for in a heat lamp, let’s review the top 10 options available at Walmart, along with their features, pros, and cons.

1. Zilla Mini Halogen Lamp

The Zilla Mini Halogen Lamp is a compact and energy-efficient option that provides both heat and light in one bulb. It comes in different wattages, including 25, 50, and 75 watts, and provides a bright daylight white light that enhances the reptile’s colors and activity. The halogen technology also ensures a long lifespan and a focused beam, making it ideal for small and medium-sized enclosures. However, it doesn’t emit UVB radiation, so you’ll need a separate UVB bulb if your bearded dragon doesn’t get enough natural sunlight or doesn’t have access to an adequate source of UVB radiation.

2. Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter

The Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter is a powerful and durable heat lamp that emits infrared radiation without light, making it ideal for night use or as a secondary heat source. It’s available in different wattages, from 60 to 150 watts, and can raise the temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the enclosure’s size and insulation. The ceramic material ensures a long lifespan and a safe and comfortable basking spot for your bearded dragon. However, it doesn’t provide light or UVB radiation, so you’ll need a separate bulb if your reptile needs it.

3. Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp

The Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp is a popular and versatile heat lamp that provides a focused and intense basking spot up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes in different wattages, from 50 to 150 watts, and is compatible with most enclosures and fixture types. The lamp emits UVA radiation that stimulates the reptile’s activity and appetite, and it can be combined with a separate UVB bulb if needed. The short lifespan and frequent replacement are the main cons of this lamp, as well as the lack of light if you prefer an all-in-one solution.

4. Exo Terra Sun-Glo Basking Spot Lamp

The Exo Terra Sun-Glo Basking Spot Lamp is a high-quality and reliable heat lamp that creates a warm and cozy basking spot up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes in different wattages, from 50 to 150 watts, and emits both heat and UVA radiation that mimic natural sunlight. The lamp is compatible with most enclosures and fixture types, and it has a long lifespan and a consistent output. The main cons of this lamp are the lack of UVB radiation and the high price compared to other options.

5. Evergreen Pet Supplies Mercury Vapor Bulb

The Evergreen Pet Supplies Mercury Vapor Bulb is a top-of-the-line and all-in-one solution for heat, light, and UVB radiation. It emits a full spectrum of radiation that simulates natural sunlight and provides a comfortable and healthy environment for bearded dragons. The bulb has a long lifespan of up to 8,000 hours and can cover a large enclosure of up to 48 inches. The main con of this bulb is the high price, which may not be affordable for all pet owners, as well as the lack of versatility if you prefer separate bulbs or fixtures.

6. Aqueon Perfecto Fluorescent Strip Light

The Aqueon Perfecto Fluorescent Strip Light is a basic and affordable fixture that accepts T8 fluorescent bulbs, including UVB bulbs. It’s suitable for large enclosures and provides a wide and even distribution of light and heat. The fixture is easy to install and comes with a built-in on/off switch. However, it doesn’t come with bulbs or reflectors, and it may not emit enough heat for some reptiles, especially during colder months or in drafty rooms.

7. Repti Zoo Dual Lamp Fixture

The Repti Zoo Dual Lamp Fixture is a versatile and convenient solution for heat and light that fits two bulbs or lamps. It’s suitable for enclosures of different sizes and shapes and can accept both incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, as well as heat emitters and UVB bulbs. The fixture comes with a reflector that enhances the light and heat output and prevents waste. However, the bulbs or lamps are not included, and the fixture may not be compatible with some enclosures or setups.

8. Zoo Med Repti Sun 5.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp

The Zoo Med Repti Sun 5.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp is a space-saving and efficient bulb that emits UVB radiation up to a distance of 12 inches. It’s suitable for small to medium enclosures where the reptile can access the basking spot within that range. The bulb has a long lifespan of up to 10,000 hours and comes with a built-in reflector that directs the radiation downward. However, it doesn’t emit heat or UVA radiation, and it may not be suitable for larger or taller enclosures.

9. Fluker’s Repta-Clamp Lamp

The Fluker’s Repta-Clamp Lamp is a straightforward and compact fixture that accepts most bulbs or lamps with a medium base. It has a sturdy and adjustable clamp that can be attached to the edge of most enclosures and an on/off switch for convenient use. The fixture is affordable and suitable for small enclosures or temporary setups. However, it doesn’t come with a reflector or bulbs, and it may not emit enough heat or light for some reptiles.

10. Carolina Custom Cages Deep Dome Lamp Fixture

The Carolina Custom Cages Deep Dome Lamp Fixture is a high-quality and versatile fixture that fits most bulbs or lamps with a medium or mogul base. It has a deep dome that prevents the reptile from touching the bulb or getting burned and a built-in reflector that enhances the light and heat output. The fixture is suitable for medium to large enclosures and has a long cord and an on/off switch for easy use. However, it doesn’t come with bulbs or lamps, and it may be expensive compared to other fixtures.

Conclusion

Choosing the right heat lamp for your bearded dragon may seem daunting at first, but it’s crucial for their health and wellbeing. By considering the wattage, type of bulb, UVB output, safety, and durability, you can pick the best heat lamp that suits your needs and budget. Walmart offers a wide range of options for every preference and requirement, from affordable clamp lamps to high-end mercury vapor bulbs. Remember to also provide a cool and shaded area in the enclosure, as well as fresh water, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary checkups. With the right care and attention, your bearded dragon can thrive and live a long and happy life as your scaly companion.