
A reptile heat pad is designed to be placed underneath the tank. These are commonly glued into place and often have multiple heat settings. For most small enclosures, they can be a sufficient source of heat.
There are some drawbacks to using a reptile heat pad. For one, since they are glued into place, there are very difficult to remove for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. Furthermore, the effort it requires to remove these pads often ends up damaging them, making them unsafe to use again.
It is important to remember that a reptile heat pad is not a substitute for radiant heat from a light source. Most reptiles require exposure to UVB light, which can only be provided through the right lighting. Relying solely on a heat pad will have detrimental effects on your reptile.