Reptile Systems Gold Infrared Unit

The Reptile Systems Gold Infrared Unit is a specialist heating solution for reptile keepers who want serious, efficient heat output without flooding their vivarium with visible light. Named for the distinctive gold metallic sheen of the lamp when cold, this unit delivers a broad-spectrum infrared output rich in both IR-A and IR-B wavelengths — the same bands the sun uses to warm living tissue. The lamp is included, and the unit is available in a range of wattages to suit enclosures of different scale.

Why Infrared?

Infrared sits just beyond the visible light spectrum, beginning where the human eye stops perceiving light at around 700nm. Near infrared (IR-A) runs from roughly 700nm to 1400nm, with IR-B covering the range beyond that. These wavelengths are not just surface heat — they penetrate tissue directly, supporting thermoregulation, digestion, and general wellbeing in reptiles. Because infrared operates independently of visible light, it does not disrupt natural day/night cycles, making it a low-stress heat source for the animal.

How It Heats

Unlike a conventional basking spot, the Gold Infrared Unit projects heat across a wide area rather than a concentrated point, giving reptiles a more natural gradient to move through. Infrared heat is not dispersed by air movement, which makes it significantly more efficient than many conventional heating methods. The warmth is absorbed and re-radiated by surrounding surfaces — replicating the way solar energy charges sand, rock, and substrate — while also heating the ambient air through convection. All three modes of heat transfer — radiation, conduction, and convection — are at work simultaneously.

Key Features

• Rich in IR-A and IR-B for deep, biologically relevant heat
• Low visible light output — does not interfere with day/night cycles
• Wide-area heat projection for a more natural basking zone
• Not affected by air movement — efficient and consistent output
• Suitable as the primary heat source in a terrarium
• Supports thermoregulation, digestion, and natural activity levels
• Lamp included with the unit
• Available in multiple wattages for different enclosure sizes

Thermostat Compatibility

The Gold Infrared Unit must be used with a dimming thermostat — this is not optional. A dimming thermostat allows precise temperature control and protects both the animal and the lamp from the risks of unregulated heat. Select the wattage appropriate for your enclosure size and target temperatures, then pair it with a quality dimming thermostat for reliable, accurate performance.

Whether you're setting up a compact vivarium or heating a large-scale enclosure, the Reptile Systems Gold Infrared Unit gives you a clean, effective heat source that works the way the sun does — broadly, deeply, and without unnecessary light pollution.